Caversham Traders Meeting May 2017 Minutes

Author: Amanda Champion


The minutes of the previous meeting of 23rd May 2017 are shown below

BUSINESS
RATES

Rob Wilson MP has yet to report back on the issues discussed during his recent meeting with Chris Walton (CW).

CW highlighted the fact that small business relief is available by contacting RBC via telephone for the relevant form. 

 ST MARTIN'S PRECINCT

Since the last meeting, work on the precinct has now started, but is currently three months behind schedule. 

Following his meeting with Chris Walton, Rob Wilson MP has written to the CTA to confirm that Secion 106 money from Hermes (£430,048) has been ringfenced for use within Caversham.

CHOOSE CAVERSHAM WEBSITE

Bob Young reported on the continuing improvements being made to the website.  Traffic to the site is up significantly from 2016 figures.  Bob stressed the importance of constantly updating content in order to increase traffic, and would encourage traders to make use of the news, jobs and events sections.  These are free to use. 

There are now around 500 business listings on the site, all of which contain an address and telephone number.  Premium listings are available at a small charge and allow much more content, including web links. 

The website is advertised via a poster site in the Post Office on Church St, a monthly ad in Caversham Bridge and in relevant Caversham features such as the recent one in Henley Standard.

BUSINESS CHANGES

Happy Diner, MyaLacarte and Ink-Ability have closed down since the last meeting.  Welcome to Art Jam Café on Prospect St.  A Turkish barber shop is moving in to the old Ink-Ability premises. 

CAVERSHAM BUSINESS ENERGY

CW reported that the scheme for Caversham Traders to buy business energy as a group is almost up and running.  The website will soon be available, and traders are encouraged to sign up in order to take advantage of the most competitive price available for their business energy.  The more traders that sign up, the lower the cost.  CW will send an email out with more details very soon. 

SECURITY

JC reported on some recent attempted and successful break-ins on Prospect St.  Police are aware.  Traders are advised to be alert and to review their security measures.  CW recommended a motion sensor camera with phone app alert called Guardzilla, which provides a very cost effective way of monitoring any unusual activity outside of trading hours. 

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

Choose Caversham now has 511 followers on Facebook and 1,166 followers on Twitter.  MC and JC are doing their best to support members by sharing their posts and any relevant news.  It was agreed that more use will be made of local Facebook groups such as Caversham Gossip Girls.

SOCIAL EVENTS

Steve Bartholomew asked about social events that could bring traders together.  It was agreed that this would be a good idea.  Club CHP was mentioned as a possible venue.  Amanda Adlem and Mandy Champion to discuss.    

  • Published: 2017-06-23 14:30:22
  • Updated: 2021-12-01 00:19:42

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