Further to last week’s letter from Mr Boase, one might expect a one-time journalist to check the facts more accurately.

The Chamber of Commerce has never received an award sponsored by Amazon; it was my business, Platform One that won the Rural Business national award for Triumph over Adversity in 2021/2022. Admittedly, part of the reason for this success was due to the work I undertook to help over 200 businesses during Covid, alongside the running of my own business when I completely changed my life during this period to ensure I could be on hand to help our members. I didn’t turn down any request for support and successfully fought the corner of several non-members who had run out of hope during this most difficult of times. That is just one of the reasons the members have recently promoted me to Chamber President. However, the main thrust of the Rural Business award was for the dedication and perseverance of my business partner David Evans, over 53 years of running the Company, and his huge service to the design industry.

Neither David nor I like to blow our own trumpets, but over nearly 40 years we have done many things to help people in our community and been responsible at some point for significant social and public events that have taken place over these years.

In 2022, the Chamber of Commerce entered Monmouth into the Enterprise Nation ‘Top Towns for Business’ award, sponsored by DELL Technologies. Monmouth was shortlisted in the regional rounds, alongside Swansea and Newport. The choice of winner then came down to a public vote, where every participant was entered into a draw to win a ‘Not on the High Street’ voucher. For those of you unaware, this company sells products from independent artists and makers: it gives a platform to small/micro businesses to make their products accessible to a wider audience. So, Mr Boase, this is online shopping that benefits many who could not otherwise afford a ‘shop window’ and which rarely competes with conventional retail – the clue is in the name! Incidentally, such was the support from Monmouth that we beat the aforementioned cities to be named regional winner for Wales’ Top Town for Business, and, during a virtual event, one of our members got to share their inspirational story.

Monmouth Chamber of Commerce is here to support its members; something we do on a daily basis. If we run competitions, we ensure prizes are paid for out of Chamber funds and are sourced from member businesses. We also purchase everything else we require from within Monmouth – we can’t ask others to SHOP MONMOUTH if we don’t do so ourselves! I am exceptionally proud to represent Monmouth Business Community through good times and bad and offer what support I can through tough periods.

Of course, we were always going to comment on the disappointing decision by MCC not to fund free parking again this December. Having been in touch with other Chambers of Commerce in Monmouthshire, there is a widespread strength of feeling about this throughout the County, not just in our town. If MCC would like to make amends and reverse this unpopular decision, FREE Saturday parking throughout January would be hugely appreciated by the traders.

I would just like to close with a thank you to everyone who has supported any of the businesses in Monmouth this year. We have fantastic retailers, professional services, tradesmen, high street stores and family-run enterprises. Please continue to shop local in 2024.