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October 2025 members’ meeting minutes summary

Published on: Published in: News

Chamber Members Meeting — Minutes

Date: 29 October 2025

Market Harborough Chamber of Trade & Commerce
Meeting Minutes – Wednesday 29 October 2025
Apologies: Martin Robson, Nick Darlow.
1. Welcome & Introductions
Gareth opened the meeting, walked members through the agenda and welcomed all attendees.
2. Presentation: Market Harborough Building Society (MHBS)

Speaker: Toby Patterson, Branch Manager
Slides: MHBS Overview & OneBanx Machine

Toby shared an overview of MHBS’ mission, their branch network (Kettering, Rothwell, Desborough and Market Harborough), and their strong commitment to delivering meaningful community impact.

Key Highlights:

  • MHBS continues to prioritise a community-first approach in all areas of its work.

  • Introduction of the OneBanx Machine, a free-to-use service offering essential day-to-day banking support.

  • The machine provides secure, accessible facilities for both individuals and businesses—particularly valuable for those affected by reduced high-street banking options.

  • Toby confirmed that the full slide deck will be shared with attendees.

If you would like to speak with Toby directly, you can contact him at: 📧 tpatterson@mhbs.co.uk or 📞 07885 419012

3. Community Awards Recap
Gareth recapped the recent Community Awards and highlighted the finalists:
  • Welcomm
  • Magna Park Management Company
  • TGW
  • MHBS
He emphasised the importance of member voting and supporting each other’s work.
4. Presentation: Harborough Rewilding Project
Speakers: John Richardson & Ben Devine
Slides: Harborough Rewilding Programme Slides to follow
John provided a comprehensive overview of the council’s ambitious long-term plan to create a legacy of ecological recovery and community wellbeing.
Key Headlines from the Presentation:
  • John inherited significant operational challenges: no fleet of road sweepers and refuse trucks, no depot, limited resources.
  • Over several years the council acquired a strategically located set of land parcels adjacent to the existing depot—now the foundation of the rewilding vision.
  • Ambition: Restore land to natural conditions, improve biodiversity, and create a publicly accessible asset for future generations.
  • Timescale: 2–20 years, with aspirations to see a noticeable reversal in biodiversity decline by 2050.
  • Rewilding could include natural regeneration, tree planting, new habitats, and landscape-scale connectivity (including woodland, national cycle routes, canal, old railway lines).
  • Potential for the site to become a “Bradgate Park of Harborough” in the long term.
Why the Council Is Doing This:
  • Promote health & wellbeing through open green spaces.
  • Boost sustainable transport, tourism, and the visitor economy.
  • Create new business opportunities and strengthen environmental responsibility.
Progress to Date:
  • Land secured; governance structure established.
  • Over 150 local volunteers already expressed interest.
  • Baseline ecology surveys underway.
  • Funding bids in progress with the National Heritage Lottery and Forestry Commission.
  • Scoping of visitor centre, café, infrastructure, and habitat creation.
Business Engagement:
John invited local businesses to help shape the project, especially around community use, access, and future fundraising or corporate volunteering days. Groups and people who are interested in getting involved in the Rewilding Harborough project can email: rewildingproject@harborough.gov.uk
Q&A Highlights:
  • Housing pressures: Project land to be protected through covenants.
  • Concerns over future use: Council officers will recommend protection; decisions remain with elected members but safeguards planned.
  • Parking & access: Newly purchased depot areas could be repurposed.
  • Tourism need: Hotels and wider visitor infrastructure will need reviewing.
5. Chamber Updates (Gareth)
Business Voice & Advocacy
  • Chamber continues to highlight member concerns such as the Light and Life Festival to the council.
  • Members encouraged to raise concerns—Chamber is in a strong position to influence on behalf of businesses.
  • Work ongoing to rebuild a strong, collaborative business community.
  • Recent engagement with Rotary, Round Table, and 41 Club to strengthen business–community links.
Movember Charity Event
  • Andy’s Man Club + Movember collaborating on a major fundraising event at The Three Swans in late November.
  • A dedicated Mo’ket Harborough Facebook page is already in existent and will will be used to drive local sponsorship and support.
Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)
  • Lack of FE provision in Harborough remains a challenge.
  • Chamber will run a workshop to ensure local businesses’ voices are included.
  • DMU continues to benefit from Chamber membership.
Local Government Reform
  • New proposals now include Rutland.
  • Gareth will circulate an explainer so members can provide informed feedback.
Community Awards Participation
  • Low member voting numbers were disappointing.
  • A future meeting will focus on how members can better promote their businesses and share good news.
Business Engagement Opportunities
  • Robert Smyth School seeking business volunteers for workshops. Dates to follow.
  • Help to Grow: Management Programme recommended for SMEs—links to be shared.
  • British Business Bank hosting two free webinars on business investment.
  • Cybersecurity for SMEs – free sessions available; details to follow.
6. Dates for the Diary
7. MHBS Additional Update
MHBS has secured planning permission to redevelop the existing branch, including:
  • A new community space
  • Conversion of remaining space into flats
  • Ongoing commitment to community-centred development
8. Presentation Slides
Please click here to view the Chamber October Slides which were shown to members during the meeting.

Get involved

Build relationships with local businesses at our next meeting.

Interested in presenting on your area of expertise or sharing member updates? We’d love to hear from you.

Next Chamber Members Meeting

Wednesday 26 November 2025
Arrival: from 5:00pm | Meeting: 5:30–7:00pm
Venue: Market Harborough Building Society, Newcombe House, 16 The Point, Market Harborough, LE16 7QU

All guests are welcome.

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