In his regular blog for Caerphilly Observer, Andrew Diplock, chair of Caerphilly Business Forum, looks at how the collective voice of a grassroots organisation is often stronger.
Sometimes people feel helpless when it comes to the bigger issues affecting them. What can they do about it? And why should they bother when nobody will make a decision based on what they think?
But by coming together to form a collective voice we can influence decision-makers. That’s one of the roles of Caerphilly Business Forum and current events demonstrate how well that works.
First, in the run-up to the referendum on more legislative powers for Wales, the CBF spoke out on behalf of local businesses and our voice was widely heard through the mainstream media.
Then, looking ahead to the Welsh Assembly elections on May 5, CBF is setting up a “Question Time” style debate with candidates from the main parties answering questions from local business people.
Of course, it’s much more than a question and answer session. It is our chance to make it quite clear to our would-be leaders what matters to us. Details of the event will be announced shortly.
But it’s not just these bigger issues that we address. As a grassroots organisation our members constantly raise grassroots issues. A great example of this was the New Year, New Start event held last month in Ystrad Mynach which began with a conversation on our LinkedIn pages about how we could help start-up businesses.
It ended with us filling the Atrium at the Business and Technology Centre in Tredomen, with companies offering services and advice to new businesses and to each other. It was a very successful networking event and the buzz in the Atrium was fantastic.
On behalf of the CBF, thanks to everyone who contributed to this. The feedback from members has been very positive, with many picking up new business.
It shows that from grassroots to the grand plan, together we can make a difference.
Andrew Diplock
Chairman, Caerphilly Business Forum
For more information about Caerphilly Business Forum and its events call 029 2125 1395 or email leah@cbforum.co.uk