Business Matters Website
www.business-matters.biz
'Business Matters' is a brand new website, designed as
first stop information source for and about business in Bath
& North East Somerset. It contains a wide range of
information and web links of interest to anyone running or
starting a business in Bath & North East Somerset or interested
in relocating to the area.
Featured topics include:-
- The strengths of Bath & North East Somerset as a business
location
- Business start up advice and support
- Business related training courses being held locally
- Commercial land and property availability
- Business to business initiatives
- Details of local business organisations
Bath Chamber of Commerce
The Bath Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1902 and its
founding members included the draper Paul Jolly, piano maker F H
Milsom, and bookbinder Cedric Chivers, all still very familiar
names in the Bath commercial scene today. Whilst much of Bath's
success as a retail and tourist destination is owed to its historic
past, the Chamber is not content to rely on its heritage to ensure
its economic development in the future.
Members, who number in excess of 300 spread across all sectors
of business, are keen to grasp the opportunities which membership
provides. Their ability to present a critical mass of opinion
ensures the Chamber regular dialogue with both local, regional and
national Government.
Bath Chamber of Commerce
Business West
Business West is part of the national Business Link network,
working on behalf of the Government's Small business Service.
Business West is a single, business-led body that can tackle
strategic issues within the region, and represent the views of
business locally, across the South West and at the national level.
They also provide quality advice and business support to all types
of organisation, from new start-ups to multi-national
corporations.
Business West
Chew Valley Chamber of Commerce
The Chew Valley Chamber of Commerce has a membership of over 100
local businesses, providing a voice for the business community in
dealing with local and district councils and other government
agencies.
The Chamber has also been at the forefront of local campaigns on
issues such as Broadband access in the rural areas, local transport
and infrastructure. Members have benefited greatly from the
networking and referral opportunities available through the Chamber
and these benefits can only increase as membership continues to
grow.
Chew Valley Chamber of Commerce
Envolve
Envolve Partnerships for sustainability is a registered charity
that works with schools, community groups, youth groups, businesses
and individuals on projects that help change the way we live and
work as well as benefiting the environment.
Envolve Business works with companies to find the answers to
environmental challenges whilst ensuring continued profitability.
Areas of expertise include:
- Waste minimisation
- Environmental auditing
- Resource management
- Energy efficiency
- Environmental management systems
- Policy and procedure definition
- Project management
- Training and facilitation
- Supply chain management
Envolve Business runs a number of regional clubs offering
environmental business reviews, events, information, support and
promotional activities.
Envolve
Federation of Small Business
The FSB is a national organisation, represented locally, that
provides support to SMEs and seeks to influence the political
agenda for smaller business.
The FSB is the largest campaigning pressure group promoting and
protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small
firms. Formed in 1974, it now has over 185,000 members across 33
regions and 230 branches. On the member benefits side, it offers
assistance and support 24 hours a day, while its lobbying arm - led
by the Westminster Press and Parliamentary office - applies
pressure on MPs, Government and Whitehall, lobbies politicians in
their constituencies and puts the FSB viewpoint over to the
media.
Federation
of Small Business
The Initiative for Bath and North East Somerset
The Initiative for Bath and North East Somerset was formed in
2001 to create an interface between business and Bath and North
East Somerset Council to debate and act on strategic matters.
It is a subsidiary organisation of the West of England
Initiative set up in 1987. The Initiative for Bath and North East
Somerset views the following areas as its priorities:
- Tourism
- Transport and Infrastructure
- Culture
- Global Compact
- Western Riverside
It sees its main contribution as one of helping to secure the
new assets needed to rejuvenate the economy for the benefit of all
stakeholders, including the wider community.
The Initiative for Bath & North East Somerset
Jobcentre Plus
Jobcentre Plus contributes to the Government's aim of tackling
poverty, reducing unemployment, promoting economic growth and
opportunity.
Working with a range of partners Jobcentre Plus:
- Promotes work as the best form of welfare, helping unemployed
and economically inactive people of working age compete effectively
for work, whilst providing appropriate help and support for those
who cannot work
- Encourages employers to open up more opportunities to jobless
people, assists them to fill their vacancies quickly and helps to
address the key skill needs of areas of the country and sectors of
the economy
- Pays customers the correct amount of benefit, on time and in
accordance with requirements
Jobcentre Plus
Midsomer Norton & Radstock Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber represents businesses within the Midsomer Norton,
Radstock and Paulton area as well as the 14 villages these towns
serve. The Chamber is a good example of a district Chamber of
Commerce, representing local business views to the local
authorities, and Government, organising events such as a monthly
Farmers Market and breakfast, social and networking opportunities
in award winning local hotels such as Stoneaston Park, Centurion
Hotel and The Old Priory, as well as the 2004 national Farm Shop at
Farrington.
Midsomer Norton &
Radstock Chamber
West of England Partnership Office
The West of England is a prosperous area with an excellent
quality of life and a growing national and international profile.
However, rapid growth means that the sub-region faces increasing
pressure on its infrastructure, and it is still the case that there
are too many neighbourhoods that do not share in its
prosperity.
The West of England Partnership Office was formed in response to
these opportunities and challenges. It consists of four unitary
authorities - Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North
Somerset and South Gloucestershire - and a range of social,
economic and environmental partners.
The Partnership is driving forward action to sustain prosperity
and quality of life and to enhance the confidence of public and
private investors. Particular attention is being given to
transport, appropriate housing supply, economic competitiveness and
inclusion, and culture, leisure and tourism.
West of England
Partnership Office
