About Us
Who are we?
The Blackdown Hills Business Association is a not-for-profit membership based organisation which was set up in the early 1980s in order to bring together a number of small businesses who were finding it difficult to advertise their businesses individually. These businesses saw the value of promoting their wares and services collectively. This need remains at the core of the BHBA activities today. As at March 2009 our membership stood at over 300 business members.
The BHBA has an executive Board of Directors. Please click on 'Board Members' opposite for a current list. The day to day administration of the BHBA are delivered by Absolutes Ltd (Val and Graham Baker).
Our aims?
The Blackdown Hills Business Association aims to promote the interests of all businesses in the Blackdown Hills area. We seek to respond to the needs of commercial ventures that contribute so much to the prosperity of this area. In addition we are keen to build links with organisations and businesses outside the Blackdown Hills area. There are no barriers to membership - we believe that forging links in new areas in the region are crucial in helping to safeguard our future.
For details of membership benefits, please click on the 'join us' page for details of training opportunities please click on the 'Workshops' page.
Networking with the BHBA
We offer regular meetings and networking events. These include bi-monthly lunchclubs at various venues in the area, please see our events list for details. We also run regular meetings at The Meeting Room, Marcus Road, Dunkeswell. A Tourism Group also meets regularly, please see 'Events' for details of all these meetings.
The BHBA is a company limited by guarantee. Company no: 4633915 (Registered in England and Wales). Our registered address is 11 The Crescent, Taunton TA1 4EA.
Sponsorship and Funding of BHBA Activities:
 Leader+
From 2003 to 2007, the BHBA was part funded through the Local Products Strategy LEADER+ programme which aimed to improve the long term integrated sustainability of the area in economic, social and environmental terms. It also aimed to stimulate new economic activity and product sector growth, by adding value to local products and services, extending and strengthening local business development, by promoting environmental best practice, actively promote the identity of the area and support young people with training and business start up. BHBA activities still focus on achieving these core aims and following the closure of this funding in 2008. The LEADER+ Local Products Strategy is also sponsoring the Dunkeswell Eco Business Park (DEBP) in order to deliver affordable workspace for start up and growing businesses. In March 2009, The Meeting House also at the DEBP opened its doors and offers meeting room and training facilities. This new venue is available for business and community hire. Please contact the DEBP for more details.
The Blackdown Hills Business Association is the sole member-based business organisation in this distinctive Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Sponsor involvement with the BHBA thus offers powerful communication and business development opportunities with all local businesses and the wider community.
Sponsors and funders of BHBA activities include:
Dunkeswell Eco Business Park Ltd:
Main funders of the refurbishment of workspace for start up and growing businesses.
Outreach Learning for the Blackdown Hills in 2006.
The Blackdown Hills Sustainable Development Fund
 Blackdown Hills AONB
Have offered accountancy report for many years. Adrian Stallard (a Director at Lentells) is Company Secretary of the BHBA and Dunkeswell Eco Business Park.
 Sponsors of How not to exhibit at shows! by Salisbury Playhouse
If you would like to receive details on how to become a sponsor of the BHBA, please contact us at the BHBA, St Ivel House, Station Road, Hemyock, Devon EX15 3SJ or email info@bhba.org.uk.
|
Content ©2010 Blackdown Hills Business Association. All Rights Reserved. Website designed by Magellan Projects.
