Networking at Uckfield Chamber of Commerce meeting

Last night I attended a meeting at the Uckfield Chamber of Commerce which was held at the UCTC. My husband is a member and I went as his guest to add to my experience of networking. Chamber members consist mostly of local retailers and businesses from in and around Uckfield. This is the second meeting I have attended and it's a useful opportunity to both network (at which I am a complete novice and need much more practice!) and to find out what issues are being discussed locally.

There were several interesting guest speakers including Uckfield FM, and a gentleman from the local Red Cross group, who have recently moved premises from Belbrook Industrial Estate to Uckfield Volunteer Centre. The proposed plans for the re-development of Uckfield town centre were discussed, including the expansion of the Tesco store, which is not being very welcomed by both local businesses or the public.

The meeting was followed by dinner held in the cafe at UCTC, with further opportunities to network. The food was very tasty and a vast improvement on the school dinners we used to get in our senior school - I don't know what the kids are moaning about! Probably because it's all about healthy eating nowadays and definitely no chips or chicken nuggets!

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890

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Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
(01825) 761890

FIRM HELPS OTHERS CUT COSTS IN TOUGH TIMES

A firm that works with small businesses to find ways of simplifying and streamlining processes to improve efficiency is turning its attention to the retail sector.

Weald Business Solutions aims to remove hassle and frustration for managers and staff and help them deliver a better service for their customers.

Having proved itself in engineering and manufacturing organisations it is now starting to look at the retail sector.

TOUGH TIMES

Phil Edwards, founder of Weald Business Solutions, pictured right, said retailers were hitting tough times as householders struggled with the effects of soaring fuel costs and a review of working practices could make a difference in challenging times.

‘We firmly believe we can help retailers cut costs, improve management of inventory, improve staff retention and allow them to deliver better customer service.

‘We are talking to as many retailers as we can in the South East and undertaking a survey to better understand the issues they struggle with.

‘Everybody wants to see our high streets stay vibrant with a good range of local shops and we would like to show how we can bring benefits which will lead to improved service for customers and reduced costs for retailers.’

IMPROVE EFFICIENCY

Phil worked in a variety of roles in design, development, engineering, production and manufacturing across a range of industries before setting up as an independent consultant in October 2005.

Clients have included shipping organisations, national charities, international couriers and manufacturers and he has helped them save up to £120,000 a year after reviewing their use of office consumables, utilities, production spares, transport and logistics, print and design, office cleaning, waste disposal and international travel.

Weald Business Solutions, which is based in Uckfield, aims to bring Phil’s experience of process improvement to small local businesses to help them reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Sue Edwards
Virtual Assistant Sussex
working with Weald Business Solutions
(01825) 761890