Good news is always welcome and I’ve just reported on a very positive year to the AGM of Caerphilly Business Forum.
There are always challenges in running a member-based, independent, voluntary organisation like CBF and one of our priorities has been to adapt to the changing environment to remain fit for purpose.
With this in mind, we’ve set up sub groups to focus on events, the forum’s profile and finance, as well as an executive group to co-ordinate updates. We appointed a marketing and events officer to steer our day-to-day activities. And we’ve strengthened our working relationships with key stakeholders, such as Caerphilly County Borough Council, and further raised our profile through the media.
All these things have undoubtedly put us into good shape and I’d like to thank the board members for enabling this to happen.
The highlight of the year was undoubtedly the 10th annual Caerphilly Business Forum Awards last November which were the biggest event we’ve held and fitting for a significant anniversary. Around 230 people attended the evening held in association with Coleg Gwent to celebrate local businesses’ achievements.
Reassuringly, our many sponsors showed their appetite for the event had not dwindled and our thanks should once more go to Broomfield Alexander, Seda Packaging, Specialist Precast Products, Caerphilly County Borough Council, PHS, Glenside Commercial, UES Energy, Business in Focus and Norgine.
Other notable events included CCBC Chief Executive Anthony O’Sullivan speaking to members in October which led to a very successful the “Meet the buyer” event with other stakeholders, focused on the Morrisons development at Bargoed. And CBF and The Caerffili Cwm a Mynydd Rural Development Plan (RDP) launched a partnership and rolled out the Community Pop-Up Restaurant to increase awareness of quality local food enterprises and their produce.
Going forward, we are recruiting an apprentice to support our marketing and events officer, we’re planning a new membership drive and considering a new base in Tredomen.
Now, after two very pleasurable years in the role, it’s time for me to hand over the chair to someone else. So at the next board meeting, when the new board is due to be elected, I plan to step down.
Continuity is vital, so I plan to serve on the board and to help the smooth transition to the new chair. A new chapter will begin and I can promise whoever our next chairperson is, a very rewarding experience.
Andrew Diplock
Chairman, Caerphilly Business Forum
For more information about Caerphilly Business Forum and its events call 029 2125 1395 or email Natalie@cbforum.co.uk