BUSINESS matters were on the agenda when Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon, addressed members of Crediton Chamber of Commerce at Crediton Congregational Church.

He spoke about the economy and said it was good news that the UK now has the fastest growing economy in the Western World.

He also commented on the low level of unemployment in Central Devon and said that 36 per cent of the small businesses in his constituency were agriculture based or dependent upon them whereas six to seven per cent were retail and most businesses employed less than 10 people.

He commented on the importance of businesses in communities, not only for their creation of jobs and contribution to the economy.

From his own perspective he explained that he started, with a friend, his own company 30 years ago and then grew another in the United States of America.

He discussed taxation and employment law and then answered questions from the audience, which included a good cross section of members and businesses present, from the largest employers, the agricultural sector, Queen Elizabeth's, professional practices, High Street shops and industrial estate companies.

Also present was the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Frank Letch and town councillor Richard Adams, who runs High Street business, Adams Home Hardware.

A range of issues were raised, from local government finance and the negative effects of reductions in public services on young people to government bureaucratic difficulties for exporters.

The meeting was chaired by Dimitri Coryton, co-chairman, Crediton Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to the meeting festive refreshments were enjoyed and there was an opportunity to discuss matters with Mr Stride informally.

Mr Stride was thanked for an informative talk before he left for another appointment.

Immediately followed an extraordinary general meeting of the Chamber of Commerce.

There were 17 people present representing 12 local businesses making the meeting quorate. The AGM in September saw so few Chamber members attend that it was not able to hold elections as it was inquorate.

Apologies had been sent by Chris Nicholl of Charlesworth Nicholl, co-chairman of Chamber, who was ill, Simon Lee of Lee's Outfitters, Sarah Green of Brighter Working and Richard Billson of Mole Avon.

The chairmen's report and the accounts of Chamber and CAMM (Crediton Area Marketing and Management) had been circulated before the AGM and discussed at some length at that meeting.

A motion was passed to change the rules of the Chamber of Commerce concerning its annual membership fee. The motion was: That the present membership fee of £40 plus VAT be replaced by a two-tier fee. For small companies, defined as those with fewer than 20 staff in Crediton and the surrounding area, the membership fee shall be £20. For large companies, with 20 or more staff in Crediton and its surrounding area, the annual fee shall be £80.

It was explained that the annual fee of £40 plus VAT (£48 in total) was a disincentive for small businesses and a number of local companies, especially the smaller shops in the High Street, were finding the trading environment challenging and the size of the membership fee was causing some long standing members not to renew their membership and potential new members were being put off. Even some who had renewed their membership had seriously considered not doing so.

The motion to approve the rule change was approved unanimously.

Chris Nicholl was elected chairman and Sue Williams as treasurer.

The election of Chris Nicholl marked the end of the term of office of Mr Coryton as co-chairman after a period of five years.

He said he will remain involved, supporting the officers in whatever way is helpful, until his semi-retirement next year when he and his wife will be moving abroad to a warmer climate.

Mr Coryton presented the annual report of the co-chairmen (Chris Nicholl and Demitri Coryton) which had been circulated before the annual general meeting in September, when it had been discussed at some length.

David Pike (managing director of Graphic Plc) asked about the provision of CCTV on the industrial estate.

Mr Coryton replied that he had been trying to discuss this with Mid Devon District Council but had not yet received a reply.

He explained that while the council would probably not contribute financially, if the Chamber used the same contractor as previously it might get a better deal. After a brief discussion Mr Coryton moved the adoption of the report. The report was unanimously agreed and adopted.

Mr Coryton explained that there were two sets of accounts to be put before the meeting, one being that of the Chamber itself and one that of CAMM. Both had been tabled by the Treasurer at the AGM and discussed there. The chairman briefly explained why there were separate accounts for Chamber and for CAMM and the relationship between the two organisations.

A motion to approve and adopt the Chamber of Commerce Accounts for 20012/13 and 2013/14 was moved by Demitri Coryton and agreed unanimously.

A motion to approve and adopt the CAMM Accounts for 2012/13 and 2013/14 was moved by Demitri Coryton and agreed unanimously.

Alan Quick