Clavel Rowe Public Relations Ltd

Sutton Chamber Participates in Big Society

Prime Minister David Cameron and the coalition government are inviting the populace to get involved in the Big Society Stakeholder Event, and Sutton Chamber of Commerce has been playing its part.  Two of its directors, Paul Cawthorne and Anthea Lashley-Small last Friday November 5^th 2010 attended a brain storming session moderated by the Sutton Partnership Board at the Sutton Civic offices. 

Moderated by Sean Brennan, Sutton’s council leader, representatives of various segments of the community, were invited to participate and share what they considered to be the benchmark for success and what could be considered barriers to achieving this success.

Representatives came from businesses, community and charity groups as well as officers from government departments, councillors and parliamentary representative Tom Brake.  Other speakers included Bert Provan, communities and local government and Ian Burnbaum, interim chief executive officer of Sutton Council.

l-r: Paul Cawthorne and Anthea Lashley-Small, directors of Sutton Chamber with Tom Brake, M.P. for Carshalton and Wallington at the Sutton Civic Office.

Mr. Provan, invited those present to spread the word that it is now the time for the community – individuals and groups to take a more active role in running the country, in saying what is required in our community and helping to deliver services.  It’s a matter of helping ourselves and helping others and taking personal responsibility.

to date, Sutton Chamber has contributed to the Big Society concept by helping to alleviate the unemployment situation in the borough through the Executive Plus initiative which provides guidance and advise to executives who were recently made redundant, and also by hosting One Planet, another initiative that brought energy saving suppliers and businesses together in an exhibition and workshop luncheon.

Ideas from Big Society session and will be posted on the Civic Offices.

Participants in discussion

Clavel Rowe is a member of Sutton Chamber of Commerce