March 2002 Meeting - New business initiative explained to AWIBC

A spirited discussion took place after members of the Andover Women in Business Club learned about Andover's exciting new initiative to boost the town's trade and self-esteem. The meeting, held at the Red Lion, Clanville on 5 March, attracted over 40 members from a wide range of businesses in the area.

The new initiative, known as Andover Business Leaders, has been formed by a group of local business people, namely Mark Lello of the Mutual Business Group, Josephine Malcolm, of the Andover Chamber of Commerce, David Hearnshaw and John Cooper of Andover Rotary and Brenda Locke, President of Andover Women in Business Club.

Each of the speakers gave an insight into the work done by their individual local organisations, all being able to contribute something to help make the new group successful, whether it be community or business related.

Despite nearly failing to get off the ground, Andover Business Leaders is forging ahead. Problems were initially encountered with concerns from the individual groups that there might be perceived competition or overlap of services. These concerns have been overcome with a better understanding of the role of the new group: the groups involved will, in fact, compliment each other - all sharing 'Andover' as their common cause. In addition to the problems launching the new group, the practical side of getting Andover's business leaders together became a problematic one - business leaders are busy people!

But despite the setbacks, Andover Business Leaders is gathering momentum and a wider audience. Andover suffers from a poor image projected to outsiders, partially generated by low self-esteem amongst its inhabitants. Andover Business Leaders believes that Andover has a considerable amount to offer and needs to improve its profile to trade from outside the area, a view seconded by members attending the meeting.

The aims of the new group include encouraging the development of theatres, restaurants and nightlife in the town to encourage visitors to extend their stay. Regular late night shopping is already being proposed through Andover Chamber of Commerce. A proposed Trade Fair by the Mutual Business Group on 25 April is being seen as one of the first stages in putting the town firmly back on the industrial and commercial map.

Other aims include more involvement from the press and actively promoting Andover with positive messages given in the media. Clubs should work together to promote one another, perhaps working alongside to organise an annual Ball or other major event in the area.

It has also been proposed that an award for Business Woman/Man of the Year could be initiated, to raise the town's profile within and outside the area.

The informative meeting, which produced considerable comment, was extremely positive; leaving no doubt that Andover's business community must make the effort to promote our town. Through AWIBC's meetings and Newsletter, at least eighty more people are aware of the work of the new Business Leaders Group. A very positive beginning.