This year has been a productive and positive one for the Buntingford Chamber of Commerce, with continued efforts to support, represent, and promote local businesses across the town.
As Chair, Louise Hampton has represented the Chamber at a number of Partnership Meetings, ensuring that the voice of local businesses is heard at both district and county level. Key issues raised this year have included concerns around the town car park and ongoing challenges affecting the High Street. These were also highlighted during a Town Council meeting.
Further engagement included attending a meeting at Seth Ward with our MP, Chris Hinchcliffe, followed by a direct conversation to reinforce concerns around parking and High Street vitality.
Promotion of member businesses has continued through the Chamber’s Facebook page, with a weekly spotlight highlighting individual businesses. These posts have been well received, and members are encouraged to continue submitting information and images to be featured.
One notable achievement this year was the successful update of the town car park sign. This required significant coordination to ensure all business details were accurate. Thanks go to Mark for his support with membership information, and to Alan Sharpe for printing the sign again at the same cost as previously. Mark is also currently developing an online directory of Chamber members, which will make it easier for customers to find and support local businesses.
It has also been a year of reflection on the Chamber’s rich history. Thanks to Chris Kell, the original minutes have been transcribed, offering a fascinating insight into the organisation’s origins. The Buntingford Chamber of Commerce was founded on Thursday 3rd March 1955, when a group of dedicated local traders came together to form what was then the Buntingford Branch of the Chamber of Trade and Commerce.
What stands out from these early records is the commitment and pride these individuals had in their town. They were proactive, vocal, and determined to ensure Buntingford remained a thriving place to live and work.
Today, that same spirit continues. Through active representation, business engagement, and ongoing promotion, the Chamber remains committed to supporting local businesses and strengthening the community.
Together, we can continue to ensure that Buntingford remains a vibrant and successful place to live, work, and do business.