News
Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce Classic Car Show – Saturday 17th September
After careful consideration and in line with official government guidance and protocols, we have decided that the Sidmouth Classic Show will still go ahead (subject to the weather). We will be conducting the event in a respectful way, holding a minute’s silence in tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II.
We look forward to welcoming you all to Sidmouth Cricket Club on Saturday.
Everyone within Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce is deeply saddened at the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
For 70 years she ruled with dignity and grace. A lifetime of servitude to the very last day, a constant throughout most people’s lives from the moment they were born.
Sidmouth has so many royal connections, going back to George III’s visit in 1781, so there has always been strong support for the Royal Family within our town, not least at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who cherished her.
As a mark of respect, all the flags and bunting in Town will be removed.
Sidmouth Classic Car Show returns to the Sidmouth Cricket Club on Saturday 17th September from 11am.
With over 300 entries, this year's show will be as impressive as ever. Enjoy entertainment from the Liberty Sisters and Steam Jazz Band. Visitors will be able to enjoy light refreshments from the Cricket Club.
Please see below all of our wonderful sponsors who have kindly sponsored the show.
Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce wishes to congratulate the organizers, the performers and everyone involved with a highly successful Sidmouth Folk Festival. For once the weather was kind, and the town basked in sunshine and a wonderfully joyful atmosphere. Our impression was that the event was superbly run and administered, and must have been amongst the best we have seen over the years.
The public services and local authorities played their part, and we were particularly pleased to see the reduced number and better quality of stalls on our beautiful Esplanade. That is surely the formula for the future.
After two years of covid, and all the headwinds and challenges that local businesses face, it was so encouraging to see the town centre vibrant and busy. Not every business prospers during the Festival, but many certainly do, and the Chamber very much supports the event, which is such a mainstay of our tourism calendar.
We also salute the town’s residents, many of whom probably don’t place folk music at the top of their list of pursuits. By and large, the locals enthusiastically embrace the event, and show patience and good nature when facing some of the parking and traffic issues that inevitably arise.
Our thanks to all concerned. Well done, Sidmouth!
Sidmouth Folk Week returns 4th - 11th August 2023
The Chamber of Commerce is very disappointed to learn of the reduction in bus services to Sidmouth, Sidford and Sidbury. We have made representations to both Stagecoach and our local councillors.
This reduction in services comes at the same time as we have doubled car parking charges in Sidmouth’s car parks. One of the explanations for doubling car park charges was to encourage people off the roads and on to public transport.
The conclusion to be reached is that Sidmouth, and probably the rest of Devon, needs an integrated transport system. Also, much as we wish to decrease pollution, and welcome the introduction of electric vehicles, we need to recognise that towns like Sidmouth have largely car-based and car-dependent economies. The recent cancellation of bus services, and the reminder that bus companies are private operators who can close services as and when they wish, underlines this.
The closure of these services will inevitably impact local businesses, as they rely in part upon reliable and regular buses for both customers and staff.
If you would like to sign the petition set up by a Chamber Member, please click here
Thank you to all those who joined us this morning for the Zoom breakfast. The morning was very informative, and I am sure that many of us will be now setting up LinkedIn Profiles!
Ashley – Full Cup Coaching has kindly offered a discount on his LinkedIn Daily Habit Workshop. See below for full details or contact
Gurvinder Patara - PSG Buying Group explained the benefits of the purchasing group and how they can help businesses save money, on energy, waste, credit card fees, linen rental etc. More details can be found in the attached PDF or contact
Mike Goodman – Local Resident & Rotarian is working in collaboration with the EDDC, Rotary and possibly Lions with an initiative called Sidmouth Christmas Appeal to ensure local families receive a hamper this Christmas. More details will be available in September. If your business is able to offer any help ie with a collection point or to display a poster please contact
Lynette & Peter – Sidmouth in Bloom informed us all of the tireless hard work they are doing around town, especially as they prepare for Britain in Bloom Judges on Friday. If you have a business in Town, please help them by ensuring that the front of your business is swept up and there is no rubbish or weeds outside. If you wish to sponsor the Sidmouth in Bloom or would like to receive the 30 page dossier they talked about. Contact
Next Meeting - Wednesday 14th September at 14 Miles East
