I was at the Fakenham Chamber of Trade AGM during the week. It was an ideal time to hear what the Chamber are doing on behalf of the town’s business community, to speak to fellow business owners and traders, ask questions and suggest ideas.

There was a really nice ’spread’ supplied by the ever-willing Fakenham Garden Centre – sarnies & nibbles, a choice of wines, juices and so on. Ideal for members who didn’t have time to eat at home before the 6.30 start.

Two guest speakers were there – one from North Norfolk Radio, who provide lots of support for the Chamber and Fakenham in General. The other from Larking Gowen accountants, who also provide a great deal of assistance to the business community in and around the town.

The Chamber has over 60 members, with an extremely wide spread of business interests from agriculture through to industrial companies, large-scale employers to sole traders. A meeting like this is a great way to see who’s doing what, make new contacts, swap advice and maybe even pick up a bit of extra business

Why was it then, that I was the only non-committee member there?

Everybody got an invitation. The details were on the Chamber website. Food was provided. The venue is easy to get to. There are few excuses for the low attendance by the membership.

Businesses can’t expect the Chamber to do anything for the membership when they can’t be bothered to put any effort into supporting the committee – and each other.  The committee must sometimes think they’re banging their heads against a brick wall.

These guys are trying to help YOU. Get a flamin’ grip!