March Newsletter 2026

Jane Brook
Mar 31
5 min read

Updated: Apr 2

Welcome New Members

Lynn Rae Soul Space

Summer Social - tickets available now!

Over 80 attendees enjoyed last year's summer social at the Tennis Club and this year we are taking it Riverside! Our venue is Rye Harbour Sailing Club and as the tides are perfect, we've teamed up with the Seal Safari to provide a glorious boat trip to kick off the evening for the first 20 sign-ups! Expect a fantastic supper from our hosts, live music from Logan Wilson and we are happy to report that return transport to Rye station is also included in your ticket price.

If new officers are not found for the Chamber, this could well be the last hurrah - don't miss it! Tickets and more information can be found here.

Tourism & the visitor economy

1066 Country Tourism Forum Looks Ahead to Landmark Years for the Region

Over 100 members and stakeholders came together for the 1066 Country Tourism Forum on 20th March - the official launch into two pivotal years that will place the region in the national and international spotlight. With the Bayeux Tapestry confirmed to go on display in London, and 2027 marking the ‘Year of the Normans’, the Forum set the stage for an exciting period of opportunity, collaboration, and creative storytelling for this historic part of Sussex.

Held during English Tourism Week, the event brought together a distinguished line-up of speakers and guests. The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex offered warm and enthusiastic support, urging businesses and partners to shape a joint plan for 2027 that would be “Royal visit worthy”.

image credits: 1066 Country, Rebecca Brooker Photography

Delegates heard from Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain, who shared valuable updates on both domestic and inbound tourism, while Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings, Rye and the Villages, joined the Forum to continue her strong advocacy for 1066 Country. Dr Kieran Mullan, MP for Battle and Bexhill, also lent his support in a video message, recognising the area’s vital visitor economy.

Contributions from industry experts added valuable insight and inspiration: Rowena Cardwell and Nicky Russon from Bloom Stays explored trends in the holiday rental market; Paul Barnes from AIR made a compelling case for the return of tax-free shopping in the UK; John Stokes of the British Museum outlined the national programme around the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition; and Michael Dodds from Normandy Tourism encouraged the region to seize the international spotlight with cross-Channel collaboration in the Year of the Normans.

A lively workshop with Storycoach, Ann Booth-Clibborn encouraged members to rediscover the emotional heart of their businesses, and the 1066 team gave an update on the success of the national Unexpectedly 1066 campaign - currently visible online and across the London Underground - before teasing what’s next for the brand.

Sarah Broadbent, Chair of 1066 Country commented:

“The visitor economy in our region is vital – it supports 21% of all jobs, that’s well above the national average. Tourism isn’t a ‘nice to have’ add-on to our local economy – it’s at the very heart of it. It’s vital that we support and amplify the range and quality of the exceptional tourism offer we have – our membership of over 140 businesses deserve that. The next two years will be pivotal in putting our region in the spotlight. At a time when the landscape of destination marketing and local government is shifting, our strength lies in working collectively. We may be small, but together we are mighty. We know our members, we know our area intimately, and while we support Sussex as a whole, we remain uniquely - and proudly - 1066 Country.”

1066 Country extended thanks to event sponsors The Stables Theatre, Bloom Stays, Gusbourne and Rye Chocolates, and championed both Rother and Wealden District Councils for their continued recognition of and investment in the visitor economy.

Collaboration, confidence and pride of place was the clear message and one that will carry 1066 Country forward into its next chapter.

The Case for reintroduction of VAT-Free Shopping in the UK

Paul Barnes, Chief Executive of the Association of International Retail spoke at the 1066 Tourism Forum to make the case for the reintroduction of VAT free shopping in the UK (which was scrapped under Boris Johnson’s government five years ago).

Evidence shows that its reintroduction would give an annual £7bn boost to the economy across the UK, supporting high street businesses, creating over 140,000 new jobs and generating an £800m net positive to the Exchequer.

In particular it would be a potential game changer for the future of Ashford International Station. A review would assess the value of shopping-led, EU tourism opportunities for the whole region - strengthening the economic case for reopening the International Station.

There are around six weeks before the publication of the government’s Visitor Economy Growth Strategy and DCMS is actively discussing this proposal with the Treasury.

The ask at this stage is simply that the Government commits to reviewing the impact of VAT free shopping in the light of the new evidence that contradicts the 2020 forecasts which were limited in scope thanks to COVID lockdowns.

A review by HMT and the OBR, which has never been done for the key EU element, would carry minimal cost and no policy commitment. But it would send a clear signal that the Government is serious about supporting tourism, growth, jobs, and high streets. And it would comply with the Treasury's commitment to evidence-based policy making.

The potential reward for the reintroduction of VAT shopping in the UK could be fast growth and job creation helping high street businesses.

If you are minded to support this campaign we’d ask that you write to our MP, Helena Dollimore to urge the Government to commit to a review within the forthcoming National Visitor Economy Growth Strategy.

Chamber recruitment

Despite a number of meetings, there is nothing new to report and we are in the same position as last month - we need candidates prepared to take on the role of Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer for a year.

With new leadership the Chamber can take a fresh look at what the membership want. Please email us if you’d like to take on a role within the Chamber, or if you’d like to meet with us to chat further about what we do and how you might be able to offer your time and expertise: info@ryechamber.org

Station Approach Loos - Funding rejected

As reported in the December newsletter the stakeholder group, via the Chamber, 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. Sadly, our funding application was rejected. The good news is that funds have been provided by Rye Town Council for project management to work on the feasibility study that had been earmarked for progressing refurbishment and a long term management strategy for the facility.

Dates for your Diary:

Rye Chamber Summer Social - Weds 24th June -Get Tickets

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See you next month!