The new committee is :
Chairman : Chris Bailey from the Grange Guest House
ViceChairman - Daren Harker from AngliaComputers
Treasurer - Ian Cass from Compliant Solutions Ltd
Membership - Gerry Gould from Brainwave
Committee - Tony Stote from Witham Carnival Association
Paul Ryland from Witlet
Peter McKinlay from Monni and Mezzos
Our Keynote speaker this year was Priti Patel MP.
Key points :
Too Much red tape - forget one in one out what is required is none in several out (Legislation)
Need to balance the books - but cut corporation tax levels to stimulate investment and create wealth and employment - the State is too big and needs to be significantly scaled back.
The Banks are not doing enough to help small businesses - too many conditions
Need to sort out the National Insurance Holiday scheme - no benefit to Witham based businesses and take up poor.
Astounded by the number of HMRC cases - appalling and unreasonable behaviour which has been taken up with the Minister.
Agency Working Directives from Europe - Imposed on businesses with little regard for the consequences.
Is in weekly contact with Braintree District Council about the regeneration of Witham Town Centre
3700 businesses in the District that employ under 50 staff
Localism - how the local authorities need to engage with the business community; which employs 83 % of the workforce. Local businesses need to be heard by Councils.
We also had a brief presentation by Martin from Dalebrook Supplies, an official supporter of Children in Need. Martin is looking to work closely with others in the business community to promote a "Pudsey Highstreet" Further details may be obtained from Martin
The business card draw was won by Daren after a re-draw
