Acting as the voice of local business in Taunton, it has always been important to us to maintain strong ties with local stakeholders. We believe in working together to make Taunton better and through the years, and administrations, we have sought regular meetings with local council representatives as well as our serving MP – enabling us to input members’ ideas and concerns on the direction, regeneration and development of Taunton and the surrounding area.
As the Taunton Chamber of Commerce, we always seek to provide a respected voice and the ability to present a critical mass of opinion ensures that the Chamber is taken seriously, making certain that the business voice of Taunton is heard and understood.
Members will be aware of the wholescale changes in regional council administration, the creation of Taunton Town Council and most recently a change of both constituency area and MP. During this period of profound change, Taunton Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee members have been working hard to strengthen existing relationships as council roles have changed and responsibilities have shifted, as well as build strong ties with new incumbents and administrations.
Members will be pleased to hear that, largely with thanks to Executive Committee member Colin Barrell of Mr Miles Tearooms, last week there took place a combined meeting of several Exec members with the Leader of Somerset Council – Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Taunton Town Council – Cllr Tom Deakin and newly elected Gideon Amos – MP for Taunton and Wellington.
Topics discussed during what was an open and positive meeting, included combined working between the three representatives and their respective organisations; education, skills and work to keep our talent locally; town centre assets and improvements; opportunities for inward investment to our town and surrounding area; planning and development. Running throughout discussions was an upbeat emphasis on coordinated working and communication between all of the organisations represented, with a clear commitment to meet on a quarterly basis to look at opportunities for collaborative efforts, to highlight areas of concern and to work through issues.
The next meeting has been agreed for January – any businesses wanting to input either ideas or raise concerns at this next meeting should in the first instance contact Membership and Events Manager Bethan Turner at [email protected]