Business forum invites new members

BUSINESSES in and around Saffron Walden that wish to be more involved with the community are invited to join the Saffron Walden Business Forum. The forum was set up five months ago by the Saffron Walden Initiative, a non-profit making company that aims to

BUSINESSES in and around Saffron Walden that wish to be more involved with the community are invited to join the Saffron Walden Business Forum.

The forum was set up five months ago by the Saffron Walden Initiative, a non-profit making company that aims to improve the town by working closely with local people, businesses, non-commercial companies and councils.

The business forum held its first meeting of the year in the town hall's courtroom on Thursday January 5, where plans for the coming year were discussed.

One item high on the agenda is the late night Christmas shopping evening 2006, which the town council has asked the forum to debate and structure.

The chair of the forum, George Wombwell, said: "Co-ordination of the Christmas events is important and we are keen to include as wide a range of views as possible from the shoppers, the charities and the traders."

The forum's main aim for 2006 is to increase its membership. Currently 25 or so businesses are involved.

Mr Wombwell said: "We have the opportunity to become a powerful voice speaking for businesses in the town, but that will only happen if we have support."

The forum is intending to review its membership fees to assess whether they may be a barrier deterring businesses from getting involved.

If you would like to learn more about the forum, contact Mr Wombwell on 01799 524534.