Banbury Chamber looks to the future

Representatives from over 80 businesses and community groups attended Banbury town hall last week to hear guest speakers, take part in a panel Q&A session and network during the Banbury & District Chamber of Commerce's live event; Preparing Banbury for the Future.
Paul Jarvis wins the Unsung Hero AwardPaul Jarvis wins the Unsung Hero Award
Paul Jarvis wins the Unsung Hero Award

Neil Wild, chair of the Banbury & District Chamber said: "It was a popular event with lots of information to digest. There are many positive initiates taking place and in store for Banbury

and our BCOC Live event has always been a useful place to hear about such things.

"Banbury’s strategic location continues to be a catalyst for business growth and it was fascinating to hear how Kärcher came to base its UK headquarters here.”

BCOC Live 2019BCOC Live 2019
BCOC Live 2019

Special mention this year was made of the diversity of the town’s independent retailers, as well as the developing historical and cultural offering from the Mill, Banbury Museum and

Tooley’s Boatyard.

The audience also heard about Lock 29, which will open in the spring inside Castle Quay and will house food and drink artisans, a pop-up cinema and a community space.

Headline speakers included Simon Keeping, managing director, Kärcher UK Ltd, Debra Hunt, owner of Parson's Street's Doodledash Interiors and Dan Ludlow, owner of Nothing but Footprints in Castle Quay.

The two business owners explained how they are gearing up to meet changing customer buying behaviours. They also talked about the trends they have identified and how they will affect the future of Banbury’s retail sector and the town centre as a place for commerce.

Neil added: “As a Chamber we have identified three critical aspects from the event. We are looking to follow these up in partnership with business leaders, the council and other organisations over the coming months.”

They include:

1. Publicly recognising the good things that Banbury already has to offer and sharing the responsibility of being positive about the town, so we can continue to make the town more attractive to locals, businesses and visitors.

2. Helping to reduce businesses’ environmental impact.

3. Working with educational providers to encourage the engagement of young people.

A new special award was introduced for this year’s event, the Banbury Chamber Unsung Hero Award which was won by Paul Jarvis for his work in support of the Horton Hospital.

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