WITH rising energy and materials prices as well as inflation only going in one direction anyone thinking that the easing of Covid regulations and improvement in daily cases will make it easier for businesses will have been sorely mistaken.

We have an incredibly strong and resilient business community in Bridgwater and the surrounding areas but now more than ever they need support in all ways possible.

Here at Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce we pride ourselves in providing support, advice and training, working closely with local authorities like Sedgemoor District Council and Bridgwater Town Council as well as Bridgwater and Taunton and Weston colleges but a major commitment is to give business owners someone to talk to.

I am constantly speaking to business owners and managers and a common theme is that at times it is very hard to see the woods for the trees when there is so much happening so in times like these one of the most important things a business needs is clarity.

We understand that sometimes, especially when things are tough, having a third party to take an objective view can be crucial in creating a clear a path that allows you to focus much needed energy where it can create the most benefit. So it’s fair to say that the Chamber is so much more than just a networking organisation.

That being said we do hold regular events to bring people together to make new connections, share best practise and discuss the challenges and successes, of which there are many.

Our aim is also to lobby local authorities and our MP on behalf of local business. With the upcoming change in local authority governance and the new Somerset Council, we will make sure that not only do we share all the relevant information provided but also that we stand up for Bridgwater businesses to ensure their voice is not lost in the move to incorporate the whole of Somerset. I look forward to sharing more information on this over the next few months.

More information on the work of the chamber, along with a directory of our members and a list of our upcoming events can be on our website https://www.bridgwaterchamber.org.uk/.

Roger Smith

Chairman of Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce