The Thames Business Association (TBA) is in the midst of a major transition after recent staff changes, and is looking to its members to determine its next steps forward.
Chief executive Sue Lewis-O’Halloran stepped down at the end of 2025 after five years, marking the end of paid staff as the TBA adopts a volunteer-led structure.
The association is now run by a committee of Thames locals. Robyn Forster, Adrian Hunt, Stu Robinson, Karyn Russell, Peter Richardson, and Nicole Phillips own businesses in and around Thames, and they have begun work on a new charter and strategy to ensure the association is providing value to its members.
The changes are largely being shaped by feedback from a recent member survey and discussion forum, committee member Nicole told The Profile.
“The overwhelming response that we have had from the forum was that members were so refreshed that we were asking them, involving them in the planning,” she said.
“They felt really heard and engaged. And I think that participation has created a lot of positive momentum. We’ve had members emailing through ideas – they’re putting their voice forward.”
Planning for the changes has already begun, with the TBA calling for tenders to revamp its business website and develop a public member directory. The website was likely to be up and running within six months, Nicole said.
The TBA is also planning to develop member-only resources such as online service hubs.
“The website and an active member directory were really important to our members,” Nicole said.
“We’re really hopeful that the new digital platform and new brand and things that we’re working on will help with that.”
Advocacy and security/crime prevention was to remain as key functions of the TBA, Nicole said.
“What members really valued in Sue’s role was that advocacy,” Nicole said.
“We can’t provide you with legal advice… we can use our networks for introduction and support [but] we had to redefine with our members what advocacy looked like for them and how we can support them with issues.
“The security, crime prevention was something that was really valued and an angle that we went with there was updating the terms and conditions and the scope of our BizWatch, which is that business network [for] information sharing around anti-social behaviour and things that are happening in Thames.”
And although the association will continue to organise events such as the Santa Parade, and run the Thames Info Centre, Nicole said the TBA’s main focus now will be its members.
“That was the tourist audience rather than the business audience. We’re not dropping any balls… we’re trying to focus on the things that the members are asking for most.”
