LoginA packed audience heard from Amber Rudd who returned to the Chamber almost a year after her pre-election visit in 2015.
Members were given a highly informative and wide ranging
presentation covering her new Ministerial duties, as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, key local issues and wider national and global challenges.
On the local front she spoke about the need for skills development and retention of Higher Education in Hastings, as well as her ongoing work on roads, including A21 improvements plus the potential of dual power solutions as an alternative to full electrification of the Hastings to Ashford line.
Sean Dennis, Chamber Director said “it was interesting to her Amber’s views on the global stage and how this is relevant at a local level. China’s slow down, the fall in sterling and the forthcoming EU referendum are all creating uncertainty for businesses’’.
We also heard from Darran Penfold and Sally Beresford, from St Michaels Hospice, who provided an update on building work following last year’s tragic fire. They also launched a Summer Social they are holding in partnership with the Chamber on 9th June.
Members and their guests will be treated to a Hog Roast and complimentary drink; will hear from the Hospice Chair on the redevelopment plans, have a chance to see the work already completed, as well as have plenty of fun events to help raise funding toward their £1 million Phoenix Appeal.
The next Chamber meeting will be held on 27th May at the Hastings Centre, when we will hold an EU Debate between Amber Rudd MP, for the ‘Stay In’ campaign, and Roger Helmer MEP and UKIP representative for ‘Vote Leave’. The meeting is sure to be lively and extremely well attended so please book early.
For full details on our future meetings and activities please refer to the events section on the Chamber website www.hastingschamber.co.uk.