Bexhill Chamber of Commerce discusses coronavirus crisis in first conference via Zoom

By using the Zoom video conferencing system the chamber brought together a panel of guests from their locked down locations that included MP Huw Merriman, Stewart Drew, CEO of the De La Warr Pavilion, Christina Ewbank, chairman of the Alliance of Chambers of East Sussex (ACES), Malcolm Johnston, co-chief executive of Rother District Council, and Howard Martin, as president of Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

Mr Martin said: “This is the first time our chamber has tried anything like this so this was really a test event to establish an effective format for future conferences and meetings.

“We took advice from those who have chaired many of these online events about tech support and best format and decided that the best way was to initially limit the number of attendees.

“We accept that in this first instance some people felt left out but like all our live events we will do our best to include as many people as possible in future.”

A group of 14 attendees from a wide spectrum of businesses in the area were able to talk to, and raise issues with, the panel for about an hour.

This was as a follow-up to research that has been undertaken by the Chamber of Commerce talking to many businesses, self-employed people, charities and other stakeholders.

The key issues discussed included the complexity and inflexibility of the staff furloughing scheme, problems businesses having with banks and accessing loans, many small businesses being excluded from the Government rescue packages due to their limited company structures, concerns about availability of PPE and the feeling of neglect in the non-NHS care sector.

Mr Martin said: “There is a lot of hard work going on during this crisis by many groups and organisations enduring very difficult circumstances.

“However there is also the prospect that in the medium-term, towns like Bexhill have an opportunity build, prosper and benefit from the ‘New Normal’.

“We can look to our heritage and rediscover the excitement and innovation that made us the birthplace of British motor racing, the home of the inventor of television, John (Logie) Baird and the builders of the iconic De La Warr Pavilion.

“As we expect and prepare for people to travel less and work from home more we can rediscover the sense of leadership and vision that will allow new and innovative businesses to flourish.”

People who own or have an executive position in a business, company however large or small or are a sole trader are welcome to join Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, whatever business sector they are in or whereever their business is based.

For more information contact Mr Martin at [email protected].

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