Summer News
We hope you are enjoying this varied summer climate and the quiet local roads during the school holidays.
We have had a busy year and hope that you have been able to attend some, if not all, of our events.
We were royally entertained by Urban Villa who invited us to stay in their new hotel for a night and treated us to a whisky and tequila tasting session.
Novotel invited us to lunch and supper for pre Bees match pizzas or pasta on several occasions.
Fullers hosted our AGM at the Hock Cellar where we were treated to delicious food and glorious beers.
The Dragons rose again from the flames and we invited young entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas in front of some of Brentford’s finest business gurus. After two semi-finals and a final the winners won a cash prize and a mentor to help them develop their full potential and of course, a dragon to keep.
All the finalists had the opportunity of expert presentation training from Deborah Hall. We thank Deborah, the Dragons and Councillor Corinna Smart, who was Mayor of Hounslow at the time, for all their help and support. Thanks also go to Brentford School for Girls for hosting the semi finals, and UWL for the final.
We attended the launch of Brentford’s only charity shop, Age UK Hounslow.
We were invited to Sami’s Spice for a birthday Sunday lunch. They celebrate three years of supplying us all with wonderful Indian cuisine.
We hosted 2 hustings at St Paul’s Church, Brentford: one for the election of our new MP Ruth Cadbury and the other that resulted in Chamber member Guy Lambert being elected Brentford ward councillor to replace Ruth.
We enjoyed Cream Tea and Pimms as guests of Spark! in the glorious surroundings of the Great Conservatory in Syon Park.
We have put members in the ‘Spotlight’ every month at the Novotel. We had some wonderful presenters showcasing their business.
We assisted Brentford School for Girls launch their Car Boot sale.
We have been supporting Save Our Rec group to stop the appropriation of Brent Lea Recreation ground for purposes other than recreation and leisure.
We are very excited about some new events for this year.
The Great Brentford Bake Off will be open to all and hosted by various hotels and restaurants culminating in a big Bake Off event.
The Bonkers Brentford Fashion Show will involve clothes from Age UK Hounslow and local models to be announced.. Make up, hair, props and lighting will be done by students from West Thames College. In aid of Age UK Hounslow.
Spotlight events every month. If you would like to put yourself in the spotlight please get in touch.
Car Boot Sales at Brentford School for Girls
Plus many other events yet to be decided.
Thank you for continuing your membership of Brentford Chamber of Commerce. If you’re not yet a member please do join us.
Our aim is to support local business, challenge unwelcome decisions, champion good ideas, introduce business to business and help make Brentford a great place to work and live.
Suzie Betlem, our president, works incredibly hard behind the scenes, helping business in so many ways. Supporting businesses, challenging the council and developers, organising and attending meetings, introducing and linking businesses together and a myriad of other things that make her rise at 5.30 every morning in order to fit it all in as well as run her own business.
I hope we see you at one of our future events.
Happy holidays
Joanna Russell
Vice President