Chamber Priorities

The Chamber has identified five key strategic priorities and these are outlined below. For more information about these priorities please refer to the Chamber Business Plan 2010 – 2013. This Business Plan outlines the background to these priorities in more detail below and strategies to address these priorities can be found in table 1 on page 5.

Advise and support local business and industry

One of the key roles of the Chamber in the eyes of the business community is for the provision of advice and support. The scope of this is fairly broad.  The community see a clear role for the Chamber in providing business intelligence to current and prospective businesses and also in promoting what we have to offer through collective marketing opportunities and ‘shop local’ campaigns. The opportunity to network and communicate is also seen as a key function of the Chamber.

Provide leadership and advocacy for local business and industry

Another primary role of the Chamber is that of providing a voice for local business at a local and regional level. The role that the Chamber plays in sitting on local committees and groups is clearly valued and seen as a major benefit of membership. Clearer and more effective lines of communication between the Chamber, members and the wider business community will result in more effective representation and advocacy and will ultimately result in shaping the public perception of the Chamber as a credible partner as well as allowing the Chamber to more effectively monitor and relay issues of importance to local businesses.

Develop a culture of Excellence 

The facilitation of training and development opportunities relevant to groups, individuals or industry sectors is an area of potential growth for the Chamber along with the provision of business coaching and mentoring to improve business operations and management.

Chamber Responsibility

Good business practice should be recognised and the Chamber plays a role in not only rewarding excellence but also in assisting businesses to take their operations to the next level of service, innovation and management.

Market and communicate

Communication is key to the success or failure of any organisation. Getting the right information to the right people at the right time is a crucial role for the Chamber.Ensure Chamber responsibilityBeing a professional organisation with solid administrative processes goes hand in hand with success and will be essential to the Chamber during this time of change and growth. Ensuring that all members and Executive Committee members have a clear idea about roles and responsibilities and policies and procedures will ensure that the Chamber runs smoothly and is able to minimise the administrative burden to ensure maximum benefit to members and the wider community.