Well, perhaps not, but you can hear what's actually planned for Diss on November 6, 6pm, in the Park Hotel.

Diss Business Forum is hosting a meeting about planning that particularly affects traders.

Diss town clerk Deborah Sarson and Richard Cooper, from South Norfolk Council's planning policy team will be speaking.

Mrs Sarson will present the town council's views on development policy and the effect on Diss, while Mr Cooper will update on the Local Development Framework that is to replace the Local Plan.

This event will provide an opportunity to assess both points of view and gauge the impact of countywide plans on local traders.

It's important, it's free, it's open to all, and it will matter a great deal to Diss businesses.

Last month I promised to introduce the Diss Business Forum committee, businesspeople who volunteer time and expertise. Without their commitment, events like the planning meeting and Diss On View wouldn't happen.

So, thanks go to DBF treasurer Ian Webster, of Larking Gowen; past chairman Sarah Roberts, architect, of TW Gaze; property expert and networker extraordinaire Ed Ling; typographer, designer Lynda Sullivan, of Type & Image; Ron Westrup, Diss Express advertising manager; and our tireless, motivating chairman Marion James, of Paramount Personnel Services.

The chairman said about her DBF involvement: "I believe Diss is a town with great potential – unique shops where you can buy almost everything; good quality veg and meat; the gift that's a little bit different.

"It has so much to offer – friendly people (including the odd personality). It's a joy to live and work here.

"With some focus, I hope DBF can help bring these things together to benefit the town's traders and shoppers."

Things move quickly in Diss. The Diss Business Forum will help you be the first to know.

Jenna Cox, of marketing, PR and design consultancy Articulate HLC, is a member of the Diss Business Forum committee.


For information about DBF, or to join, visit its new website