A 'Buy Local' campaign was one of the items on the agenda at the recent Chamber of Commerce meeting held in Bridges Community Centre.

Led by Michelle Dalley of Creating Media, members were able to throw their ideas into the hat for discussion as to how local business could be promoted to the public to compete for the pound in their pockets over national goods and service providers.

An enthusiastic audience offered suggestions such as window stickers and passport schemes encouraging free or reduced entry to tourist attractions, loyalty schemes and prize draws, along with ideas for tracking visitors with incentives for returning.

David Cummings, chairman of Monmouth and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "Nearly 50 members and guests turned out to our biggest, and some say best ever,  chamber event in the magnificent Ballroom at Bridges.

"Many thanks to Bridges, Fingal Rock and Waitrose for providing the food and drinks.

"There was a very warm welcome for seven new members including Monmouth Rotary Club and we look forward to working more closely with them in the future.

"At the meeting, a task group was set up for our new Buy Local initiative, a campaign to encourage Monmouth residents and businesses to buy locally.

"We held a business clinic for those attending to raise issues currently affecting their business.

"The networking event after the meeting proved very popular, with some guests and members staying on until 9pm.

"There has been a tremendous surge in new chamber members this month with membership up 10 per cent so far. Our target of 100 paid-up members for Christmas now looks achievable."

The next meeting will be held on 25th January at the Shire Hall.

If you are a Monmouth business and want to know more, visit mdctc.co.uk