Glimmers of hope in a tough business year: Tamworth chamber

Chamber president Jye Segboer said the next 12 months would likely be "quite challenging, given the current climate".

"Given the drought and the fires, it feels like we've been thrown one hurdle after another, so business confidence is low at the moment," he said.

"Some businesses have seen a 20 to 30 per cent drop in turnover; others have seen a small drop, but not a significant one."

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One positive, he said, was the chamber's strong financial position and membership numbers.

"For a number of years, the chamber has broken even or had a small loss, so it's good to return to a healthy surplus," Mr Segboer said.

"In the last six months, new member numbers have eased, which is a reflection of people not opening new businesses.

"Whilst that has slowed up, we've retained membership numbers, which is a positive."

Other wins included the chamber's campaign for a university campus in Tamworth and advocating on behalf of businesses affected by growing water-security issues.

"It was good to get a win with the small water rebates for businesses, and we're working on larger rebates and interest-free loans for bigger water-saving technologies, such as recycled water systems," Mr Segboer said.

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Mr Segboer said the university campus and water would remain prominent issues in 2020.

"We want to see Dungowan Dam remain in the hands of council - we've been working in the background to try and ensure that takes place," he said.

Chamber stalwart Mary Ryan-Garnett and brand champion Jill Stewart have also stepped down, with Sam Rains joining as executive officer.

New directors Meredith Abrams and Caroline Lumley will come onto the chamber's board, with Sara Crowe and Ben Davies stepping down.

Accountant Stephen Maher will take over as treasurer from Isis Ashton.