About Us

Bridport Chamber of Trade has around 80 members, mainly in the town centre but also in the surrounding area, and our member's businesses range from bakers to undertakers!

What are its aims?

To ensure that Bridport provides the ideal environment for businesses to thrive and to supply the goods and services that the town needs to remain economically vibrant.

What sort of things does it do?

We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month to discuss a wide range of issues affecting business in the town.  Recent subjects have included parking provision, market stalls, street closures, closed circuit television and crime and disorder issues.  We also provide the licence for the Bridport Radio Link / Shopwatch for town centre shops as a valuable link in the fight against crime.

Who does it influence?

Bridport Town Council and the Police attend our meetings and we have forged valuable links with both organisations so that a better understanding of the needs of business exists between us now than at any time in the past.

The Chamber of Trade is consulted by the Town, District and County councils about all matters that affect the businesses in the town and the adjoining area.

What has it achieved?

          1)                 Been instrumental in the provision of overflow car parking at Bridport Football Club ground by liaising with the District Council to highlight the lack of parking in the town.

2)                 Worked with the Police and Councils to provide Closed Circuit Television in the town centre.

3)                 Highlighted to the media and the Town Council the deep concerns of shopkeepers to any permanent street closure in South Street.

4)                 Consulted with the County Council regarding the scope of the new Residents Parking Scheme in the main shopping streets and how it may affect businesses and market traders alike.

5)                 Initially acted as the licence holder for the successful Radio Link Scheme which enables shopkeepers to pass details of suspected incidents to others in the town in the fight against shop-lifting and street crime.

6)                  Responded to many consultations from the Town, District and County Councils on business related issues.