Wiveliscombe And 10 Parishes Business Group

Inspiring Business to Thrive in Wiveliscombe and the Ten Parishes

"Inspiring Business to Thrive in Wiveliscombe & the 10 Parishes"

Social Media Self-Help group

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At the 10pbg Social Media Marketing workshop on 15th July, a number of local businesses expressed a willingness to meet to help each other develop their social media skills.

A group has now formed to pilot this idea and will be meeting twice in September to develop their business Facebook pages. A basic session to enable participants to understand what to do with their Facebook page will be followed by a session aimed at people who already have a page and understand the basics and want to improve their page and profile on the internet.

The group is currently full, but any other interested parties can register for future groups by emailing Jon Coward at liquidbrighton1@gmail.com

 

New Wiveliscombe leaflet to attract visitors

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Ann Scotter, a mentor for Walkers are Welcome, had an idea to promote Wiveliscombe – the 1st Walkers are Welcome town in Somerset – to visitors.

Visit Wiveliscombe outside panelsTogether with Heather Harvey they created a leaflet that promotes the excellent walking around Wiveliscombe, along with places to stay, the amenities and shops.

Taunton Deane Borough Council commissioned David McCubbin to undertake this task using the 10pbg web site as a guide.

5000 leaflets have been paid for and printed by Taunton Deane. These leaflets will be distributed to Tourist information offices throughout Somerset and hopefully increase visitors to the town.

 

EPS in Wivey Gains Government Funding

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EPS logoWe are delighted that local Wivey based business and 10PBG member EPS Tooling & Services has secured a government grant to support investment in new machinery and additional staff.

For more info, please take a look at the TDBC press release below:

“Government Funding supports growth in Wiveliscombe

EPS

A specialist bandsaw manufacturer based in Wiveliscombe has secured Government funding that will help it invest in new machinery and lead to two new jobs.

Taunton Deane Borough Council is congratulating EPS Servicing and Tooling in winning £25,000 from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund pot.

EPS manufactures and services wide bandsaws, supplying the timber processing market from its two factories in Wiveliscombe and Kirkcaldy in Scotland.

The grant will enable the company to invest in new machinery for its site in Wiveliscombe earlier than planned. This new machinery will help increase capacity, and support the recruitment of two extra staff over the next 18 months.

The business employs 30 people across its two sites, with the majority of staff in Somerset and has been based in Wiveliscombe since 1985, when they moved from smaller premises locally. Two of the original four employees are still with the company today

The Council’s Economic Development team advised EPS on the availability of funding to help it grow, and will work with the company to ensure that its success continues to benefit the Wiveliscombe workforce and the local economy.

Cllr Mark Edwards, TDBC Executive Councillor for Business development, said: “EPS is one of only three producers of bandsaws in the UK and is an important employer in Wiveliscombe.

“It is important that we work closely with our business community, as they are the drivers of growth in the local economy. I’m particularly pleased that we were able to assist this successful application and I congratulate managing director Nick Palmer and the team.”

TDBC logoNick Palmer, Managing Director of EPS added: “We have a very effective relationship with the Council’s Economic Development team, supporting our application for funding has helped us grow and develop at a faster pace.”

 More information on EPS can be found on their website: www.eps-services.co.uk

Patrick Boyle, 10 PBG chair

Wivey & 10 Parishes Business Group –“Inspiring Business to Thrive in Wiveliscombe & the 10 Parishes”

 

Networking Evening 11 June – Report

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On 11 June our Networking evening was a most enjoyable evening.

First of all, there was a presentation from Heidi Hallam a self-confessed anorak regarding EU funding. We are part of the HEART OF THE SOUTH WEST LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARNERSHIP. This organisation replaced the RDAs. They lobby on issues such as A303 and are your point of call for business support www.business-supportsw.com . 

You can sign up for a monthly e mail newsletter at www.heartofswlep.co.uk

Heidi was followed by Hattie Winter of Taunton Deane economic development team who spoke very clearly. The good news is that Taunton Deane are employing David McCubbin to produce the Walkers are Welcome in Wiveliscombe leaflets. These will be available in Dulverton and Porlock Tourist Information office and online. This we hope will generate extra footfall to Wiveliscombe and use of the local services and retailers. Taunton Deane is paying as they are aware they have not promoted Wiveliscombe much.

The 10pbg group has been effective in lobbying for extra spending in our area as we are a recognised group to liaise with. So please make sure your 10pbg listing is up to date and you have paid your subscription to support our work. Local retailers may be contacted by David McCubbin directly about inclusion in the leaflet, however we have not heard from him yet how he will collate the info.

The rest of the evening included a talk from Philip Chambers from Milverton Sawmills – it had us all laughing, as Philip shared the entertaining story of the sawmills, which is a longstanding family business he took over from his father.

A presentation from Nigel and Sophia about the improvements to the 10pbg web site and blogging opportunities was very informative.

A free drink was provided by Cotleigh in their excellent function room and a chance to mingle with other business people rounded it all off well. Remember these evenings are free to members.

Heather Harvey, Retail sub Group chair

The Lloyd Family – Prize Draw Winners At Showcase

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 Stuart Lloyd - prize draw winner at Showcase Stuart LLoyd physiotherapist from Wiveliscombe received the winning ticket in the Free Draw to win £50 at the Wiveliscombe & Ten Parishes Showcase, the event which highlights local business products and services.

The show highlighted over forty businesses with the visitors being hugely entertained by a host of local musicians and singers, with refreshments being provided by the Zambian Exchange at Kingsmead, not to mention Cotleigh & Exmoor Breweries.

Said Stuart “I thought it was a great event and stayed for around two hours! The music was terrific and I enjoyed finding out about the Hyde Park child musicians and the many services around, particularly Country Cars & Vans, who are practically on my doorstep”.

Dripping Chocolate at ShowcaseYoung Noah strongly disagreed, there was no equal to the chocolate strawberry he received from Dripping Chocolate!

Showcase was kindly sponsored by Porter Dodson solicitors and supported by John Packer Music and Taunton Deane BC.

For a full report, check out our recent Showcase blog >>>

Showcase 2015 – A Great Day

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Showcase on Wiveliscombe and 10 Parishes

Showcase on Wivey & 10 ParishesThe 2nd annual “Showcase on Wiveliscombe and 10 Parishes“ on Saturday 25 April at Kingsmead, highlighted our wonderful range of local businesses at this excellent event, unique in Somerset and opened by the Mayor of Taunton Deane.

Local musicians, including the fabulous Johnny Mars, Hot Pink Fusion, The Outlaw and High Park, plus Su Mo, Fodo and others, provided magical music and superb entertainment and there was a stunning dance display, plus time to sample craft beers from local breweries Cotleigh and Exmoor – or perhaps a delicious chocolate creation…

The creative area included talented artists and photographers, together with beautiful framing to set it all off, plus beautiful bespoke jewellery, which attracted a number of commissions.

The local trades section was the perfect place to find a quality decorator, plumber or electrician – or even a gorgeous bespoke kitchen. With housebuilders, estate agents, architects and solicitors, you could even buy a house!

There was nutrition and fitness advice – plus care for your pets and products for the elderly – even stunning music systems.

For businesses there was everything from marketing, websites and advertising, to insurance and business support, along with vehicle, engineering, sawmill and building supplies.

Plus apprenticeships and courses, Wivey Link and In the Mix – there was something for everyone.

Showcase was kindly sponsored by Porter Dodson solicitors and supported by Taunton Deane BC – and the music was kindly sponsored by John Packer Music.

Amazing tips for small businesses from an expert

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Alex PolizziThe Fixer…

For all those who missed the six programme series featuring business guru Alex Polizzi – http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01qwflg you would do well to seek out a recording to watch –

it is absolutely crammed with the fundamental truths of how to run a business.

And for all you people who mourn the loss of ‘Business Link’, take heart – there are mountains of advice, workshops, grants and free consultancy out there – all you have to do is look.

If you do want some help from a mentor, then by all means get in touch with www.cornerstonementoring.co.uk – it’s free, but I warn you, we don’t do the work for you but we do suggest ways to improve the way you run your business.

For those of you who have been there and done that, may I suggest you consider helping those who have yet to tread that path by giving something back as a Cornerstone mentor (details on our website, above).

John Harris

Cornerstone Mentoring and 10PBG Steering Group Member

10 PBG Joins Somerset Chamber

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Somerset Chamber Logo

We’re delighted to announce that the Wivey and 10 Parishes Business Group has become an affiliate member of Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

Among other benefits this enables members of the Business Group to access member events.

Please do visit the Somerset Chamber website for all the latest news and information:

www.somerset-chamber.co.uk

 Wivey and 10 Parishes Business Group

Small Business Saturday – 6 Dec 2014

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On Saturday 6 Dec our local shops in Wivey are planning all sorts of special offers, treats and promotions, as part of the UK’s 2nd annual Small Business Saturday.

It is also Cotleigh Brewery’s Open Day – complete with music, stalls and their horse drawn dray.

Please do bring your friends and family!

Our local shops are planning all sorts of special offers, treats and promotions for you, as part of the UK's 2nd annual Small Business Saturday. Here in Wivey there is even more going on, as it is also Cotleigh Brewery's Open Day - complete with music, stalls and their horse drawn dray.

 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Wivey and 10 Parishes Business Group

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