Frost set to thaw Chambers

DAVID Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), will be the guest speaker at the Cambridgeshire Chambers' Christmas luncheon, to be held on Thursday December 3 at Chilford Hall, one of East Anglia's largest vineyards, for the second consecutive year.

Speaking ahead of the event David Frost said: "Small and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of the UK economy. Chambers of Commerce have been fighting hard to represent their views on everything from bank lending and taxation to regulation during this recession, and we will continue to do so.

"It is always a great opportunity for me to meet members on my travels around the country -and on this occasion at the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce. I take views on current business conditions and the economy very seriously, and these opinions often help formulate the direction of the BCC's lobbying work in Westminster, Whitehall and beyond."

The British Chambers of Commerce is the national counterpart of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, and its policy department has regular meetings with government departments and ministers to represent the concerns of SMEs across the UK.

Delegates will be given the chance to make sure their views are being represented on the major issues affecting businesses including red tape, planning, taxation, transport and employment policies, the Cambs chambers said.

Their chief executive, John Bridge, said: "It is our great pleasure to be welcoming David to Cambridgeshire. The BCC is there to represent the views of our members, and this will also be a chance for businesses to get an insight into the ongoing discussions which the BCC is having with key government ministers on their behalf."

INFORMATION: The Christmas Luncheon takes place from midday to 3pm. Cost �45 (plus VAT) per person. More information from Maria Briggs on 01223 237414 or e-mail m.briggs@cambscci.co.uk