THE HEAD of Wotton-under-Edge Chamber of Trade and Commerce is urging every business in the town to become a member.

The trade group was reformed in 2005 after a gap of five years and is now working

hard to build its membership once more to previous levels when it had over 100 members.

Covering the entire range of local businesses from sole traders to public limited companies, it acts as a voice for local commerce in partnership with other organisations to promote and develop business in Wotton and the surrounding area.

The group also provides support and an opportunity for members to meet and exchange ideas through a busy programme of social events and talks by influential local and national guest speakers.

Any concerns from members can be precisely targeted thanks to the chamber’s close relationships with key local organisations, local government, statutory bodies and other decision makers to provide a real influence on local policies.

Recently re-elected president Alex Wilkinson, 58,said they were campaigning for the health of the town’s business community and was constantly looking at new ideas to bring more people into the town.

“The more members we have the stronger we will be and the more say we will have in the town’s future,” he said.

Mr Wilkinson, who runs a property and mortgage business, admitted that not all things decided in the group would please everybody.

“But there are some things which provide a common benefit, such as Wotton In Bloom and our revised website which we hope will be seen by potential visitors,” he added.

“I am now actively involved in looking at available funding to help promote tourism and regeneration in our market town.”

With the group’s website is undergoing a face lift, discussions are being held about the possibility of holding a street market on a regular basis.