Meeting documents

David Woan, President of the Chamber of Trade addressed the committee and gave a detailed presentation regarding the work and links with Yeovil Town and the Chamber of Trade.  This included:

·         How the chamber supports local businesses and was a ‘not for profit’ network support group.

·         Was a Key stakeholder on the Yeovil Refresh group and the Police lead Night-time Economy Steering group.

·          Reported on a recent visit with the street pastors and had regular contact with the homeless sleep-coordinator.

·         Success of the monthly executive committee.

·         Financially self-sufficient with income coming from a mix of membership fees, sponsorship and other funding streams.

·         Explained the difficulties in 2020 to deliver continued support throughout the Covid pandemic and Brexit.

·         The success of the business leader’s breakfast meeting including attendance from many senior business leaders including SSDC, Leonardo Helicopters, Yeovil District Hospital and Yeovil College.

·         Relaunch of the website in May 2020.

·         64 local business entered first ever business awards in Oct 2020.

·         Awarded a £5000 SCC grant to fund and deliver the 2021 business fair.

·         Main issues to address going forward including Business rates and broadband coverage in the area.

·         Success of the brand ‘Love Yeovil’ and the hope to continue to deliver town events such as the Yeovil half marathon and Christmas lights switch on and lantern parade when restrictions allow.

·         Feedback from the Quedam Centre and other retailer operators, explaining the impact Covid 19 has had on the town and its businesses.  They wished to thank the support of the local council and hoped to it will return to sustainable levels of footfall and trade very soon. 

·         Success of the M-Hub network bringing together local manufacturing and engineering businesses.

·         Continued work with Yeovil College and various businesses regarding the I-Aero project to help support opportunities for employment and training.

·         Continued liaison with RNAS Yeovilton and the need to re-engage the airbase with Yeovil Town.

In conclusion he said that the Chamber had a working budget of just £12,000 and adopted a commercially unique business model.  He wished to thank both the private and public sector businesses for the cooperation received and that continued to make the Chamber of Trade a success.

In response to members’ questions, he also clarified the following:

·         The multi-agency approach and liaison with the local co-ordinator based at the Yeovil Gateway church in regard to homeless sleepers in Yeovil.  The contact with the police and other agencies such as the Council to feed in the business sectors views.

·         Explained the continuing communication with the council’s Economic Development Team and the work being undertaken regarding the ever changing broadband delivery.

·         Consider the internet as a positive tool and the need for businesses to adapt. He believes the internet has supported and helped sustain many businesses in the town during the Covid 19 pandemic.

·         Acknowledged the input and support provided by Yeovil Town Council regarding ‘Love Yeovil’ and thanked them for their continued excellent work.

·         Believed that businesses were still keen to come into the town, and that prior to lockdown had arrested the decline in the high street, although believe the full impact is not yet known.

·         Acknowledged the nature of the high street was changing and becoming a multi-lateral offering with retail only being a part.  He felt the main issue that needed to change was the business rates disparity. He also believed going forward town centre’s would become a mix of commercial, residential and retail.

The Chairman wished to thank the President, Chamber of Trade for their excellent work and his help supporting the future of Yeovil Town.