A New Chapter for the Shaftesbury and District Chamber of Commerce

Last night our founder and CEO Jim was appointed as the new Chairman of the Shaftesbury and District Chamber of Commerce. It is a genuine honour to take on this role for a community and a group of business owners that he care deeply about.

Chairman_of_The_Shaftesbury_Chamber_of_COmmerce.jpeg

A Huge Thank You to Virginia From Jim

Before looking ahead, I want to take a moment to properly thank our outgoing Chair, Virginia, for everything she has done. Virginia took the helm during what was arguably the most difficult period any of us have faced in business. She guided the Chamber through the horrors of lockdown, keeping people connected and supported when many of us were wondering what on earth was going to happen next.

Thanks to her leadership, the Chamber did not just survive. It came out the other side stronger. What was once a group trying to hold things together through a crisis is now a thriving community of local business owners who genuinely support one another. That does not happen by accident. It happens because someone puts in the work, and Virginia absolutely did that. Thank you, Virginia.

Looking Ahead

I am taking on this role at an exciting time. The Chamber is stepping into a more active role in the local community, and there are some brilliant things in the pipeline.

For starters, we are bringing back the Shaftesbury Food Festival. This is something that has not run for years, and we are thrilled to be taking it on. Shaftesbury and the surrounding area is home to some incredible food and drink producers, and it is about time we celebrated that properly.

We also have plans for a local map to help visitors and residents discover what the area has to offer. We are combining forces with other local organisations to make it happen, because the best results always come when people work together rather than in isolation.

A Brilliant Board

None of this would be possible without the fantastic board of volunteers behind the Chamber. I am lucky to have a supportive and enthusiastic team around me, all of whom share the same goal. We want to make Shaftesbury and the surrounding area a great place to do business and a wonderful place to visit.

That is not just a nice thing to say. It is genuinely what drives every conversation we have.

Come and Join Us

If you run a business in the Shaftesbury area and you are not yet a member of the Chamber, we would love to hear from you. Whether you have been established for years or you are just getting started, there is a place for you.

And if you have any questions at all about what the Chamber does, what membership involves, or how you can get involved, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are a friendly bunch and there is always a warm welcome waiting.

Here is to the next chapter.