December Newsletter 2025
- Jane Brook
- Dec 30, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 31, 2025
Welcome New Members
Rye & District Chamber of Commerce has continued to work hard for our membership throughout 2025; holding the local authority to account, delivering on strategic projects and lobbying for business support. Heartfelt thanks to our members, supporters and partners who have helped us deliver our projects this year. Here’s our end of year round-up.
Continued Growth
We welcomed 26 new businesses to our membership during 2025.
Championing Rye’s visitor economy
This year has seen us focus on how Rye welcomes and informs visitors, helping to fill the gap left by the traditional tourist information centre. The levelling up capital funding secured by the Chamber funded the development of a UK first: a real time AI Chatbot tourist information service delivered via WhatsApp - which launched in late November. A new VisitRye website was developed along with signage and promotional materials to support the initiative with a futher roll-out planned for Q1. The tool is designed to encourage footfall, increase spend and spread visitors more evenly across the town.
Captain Pugwash features as the cartoon avatar for the chatbot and we are delighted to have been able to fund a replacement bench and interactive memorial plaque for the John Ryan memorial garden by the train station, to be installed in the New Year.
Driving strategic projects and funding
Work around the proposed Business Improvement District has continued, with business engagement and workshops taking place throughout the year.
The Rye BID Task Group has worked closely with local businesses to develop a proposal shaped directly by business feedback. The resulting Business Plan focuses on addressing key challenges facing Rye’s visitor economy, including ageing infrastructure, changing government priorities, and rising visitor expectations.
If approved, the BID would generate more than £90,000 per year to deliver additional projects and services designed to support local businesses, attract visitors year-round, and benefit the wider community.
The proposal will be decided through a confidential and independently run postal ballot. A copy of the BID plan and ballot papers will be posted to all eligible businesses within the BID area. The ballot opens on 13 January and closes on 12 February, with the result announced on 13 February. If successful, the BID will commence in April 2026.
For further information please visit www.ryebid.co.uk
Working with a stakeholder group, in December we applied for a grant from the "Your Station Your Community Improvement Fund" for a feasibility study into the refurbishment and future management of the Station Approach public toilets. We will know by April if we have been successful.
Giving local business a stronger voice
The Chamber’s lobbying role came into sharp focus in April when the Minister for Small Business and Exports, Gareth Thomas, joined Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore for a visit to the town, with the Chamber helping to shape the afternoon’s agenda. A walkabout in the town centre gave the Minister the chance to hear directly from shop and business owners before a round-table discussion at the Mermaid Inn with hospitality and retail representatives, joined by Rother District Council’s lead councillor for economic development, Christine Baylis. Businesses used the session to press hard on business rates and VAT, the rise in national insurance, the burden of regulation and the growing problem of shoplifting, ensuring that the realities of trading in Rye were clearly heard at national level.
Throughout the year The Chamber has attended a wide range of meetings, forums and working groups to ensure Rye is not overlooked in wider regional planning. These have included transport and rail discussions, the Local Visitor Economy Partnership Advisory Board, as well as local government consultations on Air BnBs and Second Homes, Local Government Reorganisation, Southern Water pollution impact at Camber and Devolution.
Building partnerships and community impact
The Chamber has continued to develop strong links with our MP, local authorities, neighbouring business organisations, community groups and local media, helping to raise Rye’s profile and secure coverage for key initiatives. From monthly council meetings to town assemblies on critical issues - the Chamber has always been present and ensured the voice of businesses has been heard.
Supporting and connecting members
Our monthly newsletters have kept businesses informed and connected during a year of economic and political uncertainty.
In March, our International Women’s Day breakfast celebrated the many women running local businesses in and around Rye, creating space for new connections, shared experience and mutual support. The summer BBQ offered relaxed, early-evening networking at Rye Tennis Club, and the year rounded off with our Christmas networking at St Mary’s, combined with the Christmas Tree Festival sponsorship and the Christmas Window Competition launch.
REMINDER: Consultations that need your input
The Government is leading a consultation seeking views on Local Government Reorganisation in East Sussex. The consultation runs until 11th January 2026. You can complete the questionnaire here and read about the consultation in full here.
Rother District Council's Budget consultation ends 5th January - have your say!
A rare opportunity to shape Rye’s future - the BID ballot.
In early 2026 eligible business will have the opportunity to decide whether Rye should become a BID through a confidential, independently run, postal ballot. Every vote counts.
NOT A MEMBER?
Join over 140 businesses that benefit from the work of the Rye Chamber. It costs just £50 a year - regardless of the size of your business. Visit our website to learn more.
See you next year!
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