Report from Stephen Heptinstall, 10pbg Light Industrial Survey group;
“On Monday 14th September Patrick Boyle, Nick Palmer (EPS) and I met again with David Evans and Hattie Winter of Taunton Deane Borough Council Economic Development and Katriona Lovelock of Somerset County Council Economic Development.
Once again we surfaced the issues raised in our survey which roughly summarised are business support and advice together with basic infrastructure needs to attract new businesses into the area or to allow for existing growth. Increasingly we find that local government is supportive and sympathetic to the findings of the survey. However support can only come when resources become available and when our area becomes a priority. The case we put forward is that once the 100 new houses are completed, where are we going to find jobs and prosperity for the new and existing residents. This has been exacerbated by the loss of Carro and Staceys in the last couple of years.
We highlighted the issue of Workplace Pensions. Where do we get business advice? The thought of the 10 Parishes Business Group is for all of us businesses to collaborate. Let’s combine our expertise and buying power and lets see what deal we can source from the market place. The initiative is being researched by Martin Heal and he will be talking to various providers to ensure we get a good deal for 10 PBG businesses, but will also ensure that we comply with government regulation. If any business owner would like to join this initiative, please contact Martin at martinheal@btinternet.com. We will have more information at the next networking meeting and AGM on 15th October at Cotleigh Brewery.”
Leave a Reply