|
 |
|
|
|
|
Wokingham Chamber of Commerce - Vision Document 2003
|
|
|
AIM & VISION
The aim of the Wokingham Chamber of Commerce is to continually improve the vitality and viability of business based in the Wokingham District, supporting business services , improving business contacts, and by influencing all organisations that affect the commercial environment of Wokingham.
KEY ISSUES FOR WOKINGHAM
Improving Wokingham's economic vitality.
Poor public transport infrastructure, both road and rail, incl. the modernisation of Wokingham Station.
Crime and the fear of crime in the District.
High cost of living leading to pressure on wages and difficulty in attracting skilled people to the area.
The provision of affordable housing.
The complexity of the Local Authority planning system, which creates uncertainty and difficulties for businesses to plan ahead.
Improve trade between members.
PRIORITIES FOR ACTION
-
We will continue to lobby for improvements to Wokingham's rail links and the Town's railway station.
- Town Centre improvements are needed to meet the growing competition from other towns across the region.
- Faced with reducing investment by SRA , the Chamber sees little alternative but to press for road improvements. These must be linked to improved Town Centre parking with particular emphasis on Park & Ride together with the 'Link' road (Station to Reading Road).
- We will continue to lead the business voice in consultations on the Local and Structure Plans.
In particular we will be raising concerns of businesses at obstacles to continuing economic growth and development.
- Most increases in business costs come from Central Government policies.We are working alongside the 70 accredited Chambers in the British Chambers of Commerce network to lobby Government to reduce costly red tape and to lobby against NI being used as an alternative tax and increases in Public Sector pension contributions.
- The Chamber is leading a campaign to dissuade Government from diverting more of its local settlement grant away from Local Authorities in the region to those in the North.
The resulting high increases in Council Tax put increasing pressure on wages and salaries .We will not accept above inflation settlements.
FIVE TARGETS FOR 2003
Lobby Wokingham District Council at senior levels to ensure that Planning issues affecting the local economy are handled efficiently.
Lobby all parties for the redevelopment of the Station area including 'Link Road'
The achievement of a balanced approach to the conversion of office space to residential to lessen the impact on local commerce.
Support measures to achieve a balanced housing mix.
Press for increased Police presence on the streets and particularly around the District's industrial estates.
OWNERSHIP
This document is produced by the local Council of the Wokingham Chamber of Commerce.
The President Tony Burgess, who is also Chairman of the Chamber Council , leads the local campaigns and is supported by the following groups;
Crime Focus Group, Greg McCarthy;
Planning and Transport Group, David Carter;
Town Centre Issues, Rosh Vive, David Carter and Mark Duffelen;
Housing, Barry Jenkins;
Learning Partnership, Simon Ludlow.
MONITORING SUCCESS
The Chamber Council meets bi-monthly and the Vision Document is reviewed at each meeting. Progress on the agreed actions are reported and minuted. Progress reports will appear alongside the vision on the Chamber website. www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk
Any business person interested in supporting the work of the Chamber Council or any of the focus groups , or who wishes to express a view please contact the local Chamber office on 01344 390566 or email wokingham@thamesvalleychamber.co.uk
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
