“BoS management committee”
left to right: Chairman Ken Howe; Treasurer Carl Page; Secretary Lin Barnes; Vice Chairman Peter Ewart.
At the recent AGM of Businesses of Saxmundham (BoS), held in the Market Hall, the management committee of Ken Howe as Chairman, Peter Ewert as Vice Chairman, Ensors Accountants in the guise of Carl Page as Treasurer and Lin Barnes as Secretary, were unanimously re-elected. Before the vote Ken Howe outlined the achievements of BoS during the previous year which included: painting of the High Street; the agreement of the Town Council to install new directional finger posts in the town (which will start appearing before the summer); an increase in membership by 50%; the growth and development of the hugely successful Business Breakfast Club; the launch of a new logo designed by Shelley Nott; and a re-vamping of the monthly meetings of BoS which had led to an increase attendance by members.
Ken said he was pleased with the progress thus far but that it was hoped the membership would grow even more with increased involvement of businesses outside of Saxmundham but still within the IP17 area.
The annual subscription to BoS is to increase to £40 per year to bring it more into line with other business associations in the area and to enable BoS to fund more projects which will raise the profile of Saxmundham as a great place to live and work. A group of retailers led by David Simpkin from Emma K Framing proposed the formation of a sub committee within BoS whose sole responsibility would be the Christmas lights and fair. It was agreed that for too long the organisation of these fell to too few people and that it was up to the businesses in the centre of Saxmundham to create the best environment for everyone to enjoy. If this idea does not take root it was proposed that the Town Council take over the organisation and running of these two projects.
The AGM saw the official launch of BoS’s competition to find the best business in the IP17 area. Ballot boxes will start appearing around the town with the first in Waitrose and voting forms will be available in all local businesses allowing their customers to vote for not only the best business, but also the individual who gave service above what was expected.
The competition closes on 31st March so get your votes in NOW!
The voting will run until the end of March with the presentation of the trophy being made in April. This is your opportunity to vote for the retailer or service provider you feel gives the best experience. Businesses of Saxmundham are determined to create a positive environment for businesses in the IP17 area and this competition, they believe, will help focus attention on Saxmundham as a centre of excellence.
After the AGM Nigel Hiley from the Brook Farm Residents Association made a presentation to BoS requesting donations for the raffles they will be holding at their Valentine’s and March discos. These events will raise money for the summer music festival during the Summer Carnival.
The next BoS meeting will be held in the Waitrose Cafe on 17 February with a social event and meeting at the newly re-opened The Bell at Sax on 17 March. All meetings start at 7pm.
For more information, please see the BoS website: www.saxmundham.biz
We can promote your business every week on the Iceni Post!
