Dick Smith, Chairman and Phil Bates from the business group, Buy In Grayshott (BIG) were invited to Petworth Town last week to meet up with members of the recently formed Petworth Business Association.

BIG has established a reputation across a wide area as being innovative and creative over how businesses in Grayshott interact with existing and potential customers and the way they, the customer are encouraged to shop and support businesses in keeping a thriving local economy in the Grayshott area. This achievement was recognised in 2002 when Grayshott was awarded the distinction of winning the best village in England and Wales for "Business In The Community".

Dick and Phil explained how BIG through its members supports the village by getting involved in regular litter picks, hanging basket displays, Best Dressed Shop Competition, The Village Funday, Grayshott Concerts, The Christmas Market, Carols In The Square etc, and as well supports arguably one of the best village web sites in the country, grayshott.com.

They went on to explain the importance of the very good communications with the Parish Council and other groups and organisations in the village who are encouraged to come along to BIG meetings to give their views and advise.

The Petworth Business Association were most impressed with the BIG Business Directory and the recent published Village Map which high lights places of interest, walks and eateries etc, this has proved to be a success for visitors and residents in the Village.

Kate Sanders a committee member of the Petworth Business Association said, "Dick and Phil gave an informal and extremely informative talk and our members found it inspirational and brimming with practical ideas on how to take the new Petworth Association forward".