GWE Business West

Hello Alison,

Bath Chamber news, information and events for GWE Business West Chambers of Commerce members.

Boost for retail
Work is going on to create a promotional campaign, funded by both the private and public sectors, to attract more people to shop in Bath.

Christmas Market
The Chamber has written to the Council and Bath Tourism Plus in support of a proposal to extend the length of the Christmas Market by a week, to include a third weekend, but only if an effective plan is in place to control coaches and car parking.

Economic Barometer
There are real signs of life in the property market with more enquiries in the residential sector and relatively strong demand for commercial property, which is actually in short supply. Meanwhile local companies in the engineering sector are trading well and there has been a noticeable rise in bookings for self catering accommodation which implies that more people may choose to holiday at home in 2009. Recent statistics for the retail sector were obviously skewed by the severe weather conditions but when the snows receded it looked as though there was a return to normal levels of business, slightly down on the same period last year.

Chef v Chef
The latest competition to find the area’s top cooks, organised jointly by the Chamber and The City of Bath College with support from Catering Services International, resulted in a win for Woyciech Nawalka of Ston Easton Park Hotel in the over-23’s section. Ben McCubbin, from The Royal Crescent Hotel, took the top prize in the under-23’s whilst Curtis Hill, from Culverhay School, was the gold medallist in the first under-16’s contest.

Advice on offer
GWE Business West Chambers of Commerce is running a series of free professional advice clinics for Chamber members to provide help during the economic downturn. The Bath clinic will be held on April 20th between 5 – 7pm. Full details from events@gwebusinesswest.co.uk

Road works
A46 Cold Ashton Roundabout to A4 London Road – re-surfacing work is due to run on weekdays until March 23rd between 9.00pm and 6.00am. A diversion via Chippenham will be in place and for long distance traffic there will be alternative routes from the M4 at junctions 17 and 18. Controlled access will be maintained for residents and businesses on the A46 during the closure periods.

Up, Up and away
Bristol International Airport will soon be submitting a planning application to extend the terminal building, provide additional car parking and additional space for aircraft. Full details can be viewed at www.bristolairport.co.uk We are conducting a one-question poll to gauge the views of members click here

Social activity
Almost 40 members enjoyed the networking lunch at the Old Mill Hotel in January and there was also a good turn out for the mixer at Bailbrook House who kindly stepped in at the last minute when the RICE Centre at the RUH had to pull out because of staff illness. Meanwhile, the always popular Bath Rugby mixer attracted more than 60 members who enjoyed meeting players, Robbie Kydd, Tom Cheeseman and Jack Cuthbert as well as hearing an update from Chief Executive, Bob Calleja, on the Recreation Ground situation.

Networks for Construction in Bath
13 March - Hilton Bath City. Guest speaker Lee Taylor, Senior Supply Chain Manager with the Olympic Delivery Authority, will provide an overview of the 2012 delivery progress to date. He will describe the ODA’s procurement processes explaining how businesses in the region should go about accessing opportunities. Book online

Have a say
Guest speakers are wanted to talk to Beechen Cliff Sixth Formers about business issues such as job prospects between 3.10 and 3.40 on Wednesday afternoons. If you are able to help please contact info@bathchamber.co.uk

Events in the City

Victoria Art Gallery is hosting a debate about how urban design shapes the cultural life of a city on Wednesday March 18th. On Tuesday March 24th the topic will be the transformation of Bath’s public spaces. More details from the Bath Festivals Box Office – 01225.463362

Open Day: The Museum of Bath at Work is holding an Open Day on Wednesday March 25th for people involved in welcoming visitors to the city. www.bathatwork.co.uk

Bath Entrepreneurs Inaugural Lecture: David Rogers will speak about Creativity in the Face of Crisis on Thursday March 26th starting at 5.15pm in Lecture Theatre 3 West North 2.1 at the University of Bath. Admission is free. There will also be an exhibition of the University's Enterprise work in the foyer of 3WN from 4.30pm. To reserve your place at this event, contact h.l.redfern@bath.ac.uk

Have a giggle: The first Bath Comedy Festival will take place from April 1st - 12th. There will be street theatre, films, sketch shows and improvisation. Organisers are encouraging retailers to get involved with the ‘Funniest Window Display Competition’. More details from fun@bathcomedyfestival.co.uk or call Alex Timms on 01225 464022. www.bathcomedyfestival.co.uk

On Song: The Chamber is one of the supporters of an exciting new charitable event called Bath Sing for Life which will take place in the City over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend – May 1st – 4th. Full details are available at www.bathsingforlife.org.uk

Party time: Bath’s biggest free show, the Party in the City, will take place on Friday May 22nd, the opening day of the International Music Festival. Full details are available from bethany.alexander@bathfestivals.org.uk - 01225 462231