News from Okehampton & District Chamber of Trade

My first year as chamber chairman has been an interesting one, getting to know some of the individual business owners, hearing their concerns and learning what the chamber does for the town. 

I have worked alongside vice chair Lyn Evans to develop a strategic plan for Okehampton based on a SWOT analysis, drawing from the West Devon survey conducted in November 2016.  We have already begun discussions with Devon County Council to see how we can resolve some of the issues facing the town.  We have attended West Devon Parking Strategy Group meetings to ensure Okehampton is getting its voice heard.

I have had the privilege of working alongside chamber member Rebecca Green and a private individual, Michelle Symmons, who brought the Sunday market to Okehampton; Originally done to support the Sunday train it proved so popular it was decided to run a Sunday festive market.  This has been wonderfully successful, a real benefit to the town, and I hope other chamber members will come forward and get involved. 

The food and music festival, co-ordinated by Mish Flexman, was a great success and we received much positive feedback.  This has led us to launch a small farmer’s market in Red Lion Yard, we hope that this will become a regular event, especially as there are plans to close the market at Hatherleigh.

A lot of work has been done to improve and maintain the high standards of the Christmas lights.  An incredibly dedicated, hard-working group is involved in overhauling and upgrading the lights, local businessmen freely giving much time to support this work.  We have had generous financial donations from Okehampton United Charity, Okehampton Town Council and the Hamlets Council as well as donations from the business community and local people to enable us to carry out these improvements.  It shows there is still an amazing community spirit in Okehampton, we had many new faces helping get Christmas trees up this year.

We have recently begun hosting a regular networking breakfast networking at the Dovecote in Red Lion Yard on the second Tuesday of each month.  Breakfast starts at 7.30am with a guest speaker around 8am.  Non-members are welcome.

The chamber benefits the local community as businesses work together to enhance the town.  Although some businesses have closed over the last 12 months we have also seen new independent shops open and had the fantastic news that the Plume of Feathers is re-opening.  Our AGM will be held on Thursday, February 1 at 7.30pm at Toast in Market Street.   This an opportunity to share your opinion, meet other business owners and celebrate being a part of Okehampton’s business community.  I hope you will join us.

Linda Harper

Chairman