Have you ever had to find your successor? You rarely have to do that. If you have ever been employed, then your bosses advertise your role and find your successor. In a voluntary committee, like Stowmarket Chamber, someone normally steps forward. But having shared my intention to step down next year, and we want interested people to let me know if they would like to consider the Chairperson’s role, no one seems to want my job.

We have discussed this as a committee and wonder whether people need to know a little more about the role, so they know you don’t have to be just like Colin. (No need for more than one of me!)

So, here is a little about the role of the Chair, to see if someone would consider taking it on.

The role of the Chair

I’ve always thought the title, ‘Chair’ person or Chairman or Chairwoman, is funny. Because it suggests that you either like chairs (e.g., “oh he’s a bit of a chair person’) or are a chair made from a person. Very strange, really! However, we know it really means that you ‘chair’ the committee, acting like a conductor in an orchestra to enable meetings and operations to run smoothly. So, what are the key components of the role of chair so you can explore if the role is for you?

1. Chair the committee meetings.
These run once a month. As Chair, I
• draw up the agenda with input from people
• ensure meetings are minuted and minutes filed

2. Operational
Ensure that we have roles in the committee to meet our objectives as an organisation
• Establish what is needed
• Delegate roles to the committee
• Review how things are working (with the committee and with individuals)
• Discuss improvements with committee members

3. Strategic direction
I work with the committee to
• Evaluate the current position of support for members
• Plan improvements

4. Liaison
• Liaise with linked organisations, e.g., Suffolk Chamber; FSB
• Keep members informed of how we are doing, e.g., Annual Report; Chairs Chat

5. Public face
• Host meetings, e.g., breakfast, coffee.
• Attend local events on behalf of the Stowmarket Chamber
Both of these roles can be delegated to committee members and members

6. Practical
• Third signatory on bank payments
• Problem-solve any issues arising.

So, does that make it clearer what the Chair of Stowmarket Chamber does? The hosting of meetings is a small part, and that is the part that others can share. The role is mainly about being a conductor, ensuring the team work well together to serve members and moving forward to meet the needs of the members.

Time

I guess any future Chair wants to know what time it can take up. It is as much as you want to give it. In reality, it is

a) the meetings you attend. If you go to breakfast and coffee, that is 4-5 hours a month.
b) a committee meeting (1 hour) and prep before and notes after (another hour).
c) some ad hoc hours, e.g., 2 a month. So, an average month would be 9 hours a month.

What is in place

I have loved my time as Chair. At the risk of sounding like Kier Starmer listing his prime-ministerial achievements, we now have in place:

• Committee with clear roles
• Improved membership enrolment systems
• Healthy finances
• Professional documents and storage system
• Strong media presence
• Well thought of by local organisations
• An excellent yearly business exhibition
• Healthiest membership numbers we have ever had
• A thriving, supportive community. The new Chamber Chat is a lovely example of that.

Most of this is due to the hard work of the committee. I have just overseen it and given direction. The structure is in place. It’s now about growing membership.

What next?

We are looking for a chair that can continue the direction of travel. Someone who can woo more businesses to join. Someone who can empower a team to do their roles well.

Handing on the baton

We love the sense of belonging and community that Stowmarket Chamber can bring to small business leaders, and we want people to help us continue that. For the role of chair, we want someone who shares that passion to help bring businesses together to help them thrive.

So, if you are interested in giving a little time to take the Stowmarket Chamber on its journey in the role of Chair, then please have a chat with me to explore it further.

For the Future

I’m always happy to receive any suggestions for what members want to see the Chamber doing in the future. Please send your ideas (and your wish lists) to chair@stowmarketchamber.co.uk

Dates for your diary:

Please check the website in case of any last-minute changes.

For more information, contact Keely Taylor by email: secretary@stowmarketchamber.co.uk.

The post Chat from the Chair – Hunting my successor appeared first on Stowmarket & District Chamber of Commerce.

‘All Change’. It’s a phrase you hear on the trains or buses when the next stop means everyone has to get off and move to another train or bus to continue their journey. For some, the phrase is fine as they know the journey they are on and which bus they are going to take. For some, who know where they want to go but are unsure of where to find their connection, it can seem a little uncertain.

Stowmarket Chamber committee is going through a period of change over the next 12 months, but you will be pleased to know that it is not ‘all change’ and the journey and direction are still the same, to CHAMPION and CONNECT local businesses to help them thrive.

At this month’s AGM, we said thank you and goodbye to Kim Morrison, who steps down from her marketing role after ten years and Jason Ford, as he steps down as treasurer after 3 years. Our thanks to them both for their service to the committee and members. We have ‘punched above our weight’ as a result of their work.

We are delighted that Alan Riddealgh has agreed to take on the treasurer role and Annya Stoddart the marketing role.

Onward Journey

Knowing when to hand voluntary responsibility on, when it is time to conserve energy or where to give our energy is important for us and the area we serve in. Keely Taylor and I also recognise it is time to hand on our areas of responsibility of secretary and chairperson. We also recognise that with Kim and Jason stepping down, we have chosen to stagger our stepping down to next May’s AGM to ensure there is not too much change at once and avoid an ‘all change’ feeling.

It could be easy to question why people are changing at this time. There is no issue, just a series of situations for people and time served. Kim has done ten years’ service and now wants to enjoy Portugal (her home) more. Jason has done 3 years and has work and other commitments, which means he wants to rationalise his time. Keely has been secretary for 13 years, and I have been Chair for 4 years, and in my case, my wife’s illness over the last year means I want to now give more time to my wife and family.

Succession Planning

Succession planning is important, hence Keely and I are phasing our step down to next year and not doing it now. When I took on the role as Chair, I worked on the committee and alongside Allan Scott, my predecessor, for a year to ensure a smooth transition and to build on his work. We would love to do the same this time and find people who could join the committee and work alongside Keely and me. That way, the step up is not daunting, and you can see how you can make the role yours. It’s important to note that any new person will bring their own style, approach and strengths.

I was different to Allan, and my successor will be different to me. Just because I host network meetings, it doesn’t mean my successor has to. They may choose to delegate and share more to spread the load and expertise. You also don’t need to think in terms of the number of years that Jason, Kim, Keely and I have served, although you probably want to think in terms of at least a couple of years for good continuity for the Chamber. The key thing is that the Chair will lead the team and the organisation to meet the direction of the Stowmarket Chamber (CHAMPION and CONNECT local business to THRIVE), and the Secretary supports the work with the organisation to ensure the smooth running of the administration and communication. How you do that can be shaped by you and your skills.

Handing on the baton

We love the sense of belonging and community that Stowmarket Chamber can bring to small business leaders, and we want people to help us continue that. Keely and I will still be part of the chamber, just as Kim and Jason will be. We just want some people to work with us so that we can hand the baton over.

So, if you are interested in giving a little time to take the Stowmarket Chamber on its journey in the roles of Chair or Secretary, then please have a chat with me to explore it further.

For the Future

I’m always happy to receive any suggestions for what members want to see the Chamber doing in the future. Please send your ideas (and your wish lists) to chair@stowmarketchamber.co.uk

Dates for your diary:

Please check the website in case of any last-minute changes.

For more information, contact Keely Taylor by email: secretary@stowmarketchamber.co.uk.

The post Chat from the Chair – Continuing the journey appeared first on Stowmarket & District Chamber of Commerce.

March is MSBE month. It is the pinnacle of our year and the jewel in the Stowmarket Chamber crown. Why is it so important? Because it hits right at the heart of what Stowmarket Chamber stands for.

• We want businesses to THRIVE.
• We want to help them CONNECT.
• We want to COMMUNICATE the best opportunities for local businesses.
• We want to CHAMPION what our local businesses are doing.

And that is what the Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition does – all of them!

So firstly, a big thank you to Sarah Manning, who does a lot of the hard work behind the scenes. She will try to deflect thanks to others who help, people like Kim Morrison, who did some wonderful marketing and Keely, who sends out information on newsletters, which is great, but we all know that Sarah is the catalyst. Thank you, Sarah.

Secondly, thank you to our sponsors Humber Doucy Brewery (Gold), Syrinx Systems (Silver), Spi-Des-ign (Silver), Ocala (Bronze) and ISSBA (Photography). Your funding helps us to run the event.

Thirdly, thank you to all the businesses that have had a stand and all those who visited. That commitment from everyone means we create a community celebrating all that is good about businesses in Mid-Suffolk.

We hope you had a great exhibition and that it was a catalyst for conversations with people about your business.

What do we learn?

What do we learn from events like MSBE to take back into our businesses year-round?

Well, firstly, I think it teaches us that we work best as businesses when we work in a community. Forming authentic connections means we spread the word about each other’s businesses and can share business with each other.

Secondly, I think we learn the importance of celebrating what we do. There were so many great stands celebrating what each business offered. Don’t forget to keep celebrating the stories of impact that your business has. My top tip from some of my training is to tell people about the ‘Principle, Story, Impact’. Tell them what you stand for or do (principle), a story that demonstrates that (story) and what difference it made (impact).

So, if you have enjoyed connecting and communicating, we look forward to seeing you at the coffee morning and breakfast in April. Let’s keep celebrating one another.

For the Future

I’m always happy to receive any suggestions for what members want to see the Chamber doing in the future. Please send your ideas (and your wish lists) to chair@stowmarketchamber.co.uk

Dates for your diary:

Please check the website in case of any last-minute changes.

For more information, contact Keely Taylor by email: secretary@stowmarketchamber.co.uk.

The post Chat from the Chair – Celebrate appeared first on Stowmarket & District Chamber of Commerce.

How was your January? Maybe, like me, you have done a bit of wardrobe and garage cleansing. January is often a good time to do a bit of wardrobe cleansing, with new jumpers and socks from Christmas, and then, as you put the bags in the garage, you realise that it needs a cleanse too. It’s quite refreshing once you have done it.

I must admit that when I first looked at the things dumped in the garage, it was a little daunting. I then remembered an adage I often share with coaching clients: “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is one bite at a time. Now it is just a metaphor, and no elephants were harmed in it, and we need to protect that beautiful species. I hope you get the idea from the adage, though, that we tackle seemingly impossible jobs, one bit at a time.

So, with my garage, I set out to do just 15 minutes a day. Now, in reality, that sometimes became 30 minutes, and my son joined me for a big clear-up, but what happened is that before long, we could see the floor! It is still a work in progress, but we now have some tidy shelves, organisation and lots thrown out. Of course, there were some tough decisions, things that had held value once, maybe even some memories. But they no longer served a purpose, and they needed to be recycled or given away to a new home.

You know by now that these stories are a metaphor to help us with life and business.

Business – where am I now?

When I set my business up, it was as a training company focusing on leadership and communication skills. I knew my market and had the equipment and a website to meet that need. In time, one-to-one coaching was added to the portfolio. Then came Covid, and like lots of businesses, I pivoted, and the focus since then has been one-to-one coaching, and online coaching is 80% of what we do. So, recently, I have been looking at resources and things we do to promote the business to work out what is needed now. As part of that, it is about clearing out things no longer needed, a bit like the garage clear-up.

What about you? Where is your business now? Who are your ideal clients now? What marketing is needed to match the now? What needs updating on your website to match the now?

Expert Help

The good thing about being part of the Stowmarket Chamber is that we have businesses that can help you with the changes. Just like my son helping me with specific parts of the garage, we can get expert help in areas where we need it.

Websites: Spi-Des-ign; Syrinx Systems; Magellan Design; 101 Websites and Apps;
Photography: Penny Morgan; Ginger Bee; Wandering River Photography and Video Production
Marketing: Little Piggy Marketing; Morr Marketing; Your Telemarketing; Project Support
Coaching to help you gain clarity: Jane Reason; Everyday Leader
Recruitment to meet your current need: A&S Recruitment; Michelle Denny; Prime Appointments; Netbox;
HR, Onboarding new staff: Moss HR; Pineapple HR
Virtual Assistant: Tracey Wilmshurst Virtual Services
Storage of some items not needed: Secure Stores Nationwide; Squab Storage
Printing (paper/banners etc): Gipping Press
New office furniture: Select Office Furniture
New carpets: Pure Flooring; Archway
Cleaning: Vivo Clean

Just take a look at our membership page https://stowmarketchamber.co.uk/members-directory/ and make time to chat to people in the area that you want a tidy up.

MSBE

We also have the Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition on 25th March, when there will be lots of businesses you can chat to about areas you want to tidy up to be relevant for now. Book a ticket to attend if you are not already attending.

For the Future

So, what is stopping you? Just take 15 mins a day to do some planning of what needs updating. You’ll soon create that list and have a plan to work on. Do chat to us if you need any help.

I’m always happy to receive any suggestions for what members want to see the Chamber doing in the future. Please send your ideas (and your wish lists) to chair@stowmarketchamber.co.uk

Dates for your diary:

Please check the website in case of any last-minute changes.

For more information, contact Keely Taylor by email: secretary@stowmarketchamber.co.uk.

The post Chat from the Chair – A spring clean appeared first on Stowmarket & District Chamber of Commerce.

For quite some time, I have had a running injury in my hip and have just completed 4 months of physio. I am now on a gentle increase in my exercise, which on my Strava app is listed as ‘Repair and Recovery Run and Walk’ as I gradually increase the load. It is tough to work through a challenge personally, and it can be equally so when you face one in business. Here are a couple of challenge areas that you may face, and it’s important to know that you are not alone. You are part of Stow Chamber, and so we are a community of support.

Budget Recovery

It is all too easy to get into a worry tailspin when we look at the news and see not only political world tensions but also media speculation of how the budget could impact our business. At the time of writing this, we have not had the Autumn budget announced, but we have had lots of indicators of taxation changes that can affect business.

Stow Chamber is here to support you, and that is why the Chamber breakfast this month had Elliot Watson from FWD explain some of the taxation reporting changes that may affect some of us. Good information helps us work out our locus of control and therefore reduce any anxiety we may have. When it comes to the budget, if you have been negatively affected, we are here for you. Our top tips if you are a little worried about the budget:

• Pause & breathe. It might feel bad, but you have overcome challenges before, and if you haven’t had one, you can work through this one.
• Remember, as a chamber member, you are not alone. We are here as a listening ear. Call or message me or anyone on the committee, as we are a safe space to explore any worries you might have.
• Seek professional advice. Talk to your accountant. They will be able to guide you. If your accountant can’t guide you, then we suggest you talk to our chamber member, FWD Accounts, either Jason Ford or Elliot Watson. Remember – Good information helps us work out our locus of control and therefore reduce any anxiety we may have.

As I write this, there is uncertainty. By the time you read this, there will be clarity on what is happening. Maybe it was not as bad as you expected. Maybe it was. If you have worries, just talk to one of the committee members. You are not alone.

Disaster Recovery

It struck me last month that a couple of our businesses had significant challenges or disasters to deal with. One with a fire and one with a significant injury to one of the leaders. We are so glad they have both found ways through the challenges. We hope we never have them, but just like in life, big challenges can occur. In my experience, preparing for the unforeseen and making it visible and coming up with risk management plans in a simple disaster recovery and business continuity plan is a great idea and makes it easier when something happens. It is particularly helpful if you are a single-person business. You can note where everything is and who you can call upon to support you. You may already have a plan in place, but if not, we suggest making a simple plan. Even if it is listing your key suppliers, contacts and providers. There are simple templates online you can download, and your insurer may even have one they can send you and FSB members can access a free toolkit. If you can’t access one, contact me, and I will send you one I found. Spending a little time now can save you a lot of worry in the future.

MSBE

Targeting growth is part of business and definitely part of recovery. When budget and disasters can lead you to feel out of control, then finding what is in your control is important. You are in control of finding reasonably priced ways of advertising the business, and MSBE (Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition) is part of that. This is an ideal opportunity to celebrate your business and build new and deeper connections of support, so sign up for a stand now! https://portal.offbeattickets.com/event/msbe25 I have booked my stand – have you booked yours?

For the Future

It was great to see those of you who were at November’s breakfast. I look forward to catching up with others of you in December. Do let me know if there is anything you want to chat to me about in your business.

I’m always happy to receive any suggestions for what members want to see the Chamber doing in the future. Please send your ideas (and your wish lists) to chair@stowmarketchamber.co.uk

Dates for your diary:

Please check the website in case of any last-minute changes.

For more information, contact Keely Taylor by email: secretary@stowmarketchamber.co.uk.

The post Chat from the Chair – Choosing your recovery appeared first on Stowmarket & District Chamber of Commerce.

These last two months have seen us try some new events. A BBQ at the Stowmarket Golf Club in September and the ‘Feel Good Friday’ wellness event in October. New events take time and energy, so my thanks to those who have helped plan the Feel Good Friday event: Annya Stoddart, Kim Morrison, Sarah Manning, and Tracy Wilmshurst. Also, Penny Morgan and Steve Stoddart on the day with photography and tech.

New events take time and energy, but they can bring energy and new opportunities. Both events enabled us to meet new businesses and get to know new members. For example, at the BBQ I got to chat to Louise Cobbold and Chris Cobbold of Louise Cobbold Art. Her pictures are amazing, and if you are an Ipswich Town fan, you will see her artwork on each home programme. At Feel Good Friday, I met Lisa at Select Office Furniture as she has joined her husband and son on the team and is loving her new role. I look forward to getting to know more of our new members in the coming months.

Supportive Chamber

Many of you will have heard of the fire that engulfed the building of one of our lovely members, Andrew Bingham Funeral Service. Andrew was off work recovering from a heart operation at the time, so this has been such a hard time for Andrew, his wife Trudy and his team. I know Andrew has really appreciated the support of the community and members who reached out to offer support and practical help. We are glad they have a temporary home to operate from in the town, and we wish them all the best as they move forward. Do keep offering your support to Andrew and the team: andrew@andrewbingham.co.uk

You also may have heard that Reece Johnson at Select Office Furniture has broken both his legs following a trials bike accident. We wish him a speedy recovery and do send him a message of support to wish him well: reece@selectofficefurniture.co.uk

In Memory

Some of you will have heard from Keely in our newsletter that Alison Withers, one of our longstanding members and a committee member, passed away recently after a fall. From starting her first breakfast in February 2010 to standing down as a committee member in March 2025, she has been committed to the Chamber and loved producing her breakfast news reports. We are saddened by her passing, thankful for our memories of her and send our love to her family.

Seeking Volunteers for a Career Inspiration Event

I had a message from Mel Mylrea of Stowmarket High School asking for our help. This is her message: I am reaching out to invite your organisation to participate in an exciting opportunity to inspire and empower students at Stowmarket High School through our upcoming Careers Drop Down Day on Tuesday, 11th November 2025, from 10 am to 3.00 pm.

Our goal is to challenge stereotypes about careers and introduce fresh perspectives by showcasing a diverse range of professions, including those that might not immediately come to mind when people think of traditional job paths. We believe every career has a story to tell and lessons to share, and we would love for your team to help us highlight the unexpected and extraordinary.

Here’s what we’re looking for:
– Professionals in unique or less commonly known roles who can share their career journeys and insights.
– Individuals passionate about breaking stereotypes and inspiring curiosity in others.
– Enthusiastic volunteers who can spend a few hours engaging with students.

Whether it’s a robotics specialist, a professional gamer, a forensic accountant, or someone working in cutting-edge sustainability, we are eager to feature professions that spark curiosity and expand horizons. If you or someone in your network would like to get involved, please email me directly at m.mylrea@stowhigh.com, and I will send you some more details. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact. We look forward to working with you to inspire the next generation!

If you can help her, please email her and share your career experience.

MSBE

No newsletter would be complete at this time of year without reminding you about signing up for MSBE, the Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition. We are growing every year and, last year, the businesses I spoke to were very pleased with the footfall and conversations they had with other businesses. This is an ideal opportunity to celebrate your business, so sign up for a stand now! Here’s the link https://portal.offbeattickets.com/event/msbe25. I have booked my stand – have you booked yours?

For the Future

Having been absent at some recent coffee and breakfasts due to personal and work issues, I look forward to seeing you all at November’s breakfast. Do let me know if there is anything you want to chat to me about in your business.

I’m always happy to receive any suggestions for what members want to see the Chamber doing in the future. Please send your ideas (and your wish lists) to chair@stowmarketchamber.co.uk

Dates for your diary:

Please check the website in case of any last-minute changes.

For more information, contact Keely Taylor by email: secretary@stowmarketchamber.co.uk.

The post Chat from the Chair – New Opportunities appeared first on Stowmarket & District Chamber of Commerce.

Do you know how your customers view you and what you offer? Do you know the impact your company has? You may have a pretty good idea, but the only way you can really find out is to ask them. If we do ask them, we can find out what is a strength of ours to market ourselves, or areas that we may need to develop or improve upon.

Your Brand

This week, I listened to a podcast from the ‘Start, Build, Grow’ podcast series. This is a great podcast to help small business owners. This week’s podcast was by a coach called Richard Liverman, and it was on the topic of your brand.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1KZG1IdoBb0nSt9EAzIrqB?si=628ece15feba49c2
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/start-build-and-grow/id1739084985?i=1000727148348

In it, he suggested that we can examine our blind spot, the bit we don’t know about ourselves but others can see, with regard to what we offer our clients by asking 3 simple questions.

1. Why is it that you worked with me?
2. What do you get from working with me?
3. How do I help you on your journey?

So, I did this. I set up a simple Google form with those 3 questions, and I sent it to lots of my clients. I’m still getting replies, but the replies so far were illuminating and encouraging. Words like confidence, insight and strategies were what people found helpful about working with me.

So maybe try this with your clients. Ask and you will receive.

(By the way, check out all the podcasts in that series. There are so many helpful ones for business.)

Ask for help – ask and you will receive

One of the good things about belonging to the Stowmarket Chamber is that you are not alone. You are part of a supportive community. That means if you need help, you can ask your fellow members and they will help you. All it takes is asking them for a cuppa and then popping the question. Maybe it is a listening ear that you need. Perhaps it is some advice. Maybe they have an experience that you need to learn from. The trick is to just ask the question. Ask and you will receive.

September & October – busy months 

We have had two additional events this month. Our BBQ was held at Stowmarket Golf Club, and we had some fantastic food and a lovely time connecting and supporting one another. By the time you read this, we will have had our joint safari networking event with Suffolk Chamber. We booked up fast for this.

Next month has a brand new event – Feel Good Friday on 10th October. This is an event to support you with your wellbeing with super speakers and a great goodie bag (it has chocolate in it!). So, book up before places fill. You will come back from it refreshed and invigorated.

I look forward to seeing you at one of our events and hearing whether you have tried asking for anything and if you received it.

For the Future

Chairman Colin Tapscott is always happy to receive any suggestions for what members want to see the Chamber doing in the future. Please send your ideas (and your wish lists) to chair@stowmarketchamber.co.uk

Dates for your diary:

Please check the website in case of any last-minute changes.

For more information, contact Keely Taylor by email: secretary@stowmarketchamber.co.uk.

The post Chat from the Chair – Ask and you shall receive! appeared first on Stowmarket & District Chamber of Commerce.

I read a really good book recently, no, not my own recently published one that is also really good, but ‘Let Them’ by Mel Robbins. The ‘Let Them Theory’ centres on recognising that you can’t control other people, their choices, or their reactions. By “letting them” do what they’re going to do, you free yourself from the burden of trying to control the uncontrollable and can focus on your own actions and responses.

It has two parts:
– Let them do what they want to do
– Let me focus on my actions.

Let Them vs Let Me

This is particularly helpful for many clients I work with in my coaching business, but recent conversations with Stowmarket Chamber members also reminded me that the ‘Let Them Theory’ can equally help us in business. Several business owners have talked to me about how business has been unusually slow for this time of year. The tendency is to try to react to this situation and chase business, make sudden sales changes or overworry about the situation.

Mel Robbins would say to us, ‘Let Them’.

• Let them not visit our premises
• Let them not buy this month.

She would then encourage us to ‘Let Me’:

• Let me focus on my ideal client
• Let me focus on my marketing plan
• Let me develop my sales techniques
• Let me focus on making appointments with customers
• Let me focus on the thing that can affect change.

This approach can also be helpful when dealing with competitors. Maybe a competitor has changed something and seems to be bringing in sales. Let them. You can’t change any of that, so don’t waste energy on it.

Let Me – You focus on what you need to do that helps your business. Don’t waste energy moaning about their increased sales or tactics. Just stay in your lane, focus on your race and do it well. Let me focus on what I need to do to improve sales.

I used to be a runner as a teenager, and one thing I was taught was not to worry about the other athletes and look sideways, which affects your running. Instead, look ahead and run straight. That metaphor helps us see how we need to focus on our business, not be distracted by competitors.

Let Me Develop Myself

One of the ‘Let Me’ that we can do is to develop ourselves. When we ‘let me focus on making myself the best I can be’, we will improve our businesses as a result. Over the last two months, I have come across a great resource that is linked to one of our members. Peter Basford, who heads up Innovation Labs, also heads up ‘Start, build Grow’ that supports starter businesses in Ipswich. They have released some podcasts that are free for all listeners that talk on topics helpful to all companies, not just start-ups.

Do take a listen to them.
– Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/start-build-and-grow/id1739084985
– Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/6NY6INZGY0qffEIaAAqyit?si=0b6287db2bd84ea0

Let Me Make Connections

Of course, Stowmarket Chamber is a key source for helping you to thrive as a business. One of the ‘Let me’ is ‘Let me make new and deep connections to help my business’. Coming up in September, we have three events to help you deepen connections and make new ones.

• Coffee Morning Networking – 5th September – Bishop & Miller Auctioneers
• Late Summer Sizzler BBQ – 10th September – Stowmarket Golf Club
• Suffolk & Stow Chamber Joint Safari Networking – 23rd September – The Mix.

All of these will give you the opportunity to meet new people, get the word out about your business and deepen relationships with members. The Joint event will particularly introduce you to new businesses as wider Suffolk Chamber members join us here in Stowmarket. Lots of good opportunities to ‘Let me’.

I look forward to seeing you at these events and hearing how you are ‘letting me focus on what I need to do’.

For the Future

Chairman Colin Tapscott is always happy to receive any suggestions for what members want to see the Chamber doing in the future. Please send your ideas (and your wish lists) to chair@stowmarketchamber.co.uk

Dates for your diary:

Please check the website in case of any last-minute changes.

For more information, contact Keely Taylor by email: secretary@stowmarketchamber.co.uk.

The post Chat from the Chair – Let Me! appeared first on Stowmarket & District Chamber of Commerce.

When you have a winning formula, when you are known for something, there can be a tendency to stick with the status quo. After all, it got you this far. But what if it could be even better? How would you know without testing something out?

Trying Something New at Coffee Morning – Here’s What We Learned

Stowmarket Chamber of Commerce is a great place to network, to connect and build relationships. Our breakfast and coffee meetings have a good reputation and work well. So why change them? Well, we tried something new at our July coffee meeting, all driven by our aim of trying to provide more benefits for members.

Every 20 minutes, we rang a bell, gave a couple of members present a chance for an elevator pitch and then encouraged everyone to find new people to talk to. Members loved the new format as they gained more benefits from being a member, and visitors loved it too, as we made it easier to join and move on to new networking chats.

We ran this as a trial. We didn’t know if it would work, but since we had a bigger reason to change (benefits for members) than not to change, it was worth the trial. Even if the trial doesn’t work out, it’s still valuable because it teaches you something.

Listening, Adapting and Growing

It is so easy in our businesses to stick to what we have done. One of the challenges, though, in doing what we have always done is that we stand still, whilst everyone else moves forward. So, how do we take calculated risks to see if something is worth changing?

• What is your driver at this time? (ours was a benefit for members)
• What is the feedback from your customers? (ours was that we would love more benefits for being a member)
• What could a trial look like?
• What can I learn from others that might be useful?
• What does your customer feedback say? (Ours said we loved the benefit to members, and we loved the increased networking)
• What are the next steps, and how can I scale it?

Maybe, like me in my business, you are noticing a shift in customer demographics or a drying up of your typical customer base, and so change needs to be considered. Working in partnership with business advisers and colleagues can be important to consider things carefully, and taking time to think through calculated risk is important here. It can be a challenge, but it can also be a time when something even better can come. Enjoy the calculated risk.

For the Future

Chairman Colin Tapscott is always happy to receive any suggestions for what members want to see the Chamber doing in the future. Please send your ideas (and your wish lists) to chair@stowmarketchamber.co.uk

Dates for your diary:

Please check the website in case of any last-minute changes.

For more information, contact Keely Taylor by email: secretary@stowmarketchamber.co.uk.

The post Chat from the Chair – Calculated Risk appeared first on Stowmarket & District Chamber of Commerce.

Why do you network with other business owners? Knowing your reason why you do this is important.

Reasons for Networking

So, what are the reasons for networking?

1. Bring in leads and work
2. Form close connections with fellow business owners so they confidently signpost your business
3. Share frustrations with one another so you know you are not alone
4. Signpost business ideas, training, innovation, grants and funding
5. Find business-to-business links to support the work of your business

These are just some reasons for networking, but what is your reason? We need to get clear on what we are looking for and find the right place to find it. For example, if you are looking to bring in leads and work quickly (no 1 in the list above) at each meeting, then attending one of the Stowmarket Chamber networking events might not be the best place. We are geared to help with 2, 3 and 5 and a little bit of 4 whenever we can.

We always get lots of comments that Stowmarket Chamber is a friendly, supportive group. This may well start from the Chamber’s Committee focusing on that, but it is also because all members are engaging in that approach. You see, we get out of networking what we put in.

• • If we want to form close relationships so that other businesses signpost us, we need to signpost them.
  • If we want other businesses to tell others on social media about us, then we need to tell others on social media about them.
  • If we want people to listen to our frustrations and reassure us, we need to listen to their frustrations and reassure them
  • If we want people in the network to use our business, then we need to use others in that network

The Power of Networking

I have been running my business for 8 years now and as a micro business, I have learnt the power of connecting with local business, not for what you can get from it, but what you give. The more you give it can often lead to receiving lots too!

One of the things we will consider in our 2025/26 development plan is how we can all endorse one another. This is such a simple example of what we can all do. How about over the next few weeks you give it a try in your social media? It works as simple as:

• • Post on social media about a Stowmarket Chamber business that has helped you/ delivered a great service to you.
  • Tag in Stowmarket Chamber so we can share/retweet it.

Imagine what that could do to help us meet our aim of championing one another.
It could certainly help with the number 2 reason for networking.

What’s your reason for networking? Let’s model what we want.

For the Future

Chairman Colin Tapscott is always happy to receive any suggestions for what members want to see the Chamber doing in the future. Please send your ideas (and your wish lists) to chair@stowmarketchamber.co.uk

Dates for your diary:

Please check the website in case of any last-minute changes.

For more information contact Keely Taylor by e-mail: secretary@stowmarketchamber.co.uk.

The post Chat from the Chair (July 2025) – Why Network? appeared first on Stowmarket & District Chamber of Commerce.