There's been a definite mood of reflection at the chamber meetings lately. Everyone's had a busy Summer, but at the last meeting, we discussed ways to move the Chamber forward, so it's more relevant and helpful for the businesses of Bridport we represent.

Following the usual agenda items and report from the town council representative, we went round the table and everyone gave a brief introduction to their business and their personal thoughts about it. Who knew! - we have a bookkeeper who looks at her clients' businesses holistically, a solicitor who's trying to make the law easier to understand for people and an exporter of educational kites. This short introduction session is going to be a regular part of future meetings, so come along and be prepared to tell us about you and your business.

We have representatives on (among others) the Town Centre Working Group, the Market and Business Liaison Group, Christmas Cheer and the Climate Emergency Group, making sure the local business voice is heard, both at local government and county level, something that's even more important with the new Dorset Council now in place.

For the future, we will be helping to launch the new Bridport Business Awards early next year with Marketing West and will be running a 'Bridport Business' brand focus workshop, to pull together an instantly recognisable image and tagline to promote our wonderful town. We want to push the idea that Bridport's businesses are mostly small, local, run by real people you can talk to and extremely knowledgeable. They offer a modern service backed by traditional values. Any brilliant ideas, please let me know! Or come along to the workshop in the New Year, date to be confirmed, we'd love to see you.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday, November 12, 6pm at Mountfield. We have decided not to have a meeting in December, but will hit the ground running in 2020 on January 14, same time, same place. Look forward to seeing you there, but in the meantime if you have any questions, our email is info@bridportbusiness.org.uk and we have a Facebook page

This will hopefully become a regular spot in the Bridport News, so look out for us.