Latest News
CHAMBER TRAINING 2012 -
Following the announcement made last week (7th April 2011) regarding the Eastbourne & District Chamber of Commerce Ltd and Eastbourne & District Enterprise Agency Ltd, below is a copy of the press release. More information will be available in the near future.
MINISTER ENDORSES CHAMBER PLAN TO BOOST BUSINESSES
Government Minister for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS), Ed Davey, visited Eastbourne recently (Thursday April 7) to support the latest initiative by the area’s Chamber of Commerce as it launched a move to increase substantially the range of services and level of support that will be available to boost the development, growth and prosperity of employers and businesses in Wealden and Eastbourne.
“The future is brighter for Eastbourne businesses” is the claim by local chamber of commerce leaders following announcement of them merging their range of business support services with those of local enterprise agency, EDEAL.
Both organisations are already successful in their own right, Eastbourne & District Chamber of Commerce (EDCC) President, Christina Ewbank, and Eastbourne and District Enterprise Agency Ltd (EDEAL) Chief Executive, Ray Mason, pointed out during a celebration to mark the announcement held at the Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club.
The merger of complementary services and resources follows an agreement to bring EDEAL under the control of EDCC, which will help create a new dynamic in accelerating Wealden and Eastbourne’s economic growth. Although both organisations will remain as separate incorporated entities with all staff remaining employed by their organisations, both teams will shortly begin working together from the Chamber’s Hyde Gardens, Eastbourne offices.
Ray Mason, who is to become chief executive of both organisations, commented: “We are determined to build on past successes but we recognise the need for a membership organisation such as the Chamber of Commerce to evolve and adapt if it is to meet the needs of the 21st Century, let alone the challenges set by the current economic period”.
President, Christina Ewbank, also stressed, that the focus will remain on the key areas - those of workforce, education, tourism and economic growth: “Our combined organisation will have greater resources – finances and people – to give an even stronger voice for businesses throughout Eastbourne and Wealden”.
MP, Stephen Lloyd, was at the event to show his support for the merger and hear Minister Ed Davey say: “What a tremendous merger for Eastbourne. This is two organisations coming together to form a brilliant one.”
- ENDS -
Background information
Established in 1892 and formally incorporated in 1925, Eastbourne & District Chamber of Commerce (EDCC) is the largest of its type in east Sussex with around 600 Members.
Established in 1983, Eastbourne and District Enterprise Agency Ltd (EDEAL) is arguably the most successful Enterprise Agency in the South East, securing revenues by successfully competing against substantial corporate organisations in very challenging business environments, and has remained a key business support services supplier in the South East region. Since its establishment as a DTI approved Enterprise Agency, EDEAL has assisted over 20,000 clients to establish a business or engage in some form of business development or skill training, whilst the Chamber has consistently supported and represented the business interests of its Members for over a century.
Charlwoods - W E Clark & Son Ltd
Charlwoods has been part of W E Clark & Son Ltd since 2005, now the time has come to bring it fully into the Clark family. As from 1st February 2011 Charlwoods will officially be known as W E Clark & Son. Established in Lewes in 1819, W E Clark & Son is one of the oldest family jewellers in Sussex. The quality and variety of stock remains as high as ever, supported by the same staff offering the same excellent level of customer service. Please visit www.weclarkandson.co.uk for further information.
Stagecoach to boost town centre and theatres
Following a local chamber of commerce initiative Eastbourne bus timetable changes are set to boost town centre business as well as ticket sales at the Congress and Devonshire Park Theatres.
From 28th November new evening services to be provided on “The Loop” and “Uno” routes will call at the Buccaneer stop outside the Winter Garden and the last services at night will leave the theatre district at 22.30, with a later Loop bus at 22.50.
Other changes include rerouting route 99 which presently travels from the seafront via Cavendish Place to the section of the Terminus Road which runs from Grand Parade to T J Hughes, thus giving much better access and exposure to the shops and restaurants in that area.
“We are delighted to be making these changes” said Phil Medlicott,Managing Director, Stagecoach in East Kent & East Sussex, “following our acquisition of Eastbourne Buses we have made a number of improvements to the fleet running in the town and have already introduced new services. We seek to continually improve our offer to customers, and these changes are not the last we have in mind.”
Theatres’ boss, Chris Jordan is equally delighted. “We know that we have a huge number of potential customers who do not drive, or do not like to drive at night and these new services offer a wonderful opportunity for them to visit and be entertained at our theatres.”
The Eastbourne & District Chamber of Commerce transport team has spent some time in producing a proposal for a raft of bus changes in the town. As evidenced with today’s announcement there has been willingness all round to adopt some changes straightaway.
Other suggestions need more work but the parties, which include the County Council, are keen to progress and it is hoped that more announcements can be made in the next few months. Chamber President, Christina Ewbank says how refreshing it has been working on the changes. “Most of the time we are arguing with the authorities with regard to transport, parking etc. This project has been completely different with co-operation all round.”
Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Cllr David Tutt congratulated everyone involved in developing the new services and was especially pleased that greater access is being introduced into Eastbourne. “We pride ourselves on offering an enjoyable experience for both residents and visitors, and giving greater access to both theatre users and shoppers is a real win for everyone”.
For more details of the new services visit www.stagecoachbus.com/eastsussex.
Eastbourne Borough Council seeks the views of the business community for next year's corporate plans for 2011/2 If you would like to contribute any comments, please download a comment form. Guidance notes may also be downloaded here Please return any comments to Peter Finnis, Head of Strategy and Democracy at Town Hall, Grove Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4UG
or by email to peter.finnis@eastbourne.gov.uk
EDCC Articles of Association
The original Articles of Association of the Chamber dated back to its formation as a limited company in 1925. The Board had long felt they were in need of modernisation and proposed a new constitution in line with the recent Companies Act. This was presented to the membership at the recent AGM when it was approved unanimously.
Click here to download the file.