Tamworth Business Chamber membership improves by 20 per cent in a year despite lockdown

That's despite what could only be described as a challenging year.

Chamber president Stephanie Cameron said its shows that businesses are optimistic about the future.

"I am really pleased to see businesses starting to bounce back leading into Christmas and I think that is reflected in our increased membership this year," she said.

"It goes without saying, that none of us could have predicted the profound and lasting impact COVID-19 would have on our business community, local economy, and our overall way of life."

There was, understandably, a slump in membership during certain stages of the year as restrictions hampered some industries and outright crippled others.

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Ms Cameron said she understood businesses being more frugal during those times, when keeping the lights on had to be the main priority.

"The successive lockdowns and restrictions made it very difficult for businesses to operate, and the government's financial support went only part way to addressing the real losses incurred," she said.

"Whilst there was no 'how to' guide for effectively navigating a pandemic, I remain immensely proud of the collective community response to support local business and tenacity of business owners and operators, to adapt."

She believes the efforts of the chamber to keep people informed throughout the year, and provide whatever support they could, contributed to the sudden burst of new memberships once the dust had settled.

Having the ability to lobby higher levels of government, shining a light on outlets via business awards, and providing crucial information are some of the things the chamber offers which appeals to local owners and franchisees, Ms Cameron said.

The 2021 Quality Business Awards will be held on Friday, February 18 2022, having been pushed back multiple times due to COVID-19 restrictions throughout the year.

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