Think of the bigger picture

First of all I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted for me, and I promise to do my best to deliver what is expected of me as a director of the chamber of commerce.

It seems to me that all we hear about lately is the credit crunch, the regional, national and global financial situation. Turmoil, uncertainty and a bleak outlook, three common terms used by the media time and time again.

Papers, radio and television encourage the downturn in business backed up by some greedy main suppliers who can't wait to put the prices up even on items that they have ordered and paid for before the crunch.

Easy money, a quick one-off profit. This then leads to other businesses taking the easy option and putting their own prices up.

I am a great believer that we can achieve our goals if we believe in ourselves. Pull together and think of the bigger picture.

For years I have been trying to convince small and large businesses in Plymouth to support each other by buying local, keeping prices down and delivering the best to encourage locals to buy local. It’s a circle.

The chamber can unite and guide businesses to achieve this aim and I hope that members can support this by offering ideas and practical assistance. To back this up we need new members to join, fresh ideas and a greater cross section of individuals, companies and industry from the area’s bus- inesses.

I am now going to state the ‘bleedin’ obvious’. While the prices of everything are going up, the majority of people still have the same budget.

Avoid raising prices and treat the clients and customers the way you would want to be treated. Customers have great memories and hold grudges.

It has been a struggle, but in my own business I have managed keep prices level for the last two years and I don’t mind admitting that my takings are 35 per cent up.

It’s not all bad news. The launch of the Plymouth City Development Company is exciting, ambitious and much needed. Its aims are achievable, but only if we all get behind it.

With the determination of the chamber of commerce and the city council plus the many other interested organisations, we can promote ‘our’ Plymouth and use the history and beauty of the city and its surroundings to bring so much more to the city.

Looking forward to hearing your support and comments at: joseph@astorhotel.co.uk