Bristol Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner 2009 - courtesy of BBC Points West (6.00 pm 19 Mar 09)

The next Bristol Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner will take place on Thursday 25th March 2010. For further information on sponsorship opportunities or attendance email: events@gwebusinesswest.co.uk

The Bristol Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner 2009 was held on Thursday 19 March at the Bristol Marriott City Centre Hotel.

Three hundred guests attended.

Guest speaker, Sir Richard Needham, deputy chairman of Dyson and former minister for Northern Ireland, presented his views on what the recession means for business and the strategies we should focus on to maintain buoyancy through these difficult times. He highlighted the importance of putting the customer at the heart of your business decisions and ensuring that you have the right people in place within an organisation to do the job.

He also focused on how the UK can aim to rebalance the economy and the importance of attracting inward investment.

Members of GWE Business West Chambers of Commerce enjoyed the event; with many positive comments received on the night regarding Sir Richards speech and the opportunity to take part in the event, to network and build on existing relationships during the current climate.

The dinner was covered on BBC Points West, as part of a feature on the economy and how business is surviving despite the downturn, including interviews with a number of small business owners and a highlight on the recent new jobs created in the area with the addition of Waitrose in Clifton.

John Savage, our Chief Executive, raised a toast to the City and County of Bristol, acknowledging that Bristol has recently been named as one of the top ten cities to visit in 2009 in the world. Bristol was commended for its strong shopping offer, following the opening of Cabot Circus, and for its growing status as a green destination, after it was named the most sustainable city in Britain and selected as the only UK nominee for the title of European Green Capital.

Colin Skellett, existing President of Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Joint Chair of GWE Business West, welcomed the incoming Bristol Chamber of Commerce President, Guy Stobart from Burgess Salmon, who will due to take over the presidency in May this year.

Over £700 was raised during the night in support of the evenings nominated charities, BIBIC and The Forever Friends Appeal.

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