North Laine Brighton : North Laine Traders Association Newsletter Issue 85 January 2008

Could North Laine become a Special District Centre?
Good news from the Portobello area in London which is home to many independent traders - they have been designated a Special District Centre. This means that the Council will offer them some protection from “chains” moving in and forcing up rents etc. We’re not exactly sure yet how this will work in practice but intend to make it our priority in 2008 to find out as much as possible and try to get it implemented for the North Laine if appropriate. It could mean that any chain wishing to take over a lease in an SDC will have to seek planning permission, for example. We intend to meet with the Council and other interested parties such as the Lanes Business Network, MP etc to investigate the possibilities and will keep our members informed.

North Laine Traders A.G.M.
We will be holding our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 11th March at 6pm at the Regent St. Bar of Komedia. The agenda will include the elections of officers and street reps and current issues members wish to debate. Members can add an item to the agenda by contacting the secretary, Peter Stocker at least 14 days before the meeting. All members are welcome – if you are a new trader come along, meet us and join in!

North Laine bags selling well!
The 100% North Laine bags have sold very well over Christmas and we only have a small amount in stock before we need to place another order. If you would like to sell the bags they are available from Eddie Start at Open Spaces, 69 Trafalgar Street, tel;600897. The minimum order is 25 and the bags cost £1.25 each, including VAT and sell for £2.50. There are now nearly 3000 NL bags spread around Brighton & the rest of the world, (they seem very popular with Americans!), so why not help us persuade our customers not to expect a plastic bag each time they pop in. Sell them a bag and each time they use it they advertise North Laine and help the environment!


Newsletter Issue 85 / January 2008
Newsletter Issue 85 / January 2008

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Issue 85 / January 2008
2008 Membership – Join the association and reap the benefits! The news from many traders in North Laine was that Christmas started very late but was similar and in some cases better than last year. After a very quiet 3-4 months trading at the end of last year this really is the year when we need to pull together to make sure North Laine continues to be vibrant and to attract customers. Membership runs from 1st January to 31st December so you will shortly receive your membership reminder. We have kept our subscription rates the same for 2008 which represents exceptional value for money when you consider the package we have put together. Members WebPages from 2007 will remain live until the AGM – please make sure that you have joined by then to retain your members link page. Here are nine good reasons to join! A webpage and live link to your own website on the Northlaine.co.uk website. On the first week of December our website received over 7,000 hits and to date over 260,000 hits since launch! Three members meetings a year when you get an opportunity to network with fellow traders, help make policy in North Laine and elect officers for the association. Merchant services through Bank of Scotland at a much lower rate than small businesses can achieve independently. A members section of the website containing advice on rent and rate reviews, planning guidance and a guide explaining legal terms. Advice on accountancy for small businesses and basic advice for new traders. Representation on many council committees and business groups such as the Brighton Business Forum and the Economic Partnership. Sharing best practice! Tourism Partnership - promoting North Laine businesses through the City Council website. Working together - last year we had approx 140 members who worked together, supported each other and in many cases traded goods and services at a discount between themselves.



Join online at www.northlaine.co.uk

Could North Laine become a Special District Centre? Good news from the Portobello area in London which is home to many independent traders - they have been designated a Special District Centre. This means that the Council will offer them some protection from “chains” moving in and forcing up rents etc. We’re not exactly sure yet how this will work in practice but intend to make it our priority in 2008 to find out as much as possible and try to get it implemented for the North Laine if appropriate. It could mean that any chain wishing to take over a lease in an SDC will have to seek planning permission, for example. We intend to meet with the Council and other interested parties such as the Lanes Business Network, MP etc to investigate the possibilities and will keep our members informed.

North Laine Traders A.G.M. We will be holding our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 11th March at 6pm at the Regent St. Bar of Komedia. The agenda will include the elections of officers and street reps and current issues members wish to debate. Members can add an item to the agenda by contacting the secretary, Peter Stocker at least 14 days before the meeting. All members are welcome – if you are a new trader come along, meet us and join in!

North Laine bags selling well! The 100% North Laine bags have sold very well over Christmas and we only have a small amount in stock before we need to place another order. If you would like to sell the bags they are available from Eddie Start at Open Spaces, 69 Trafalgar Street, tel;600897. The minimum order is 25 and the bags cost £1.25 each, including VAT and sell for £2.50. There are now nearly 3000 NL bags spread around Brighton & the rest of the world, (they seem very popular with Americans!), so why not help us persuade our customers not to expect a plastic bag each time they pop in. Sell them a bag and each time they use it they advertise North Laine and help the environment!

All information is given in good faith. No liability can be accepted by the NLTA, its officers or members.

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