Whilst Wantage has had a Chamber of Commerce for many years, a new committee was appointed in 2023 to strengthen the Chamber and make it agile for members and their businesses in a challenging modern economy. The more local businesses who join the Chamber, the more that the town can achieve to attract shoppers, visitors and investment into the town and local area. Whether you are a retailer, an on-line business, a consultancy, a sports club or even a school, for just a £10 per month membership fee, you will ensure that you are networking with people who all have a common goal of ensuring that local companies grow and prosper. Under the branding ‘Love Wantage’ as more members get involved, the greater the overall achievements will be not only for your business but the town and local economy.
James Goodman is Chair of the Wantage Chamber of Commerce, and he tells us more: “The town’s Chamber of Commerce has a powerful voice, and we are working towards helping members access a range of opportunities from local and national government including levelling up funding. This could help members to improve their shop fronts and overall ensure that Wantage is a town that is fit for purpose and a place that attracts investment and welcomes visitors to enjoy the facilities we have on offer. By working to support local businesses, the Chamber will help grow footfall in the town. We also are working to promote Wantage town centre within the South Oxfordshire community as a vibrant and dynamic retail, dining and entertainment destination. We will act as a business catalyst, lobbying your views to local and district councils, trade organisations and other government bodies, hold them to account and initiate changes to add value to your business.”
Membership of the local Chamber of Commerce offers businesses access not only to networking opportunities but also the opportunity to learn from other traders. For example, some people struggle to cope with promoting their business on social media and are not up to speed yet with the digital age. The Chamber invites guest speakers from local businesses to share their successes and provide an insight into how other businesses can learn from those who have had to overcome the challenges of running a business in 2024.
Your annual membership fee will offer you:
- Enhanced business profile and listing on Love Wantage website.
- Invitation to join free Educational Business Briefings throughout the year.
- Participation in all Chamber digital and social marketing campaigns.
- Attendance at various social and business networking events scheduled throughout the year.
- An opportunity to Connect and Collaborate with fellow Chamber members to grow your business.
- Customers perceive that companies who are members of local Chambers of Commerce offer quality products and services and they are more likely to do business with you.
- The Wantage Chamber of Commerce is committed to fostering sustainable practices, promoting social responsibility and prioritising good governance.
- The Wantage Chamber of Commerce’s purpose is to be your voice, uniting businesses, driving growth and empowering the Wantage community to thrive as a leading destination for commerce, innovation and prosperity.
Membership meetings are held in and around Wantage every 2nd Tuesday of each month. Meetings are lively and varied, giving members the opportunity to network and keep up to date with initiatives in the local community. Members can check the minutes to confirm the exact details for location and start time of the meetings.
As the benefits of membership outweigh the annual cost, to take the next step simply visit lovewantage.uk/join-wantage-chamber-of-commerce and complete the online registration form.
Can you as a local business, afford NOT to become a member?
