After almost a century representing local businesses, Rye & District Chamber of Commerce will close unless a new leadership team steps forward.
Its future will be decided at an extraordinary general meeting on 19 August. The Chamber represents over a hundred local businesses and in its most recent form has been in operation for more than 26 years. Prior to that it dates back to the 1940s and earlier still as the Board of Trade.
Jane Brook and Sarah Broadbent stepped down as chair and vice chair of Rye Chamber at its AGM in February, having served the maximum three consecutive years in officer roles allowed by its constitution. A small number of ‘councillors’ were elected but none wanted to take on an officer role. Both Jane and Sarah remain directors of the Chamber’s company, but at that meeting they made it clear without new leaders coming forward within six months there would be little choice but to consider winding up the company.
That deadline is now approaching.
“The Chamber of Commerce name might seem old fashioned to some,” said Sarah Broadbent. “But in recent years the town’s chamber has been vigorous in its advocacy for businesses, holding local government to account and lobbying our MP for better representation for small businesses.”
She feels very strongly Rye is about to lose a prominent voice for local firms and the town itself. “As was confirmed just two weeks ago, by March 2028 Rother District Council will cease to exist, and at that point Rye will be the furthest outpost of the new East Sussex unitary council. I find it difficult to believe the economic and business needs of Rye will be heard when we are in effect run from Lewes.”
Being fully incorporated and formally constituted, Rye Chamber also has the capacity to be able to apply for and accept public funding, something it says many independent chambers and informal local groups are not able to do.
Membership has also provided local businesses with the much valued free cardboard recycling service. This will also cease if the Chamber closes.
“The Chamber can evolve into something different under a new leadership,” said Sarah Broadbent. “There is no requirement for it to continue in the same form. Members can decide to alter the constitution if they wish. We hope that people will recognise there is an opportunity here to create something new and to ensure the business voice of Rye is not lost altogether.”
Members have one week to put forward nominations for Chamber councillors to take on officer roles which will be elected at the EGM. New directors will also be needed.
If no-one steps forward to lead Rye Chamber, it seems likely it will cease to exist in August.
Image Credits: James Stewart , Rye Chamber of Commerce , Countrywide/ABC .