MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING HELD AT

“THE PLOUGH” PUBLIC HOUSE

MONDAY 18^th JANUARY 2010 – 6pm

There were  39 members present.

 

1. The Vice President Annie Mulady. opened the meeting and wished everyone a Happy New Year. She then requested that all members encouraged other     businesses to join the Chamber in order to increase our voice in the  community but in particular to the varying Council bodies.

 

She then went on to introduce Samantha Bunni, Deputy manager of The Plough, who gave a brief introduction to the business.

 

2. The minutes of the last meeting were signed as a true record.

 

3. Sainsburys – Mr. Deriaz informed the meeting that the Sainsburys application had been recommended for approval but had to be ratified by the Council    Members. This meeting had been postponed due to snow conditions and was re-scheduled for 27^th January. There were several issues to be addressed particularly those with regard to no additional parking spaces being proposed  and the Chamber had already made representation on this issue.

4. Late Night Shopping Event – the Vice President said that the feed back from the evening had been excellent and the evening was considered a great success with approximately 50 stalls. Many shops reported having had a successful evening with follow up visits from people both local and further afield.

 

With regard to Christmas lights, the Secretary would be having a meeting with WDC to determine the situation for next year in order that this year’s poor   display was not repeated.  She thanked all those who had donated towards next year’s lights and would keep everybody informed of the outcome of her        meeting.

 

The Chamber would be organising two more events during the year, similar to the Scarecrow Trail , which would encourage visitors to the town.

 

5.  Future Meetings – The Vice President asked for a show of hands as to the demand for a meeting with a rates expert. It was agreed that this would be arranged. The Vice President also requested offers from businesses to host  future business meetings.

 

6.  A.O.B.

Project Griffin – Inspector Wilks reminded members of the Awareness Day to be held  at Lane End on Thursday 4^th February. £40 to include lunch etc.        Project Griffin was being held to make businesses more aware of civil emergencies and how to deal with situations. Anyone interested in attending       should contact Inspector Wilks or visit the Thames Valley Police web site.

 

General – Mr. Spittle asked that people be aware of:

• Payments to Inland Revenue  on line must be before 31^st January 2010
• Anyone with a turnover of more than £100k are obliged to pay the VAT on line from March 2010
• P35 payments must be paid on line from March 2010
• Any PAYE late payment would incur interest as from April 2010

 

Newsletter – the Vice President asked for any editorial for the newsletter.  Members should contact her to discuss.

Retirement – Mr. Derek Done was retiring and the Chamber wished him well.  He thanked the Chamber for all their hard work.

 

The meeting closed at 6.30pm followed by the hospitality of “The Plough”.

 

Next meeting – February 15^th 2010 – venue to be advised.