In early February, I sat on the side of SH16 and watched a cafe owner with a shovel clearing silt from her own doorway. No high vis, no film crew, just a tired operator making sure she could open again tomorrow. That image is why I put my hand up to chair the North West Country Business Association.
Our vision is straightforward. A thriving, confident North West that people choose to visit, shop in, work in, and invest in. That means two priorities. First, emergency support. When floods, closures, or power issues hit, we will check on businesses, coordinate what is needed, and push for access and repairs fast. No one should feel like they are standing in the mud alone. Second, growth. We are a destination with wineries, makers, motorsport, coast, events, and independent retailers. We will market that story together so a free Saturday is reason enough to head North West.
This year we are also introducing an Ambassador Programme, informed by what has worked well for Business North Harbour. To be clear, this is a paid field role, not a volunteer scheme. Ambassadors will carry our story into the market, visit businesses that are not yet members, explain benefits, gather issues, and help with public relations by sharing good news and events. It is a structured membership growth and reputation programme. We are not calling for applicants yet, and we will share details directly with businesses when the rollout begins.
If you are not yet a member, you will hear more about the Ambassador rollout in due course. If you are already a member, thank you for backing the wider region. Your participation helps lift the tide for all of us.
Tourism matters here as well. Visitor dollars flow through food, fuel, retail, accommodation, and experiences. When we lift our destination story, we are not just promoting a weekend trip, we are safeguarding weekday jobs. The more joined-up our events calendar, signage, and online presence, the more dwell time we create, and dwell time is spend.
Where does advocacy fit? Quietly and early. We will keep lines open with council, roading, agencies and Ministries so the right people hear from us before issues become front page. When something affects trading, access, or safety, we will present a practical brief, backed by data from members. Advocacy works best when it is specific and constructive.
Finally, a soft but firm promise. We are here to give a hand up, not a lecture. If you need help, ask. If you have capacity, offer. And where it matters, the Association will advocate for business needs with council and agencies. I am proud to serve and I am available.