MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING HELD AT
LISTON EXCHANGE, LISTON COURT, MARLOW
MONDAY 18TH MAY 2009 at 6pm

1. The President welcomed everybody particularly those who were not yet members and thanked Comland for offering their venue for the meeting and also to Pip’s Sandwich bar for the BBQ. Unfortunately Stephen Funnel of Comland was unable to be present at the meeting but would hope to join us later.

2. Minutes of last meeting signed as a true record

3. Chamber web site - The President encouraged everybody to send their updated details in order that the web site could be completed for members. Also any offers/discounts they may wish to promote. Any ideas/comments as to how members envisaged the web site for the future, would be gratefully received.

4. Summer Event – Adam Marlow gave brief details of the summer event to be held on 11th and 12th July 2009. This would involve a scarecrow trail competition which it was hoped would encourage many visitors to complete a tour of the town. Restaurants would be encouraged to give samples of their food and shops would be encouraged to offer discounts either at that time or for the future. A meeting would be held by the committee on Tuesday 19th to discuss progress and details would be sent to retailers shortly. The success of the event depended on the enthusiasm and participation of the retailers.

5. Late Night Shopping Event – Thursday December 3rd. The Secretary informed the meeting that this would go ahead as planned. The evening would be self funding by specific events during the year. With regard to the Christmas lights, she stressed the importance of retailers/businesses donating (which would be separate funding from the LNS event) in order to hopefully obtain new lights next year as the present ones were coming to the end of their useful life.

6. Sainsburys – Paul Deriaz reported that the decision on the planning application would not now be in May but more likely July/August as there were several issues to be addressed ie design, parking etc. Annie Mulady informed the meeting that Waitrose staff had been given notice of redundancy.

John Laker asked if there were any plans for the Portland site. Richard Scott replied that the Marlow Town Council had written to John Lewis Partnership asking them to tidy up the area and they were apparently awaiting quotes to carry out this work. No plans for development were on the horizon.

7. Membership – The President reinforced the need to increase membership as this would allow the Chamber to have more sway on matters affecting businesses. The cost of membership was only £55 per annum.

8. Public Transport – Annie Mulady had written to First Great Western regarding the links and service of the local railway but to date had received no response. She would be chasing this up during the week.

9. Martins Matters – Martin Spittle reported on various tax, employment and business rates issues corresponding links as follows:

Rights for Employees flexible working arrangements
http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/employment/workandfamilies/flexible-working/index.html

Business rates deferral scheme
www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf

Online video guides for new and small businesses
www.businesslink.gov.uk/taxhelp

Mr. Spittle also stressed the importance of returning the survey sent by Paul Goodman MP to all businesses.

10. A.O.B. - The President asked members to let the committee know if they wished for a particular subject to be discussed at any future meetings.

It was suggested that meetings commence at 6.30 instead of 6pm and this was agreed for the next meeting

6.30 meeting
There being no further business the meeting closed at 6.45pm and was followed by networking and a BBQ
Next meeting to be held at the offices of Spinvox on Monday 15th June 2009.