Brentwood Chamber of Commerce held its 2010 Annual members Meeting on 20th May at Shenfield High School, hosted by Head Teacher John Fairhurst.  It turned out to be a well-attended and interesting event.



Head Teacher John Fairhurst offered a warm welcome to Shenfield High School's new iCentre (a high-tech facility which is also used for teacher training).  He gave an update on how the historic merger between Shenfield High School and Sawyers Hall College is progressing, mentioning one of the benefits as being the opportunity to offer vocational study programmes and community-based learning, alongside core traditional education.



We were delighted that newly appointed Cabinet Minister Eric Pickles MP, was able to take time out of his busy schedule to attend our Annual Meeting, thus tangibly demonstrating his support for local business.  He said how much he is in favour of the merger between the two schools, to create a new centre of educational excellence.  He also said that this is very much in line with the new Government's thinking.  It was also interesting for Chamber members to hear his statement that the strategy for devolving more central government powers to local level could involve Chambers of Commerce such as Brentwood.  More details will emerge in due course.



Chairman Roger Kelsey and Executive Secretary Mike Hawkins gave presentations on the work of Chamber over the previous year, a period of severe economic downturn nationally and town-centre disruptions locally, as the high street was refurbished.  Chamber has continued to add new members, many of them attracted by the dynamic networking programme, the professional support service provided at very low cost to members and the attractive communications programme - including monthly newsletters, annual magazine and the website.



During 2010 Chamber also played its part in the fight against crime through the operation of Town Link Radio, a Police-backed scheme which enables high street retailers to alert each other about the operation of shop lifting gangs and disruptive anti-social behaviour.



Executive Secretary Mike Hawkins said "This year's Annual members Meeting, graciously hosted by Shenfield High School, proved a great success.  We are fortunate to have a growing number of members who are enthusiastic, supportive of Chamber and are determined to beat the recession - to make Brentwood one of the most prosperous and pleasant places in which to live and work".



We would like to thank all the members who came along as well as our guests, who included Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Cllr Louise McKinlay, Leader of Brentwood Council, Deputy Mayor Cllr Joan Holmes, Jacqui Robins, Executive Director (Resources) of Brentwood Council and Ian Hatton of Banking on Essex.