The second Rye Area Business Forum took place on Thursday April 20 for a group of enthusiastic local business owners.
Hosted by The George in Rye and kindly sponsored by Heringtons Solicitors, guests heard from Michael Salmon the team director for the southeast at the Department for International Trade and from Frances Clifford of FES Enterprises – social media & marketing for the cottage industry – on social media.
Michael updated the gathering on how the government department can help businesses in many ways to trade overseas and gave advice on working with different countries, their cultures and ways of doing business. Frances gave a lively presentation on just how important social media is as a business tool and how we can all help ourselves do more through Facebook and Twitter. Guests left with lots of information about how to boost business. They also enjoyed the hospitality of The George and Heringtons after the formal part of the meeting and were able to network in the beautiful Benson Room.
The next Rye Area Business Forum will be on Thursday June 22, venue to be confirmed. On the subject of trains and automobiles, Stuart Harland will give an update on HS2 train plans and how they could affect business, and officers from East Sussex Council will speak about parking in Rye and options that are being considered – this is a great opportunity for both speakers to hear the voice of businesses on the subject.
Whether you are a sole trader or a large company, businesses in and around Rye are welcome to join the group, which meets once every two months, freely, in venues in and around town. If you would like to host a meeting, take part as a speaker, sponsor a meeting, or assist in any way, please do get in touch with ryeareabusinessforum@gmail.com Please also join the Facebook group on @ryeareabusinessforum so that businesses can help each other with information on what they are doing.
Photo: Rebekah Gilbert