The government's spending review, reorganisation of business and community support and abolition of many public bodies are creating much change for businesses in North Devon.
On the face of it, it is natural to be concerned that, suddenly, some organisations perceived to exist to support business and the community are disappearing.
Yet a closer look at many South West and Devon organisations, both government and voluntary run, leads to asking what actual support they give to businesses in North Devon?
Out of a sample of 28 of the many organisations, agencies and bodies purporting to serve the South West or Devon, 16 have main offices in Exeter, 8 in Bristol, 4 in Plymouth, 2 in South Devon, 1 in Truro, 1 in Somerset and 1 in Wiltshire (multiple offices are included in these figures).
What connection with and relevance to North Devon do these organisations have? Does it matter?
It does to businesses based in North Devon.
South West means more than Bristol and Exeter
Sometimes there is a perception that business in the North of the county means farming, retail or tourism. Yet we have a broad mix of businesses with 22% of the workforce in manufacturing and a growing business services sector.
We have world class manufacturers exporting to every continent, hi-tech internet businesses and quality food manufacturers. Many businesses are online and network with other businesses in the area, across Devon, the region, the country and the world. They are reaching out and developing new relationships and exploiting the sophisticated networks now possible through social media. They provide products and services that were not possible five or 10 years ago and are embracing the opportunities offered by an increasing focus on sustainability.
No need for must, must, must
Yet all too often communications from these support organisations and quangos aimed at the area begin by saying “North Devon businesses must . . .”
Why must we?
How do they know what is happening in North Devon?
Perhaps they could learn something themselves from North Devon businesses. Perhaps if these organisations came out of their cities and got to know the rest of the South West outside Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth, they would have a better understanding of the county and region, and be able to provide more effective support to remote areas such as North Devon.
What do North Devon businesses want?
Our requirements are clear:
> better representation at county and regional level
> to be treated with respect
We want organisations to improve the way they communicate with the North Devon business community. That means getting to know us, our needs and especially our strengths. It means giving us the opportunity to voice our opinions and listening to them. It also means communicating with us as equals and not in a top-down, patronising tone.
That will involve educating communications and PR offices and external agencies, who, as professionals in their sector, ought to know better.
Whose fault is it?
While we are critical of some organisations, we recognise that the North Devon business community also has a responsibility to represent itself. The area has not been effective in making itself heard in the past and needs to make a bigger effort.
Our challenge is to identify the opportunities to engage with the rest of the county and the South West, and to forge new, effective relationships for the benefit of all.
That is one of the reasons why we established the North Devon Business Alliance: to fill the communications vacuum.
Need for rationalistion
As well as more effective two-way communication, rationalisation of responsibilities and activities is needed. For any issue, there is a bewildering array of initiatives from multiple organisations.
This creates confusion over which organisation to approach and which scheme is applicable. Businesses do not have the time for this, but require more coordinated support and a clear map of who provides what activity.
The area of sustainability and the low carbon economy is a good example with initiatives from Regen SW, SWRDA, Business Link and CITB-Construction Skills South West among others. Sometimes, organisations seem to compete in promoting their own schemes with the effect of creating confusion in the marketplace. This not only prevents businesses from benefitting from what could be useful advice and support, but also damages all support organisations in the eyes of the business community.
There is an urgent need for effective coordinated support at a county and regional level.
Let's work together
We welcome the opportunity to communicate, to explain our needs and cascade information to North Devon businesses. We would like more events to be held here too.
We also welcome guests to our monthly NDBA lunches to meet and get to know businesses here. And why not meet other North Devon organisations - FSB branches, chambers and networking groups?
Let's engage and explore how we can all exploit opportunities for the benefit of businesses in North Devon, the county and the region.
WHO REPRESENTS NORTH DEVON?
The confusing list of organisations serving us.
Do you know who they all are and what they do?
BBC Devon
Beacon South West
Black South West Network
Business Link
CIBSW
Community Council of Devon
DCBC
Devon County Council
DEBI
Devon Consortium
Devon Education Business Partnership
Devon Rural Network Equality
South West Food and Drink
GOSW
Heart FM
ITV West Country
Regen SW
RISE
South West Acre Network of Rural Community Councils
South West Forum
South West Screen
South West Tourism
SWAIN
SWRDA
Taste of the West
Visit Devon
UKTI SW
