The new leaders at Rye and District Chamber of Commerce say they want the organisation to be a strong voice for local businesses, with better ties to neighbouring communities.
Nic Brown and Claire De Jersey-Lowney were voted in as chair and vice-chair at a meeting on Wednesday 19 August. The Chamber’s future had been in doubt for many months after the previous leadership team stepped down at the end of their three-year tenure.
“It just felt like the right thing to do,” said Nic Brown, who works for NFU Mutual. “Our business is all about community, being local and being present. So the fit was spot on really.”
He described Rye Chamber of Commerce as being more than a membership organisation. “It’s a vehicle for giving the area’s businesses a collective voice and so much more. If that had gone, it would have been a big loss.”
Although NFU Mutual is not currently based in Rye, he said the business had many customers in the area and was considering opening an office locally. “This is a really big community that we have historically had connections with. I think we’ve lost that over the last few years, so we’re looking to try and re-energise the engagement we’ve got.”
He also wants to explore closer working with Battle Chamber of Commerce, arguing there could be “safety in numbers” for businesses facing an increasingly difficult economic environment.
Claire De Jersey-Lowney started digital support firm Help is on Hand in Rye last year and sees the value the Chamber brings. “It really does play a pivotal role for a business community.”
She also backed closer collaboration with Battle. “Both Chambers could learn from each other to share what’s worked and what hasn’t.”
She paid tribute to outgoing leaders Jane Brook and Sarah Broadbent. “They have done a tremendous job. The past three years have seen a growing membership, more Chamber activities, and a sense of direction.”
Image Credits: James Stewart .