March Meeting – Smiles all round – Better days ahead
Roger Smith of Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce, Gavin Roberts of Maxwells Accountants and Brainwave’s CEO Keith Sinclair. We had a talk about the Chamber, how an accountant can save you lots of headaches and an encouraging update from Brainwave.
After a quick coffee and a bacon roll we got down to business with Roger. Did you know that you can join the Chamber of Commerce for as little as £10 a month? There are many benefits to joining the Chamber, not least access to the wealth of knowledge that over a hundred members can bring. Advice, networking, business forums, regular meetings, newsletters and opportunities to work in concert with other small businesses or like minded companies are all part of being a member.
Roger reminded us that local business can thrive when we use each other, link up with each other and promote each other. TheBestOf Taunton and Bridgwater has this ethos too. When you spend your money with a quality local business, you are not only getting a good deal, but you are supporting the local economy too. Ensuring that these services, skills or goods that you need are available here in Taunton and Bridgwater and will stay available into the future. We all love online shopping and it has a place without a doubt, but look at local traders too, many of them are offering just as much flexibility or online services as big multi nationals. A directory of all our TheBestOf Taunton & Bridgwater top rated businesses is available here, have a look, read the reviews and see why we recommend them.
We had an update from Keith Sinclair of Brainwave. After such a difficult time during the pandemic, where Brainwave had to cut costs drastically whilst being unable to operate their shops. Keith reported that things were looking up for the Charity and they were in the early stages of opening a new shop which will generate income for the vital work they do with brain injured and neurodiverse children. They are hosting a Ruby Ball this summer on May 21st at Taunton Cricket Club, celebrating their 40th Anniversary, hoping to raise awareness of their amazing work whilst raising funds too. Find details here and get your ballgowns or black ties out for a very good cause.
Gavin Roberts of Maxwells Accountants gave a frank appraisal of why a small business can benefit greatly from a good accountant. Gavin is also a Vice Chair of Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce. He told us that personally he has an extensive general knowledge of many accountancy issues but the advantage of a good firm is that there will be a specialist that can give the exact advice you need. He talked too, of the stress of dealing with HMRC, that it can be a very confusing task getting the right information at the right time, leading to sleepless nights for some, trying to file a tax return or fill in a self assessment. Using an accountant can stop that, and also help to limit the exposure to those dreaded ‘red flags’ that can hold up a return. A funny tale of a Lamborghini and a postage stamp followed making us all laugh but the message is clear, if you want to reduce your chances of delays and dramas then don’t be afraid to find an accountant to help you out.
We finished off with a quick summary from Grahame and discussion about what we at TheBestOf Taunton and Bridgwater can offer your business, if you want to want to know what we can do, click here and find out more about us. New members are always welcome, the date of our next meeting is Monday 25th April and will be a Working Lunch. Keep an eye on all our social media for the link or email teamtauntonandbridgwater@thebestof.co.uk to receive an invite directly.
