On 4 November, the Frome Business Breakfast was joined by David Warburton MP. Held at The Standerwick Suite at Frome Market, the event attracted over 40 representatives from local businesses.
David gave a fascinating speech dealing with a wide range of business-related topics. On broadband he said that the whole of Somerset is due to have access to superfast broadband by 2020 and 4G mobile communications will be available across 90% of Somerset next year. He urged those whose internet download speed is no more than 2 megabits per second to take advantage of the £500 voucher available from Connecting Devon & Somerset. On rail services, he recognised the need for improvements and said that he is meeting regularly with South West Trains and GWR to make the case.
On Brexit, David referred to a recent business survey conducted by the Federation of Small Businesses which he said showed a lot of resilience following the Referendum. Of those surveyed, 55% expected to see growth in the next 12 months.
Following the speech, David answered questions from the audience. Amongst the issues raised were rising costs due to the fall in sterling and the relatively high costs associated with operating in a rural area. In response, David highlighted that he is a member of a national Rural Fair Share Group that is looking at tax allowances and how a more level playing field can be created for rural businesses.
Jointly organised by Frome & District Chamber of Commerce and Frome Town Council, the Frome Business Breakfast sessions take place every month. With themes ranging from business strategy to social media and economic development, they have become increasingly popular and are attracting sell out audiences at each event.
The next Frome Business Breakfast will take place on Tuesday 6 December at Frome Town Football Club. The breakfast will feature a talk on the role of business sponsorship and crowdfunding by Gary Collinson, the Football and Operations Director at Frome F.C. The new Frome Town Council Crowdfunding project will also be outlined at the Breakfast by Meki Nattero, who is currently representing the council.
For more information on the Frome Business Breakfast events contact Charlie Orr on 07702167184 or email orrc@frometowncouncil.gov.uk.
