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
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
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11 comments:
I was a member of the Plymouth Chamber for 4 years (I run 2 businesses in Plymouth) and I must say I do not think I benefitted in any way from paying the membership, apart from the odd email asking me to book a training course!. My impression is that it is very elitist and only a handful of business people are "invited to the party". It is a great idea Joseph to try to get local businesses to support each other and I applaud your efforts. I will watch with interest your efforts of taking the Plymouth Chamber from an invite only gentlemans club to an open and welcoming society that will benefit each and every member. Good luck!
Joeseph it is good to see you in the local press again succeeding again. i believe that we need is to keep our heads up and instead of worrying about what might happen do something about it.
Hi Joseph,
As you know I am a firm believer in the old saying that 'you only get out what you put in' and this can so easily be put into the context of the Plymouth Business Community. The commercial fortunes of the city of Plymouth can only be enhanced if businesses work together. The Plymouth Chamber of Commerce has been seen by some in the past to not offer their members very much in return for their annual membership except the offer of courses like exporting / importing or better time management for which there is an additional charge! If Plymouth's commercial fortunes are to flourish then there needs to be more resource thrown at bringing businesses toogether and establish ways to work closer together. Joseph, I am delighted that you are now on the board of the Chamber and will help in any way that I can. Best wishes to you for the future and i am looking forward to supporting you in making Plymouth stronger!
Hi Joseph
Congratulations on your your post as a director of the Chamber of Commerce.
I agree with your comments that businesses should support each other, keeping prices down for the consumer and delivering the best possible service/produce to encourage locals to favour local produce and buy locally.
I wish you every success with your directorship and what you are trying to achieve.
As you know my partner and I raise money for charity and we rely on local businesses to support us wherever possible.
Kind regards
Linda Marsh
Events Manager to Stuart Morrissey
(aka Madrider1961)
website: www.madrider1961.co.uk
Jospeph you have helped me and my business so much.
I have a local IT firm that in the current climate has been suffering, almost to a standstill. With Josephs consistent optimism and positivity he has inspired and help me concentrate on what’s important – “Genuine Service & Good Value”. Joseph’s right don’t dwell on what’s gone wrong but try to look at ways to improve and learn from errors. Now we must support our local businesses but more importantly local businesses must provide the best service and the best value to their customers this will help keep money in Plymouth. I have been cutting my prices and giving more time and effort to all my customers. So time will tell if it will work, what I can say is my customers love it and that can’t be bad. Right?
Steve ezy-pc
Congratulations Joseph, I believe it is a great appointment for the Chamber and also for the Plymouth business community.
SBJ UK Insurance are proud to be Patrons of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and we are glad to have a Director with such enthusiasm to take the chamber onto new and better things.
All the best
Steve
steve.aspinall@sbjuk.com
Joseph
It is great to see that you are driving intiatives for local businesses to succeed by everyone pulling together in a united front for mutual local gain. My company, SoftBrands, is a supplier of software to hotels and guest houses to help them gain a competetive edge and drive bookings and growth. I do question whether or not in certain circumstances, Plymouth businesses can look further afield. My question to you is what about those businesses outside of the local area that can supply a product that is more competitively priced and deliver tangible benefits to the customer in terms of revenue opportunites?
May we take this opportunity in congratulating you in your new post as Director of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, we wish you the very best of luck in this new venture.
Your aim to bring Plymouth Businesses closer together will be a challenge, but one which will also be very rewarding.
As discussed, Alliance Local (Plymouth) is a regional depot that will deliver choice, value and outstanding service to independent local businesses ie: hotels, pubs, restaurants and industry in the area. We employ local people and work with local companies wherever possible. We pride ourselves on being both innovative and competitive as well as putting customers at the forefront of our business.
Our commitment to our customers, like you, is based on strong values and a determination to provide the very best in everything we do.
Once again congratulations, we look forward to working with you in the future.
I am very impress with joseph comment about credit crunch ,i think we all have to be positive and optimist like him to beat the credit crunch.
good to see his business is successful.
good luck
Having recently attended my first Plymouth Chamber of Commerce event 10/12/08, admittedly with a slight inbuilt scepticism, given that my background is venture capital.
I ended the evening feeling quietly refreshed with the positive, passionate business attitude shown during the event, as a rule of thumb anything outside of my own business network is a watch, listen, learn and glean process.
Will I be at the next event?
You bet your bottom dollar/euro/pound/yen/renminbi....
This is a very much thought led group whose aim is......well, find out for yourself, you will be glad you did.
Joseph - congratulations to you in your new post as Director of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, I wish you the very best of luck in this new venture.
Your aim to bring Plymouth Businesses closer together will be a challenge, but one which will also be very rewarding.
It was great to meet with you Having recently attended my first Plymouth Chamber of Commerce event 10/12/08, I ended the evening feeling very positive, to share in the passionate business attitudes shown during the event.
As you know I am starting my own new venture having been invited to join Positive Solutions - one of the largest IFA networks in the uk. As an Independent Financial Adviser I look forward to helping you or any of your staff or customers plan their financial new year and share some Self Defence tips to avoid being hit by the Credit Crunch. Darren Critten 07980709505
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