Penzance Chamber of Commerce

Small Business Outlook Coloured by World Events

It is reassuring to think that Penwith, long proud of its sense of apartness from Britain, England and even the rest of Cornwall, is a place apart, isolated from the upheavals in world events. Reassuring but erroneous. The business landscape of our region is shaped by the wider world in conjunction with those factors which are unique to us.

Take the recent example of war in the gulf. As well as affecting those families whose loved ones went into harms way, fluctuations in the markets thanks to wartime uncertainty, oil price instability and a reluctance to invest all have a real and direct effect on the way business functions in our region.

In his recent budget, Chancellor Gordon Brown announced a package of measures for small business. He trumpeted measures intended to reduce bureaucracy. No less than forty small business regulations are set to be abolished or "reformed", although the burden of knowing what these are will fall upon businesses! The freezes on corporation tax, small business corporation tax, business stamp duty and capital gains tax were welcome as was an increase in VAT thresholds although these might not have been enough to offset the rise in employer's national insurance which came into effect in April.

Alongside all this positive news, one figure cast a shadow over all. The Chancellor has revised his growth rate prediction for the UK economy down from between 2.5 and 3% to 2 and 2.5%. If the man with a vested interest in economic optimism is taking an umbrella, the rest of us better don full waterproofs.

What can businesses do to stave off a chilly economic climate? The only way to grow in a shrinking market is to take share from competitors. That means our tourist industry needs to market itself better, our service sector must be more aggressive and we must trade on our advantages. Wealth must be earned from outside the district, not merely redistributed within it.

When Napoleon described Britain as "a nation of shopkeepers" he was, perhaps inadvertently, citing the great strength of our economy. Small businesses, including shops, are the driving force behind the UK macro economy - employing more people, generating more wealth and directing more activity than the entire FTSE 100. Small business is not just "A Good Thing". The trade businesses like ours generate is the essential lifeblood of our national and even international life.

This is why the nurturing of small business is not simply a matter of populism for politicians. It is essential. This is at true at the local and regional level as it is for national politicians. Councillors should remember that while "businesses do not vote", the people they employ and who depend on their services in myriad ways do.

And business people should remember that, even in our unique corner of the kingdom, we cannot live in isolation. Your best chance of influencing wider events is collectively. Which is why the Chamber of Commerce exists - get active now!

Sceptical Response to Regeneration Plans

"Don't shoot the messenger", appeared to be the consensus when Chamber chairman Mike Waters informed the May meeting of the latest round in the interminable saga of the Penzance regeneration proposals.

Our chairman is also chairman of the regeneration steering group and was able to report that the latest (in a series of several) feasibility studies came up with new proposals, all of which the group rejected!

Plans for the expansion of the main pier to accommodate the successor to the RMS Scillonian III have been sent back for further revision. The latest thinking is that there will be a "hammerhead" layout incorporating loading and short-term parking facilities at the seaward end of the pier.

Elsewhere in the town the Sutton Harbours company has expressed an interest in putting together a detailed development proposal for the town's shopping area. Nothing firm was announced at the meeting but some suggestions were outlined. This was the origin of the chairman's discomfort.

Most heat was generated by the idea that the town may lose one third of the car parking space on the harbour-side to be replaced by a park and ride scheme from Long Rock. As well as issues about the feasibility of building on this reclaimed land there were more pressing concerns. Restricting car use restricts trade, came the cry from the floor. The town cannot accommodate more cars and needs better marketing, countered the chairman. And besides, this may not even happen.

These are, the meeting was told, just ideas. Ideas are cheap and easy to propose. For the ideas to take shape in concrete and stone and for a better vista for the town to arise will require a combination of iron will, commercial savvy and the patience of a saint. Not to mention the persuasive powers of a master salesman if objections are to be set aside. We wish anyone who wants the job the best of luck!

Newsletter Revival

For the first time in a number of years, the Chamber looks set to get its own regular newsletter. The plan is to produce a quarterly, sixteen-A5-page glossy publication, financed by advertising from members and others with an interest in promoting business in Penzance and the district. As well as collating some of the items covered in these columns, it will offer key business advice, guest articles and local business news.

As well as being distributed to Chamber members, the newsletter will be made freely available to the public and visitors through a number of strategic outlets. The objectives will be to inform and educate the business community while at the same time presenting the vibrancy of our local business life. Regular features will include a directory of business services and a monitor of grant-aid activity.

The May meeting of the Chamber approved plans to get the newsletter underway. It is hoped that the first issue will appear in September. In the meantime, any suggestions or ideas for the newsletter should be directed to the Chamber press officer Mark Curtis on 01736-731277 or email: markcurtis@emandemltd.com.

Summer Buffet

Come along to the next meeting of the Chamber of Commerce and you might get more than you bargained for - food!

In celebration of the Chamber's 100th anniversary, the June meeting will be followed by a buffet and social gathering. All members are invited to attend and to bring one guest each. If you haven't been to a meeting for a while (or ever!) here's a perfect opportunity to become engaged in Chamber activities and get to meet fellow members.

The meeting will commence at the earlier time of 7pm, aiming to conclude its business by eight so that the revelries can begin. Please let the secretary know if you are coming so that we can be sure of numbers.

We look forward to renewing old acquaintances and making new ones. The event will be at the Penzance & Newlyn Rugby Club, Westholme, from 7pm on Tuesday 3rd June.

Pen-Watch Dumped

The Chamber learned with sadness that Pen-Watch, the newsletter of the Penwith Neighbourhood Watch Trust is to be discontinued after its local authority funding was withdrawn.

From now on, businesses and households will have to rely on an official publication from the district council in conjunction with the police authority - when these bodies get round to producing one. Doubtless the "official" status will mean that the information can be more carefully managed. After all, only "officials" are aware of the need to disseminate only information that has been given the right degree of spin.

Unwilling to be silenced, Jan Garrison, a Chamber member and chairperson of the trust, hopes to have her independent voice heard through the columns of this paper and other channels.

Thirty Years on - Still Bopping at the Barn Club

What were you dancing to in 1973? If you were around and kicking at all, you'll have known some seismic shifts in music and fashion. If you traded in your silver cat suit for a white three-piece, then added a pork pie hat before coming over all (new) romantic and got into the groove before techno bounced you into a trance then you've shown almost as much staying power as Penzance's Barn Club.

In a business in which change is almost compulsory, it's notable that the Barn Club has been such a fixture for generations of revellers in the town. When owners John and Audrey Goodhew took over the Barn thirty years ago, it was one in their portfolio of clubs - ranging from London and Birmingham to Paris and Penzance! When they sold their company they retained control of just one - the Barn - because, in their words, "we like this club!" "It has a nicer atmosphere than many up-country clubs," asserts Audrey. Despite living in Chichester, the couple are evidently proud of their Penzance property and are frequent visitors.

The Barn has been able to attract an admirable array of top-name DJs and guests - including DJ Spoony, Tim Westwood, Judge Jules and even, soon, Frank Bruno! The atmosphere that keeps John and Audrey engaged with the Barn seems to rub off on these headliners "They all want to come back," Audrey reports. Flights from Stanstead to Newquay have made it much more practical for busy performers to make it to our part of the world. They add their turntable skills to the regulars, Arron from Newquay, Craig Wright, whose "Breathless" night is a popular fixture and Tony Douglas, described as the "main party man".

Guests can enjoy themselves in two dance rooms and slake their thirsts in four bars, under the watchful eye of bars manager Laura Cockle. The two rooms offer a choice between dance music and a more party-oriented groove.

For the technically minded, the Barn boasts a 12kW Opus all-digital sound system. For the conversationally inclined, the club's Coolers bar offers a respite from the music for that all important opportunity to impress with your verbal agility after having demonstrated your terpsichorean fluency. Chatting up the opposite sex at the Barn Club is part of Penzance folklore. How many couples do you know who met there? John and Audrey report frequently being told by locals that they met their husband, wife or significant other at the club.

In thirty years the Barn has had just five managers. The present incumbent, David George, took up his post three years ago. The thirty five staff range in age from 18 to over 60, which is similar in diversity to the clientele. Barman Fred Dean is the longest serving staff member at 17 years although nobody is accepting bets on the most loyal regular customer.

The Barn Club reaches its diverse market by flyer, database mailing through in-house displays and via the club's website, where those who don't mind seeing what they looked like last weekend can enjoy a photo gallery.

One of the Barn's best incentives for a night out is the bus service. Around Penzance all night and offering a return to St Just and round trips from Hayle, Helston, Porthleven, Redruth and Camborne, bus manager Dave Strick has three double-deckers and the Penzance shuttle at his disposal. It's a service which almost puts our beleaguered public transport to shame and a great way to enjoy a night out without driving.

So whether you remember night-clubbing in a suit and tie and want to reminisce or are young, free and single but would like to change the latter part of that description there should be no excuse not to check out the Barn Club. After all, not everyone who remembers 1973 has trouble staying awake after ten!

The Barn Club at Eastern Green can be contacted on Penzance 365754. The Website address is www.barnclub.com and you can e-mail barnclub@btconnect.com for the most up-to-date information on coming events and guest DJs.

New Members

The Chamber welcomes as a new member:

Mr John Murphy, Penzance Credit Union

May Meeting Report

The May meeting, the first held at the new venue of the dining room of the rugby club, was different also because of the absence of our esteemed secretary. Yvonne Neale was at home with a bout of the flu and all present wished her a speedy recovery.

The Chamber approved a membership application from Mr John Murphy, Penzance Credit Union. We all welcome Mr Murphy as a member.

The chairman led a brief discussion of the availability of financial assistance for small businesses in the district, with particular regard to small grants. This is a vast area, and a confusing one, and would make an excellent subject for a qualified speaker at a future meeting.

Faced with a possible bill for auditing the chamber accounts, despite the lack of a legal requirement to do so, it was agreed that two senior members, John Murrish and Dennis Dowrick, would be charged with checking the treasurer's management of the funds annually and reporting to the meeting.

David Andrewartha raised the issue of the Times newspaper's daily weather reports, on which the Penzance figure is regularly blank. This is an issue for tourism. The chairman promised to investigate responsibility.

The Chamber agreed not to have a meeting in August this year. As well as being the busiest month for many members, the Rugby club is unavailable on our regular date.

Finally, the Chamber agreed to invite our County Councillors to attend a future meeting and face questions. So often, when matters are raised at town and district levels, members are told "that's a matter for the County". It will be interesting to see if responsibility can be referred all the way up to the United Nations!

Join the Chamber

The Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of local business with the County, District and Town Councils, Government agencies and public bodies. It actively campaigns on issues affecting the business community as well as issues affecting the community as a whole. This requires finances and direct involvement by committed people, and deserves the support of every business in the region.

Our Chairman is coordinator of the West Cornwall Group of Chambers and the Cornwall Business Partnership. He is a member of the Priority Management Group 3, which approves Objective One funding in the area of Learning and Skills development He is also a member of the Penzance Regeneration Steering Group that has worked on the submission of an Objective One bid to greatly enhance the prosperity of the town and its inhabitants. Other members represent the Chamber on such bodies as the Police Consultative Committee and Tourism Committee.

All businesses have problems from time to time, and it has been proved that representation from a Chamber Officer on behalf of the member concerned can greatly enhance the prospect of a satisfactory conclusion. With major issues, such as the Penzance Regeneration Project, West Cornwall Hospital, Objective One and so on needing input from the business community there has never been a better reason for all businesses to become Chamber members - the greater our membership, the bigger our voice. JOIN NOW!

We invite membership applications from individuals and businesses large or small. For further information, visit the Membership Enquiry or Membership Application pages on this site.

Forthcoming Meetings

The next monthly Chamber Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 3rd at 7.00pm at the Pirates Rugby Club, Alexandra Road, Penzance.

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PENZANCE - THE PLACE TO BE

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