Wantage Chamber of Commerce

13/06/2026

The Chamber is taking action on Market Square.

Following last week's emergency meeting — attended by around 50 local businesses — Chamber Chair Richard Shepherd has written formally to Wantage Town Council requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the proposed changes to our town centre.

We're not waiting around.

While that meeting is being arranged, we need your help.

📋 We want to hear from every business in Wantage.

Our short survey takes less than 5 minutes and your responses will go directly into the Chamber's formal response to the OCC consultation. The more businesses that respond, the stronger our case.

👉 Complete it online here: https://forms.gle/5FtKTq6XjvJuXS3i9

📄 Prefer a paper copy? Download it here and drop off at Dolphin Gallery.
https://mcusercontent.com/8ef2b0d519aafda9d727d7d7c/files/0f028c7b-785a-59ff-a9c3-50ef53d0a229/wantage_retailer_survey.pdf

Please share this post with any Wantage business owner who needs to know about this. Every response counts. 💚

03/05/2026

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17/04/2026

We had a busy morning at the Beacon hosting the first of what we hope will be regular updates from our MP Olly Glover.

It was also a chance for businesses to raise issues that concern them so that Olly can help take their concerns back to Westminster.

16/03/2026

Wantage businesses — this one's for you.

We're hosting a free round table with Olly Glover MP on Friday 17th April at the Beacon Books and Brew Cafe.

Come along, ask your questions, and make your voice heard — whether it's business rates, the high street, local planning or anything else affecting your business.

Tea & coffee from 11:00 am
Session: 11:30 am – 12:45 pm
Beacon Cafe, Grove Business Park, OX12 9FF
Free to attend. Open to all local businesses.
RSVP: [email protected]

Please share this if you know any local businesses that might want to come along too.

16/02/2026

Thank you Penny Post for your write up on the ongoing discussion around business rates and town centre refurbishment

This article includes a report on the meeting of the Wantage Chamber of Commerce on 11 February 2026 at which the above photograph was taken. Andy Sweeney is second left. The Wantage Chamber of Commerce Policing, parking, planning, pedestrianisation, publicity materials – every town in the country...

02/10/2025

A few weeks ago, Maeri Howard, our Marketing and Membership Co-ordinator, attended a meeting where we discussed in depth a report for the Vale of White Horse, commissioned by Dandara, on social impact.

There were a lot of numbers and examples thrown around, but one stood out:

"The biggest driver in successful communities is a handful of people who are committed to their success."

And it's exactly what Wantage Chamber of Commerce needs right now - we want to grow but are limited by the number of people who are part of our Executive Board. We need a handful of committed people to join our Executive Board and help us keep the momentum going. Could it be you?

🔹 Meeting tonight (2 October) 6:15, Cob and Pen (upstairs at the Swan Pub)
🔹 No experience necessary
🔹 Come see what we're about - no commitment required

Want to shape the future of business in Wantage? This is your chance.

DM us or comment below to learn more.

10/09/2025

A big thank you to last night's speaker Robin Heath, Senior Commercial Negotiator from Green and Co. who explained in a no-nonsense presentation about the commercial view of Wantage. And we had another visit from Andy Sweeney, who gave us an update on the ongoing plans to the town centre.

Full meeting highlights are being sent to Chamber members, but here are some key points that affect everyone:

Retail Reality Check: Despite common perceptions, Wantage actually has relatively low shop vacancy rates and a strong independent retail presence. The challenge isn't empty shops - it's promoting what we already have.

Marketplace Plans Moving Forward: Oxford County Council has appointed consultants to design the marketplace pedestrianisation project. Community engagement events start in October, with masterplans expected by mid-2026.

Traffic & Access: New traffic modeling will test various scenarios to ensure any changes don't break how vehicles move around town. Parking remains the biggest constraint on town centre growth.

Planning Changes: Robin explained changes to use classes which make it easier to convert empty buildings between retail, office, and restaurant uses - potentially helping reduce any future vacancies.

Funding Timeline: West End improvements are prioritised first, with funding applications dependent on completing design and consultation phases.

Chamber members receive detailed updates, meeting minutes, and direct access to key decision-makers throughout these developments.

Interested in staying fully informed about what's happening in Wantage business? Consider joining the Chamber of Commerce for complete updates and your voice in shaping our town's future.

16/07/2025

SAVE THE DATE - Our next Forum Meeting is the 9th of September and we're excited to announce that Robin Heath, Commercial & Development Agency Manager at Green & Co, will be joining us for an exclusive presentation.

What to Expect: Robin will provide valuable insights into the bigger picture of commercial property in Wantage, helping members understand the trends and market forces that shape our local business landscape. This session will explore how commercial property developments happen, what drives these changes, and what it means for existing businesses in our town.

Why This Matters: As we navigate the town regeneration process, understanding the commercial property market gives members a strategic advantage. Robin's expertise will help you see beyond the immediate changes and understand the longer-term opportunities and challenges facing Wantage businesses.

Perfect Timing: With regeneration plans underway, this insight couldn't be more relevant. Members will gain a professional perspective on how these developments typically unfold and what successful outcomes look like from a commercial property standpoint.

Exclusive Access: This is free as part of Chamber membership. If you are not a member, but would like to come, there is a fee of £10 which if you join the Chamber after the Forum, will be taken off your joining fee.

To come along on the evening if you are not a member- click the link in the comments section to reserve your space.