Cradley
4:07pm Friday 11th July 2008
BREAKFAST GROUP – Launched in June, the Small Business Breakfast Group met again on July 4 for its second meeting at Sue Lim’s Blue Ginger Gallery, Cradley. Commencing with a continental breakfast at 7.30am, the meeting focussed on the subject of marketing for small local businesses. Chaired by Miles Meager (Mi-frame Picture Framing) the meeting welcomed a mixture of business owners from the original group as well as newcomers to give a good cross-section of local businesses; 13 in total. These included branded clothing (such as printed t-shirts) from Cradley’s Ashvale Business Centre, a design engineer, graphic designer, and a representative from Malvern’s Centre for Well Being. Kate Kavanagh from Whitewells Farm Holiday Cottages, who has a well-established business at Ridgeway Cross, said she found it helpful to be made aware of other businesses in the community, as her customers often ask for recommendations on a variety of local services.
The group also found volunteers to be representatives for the parish plan’s working party for employment and business. This will provide an opportunity for members of the Small Business Breakfast to feed back and participate in the parish plan.
The theme under the spotlight at the next meeting will be websites. Using projection equipment available from the village hall, the group is looking forward to being able to discuss their own websites together with local web-designer, Derek Stanley, who has knowledge and expertise on options available, costs and ideas. Derek is also known locally for designing the image and advertising material for The Crowns of Cradley play. The next meeting is to be held on August 1, and other small local businesses are welcome to join in. Meetings are held at 7.30am on the first Friday of each month at Blue Ginger Gallery, Cradley, (on the A4103).