January's meeting - with MP Helena Dollimore and HBC Leader Julia Hilton

As the new Government approaches its first 6 months in office, we are delighted to welcome MP Helena Dollimore, to the Chamber, this time as MP for Hastings and Rye, to discuss what she has been doing since taking up office and what Labour’s plans mean for the business community.

The new Government are now well and truly in the hot seat and working on their plans with a promise of an ambitious programme to kickstart economic growth by reforming Britain’s economy and bringing about a decade of renewal.

Following the recent Budget many from the business world are yet to be convinced about their plans with significant concerns from many employers over the impact on investment, reduced new job creation and salary rises.

Locally, there has been encouraging news with the Labour Party confirming the previous administration’s long term plan (an endowment fund of up to £20m for Hastings) will continue.  Although revised guidelines are awaited there are indications of a greater focus on economic growth and High Streets which was sadly lacking before.

We are delighted to announce an additional speaker to our January meeting, with Leader of the Hastings Borough Council, Cllr Julia Hilton, is joining alongside Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings and Rye.

This timely addition will allow Julia to cover the council’s Corporate Plan, which is being developed, whilst proposals for most radical changes in local politics are also taking place.  By the time of our meeting the Minister should have announced whether we are in a priority area for Devolution. 

So, as well as Helena’s first address to the membership where there are plenty of business, economic, social and political topics to discuss our double header speakers will also help explain what the current position is and what this might mean for all our communities.

Given the packed agenda we have brought the start of the meeting forward slightly to 7:45 for a prompt 8:15 start from our speakers.

This meeting will take place at the Hastings Centre on the Ridge and will include our usual friendly style of informal networking over some breakfast before we hear from Helena, with more opportunities to network afterwards.

Date & Time: Friday 31st January 2025, 07:45am – 10:00am