About Brackley Business Association
Our Mission
The Brackley Business Association exists to unite, support, and promote Brackley’s business community. As a Company Limited by Guarantee, we provide a formal, accountable structure to represent the interests of our town’s businesses in dealings with local authorities, funding bodies, and the wider community.
“Your business. Your voice. Your town.”
Why We Exist
Brackley is a thriving market town with a rich 800+ year trading history. Home to 16,195 residents and situated at the crossroads between major cities, our town has enormous potential. However, individual businesses face challenges:
- Competition from online retailers and out-of-town shopping
- Limited influence when dealing with councils individually
- Restricted access to grants and funding opportunities
- Marketing costs that strain individual budgets
- Town centre issues that need coordinated action
The BBA transforms these individual challenges into collective opportunities.
Our Objectives
As outlined in our Articles of Association, we aim to:
- Promote Brackley town centre as a destination for shopping, hospitality, services, and visitor experience
- Represent and support businesses through advocacy, events, shared marketing, and regeneration initiatives
- Apply for and administer funding for local business benefit
- Collaborate with councils to improve the town’s economic, cultural, and environmental vitality
- Facilitate networking and training to enhance local business skills and capabilities
Legal Structure
The BBA is a Company Limited by Guarantee - a non-profit structure chosen for:
- Limited liability - Members’ financial risk is limited to £1
- Formal recognition - Councils and funders take us seriously
- Grant eligibility - We can apply for funding unavailable to individuals
- Transparent governance - Clear accountability and professional standards
- Asset lock - All resources benefit the business community
Leadership & Governance
Board of Directors
Our board ensures balanced representation across all business sectors:
- Chair - Strategic leadership and council liaison
- Secretary - Governance and compliance
- Treasurer - Financial oversight and grant management
- Sector Representatives - Voice for each business type
Directors serve two-year terms and are elected by members at our AGM.
Sector Representation
We guarantee every type of business has a voice:
- Hospitality - Restaurants, cafes, pubs, hotels
- Aesthetics - Beauty, wellness, personal care
- Retail - Independent shops and boutiques
- Trades - Skilled services and crafts
- Services - Professional and business services
Our Approach
Led by Businesses, For Businesses
We’re not a top-down organization. Every decision is made by and for our members, ensuring we address real business needs.
Partnership Working
We work with councils, not against them. Our MoU with West Northamptonshire Council ensures:
- Fast-track consultation on planning matters
- Recognition as the voice of town centre businesses
- Joint working on regeneration projects
- Coordinated event planning
Transparency & Accountability
- Open meetings - Members can attend board meetings
- Published accounts - Financial transparency
- Regular communication - Updates on activities and opportunities
- Democratic decisions - One business, one vote
What We’ve Achieved
Since formation, we have:
- ✅ Established formal legal structure and governance
- ✅ Created partnerships with both local councils
- ✅ Built foundation for grant applications
- ✅ United businesses across all sectors
- ✅ Launched professional digital presence
Our Vision for Brackley
We see a future where:
- Every business thrives through mutual support
- The town centre buzzes with activity and footfall
- Local truly means something to residents and visitors
- Brackley leads as a model market town for the 21st century
Join Our Journey
The strength of the BBA comes from our members. Every business that joins makes us more powerful, more representative, and more able to create positive change.
Together, we’re not just surviving - we’re building Brackley’s business future.
The Brackley Business Association Ltd is a Company Limited by Guarantee, working in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council and Brackley Town Council.