November 2002

The first meeting for Village Business was held 12 November with a grand total of 13 people registering interest and support. This is a very good start for a new group. The six of us who actually made the meeting not only found some common ground but discussed some useful issues on how to move the village business group forward.

The issues discussed in brief were:

1. Using the meeting to swap skills, possibly via “bartering” and holding presentations/training sessions as part of the meetings. We already have quite a mix of interesting skills and experience.
2. Creating a local directory of businesses and distributing to the villages. Recognising the CFiRS directory and Parish Magazine – We will talk to David Hinton.
3. What help can CFiRS or any other organization give us? We will talk to Hattie Tuck on her return.
4. Learning from others – Wiveliscombe was mentioned as a good example where the businesses working together had made the most of the grants and help available. We will contact Brian Collingridge to see if he can come and talk to us about how he did it!
5. Frequency of meetings – monthly agreed on for sufficient momentum.