WHEN starting this article I have to confess that I was rather short on ideas until I remembered that these articles are written under the caption 'Chamber Matters'.

What follows, therefore, are my reasons as to why the Chamber matters for Plymouth and why I am keen for it to prosper and for its membership to increase.

It is very much a personal view, but if you do run a business in this city and are not yet a member I hope that it may persuade you.

I became active in the Chamber while a partner in a law firm that became Serpell Eaton prior to its merger with Foot Anstey. Initially I became active as I felt it was important to build networks, promote our firm and increase the clients we had.

Having become active for that purpose I realised that as a business-owner in Plymouth it was worth my while doing something which promoted the city. In a small way I was able to contribute to city life. Even if you look at it from a purely selfish point of view, if Plymouth prospers, we prosper.

We have recently had a membership survey and by and large we are doing things right. Our networking and information events are busy. The Chamber is playing a key role in promoting high-speed broadband in the city. It works to promote Plymouth and has regular meetings with the council and MPs. The Chamber is seen as a body that contributes to the plans of Plymouth: which brings me to lobbying. In the last part of this article I am now going to engage in this.

I am delighted at the improvements undertaken around the market. I am pleased with the plans for improving the Eastern gateway to the city. When, oh, when, however, is something going to be done about Union Street? The street is an eyesore apart from some renovated buildings on the left heading to the Octagon. Proud buildings (the Palace and the Grand Theatre pub) are being left to decay. To my knowledge this subject has not been raised recently at any meetings the Chamber has with the city council.

Whatever its past, Union Street is a key route into the city centre; it deserves better treatment than it is currently getting.

There we are – that's why the Chamber matters! Please consider joining us; call 01752 220471.