Having returned to CCCI in July, where I originally worked from 2004 to 2015, I have found myself reflecting on the many changes during that time.
When changes occur, it is very easy to talk down a city like Chichester and this is something we mustn’t do; otherwise those negative sentences can be self-fulfilling. Of course, I understand that it’s easy to get into that negative way of thinking when we have the ongoing A27 issue, which is a divisive subject and continues to be discussed at length and will no doubt come to a conclusion in due course.
I hear mutterings about how we are losing so many of our independent shops and although there is obviously some truth in this, our modern way of living means that most city high streets have moved in the same direction as ours. Although we sometimes see empty shopfronts in our streets, these are overall filled quickly or are empty whilst negotiations take place for new tenants to appear.
We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that we have a vibrant and stunning city with so many wonderful attractions, which many other towns and cities look on with envy.
We are lucky enough to have a wonderful team at the Chichester Business Improvement District (BID), with whom we share an office. We see how hard they work and constantly look for new and inspiring ways to support our beautiful city. I know they have a fabulous events programme lined up for Christmas 2017, and I urge you to support as many events in the city as you can this Christmas - visit www.chichesterbid.co.uk. Next year we will be holding one of our events in conjunction with the BID on Monday 12th March at House of Fraser in West Street.
We are also lucky enough to have a new and enthusiastic MP, Gillian Keegan, representing Chichester. We have managed to secure Gillian to talk at our MP’s lunch on Friday 13th April, where she will update us on her thoughts and vision for Chichester over a delicious two course lunch from 12pm-3pm.
We at CCCI comprise of such a diversified, enthusiastic and professional group of members, you only have to attend one of our meetings to see some of the talent we have in Chichester.
Our events programme for January – June 2018 is now complete and includes many exciting events including a cocktail masterclass, a pamper afternoon, a summer social, as well as our regular evening meetings held on the second Monday of the month, and our Business Breakfast events in conjunction with Chichester College, held on the second Wednesday of the month. Please look at our website for information.
Our next bi-annual Chichester Business Magazine for 2018 is available this month and includes the full programme of events for January – June 2018. Please reserve your place for as many of our events as possible. For more information on membership, please contact me on julie.harrison@chichestercci.org.uk
So let’s all start talking Chichester up! It doesn’t take much to look at the positive side of our lovely city.
Dates for your diary
- 11 December 2017 - Networking Chamber Monthly Meeting
- 13 December 2017 - The Chichester Business Breakfast in conjunction with Chichester College
- 10 January 2018 - The Chichester Business Breakfast in conjunction with Chichester College
- 15 January 2018 - Networking Chamber Monthly Meeting
- 25 January 2018 - General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) workshop
For more details visit www.chichestercci.org.uk
Join Chichester Chamber of Commerce and Industry from just £99
Membership benefits include:
- Events and networking
- Policy and public affairs
- Workshops and training
- Business advice and services
- New business opportunities
Join us now at www.chichestercci.org.uk/join
