MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING HELD AT
BURGERS TEA ROOMS, THE CAUSEWAY
MONDAY 20th JUNE 2011

President - Ms. Annie Mulady; Vice President – Adam Marlow:
Secretary – Jo Braybrooke; Treasurer - Mark Alliston

There were 29 members present.

1 Welcome – The President welcomed everybody and thanked Mr. Burger for hosting the event. She then went on to give Chamber updates:

a). Scarecrow Event was taking place on July 9th and 10th. Free parking had been arranged for Saturday 9th.

b). Some problems had arisen with the web site but this was now back up and running and was being updated.

c). The June newsletter was in the process of being produced. The President requested anyone who would like to be the “featured member” for the month to
speak to her after the meeting. All that was required was approximately 300 words giving details of the business.

Town Strategy – The Chamber are continuing the battle to obtain a Town Strategy.

Christmas Lights and Late Night Shopping - the date for this year’s Late Night Shopping Event is Thursday 8th December 2011. The Secretary had had a meeting with Marlow Town Council and a prospective supplier for new lights and hopefully more definite news on this would be available at the next meeting.

Flower Beds – Sponsorship was desperately required for the flower beds in the town. The President urged members to think about sponsoring one of them ( there are 3 available) as these do make the town attractive. Contact the Secretary for more details – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Recruitment – the recruitment drive had resulted in three new members:

Cloud Magic
Dun & Bradstreet
Prince of Wales public house

The President reminded everyone of the increase in membership subscription to £75 per year. She reiterated the fact that it was the member’s Chamber and you “get out what you put in”.

Web site – The President pointed out that the web site had been slow in being updated but was now well on track and there was a huge improvement already.

Newsletter – the President requested any articles/input for the newsletter. Please contact her on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Planning Application – 9 Dean Street. The rear of the site would be taken up by Saddle Safari and the offices at the front were to be made into 2 bedroom flats. The Chamber had given their support.

Forthcoming Meetings:

Monday May 16th - 6pm – Compleat Angler

Monday June 20th – 6pm – Burgers Tea Rooms

2 Presentation by Helen Isacke – The President introduced Helen Isacke of Crown Coaching who gave an interactive presentation on the “Secrets of Networking” which was very well received by members. For further details of her company visit www.crowncoaching.com.

3 Planning Updates – Paul Deriaz:

- No 17 High Street – previously Nicolas. An application for change of use with a new shop front and alterations and two storey extension. Mr. Deriaz showed a plan which could be viewed following the meeting.

- Wycombe Stadium. The next crucial meeting of the Planners was on 18th July where the business case for and against the Stadium would be studied. The agenda for this open meeting would be available from 7th July.

- HS2 rail link. The last 35 days of consultation were taking place. Members were encouraged to put in their own post code to see the effects this link would have and also study the Transportation Consultation link. The Chamber had not commented on the consultation but Mr. Deriaz would help members give their views individually if required.

4 Martin's Matters – Mr. Spittle gave updates as follows:

- Forms P11B return of expenses and benefits should be submitted by 6th July. Class 1 NIC by 19th July. The penalty for late returns would be £100 per month (for up to 50 employees) no longer mitigated to the amount of NIC payable.

- Benefits in kind. These must be the contractual liability of the employer and Mr. Spittle suggested members speak to their advisers for specific details relating to their business.

- Inland Revenue business record checks were now in the “Test and Learn” phase. The Inland Revenue would give details of their findings and an officer may call again in approximately three months to check improvements discussed had been carried out.

- National Minimum Wage as from 1st October 2011. 21 and over £6.08; 18-20 £4.98; 16 – 17 £3.68; Apprentice £2.60.

- Non domestic Business Rates – Revaluation of business properties had taken place but it would appear that locally most appeals against valuations applicable from 1st April 2010 were still outstanding.

- Bribery Act 2010. There is a Quick Start Guide produced. Visit web site ww.justice.gov.uk

- Individual Savings Account. 2011/12 limit £10,680 or £5,340 for a Cash ISA

- Impending legislation. All commercial vehicle licence holders would have to have an eye test every 5 years.

- Petrol/Diesel filling mistake. For a device to avoid these mistakes visit www.solardiesel.co.uk .

5 A.O.B. – The President requested feedback on how the Regatta affected business in the town. Geoff Jolliffe had received little business through his dress hire company and Bernard Burger and Tish McDonld of Mekong felt that the town was very quiet on Regatta day.

Richard Scott mentioned that the Marlow Town Council were hoping to have a meeting in September with the Regatta Committee and other interested parties to see how the weekend could be improved. Numbers were down for the Regatta enclosure.

There being no further business, the President once again thanked Bernard Burger for hosting the event
and members were encouraged to practice their networking skills as demonstrated by Crown Coaching.

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