The news from many traders in North Laine was that Christmas started very late but was similar and in many cases better than last year. We have already seen the first interest rate rise of 2007 and many indications seem to point to more on the way. After a fairly lacklustre 18 months for small traders this really is the year when we need to pull together to make sure North Laine continues to attract customers.

The NLTA have kept our subscription rates the same for 2007 which represents exceptional value for money when you consider the package we have put together. Members WebPages from 2006 will remain live until the AGM – please make sure that you have joined by then to retain your members link page.

Southern Water will begin pipe work in Trafalgar Street on the 19th of February and in Sydney Street on the 12th of March. They will advise businesses in each street before work begins and will issue contact phone numbers. Southern are proposing to work in small sections of street and maintain as much access as possible to businesses. The council may temporarily reverse some of the one way sections to allow access for deliveries. The work in North Street will continue until November 2007. For details of the current works you can call Southern Water on 01273 562216.

Business Link exists to help anyone who is thinking of starting a business, to help small and medium-sized business to grow, and to help businesses deal with problems, challenges and opportunities. Rather than providing all the advice and help we will fast-track customers to the help they need. We will help you make the most of your business opportunities and link you to expertise from across the private, public and voluntary business support sectors. We have the expertise to understand the diverse needs of businesses and are well placed to provide access to insightful, affordable and relevant advice. Business Link provides the information needed to start, maintain and grow a business. It is primarily funded by the DTI, supported by a number of other Government Departments, Agencies and Local Authorities. Quality and delivery of the service in Sussex is the responsibility of SEEDA (South East England Development Agency).

Who should use Business Link? Business Link is available to all businesses. We are there to help you and your business – whether you are a private company, a public company, a partnership, a sole trader, a community interest company, a co-operative or a social enterprise. We’re happy to help pre-starts, start-ups and established businesses looking to grow. We are also non-exclusive and support businesses from all industry sectors and geographic regions in England. We actively look to encourage more enterprise in disadvantaged communities and under-represented groups and support all ethnic origins and backgrounds. For further information call either Mark Lindsay or Jonathan Love on 0845 600 9 006 or visit the website at www.businesslinksussex.co.uk.

At the AGM on the 12th of March members will be voting on the NLTA constitution. We have a very basic constitution at present but the committee feel that we need to create a more formal version to reflect our present offer to members. The proposed constitution will be on view on the website from February.