The Rye and District Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that funding has been secured from the government and the European Regional Development Fund via Rother District Council to commission a short film to promote Rye businesses. The initiative is being driven by chamber members Jane Brook of Space Coworking and James Bloomfield of InBloom Video.
The film will encourage viewers to “Shop Local and Support Local Businesses” as part of the Chamber’s Covid recovery initiatives which include its own branding facelift which it hopes will encourage new membership for 2021.
Rye is proud of its fabulous heritage providing a unique backdrop to its great mix of independent retailers, hospitality, arts, services and festivals throughout the year. The town’s offering is genuinely different with a wide array of choices admired and appreciated by locals and visitors. Even the supermarket is independent!
Embracing Rye’s closeness to the sea one can enjoy the expansive beach at Camber and the nature reserve at Rye Harbour; whilst the hinterland offers relaxing walking trails. The citadel setting draws you in when approaching from east or west. Rail services stretch westward along the south coast and eastward to Ashford connecting with a fast link to and from London.
Given these great attributes and the enthusiasm of business owners, the chamber is confident that Rye will be offering a warm welcome and thriving once again in 2021, particularly as the days lengthen and spring approaches.
We have already seen new businesses open up in 2020. The benefit of being a small town is we can share knowledgeable referrals to customers and help support our fellow traders. As independents we truly control our own businesses, this is a great strength in challenging times.
The film will inform the viewers of the breadth and variety of all businesses both in town and surrounding area. Filming is planned over the weekend of December 12/13 to capture the festive feel of the town during the late night Christmas opening. It will also feature the amazing Covid-secure community initiative ‘A Rye Good Window Wanderland‘ organised by Arabella Ansar’s “A Rye Good Time”.
With an introduction from the town crier and both daytime and night-time drone footage, the film promises to be a brilliant showcase of what businesses in Rye and the surrounds have to offer and an example of what can be achieved by working together. It is an exciting new development for the chamber, the town and district.
The chamber is encouraging new membership and fresh blood in 2021 so that it can work on more initiatives and support more businesses. Other 2021 initiatives include the Phoenix project (Rye rises again), Rye Blooms – a floral facelift, and PIRATE – Pride in Rye and the Environment.
For more information visit the chamber’s new website and Facebook page.
Image Credits: Samara Jayne Martin BA , Rye Chamber of Commerce .