A new chairman is treading a new path for Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade.
Andrew Marshall owns Strolling4Shoes on Main Street and also lives in the town. His appointment was agreed at the Chamber’s AGM on Tuesday, January 29.
Andrew and his wife Sue moved to the Lake District in 1997 with their four sons. He had been working as an agent for shoe retailers covering the north of England and Scotland when he and Sue decided to open their own shops. Andrew is following a well-trodden path – his family has been in the shoe trade since 1904.
Andrew is already an active member of Cockermouth’s business community – organising the Christmas hamper raffle in 2018 with a prize worth more than £1,500, leading the Spirit of Christmas late night shopping events, and creating leaflet drops to thousands of homes in the area encouraging residents to shop local. He’s also joined forces with other businesses to advertise his shop and the town in television and magazine adverts.
Andrew said: “These events really seemed to get the traders talking and, from my own experience and the word on the street, they gave the town good local publicity plus an important feel good factor. I wanted to keep that momentum going, which is why I agreed to take on the role of chairman.
“I feel strongly that we need to represent the interests of Cockermouth businesses from all sectors of industry – from sole traders to the biggest of employers. The Chamber has strong relationships with local government and other institutions and we will lobby them on the issues which affect the business community. I also want to see business-to-business benefits – that could be buying in bulk to get savings on everything from insurance and credit card machines, to till rolls and carrier bags.”
Andrew is now co-opting Chamber officers around the town to take on specific areas of responsibility, industry sectors and geographical areas.
He added: “Anybody who knows me will know I have a pet hate for negativity – I only do positives. I’d love to hear from anyone with good ideas about how we can keep Cockermouth as a great place to eat, drink, shop and explore, for locals and visitors alike.”
Andrew can be contacted via email at andrew@strolling4shoes.co.uk
