The latest Best of Colwyn Bay Business Club Meeting attended by over 90 delegates got off to a kick start on Tuesday evening at the Ferguson Centre, Rydal Penrhos with a disciplined and exciting display by youngsters from the John Lynn Black Belt Academy of Abergele Road Colwyn Bay lead by owner Mark Sciberras.
Businesses gathered together to chat, exchange ideas and refer business to one another. The main speaker was Shane Wetton, co-ordinator of the Baylife Initiative. Shane spoke of the regeneration that has already taken place in the town, funding and what was planned for the future. Following the meeting Shane commented 'I've already had a few enquiries from the presentation which is extremely encouraging'. Marian Faragher, joint owner of The Best of Colwyn Bay encouraged the local businesses
present to join their local Chamber of Trade where they could become more involved in what is happening in the town and receive regular updates from Shane. Abdul Khan Chairman was also present at the meeting and was available to chat with the businesses.
An inspiring presentation was given by Teresa Carnall of TBC Marketing, now based in the heart of Colwyn Bay which gave local businesses many of the secrets of how to successfully market themselves.
The Best of Colwyn Bay which is run by Anthony and Marian Faragher hosts bi monthly business club meetings for members and guests and raises money for their chosen charity of the year Ty Gobaith by asking delegates for a voluntary donation. The meeting on Tuesday night raised over £328.
An interesting talking point of the meeting were the 'calendar girl' calendars produced by The Best of Colwyn Bay members OCS Care Services of Abergele. These have been produced to celebrate their 15th anniversary and were being sold at the meeting for £5 each to raise money for Ty Gobaith. The calendar features staff members of OCS and owner Mike Rose featuring as Santa on the December page. Local businesses
sponsored each month with The Best of Colwyn Bay taking April. Andrew Wells of AJW Photography Abergele produced some terrific photos which showed his true artistic flair. A further £175 was raised on the night from calendar sales.
Following the summer break there were several business awards to be presented and two great Abergele businesses were proud to collect their glass engraved trophies. Sara and Dafydd Lloyd of Cariad Bride in Abergele were voted The Best New Business in May 2008 and Lynne Pritchard and Alan Hughes of the newly named Departure Lounge @ Travel
Unlimited won the Best Travel Tourism and Leisure Business in June 2008. The Most Family Friendly Business of July 2008 went to another North Wales gem Enochs Fish and Chips of Llandudno Junction.
The Best of Colwyn Bay awards which are members only are designed to raise the profile of businesses in the local community. Members of the public are invited to vote for the nominated businesses and at the same time are asked to leave a testimonial as to their products or services. 'What someone else says about your business is worth far more than what you say about yourself and this is what the testimonials are all about' said Anthony Faragher of The Best of Colwyn Bay.'
Anyone wishing to purchase an OCS Calendar and support Ty Gobaith should contact the OCS office on 01745 824162 or AJW Photography on 01745 826696
To join the Colwyn Chamber of Trade contact membership secretary Marian Faragher on 01492 535660 or email colwynbay@thebestof.co.uk
To find out more about The Best of Colwyn Bay visit www.thebestof.co.uk/colwynbay