The Spalding and District Area of the Lincolnshire Chamber is the newest area to form and became part of the county Chamber network in 2010. It is run by local members, investing their membership fees in activities and events that will help to stimulate and develop local business. Local businesses leaders have seen the benefits of joining together to act as a collective to help Spalding and its hi
nterland to compete and flourish, and in doing so make it more attractive for the businesses in the area to operate. In short, joining together and working as a local Chamber area is a clear attempt by the businesses in and around Spalding to invest in their own futures. There are three key aims overarching aims that the area are working to, being:
More business – achieved through networking events, introductions to perspective buyers and commercial leads, business advice, international trade services and providing a platform for members to promote their products and services
Better business – achieved through training, seminars and workshops to improve skills, together with cost-saving opportunities and greater efficiency though use of technology
Better conditions for business – achieved by its representational role and lobbying work carried out on behalf of members
Members have decided to look at an alternate membership package and have designed an associate package for membership, which contains the following features and benefits:
Policy and Representation – a local, countywide, regional and national Chamber structure to support local businesses. Working as a collective group means action is more likely when issues are raised, making sure the bigger voice of Business is heard and that it carries real weight. Networking and Events – a range of networking events and information courses will be agreed locally. These will also attract businesses from out of area to attend. A number of options include Legislation Updates, Networking Lunches, Business After Hours, Inside Story and Bank of England forums will be considered. Dedicated Website Presence – micro sites within our main site so that every member has the ability to have a presence on the web (free of charge to members). Marketing and Merchandising Opportunities – access to a variety of opportunities are available, including opportunities to promote member-to-member discounts. Information – access to a network of business related business sources. A range of e-shots including the bi-weekly Spalding Area news, and monthly Policy, Events, Training, and International Trade updates, along with the regular Member-to-Member eshots to keep members informed and help build profile. Dedicated News Area – a Spalding & District news area on the Lincolnshire Chamber website. In practise, members will pay an annual membership fee based on the number of employees within their organisation, and in return will receive a number of dedicated benefits, which include:
Competitive Credit Card Merchant Fees*
Business Directory Entry, distributed to homes in and around Spalding
Inter-Membership Discounts Scheme
Free web presence through Chamber micro site
Lobbying and representation of members views
Other benefits – networking events (available at discounted membership rates), dedicated Spalding Area information (e-shot and magazine) and training e.g. Internet trading, personal development, management training. Full membership can be taken with access to further benefits.
