Rye businesses enjoyed a lively networking and curry night hosted by the Rye Chamber of Commerce last week.
The highlight of the evening was the guest speaker – Jens Knoop – who shared the compelling story of his brand. His hot chocolate takeaway business Knoops began in Rye ten years ago and is growing at a phenomenal rate here in the UK, with ambitious plans to take it international in 2024. Local businesses were inspired by Jens’ modest and witty talk, and there were plenty of questions.
The informal evening, held at the Brewery Yard Club, served as the spring meeting for chamber members and chair, Jane Brook and vice chair, Sarah Broadbent, updated everyone on the chamber’s work and activities over the past few months. Media engagement and the lobbying of local stakeholders have been very evident, and the results of the chamber’s quarterly survey gave an indication of those issues that continue to concern our businesses – consumer confidence being at the top of the list.
Membership of the newly revitalised chamber is growing fast, and non-members were also welcomed to the event to encourage more businesses to consider joining the network.
Overall, the message was clear: Rye Chamber has the energy and ambition to ensure the voice of business and commerce in Rye is heard but it can only do so with the engagement and support of its members.
Chair, Jane Brook said: “There is a lot of untapped potential in Rye and we are determined to explore opportunities that will benefit, promote and showcase our town’s businesses, but we would love more people to step forward to help us shape the chamber into the truly diverse and inclusive member association we aspire to be.”
The evening was rounded off with a superb curry supper generously provided by the Mahdi Lounge and the relaxed networking continued late into the evening.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .