The work of local businesses was the subject of two important meetings on Tuesday, April 1. A government minister toured Rye High Street and met local business owners, and Rye Chamber of Commerce discussed future plans in the town with local and national civil servants.
Small business minister Gareth Thomas MP joined Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore on a visit taking in shops and businesses in the town centre. This was followed by a round table discussion at the Mermaid Inn with more Rye businesses.
Business rates, national insurance rises and VAT were part of the discussions, along with shoplifting and the burden of regulation.
Earlier in the afternoon Rye Chamber met with representatives from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Bexhill Town Board and Rother District Council. The meeting at the Mermaid Inn was an opportunity for the chamber to provide an update on its two levelling up projects – the Business Improvement District (BID) development and the AI tourism guide – as well as share some insights and best practice on working with stakeholders.
Jane Brook, chair of Rye Chamber said it was a very positive meeting. “We
passionately believe the two levelling up projects have huge potential for Rye. To
have our peers and colleagues champion our work and look to us for peer learning
was a much-appreciated show of support.”
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Jane Brook .