| Location: | St Austell |
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Press Release for immediate release
28th March 2014
St Austell Chamber, Open for Business
The Election of a new Chair for St. Austell Bay Chamber of Commerce, held at the Brewery Visitor Centre last Wednesday night, has heralded a new positive mood for progress in the local business community.
The Chamber President, James Staughton, Managing Director of St. Austell Brewery said,
“I was delighted with the attendance and support shown at the meeting. I look forward to helping and working with the new Chairman and his committee to ensure that St Austell has a positive future. We need to continue to adapt to the ever-changing demands on the town centre in a challenging economic environment. I’ve every confidence we can succeed in that mission and I will always strive to do my best for St Austell and the Bay area, particularly given my family's historic connections with the town. The Brewery is justifiably proud of its spiritual home and is keen to play a role in its future well-being."
The new chair, David Halton, 43, of ‘Control My Sales’ a web marketing business represents a new, more vibrant younger face to the old chamber. Having already been the director of several limited companies, David has gained valuable experience and a great understanding of the challenges that small businesses face.
“I believe it is important that the chamber helps to build a strong, modern, efficient and progressive business unity for St Austell. I will endeavour to ensure that every member in the chamber is entitled to have their say, that all decisions will be made in a democratic way and that all actions of the chamber will be transparent to the wider community," said David.
Jacky Swain of Commercial Estates Group was Acting Chair of the Chamber after the Chair's recent resignation but called an Emergency General Meeting to elect a new Chair and Management team.
“There is momentum in the town at present with a younger tranche of the business community showing passion for their town and we need to harness that and take it forward,” she said.
Despite the atmosphere of positivity, it was noted with regret that 15 members of the chamber chose to hand in their resignation as Chamber members an hour and a half before the start of the meeting. Perhaps the most significant being White River Place, but when Mark Robinson of Ellandi was asked to comment on this decision he chose not to give a statement.
Previous Chair of the Chamber and Cornwall County Councillor, Tom French said:
"Clearly I am disappointed that this small yet significant group of anti Coyte Farm businesses have chosen to leave the Chamber, but the meeting last Wednesday was a positive meeting all about bringing in a new younger and vibrant set of Officer to the Management Committee. I also think it is right to emphasise that the Chamber is for all businesses in the greater St. Austell area and not just the Town Centre which after all now has the BID as the principle focus in support of the Town Centre businesses"
Ian Chalmers of Phillips Frith Accountants continues as Treasurer, while new nominees; Mark Lewis of Lewis Property Consultants as Junior Vice Chair and Freelance writer, Jessica Milln, as Secretary were elected unopposed.
About St. Austell Bay Chamber
The St. Austell Bay Chamber of Commerce was first established in 2001, and today contains members from across the local business community. The Chamber’s area extends out approximately 5 miles from St Austell, including the China Clay villages to the North, Luxulyan and St Blazey to the East, as well as St Stephens and Sticker to the West.
The aim of the Chamber is to assist with the promotion of the local business community, working with others to provide support for existing businesses, attract inward investment, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
The St Austell Chamber of Commerce is also an affiliate of the main Cornwall Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber President, James Staughton
Chair - David Halton
Vice Chair – Jacky Swain
Junior Vice Chair – Mark Lewis
Treasurer – Ian Chalmers
Secretary – Jessica Milln
For more information contact:
Jessica Milln, Chamber Secretary 01726 77529
Email – secretary@staustellchamber.co.uk
http://www.staustellchamber.co.uk
