The eagle eyed amongst you may have noticed a slight change to our website. We've had a long overdue update to simplify and modernise our virtual shop window. We're not experts at web design so please do bear with us whilst we update the site, and if you spot any glitches or typos please do let us know on info@watlingtonba.com.
You can now apply for membership of the WBA online by clicking on JOIN NOW and completing the form. Our Business Directory is also getting a comprehensive update. If you spot any out of date information again please do let us know. Members of the WBA will benefit from a listing in our directory. We hope to develop the functionality of the directory in due course. Let us know if there are any other features you would like to see. Check back regularly for updates as we continue to build the site. ![]() Christmas Trees It's nearly that time again! Are you aware that traditionally the shopkeepers in Watlington, and funds raised by the Christmas Fair pay for the Christmas trees in the town? Feedback from local residents, visitors to Watlington, and local business people, has told us that the trees are appreciated by all. This year we would like to offer all local businesses the chance to 'sponsor' a tree. Sponsorship is £40 and will include the purchase of the tree, lights, putting up and taking down of the tree. Your sponsorship will be listed on signs in the High Street, on the WBA website, and also in the local press. For more information, and to sponsor a tree please email info@watlingtonba.com. WBA New Website Our Business Directory has been extended and upgraded. Please check your listing and email any changes or additions/deletions using the online form. The WBA website gets a lot of visitors, especially the Business Directory. As well as an enhanced entry which includes a logo, members now also have the option to have a whole page within the directory. Any members that would like to take advantage of this service should get in touch. The new website also includes a blog/news page. Any member is very welcome to post a blog entry, just email us with your prose and we'll post it for you. You can also sign up to receive news updates by clicking here. Breakfast Meeting
We ran a survey earlier in the year to get some feedback from the membership about what type of activities you would like to see from the WBA. More networking events was the most popular suggestion by far! Therefore please join us for a: Breakfast Meeting Tuesday 25th November 8am - 9am The Fat Fox £10.00A great opportunity to meet other local businesses in Watlington, whilst enjoying breakfast at The Fat Fox. Guest Speaker: Raphael Mahoney - Computer Assistance Raphael is the founder of Computer Assistance, an Oxford based IT support company offering a wide range of professional IT services to business and organisations. Raphael is a regular speaker on BBC Radio Oxford providing help and advice to their audience in an understandable language! 'Business in the Cloud' Cloud computing has proved a huge benefit to business - especially small businesses. With cloud services, small businesses reap the benefits of not having to deploy physical infrastructure like file and e-mail servers, storage systems or packaged software. The availability of these solutions, means hassle-free collaboration among business partners and employees. Reserve your place now by clicking here. Places are limited so best to book early! ![]() Once again Watlington Business Association has had a successful year, with its flagship event, the Christmas Fair raising enough funds to pay for the town Christmas lights with enough left over to support local youth groups. As well as the usual presentation of cheques to local youth organisations at this years AGM, held at the Fat Fox on 13 May, Chair Simon Jones of Jones & Jacobs also announced that the WBA is reviewing its future and the services it provides to its members. As the business climate has changed during recent years, it has been decided to canvass opinion and see what members really want from their association to ensure that the WBA continues to meet the requirements of Watlington’s thriving and vibrant business community. ![]() An online survey has been sent to all those businesses in Watlington known to the WBA. Anyone who has not received a copy and would like to take part should visit the website where there is a link www.watlingtonba.com or email info@watlingtonba.com The AGM proceeded smoothly, with the existing executive committee being voted back in. ![]() Cheques totally £800 were presented to the Watlington Youth Club, Watlington Football Club, the Fire Cadets and the Scouts. Simon Jones stated; “We are delighted to be able to give back to the community, and are pleased to be able to support four local youth organisations within the town. The donations are also in part, to say thank you for the support that the WBA has received from the groups during the various events that we hold during the year.” It’s your Business Association – tell us what you want.
The pace of business is changing rapidly for all businesses. Adapt or die the business gurus tell us. Well, at the WBA we are also considering our future, trying to decide where to go from here, and we need to hear from the business community within Watlington. We have put together this short survey to gather your opinion and would appreciate your time to complete it and tell us what you think. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VPTNTC6 |