I believe in the concept of a strong chamber that supports and enables businesses to grow. In Bognor there is a vacuum that has been created by the demise of the town chamber. There is the Bid and the Regeneration Board but these are limited in their geographical reach, membership and support. Bognor businesses deserve to have the backing of a thriving Chichester chamber that provides guidance, training, a voice to elected bodies and NGA’s, networking as well as social activities.
In return a growing Bognor membership base will provide new commercial opportunities for existing members to expand their reach. By taking in outlying areas our geographical reach and membership both grow which makes us a more important voice for businesses in the entire West Sussex coastal plain and therefore councils and other third parties will look more favourably at working with us to get our opinions and dissipate information.
Until earlier this year I served as an active member of the chamber board that has been one of the most successful in terms of membership growth, events and support. I resigned due to family issues, which have now resolved themselves and I can now fully recommit to the chamber. All the board work harmoniously with me, as was proved in 2023 when the board backed me to set up the Bognor Business Forum which culminated in 55 businesses attending our 3rd meeting in December.
My commitment to Bognor Regis is evidenced by the fact that I have run 2 successful businesses in the town, spent 25 years on the committee of Bognor Rugby club (5 as Chairman) and was an inaugural member of The Regis School PTA. Given my experience with the Chichester Chamber and my passion for Bognor, I am the right person to be Board lead for Bognor.