In the first of what promises to be a riveting monthly column on the virtues and perils of doing business in Diss, let me introduce the Diss Business Forum (DBF).
5 years ago, the Diss Chamber of Trade and Diss Industry merged and morphed into the DBF - the active, collective voice for a vibrant business community. Currently, 56 businesses, all sizes and variety, benefit from membership. I was asked to become a member of the DBF committee when it was determined that I had skills that might prove useful. Little did I know that, within weeks, I would be developing branding for the first ever Diss Trade Fair, the highly-successful ‘Diss on View’, preside over a new look to reflect a re-invigourated DBF and provide an insight into business in Diss through this column. Why do the volunteers who comprise the DBF committee, put ourselves through this? Our common thread is a commitment and belief in Diss as a great place in which to conduct business and also to benefit from the services of the many and diverse businesses that trade here. DBF’s value lies in its active agenda of networking events ranging from purely entertaining to mini-conferences with high-profile speakers on contemporary subjects, keeping the business-to-business community buzzing. Taking issues of concern to members, and providing a single channel to tackle them, means they will be taken seriously; and, in liaising with local government, council and policy makers, DBF helps to create the agenda rather than just react to it. Right now, DBF is actively engaged with SNAP (Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel), as a conduit for our members to voice their concerns and which, ultimately, will contribute to the Police Action Plan. Every month, this column will discuss the what, why, where and how of Diss business. Next month, meet the committee. After all, the business of DBF is minding our business. For information about DBF, or to join, contact Marion James on 01379 650 296
Jenna Cox of marketing, PR and design consultancy Articulate HLC is a member of the Diss Business Forum committee. |
