Essex Chambers of Commerce Testimonials

I first became aware of the Southend Chamber of Commerce in the mid 1980s when our farm company developed a range of farm equipment used when planting potatoes. I felt I could contribute something to the local community by becoming involved in the Chamber activities, as I had already done with the National Rivers Authority (later EA), and the Crouch Harbour Authority. Although I had a short spell on the Parish Council, I did not have the time , nor strong political desire, to stand for local authority election. The Chamber with its range of contact points at all political levels was just right. I have found that my belief that a prosperous south Essex depends on a reliable functioning road system fits well with the Chamber’s own policy on infrastructure. I have then appreciated the Chamber’s support when lobbying MPs and Councillors and in return I hope to have contributed to the debate as appropriate. It is unfortunate timing that the political will has moved away from road building to public transport initiatives, so we have had to become more subtle in our lobbying. The integration of the North, Mid and South Chambers has gone very well. It appears to have made the Chamber financially strong, even in these times of recession. I wish it well for the future.