Stranraer And District Chamber Of Commerce
As Chairman, may I welcome you to the Stranraer District Chamber of Commerce website. On this site you will find information about the Chamber, how to join, find out what we're up to in our news section, read about events, and find links to useful resources.
The Chamber exists to represent the local business and wider community at all levels. Acting as a voice for our businesses, the Chamber meets with Ministers, MPs, MSPs and NGOs to ensure that the challenges facing our community are brought to ther attention of the decision makers and purse-holders. Our area has a lot going for it, and we continue to gain more investment from government and business to achieve economic growth fro the region.
Our closer working relationship with our colleagues in the Wigtown District Chambers of Commerce ensures we now have a stronger representation for Wigtownshire at all levels. Both Chambers are currently running a recruitment drive for new members and you are welcome to join either Chamber.
Stranraer And District Chamber of Commerce is your voice in the business community. By joining the Chamber you are helping to ensure that our views and concerns over the town's economic regeneration are taken to the highest levels. By working together, the local business community - and wider community - can help to bring about realistic changes. Our area is a great place to live and work, and by improving the local economy, we can attract inward investment and relocation by new and emerging technologies and businesses. Why not join us? ~ David Taylor. Chairman. Stranraer & District Chamber of Commerce.
Bulletin # 4
Bulletin Title: Chairman's Report per AGM 25 April 2009
Date Released: Mon, Apr 6th, 2009 3:48:00 pm
This has been yet another year of changes for the Chamber. Firstly we had the resignation of Ian McIntyre as Chairman; our thanks go to him for his time spent as Chairman. Also our part-time co-ordinator Alan left to join The Post Office, we wish him well in his new position. The Committee voted me into the position of Chairman in July, at the same time Debbie Murray was voted in as Vice Chairman. In addition to this she was also voted onto the Board of Directors of Dumfries and Galloway Chamber.
After various Board meetings and discussions with both Gordon Mann and the Ayrshire Chamber, the Stranraer Chamber joined with and separated from Dumfries in order that we could better retain our own identity. Debbie and I went to Glasgow to meet Liz Cameron to explain the reasons for separating from Dumfries together with the reasons why we would like to become affiliated to the Scottish Chamber. This meeting was very beneficial and we are awaiting the go-ahead from their Board in order that we may complete the required procedures to become affiliated to them, thus moving Stranraer Chamber forward and putting us on the map.
The Chamber has developed a good relationship with the Council since July and has worked with them on the Christmas Events Programme. I would like to thank the businesses for their participation and support in the Best Dressed Christmas Window.
We participated in helping with the Burns Night, and although it was very cold, the children enjoyed the lantern procession and the ceilidh held at the Ryan Centre.
We still administer the Shop Watch Scheme which has proved successful.
The Chamber has worked with Wigtown Chamber on a number of issues. We held meetings in Stranraer and Wigtown regarding the Fire Regulations for accommodation providers. We met with MSP's Alex Ferguson and Alasdair Morgan and after stating the views of the accommodation providers we were successful in getting a withdrawal of the current guidance regarding implementation of new Fire Regulations.
Stranraer and Wigtown representatives travelled to Glasgow to meet with Jim Mather regarding The Waterfront Regeneration and discussed what our vision of the project was, including the transport infrastructure, tendering for small businesses, the Business Mentoring Scheme and the profile of Wigtownshire. This led to Jim Mather coming to the North West Castle at Stranraer to talk to businesses in Wigtownshire.
We have had the full support of the Councillors regarding the tendering for businesses in the Wigtownshire area for which we are extremely grateful.
Because of the successful working relationship with Wigtown and because we feel Wigtownshire has been a neglected area, the Chairman of Wigtown and myself discussed the idea of working under the umbrella of Wigtownshire Chamber for issues concerning both Chambers whilst each retains their own identity when working for the businesses of our respective towns. This was put to our Committees and unanimously voted for. We are also in the process of developing a new website.
Our aim for the following year is to make the Chambers' voice heard and raise our profile, be involved in the decision making on local issues and encourage growth in membership.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Committee for their support and hard work, especially Debbie as Vice Chair. Special thanks to Olive Murray for her continuing interest in the Chamber by taking charge of the Window Spotting Event and also for her endeavours in the History Club.
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