This in from Andrew Turner’s office, in their own words, Ed
The forum has been set up to provide a united voice for the Island’s business community and representatives from individual companies and existing business groups attended.
The groups present included Island-wide organisations Chamber of Commerce (CofC) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and local groups including Bembridge, Cowes, Newport, Ryde, Sandown and Ventnor Business Associations, Shanklin Hotel and Accommodation Association and West Wight Marketing Group.
No room for politics
Cllr. Wayne Whittle, business spokesman for the Conservative councillors set up the first meeting and chaired it. However, he told those present that whilst he will work hard to support local businesses he believes that a non-political figure should run the IBF.
It was therefore decided that a Chairman would be elected at the next meeting.
Street trading and ferries
Issues discussed included the consultation on the IW Council’s policies for street trading and how businesses should respond to the Council’s decision to invite the Island’s ferry companies to meetings of the scrutiny committee.
A delegation of five representatives will be formulating a response to the scrutiny process on behalf of the IBF.
Pleased with the turnout
Mr Whittle said :
“I was pleased with the turnout for our first meeting – a wide range of businesses were represented and we had a lively discussion, particularly about Council scrutiny of the ferry companies. Counting the membership of the CofC, the FSB and the other business groups we can already reach a large number of Island businesses; so one idea is that we seek to negotiate discounted ferry crossings. That is something I will be working on before the next meeting. I am determined this is not going to be a talking shop – we will be working to get real results.
“It was also decided that Tourism and Planning will be on the agenda of the next meeting and I am pleased that David Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Isle of Wight and Cllr. Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet Member responsible for planning have already agreed to attend.”
Date of next meeting
The next meeting will be held on Friday 7th February at 10.30am.
Representatives from all Island businesses are welcome but as the venue will depend on how many are expected to attend those who would like to join the meeting should e-mail [email protected] or call 530808 as soon as possible.
The Island’s MP, Andrew Turner, who is supporting the Forum said:
“The existing business groups do great jobs for their members – it would be foolish to replicate their work. The IBF provides a way for them to come together with companies that don’t currently belong to any group to consider Island-wide issues that affect businesses – working together makes very good sense.
“There is no membership fee so any Island company representative can come along to the meetings or sign up to hear what the group is doing by sending your company’s details to [email protected].”
