Dave Bolton, co-founder of the Wilmslow Business Group (WBG) stepped down as chairman last night and handed the responsibility over to Steve Morris, Manager of Sainsbury’s on Alderley Road.
Dave, from the Flower Shop on Water Lane, said “ It is a very exciting time for the Wilmslow Business Group. It has expanded considerably and it was time to bring in new blood and additional volunteers to help manage the group. I will be continuing to support WBG as they expand further.”
The non profit organisation was established in 2007 by Dave Bolton and Julie Hatton, manager of Sainsbury’s at the time, because they saw a need. Wilmslow was looking tired and run down in many areas and the businesses didn't work together.
Whilst networking and supporting one another is important to the WBG another aim has always been to liaise with the authorities, such as the council and police, to building bridges and where necessary challenge decisions, so they can improve Wilmslow. Whilst this can be a slow process they now have over 60 member businesses, with a strong and powerful voice, so they really aim to achieve improvements.
The business group have actively tried to improve the look of the town by planting bulbs on the Little Lindow Green, facilitating extra Christmas lights and decorations at the businesses expense and inviting MP George Osborne, the shadow chancellor, to attend one of their meetings.
The third aim of the WBG is to put something back into the community by raising money for local and national charities, which they refer to as “networking with a conscience.”
During the groups short life they have raised thousands of pounds for local charities, including £1800 raised at a very memorable Strictly Come Dancing evening and a successful quiz night which raised money to help fund a new guide dog for Mike Newman, Business Manager at Barclays Bank in Wilmslow.
Looking to the future Steve Morris said “ I am really looking forward to building on the success that Dave and his team have achieved. I have been attending the WBG meetings since October 2008 and I have gained such a lot from it. My intention is to keep to the three aims of the WBG and grow them.”
Khumi Burton added “I have been around a long time, including 33 years in Wilmslow, and I have seen a lot of business groups come and go but this is the first time I have encountered a business group which really cares. I don’t even have a business but I just come along.”
If you have a business in Wilmslow you are welcome to join the next WBG meeting, visit their website for further information.
