NewsSUPERFAST Broadband UPDATE03 February 2012 1 Key Briefing: Superfast Broadband February 2012 Keep up to speed: latest news from the Connecting Devon and Somerset Broadband Programme Background Our project is one of 3 national pilots chosen to roll out superfast broadband to the ‘hard to reach’ areas that will not attract private sector investment. With the help of funding from the Government and both County Councils, as well as support from partner authorities Plymouth, Torbay and North Somerset, we have £50m to invest, but this isn’t enough on its own. We have to attract investment from broadband suppliers too. We are running a campaign (from 6th February) to ask the communities and businesses of Devon and Somerset to show thatthey want superfast broadband. We need as many people as possible to take part in a short survey which will be influential in deciding how, where and when the infrastructure will be rolled out. This is our one big opportunity to shape the future of our digital services, so it’s vital everyone gets involved to help us get connected and up to speed. ‘Connecting Devon and Somerset’ This is a project led by Somerset County Council and Devon County Councils in partnership with Plymouth, Torbay and North Somerset Councils, to roll out broadband to those parts of our counties not covered (or likely to be covered) by the private sector. The project aims to deliver: • Improved broadband (>2mbps) to every business and community across Devon and Somerset by 2015 • Superfast broadband (>24mbps) to at least 85% of the area by 2015, with 100% by 2020 With commitment from both County Councils and support from a range of stakeholders including MPs, Heart of the South West LEP, the emergency services and many business organisations, the partnership secured circa £31m of funding from Government (BDUK). This is being matched by £20m from the two County Councils to buy the best broadband solutions for our communities. To get the best deal from the private sector, we need to show that there is real demand for superfast and improved broadband services. A short, dynamic campaign, ‘Keep up to Speed: Get Connected’, is running from 6th -29th February to encourage residents, businesses and communities to register their interest. We need to evidence good market demand when negotiating with potential suppliers. Why is this important? £50m of public sector support will not be sufficient to achieve our aims. We need additional investment by the private sector, and to make this an attractive proposition, they will want to see a good potential return on their investment. Through the campaign, residents, businesses and communities will be asked to register their broadband speed, the types of activity limited by current speeds and what improved connectivity might mean. The findings will be used during our negotiations with broadband suppliers. They will also be a factor, along with the potential for economic growth, social need and current speed influencing the eventual broadband roll out programme. It is a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity for communities and businesses to have a say in the services needed for their area. 2 What will happen? Briefings for key stakeholders are taking place now beginning with a direct mail campaign across the area. From 6th February, information leaflets will be sent to 26,000 business and residential addresses in 10 sample areas across Somerset and Devon. People at these addresses will then be asked to respond to a survey through a follow up phone call. There will also be features in local newspapers, radio and TV programmes, to reach people who are not in one of the sample areas. They can register their interest online at www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk or by calling our dedicated hotline on 0844 463887. The findings from this survey will be analysed in March to show demand for broadband before we commence the next phase of procurement in April to achieve the most effective solution. As many may not be aware of the difference the improved service could make, we will also provide information on the benefits to ensure that our communities are included, our businesses can benefit and residents are not disenfranchised by lack of access. There will be a dedicated phone line and mailbox and further information on the Connecting Devon and Somerset website: www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk. People may respond through their place of work as well as their home set up. Timetable Campaign activity 6- 29 February National Broadband Suppliers framework established May 2012 Award of Devon and Somerset broadband partner contract September 2012 Launch of business and community demand campaign June 2012 Launch of business and community skills campaign September 2012 Deployment and roll out schedule announcement Jan / February 2013 What do we need? We need as many responses as possible! We are briefing stakeholders, asking community groups, businesses, employer representative organisations and many others to prime their colleagues, members and friends to be ready to respond. Their input is vital to ensuring effective roll out of services and it is unlikely there will ever be another similar opportunity. Superfast broadband has the capacity to change lives and we want to ensure Devon and Somerset are at the forefront of the digital revolution. 3 APPENDIX: the current picture 20% of our 6,000 survey respondents (2011) (businesses and individuals) only receive 1Mbps.The private sector is currently only committed to delivering superfast broadband access to 38% of premises, and this is predicted to rise to 62% by 2015. This leaves 26,000 businesses with a turnover of £9 billion and 700,000 people with no certainty of improved connectivity Devon County Average sync speed (Mbit/s): 6.4 Percentage getting less than 2Mbit/s: 17.2% Superfast broadband availability: 17% Broadband take up: 69% Somerset County Average sync speed (Mbit/s): 6 Percentage getting less than 2Mbit/s: 17.7% Superfast broadband availability: 4% Broadband take up: 70% (Ofcom) Faster broadband will: • Be the 21st century infrastructure that enables our businesses to compete on a level footing regardless of location • Make Devon and Somerset a more attractive proposition for business relocations and start-ups – including the creation of new, high-tech jobs • Enable the transformation of public services through initiatives such as: telehealth, improving patient care in their homes; community safety through greater and more efficient use of CCTV; law enforcement through improving remote working and communications, and distance learning • Enable improved business efficiency and flexibility, for example through speedier communication, better access to new markets and greater homeworking • Facilitate improved skills levels through access to online learning • Tackle digital exclusion, ensuring rural communities have the same access to services as urban communities Opportunities for involvement Our partners and stakeholders are key to the success of this campaign. We welcome your involvement through: • Promoting, publicising and championing the campaign and survey • Participating in events • Identifying opportunities for further briefings, events and media coverage • Communicating the project through your own networks and social media channels • Letting us know how best to keep you in touch with project progress. • Identifying who we need to talk to in your communities or what would enable you to talk to other people about the campaign For general enquiries please contact Phil Nicholls: 01392 38222 Email: For media enquiries please contact Coast Communications:
01752 847135 Email: info@coastmarcoms.co.uk
Special offer from BHBA member Unusual Risks03 February 2012 ‘Introducer Scheme’
Dear Blackdown Business Association Members (BHBA),
I’m writing following recent e-mail correspondence with Val Baker and enclose details of our proposal to offer BHBA members an introducer scheme.
We first offered an introducer scheme to our existing clients called ‘The Friends & Family Scheme’ nearly 10 years ago as a way of showing our gratitude for their support and of course generating new business.
Initially we offered 1000 existing clients the opportunity of earning £25.00 of gift vouchers for every successful referral they made to us, which proved to be very popular and the scheme quickly became a big success.
We have since changed the scheme and now offer enhanced incentives for introducers of up to £50 of gift vouchers for each referral they make to us.
Due to the positive response we have received from BHBA members during our first year of membership, we have decided for the first time to offer an introducer scheme outside of our existing clients to fellow members of BHBA.
We hope that this will encourage BHBA members to think of each other when making referrals for business and also create goodwill amongst members.
We are currently offering for Mortgage, Life Assurance, Critical Illness Cover and Income Protection referrals £25 of Marks & Spencer’s Vouchers for cases generating £500 or more of gross income and £50 of Marks & Spencer’s vouchers for cases generating £1000 or more of gross income.
Also, if any BHBA member feels they would prefer that their voucher reward amount be donated to any registered charity (such as Air Ambulance), then we would be very happy to do this on their behalf instead.
We have decided to offer this scheme for an initial period through to the 30thJune 2012 to gauge response and would be happy to answer any questions BHBA members may have about the scheme.
Kindest Regards,
Chris Morgan Practice Manager Unsual Risks Mortgage & Insurance Services 01404 45397
BBC Countryfile Sun, 5 Feb Blackdown Hills Feature03 February 2012 BBC Countryfile Sun, 5 Feb Blackdown Hills Feature03 February 2012
The Blackdown Hills is featured in this weeks Countryfile, which is aired this Sunday on BBC One - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01bzt32#programme-broadcasts Val Baker BHBA
LEP Business Plan Invite03 February 2012 LEP Business Plan Invite03 February 2012
Dear Colleague On behalf of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, I would like to invite you to one of the 4 events we are holding across Devon and Somerset to introduce you to the work of the LEP. The events are to be held as follows: 8th February, Breakfast event, 8-10 am, The Exchange, Bridgwater, Somerset 8th February, Early evening event, 5.30 - 7.30 pm, Dillington House, Ilminster, Somerset 9th February, Breakfast Event 8-10 am, The Legacy, Plymouth International Hotel, Plymouth 9th February, Early Evening event, 5.30 - 7.30 pm, The Thistle Rougemont Hotel, Exeter The Partnership will be examining their priority areas of Productivity - Enterprise R&D and ICT; Infrastructure - Rail Road and Broadband; Skills - Vocational, Higher and Further; Exporting and Inward Investment. Heart of the South West are committed to business engagement and it will be an opportunity for you to look at the Business Plan, find out how the LEP will operate and express your views and opinions. I would be much obliged if you could indicate your attendance at which event to lep@coastmarcoms.co.uk with contact details. Teas, coffees and light refreshments will be provided at each event. Yours sincerely Tim Jones Chair Heart of the South West LEP
PRESS RELEASE Heart of the South West Partnership For immediate issue 17 January 2012
Have a say in the LEP – Partnership sessions across Devon & Somerset The Local Enterprise Partnership for Devon and Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay – Heart of the South West is inviting contributions and comment on its business plan in a series of sessions running on 8th and 9th of February.
Businesses, individuals and representatives of organisations from across the two counties are welcome to attend the short seminars, which are designed to showcase the proposals for the partnership and encourage discussion around the aims and objectives for the business plan.
Chair of Heart of the South West, Tim Jones said: “ It is vital that the business voice is heard and that a partnership approach is adopted to generate growth and productivity for our area. Local Enterprise Partnerships are designed to be private sector led and driven by business. Any views will be welcomed that ensure we can develop a successful and sustainable future economy. These will be included within our Business and Action plans.
“We want our partnership to be unique and distinctive, with real drive and ability to make changes for good. To do that we need the backing and support of our communities, so I’d encourage people to make the time to attend and comment on our plans.
“These proposals have been developed by talking to a wide range of businesses from all our key sectors and industries, the economy and local business leaders, but we have to ensure that they will meet our needs. We have great ambition to deliver results and we hope that these proposals will enable us to work with others to generate a better quality of life for everyone through growth in our economy.”
At each of the sessions, the Partnership will be examining their priority areas of Productivity - Enterprise R&D and ICT; Infrastructure - Rail Road and Broadband; Skills - Vocational, Higher and Further; Exporting and Inward Investment, as well as exploring how the partnership will run its day to day operations.
Sessions are free to attend, but as numbers are limited, places are first come first served. Attendance should be confirmed to HotSW@coastmarcoms.co.uk.
8th February, 8-10 am, The Exchange, Bridgwater, Somerset 8th February, 5.30 - 7.30 pm, Dillington House, Ilminster, Somerset 9th February, 8-10 am, The Legacy, Plymouth International Hotel, Plymouth 9th February, 5.30 - 7.30 pm, The Thistle Rougemont Hotel, Exeter
More information is available on the website www.heartofswlep.co.uk
Ends
Notes to Eds: For more information, contact Liz Waugh or Julie Everett at Coast Communications on 01752 847135 / 07966 388921 Heart of the South West The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been formed under the leadership of the private sector supported by the local authorities from Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay and the area’s District Councils. It is one of 32 partnerships created since the Government’s Local Growth White Paper published in October 2010. More information about the work of the LEP is available from the website www.heartofswlep.co.uk. Growing Places Fund The Growing Places Fund can be used to establish revolving funds to take forward a range of projects that can help facilitate economic growth and jobs in the local area, providing returns which can be re-invested locally. Through this, local enterprise partnerships will be able to offer secure funding to developers in their area, making it quicker for projects to get off the ground but also securing a return on that investment for the local area.
Business Fair: In Business at Bicton19 January 2012 on Thursday, 8 March 2012 at Bicton College, East Budleigh 4pm to 8pm FREE ENTRY
Want to grow your business? Need any business advice? Want to start a business? Want to buy local products and services? You are invited to attend a business fair In Business at Bicton on Thursday, 8 March between 4 and 8pm at Bicton College, East Budleigh. The event will be: **informative, as presentations will provide you with tips on a range of support including: how you can better manage your business finances, web presence and recruitment. The event will also **provide you with the opportunity to network with fellow businesses and promote your business. ENTRY is FREE There are pitch spaces available for £40 to cover room hire, but these are limited so you will need to be quick. Please contact Val Baker at info@bhba.org.uk for details. *We are delighted to have already heard from a number of businesses and organisations providing support for business who are keen to take part these include Lloyds Bank TSB, Cosmic Ethical IT, HMRC, Unusual Risks - Mortgage & Insurance Services, TP Transformational Coaching & Consulting, Business Information Point, Devon & Cornwall Business Council, Making it Local and Help for SMEs Ltd. More details will be available on the BHBA website. Format 4pm - Registration 4pm to 8pm Meet up with local businesses Take advantage of FREE workshops giving tips and advice delivered by local businesses and organisations. Local produce buffet and local beers will be available from 6pm. 8pm Close You are welcome to attend even if you are just at the idea stage of setting up in business. You might be looking for advice on how to go about starting up. If you want to take display space, you will have to be quick! Please contact Val Baker at info@bhba.org.uk.
With thanks to our sponsors and participants in this event:
Special Easter Tourism Supplement of the View From the Blackdown Hills18 January 2012 Rose at Tindle News will be producing a special supplement for the holiday, tourism side of things ready to come out in time for Easter (April edition). For just £25 + vat each ( 7 cm x 6.4 cm space ) we can produce 16,000 copies!
This means that we will have our usual distribution ( but special bumper edition designed for people to keep ) plus also another 8000 copies dropped off at strategic points in the surrounding areas to help bring people into the Blackdowns.
This will involve the tourist information centers, tourist attractions and anywhere else that we can think of providing a very cost effective marketing opportunity for everyone.
This special edition holiday guide will also be available as a link on all our individual newspaper websites covering East Devon & South Somerset therefore offering extra huge coverage! The deadline for this particular edition will be 19th March. For more details, please contact rose.siwek@tindlenews.co.uk.
Wine tasting fundraising evening 28 January for Churchinford Community Shop18 January 2012 Wine tasting evening 28 January for Churchinford Community Shop
Hello Everyone,.................and a " HAPPY NEW YEAR " to you all!
For those of you not aware, our village of Churchinford opened it's own Community Shop in May of 2011, operating from a portacabin on our village hall car-park. This has proved to be a huge success with the shop thriving and the local community uniting behind it.
We are now looking forward to the next stage of our development which thanks to the generosity of a local developer, will be a move to a new purpose built shop within a new development being built in Churchinford, this is scheduled to happen in June/July 2012.......this year! We are now looking to raise funds to help finance with this move.
To this end we are arranging a "WINE TASTING EVENING", to be held on Saturday 28th January (just over 4 weeks time), to be held at the Village Hall, Churchinford, the evening will include live music, extensive finger buffet, a wide selection of wines (plus beers & non-alcoholic cocktail), an auction of local produce, competitions etc. The dress is intended to be evening wear (but not black tie), it should be a great night out. The cost is £12.50 per head with EVERY penny going towards the new shop.
I know many of you do not live in the Churchinford catchment area but I would ask you please support this worthy cause and in return enjoy a wonderful social occassion, I would also ask those of you with social contacts, friends etc who may be interested in this fund-raiser to please promote this evening wherever you can and let me know how many tickets you would like, it will of course be first come first served....but we have 120 tickets to sell!......and we need the money! I look forward to hearing from you all.
King Regards,
David (Chairman - Churchinford & District Community Shop).
David Lowe
Jenny Archard on Taunton Families into the Forest!17 January 2012 For immediate release: January 12th 2012
Taunton Families into the Forest!
A new ‘Families into the Forest’ project is about to start, helping lower income families from Taunton to play and learn in the forest of the nearby Blackdown Hills.
The project is based on the Forest School approach, putting the learner at the centre of regular woodland play. As a tryout, funds have been gained by local Forest School leaders from Woodland Journeys for six family days from February to March.
To publicise the sessions and get people signed up, a little ‘pop-up Forest School’ will be outside the Taunton Asda superstore on the 16th January and 14th February from 9.30-4pm. Taunton town Mayor, Councillor Steve Brooks will be visiting on the 14th to find out more.
Jenny Archard, from Woodland Journeys, said, ‘The ‘pop-up’ sessions at Asda will be fun, people can meet us and see what Forest School is all about. We really want families with younger children to come along and sign up for the free woodland sessions which will start on the 1st Feb and run until March.’
Lisa Chell, local Forest School leader said, ‘Children are playing outside much less than previous generations, which has all kinds of negative effects. We’ll help parents see how easy it is to find things to do outside and make the experience enjoyable for everyone.’
Many children and young people in Taunton have already benefitted from Forest School, having fun in the woods and building their confidence by learning practical skills. This new funding has been awarded because people have seen the benefits for children and they now want to give young families the same opportunity.
The project is run by Woodland Journeys with support from Asda, Taunton Deane Community Development Team, the Link Partnership Centre and the Neroche Scheme. The funds come from the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are supported by the Blackdown Hills Forest Education Group. If it is successful, they hope to run a bigger project later in the year. For more information contact Jenny on 07541 080397.
Ends
Photo opportunities: January 16th and February 14th at Taunton Asda Supercentre, Creechbarrow Road, Taunton, TA1 2AN (Mayor Steve Brooks will be present at 11am on the 14th)
Notes to Editors:
Jenny Archard e: info@woodlandjourneys.org.uk 10 Sunnyside, Awliscombe, Honiton, EX14 3NX NEW MOBILE : 07541 080397 T: 01404 549488
Merry Harriers GOOD PUB GUIDE 2012 Devon Dining Pub of the Year18 October 2011 Dear All at the Blackdown Hills Business Association
I am very pleased to inform you that The Merry Harriers at Clayhidon has been selected as The Good Pub Guide 2012 Devon Dining Pub of the Year. This is the first time that any Pub in Devon has won this prestigious Award two years on the trot.
This Award is chosen by customers for customers and places The Merry Harriers in the Top 50 Dining Pubs in the UK.
We are overwhelmed and delighted to receive this accolade once again and have attached various press releases, together with an image of the Pub itself.
Yours sincerely
Peter and Angela Gatling Proprietors The Merry Harriers at Clayhidon Tel No: 01823-421270
Footnote For The Editor:
The Merry Harriers dates from 1492 and sits at 800 feet on top of The Blackdown Hills. It straddles the Devon and Somerset border with a Devon postal address but a Somerset location. We have owned The Merry Harriers since June 2005 and have enjoyed every minute thus far. The Merry Harriers is one of the few remaining freehold freehouses in The Blackdown Hills.
Good news for your local.This week the UK’s bestselling travel guide, The Good Pub Guide 2012 (Ebury Press, £15.99) is published and the Britain's top pubs are announced. Seen as the Oscars for publicans, these prestigious awards have been chosen by recommendations from pub-goers themselves – over 2,000 regular correspondents send in their recommendations to the guide’s editors and all main entries are inspected anonymously by the editorial team.
The licensees and staff will be celebrating and are now available for interview (see attached release for list of regional winners and contact numbers).
“Above all what makes a good pub is its atmosphere”, says editor Fiona Stapley. “You should be able to feel at home there, and feel not just that you’re glad you’ve come but that they’re glad you’ve come. A good landlord or landlady makes a huge difference here – they can make or break a pub.”
One of the most hotly competed awards is the DINING PUB OF THE YEAR. "You can't beat a meal out at a great food pub" says Fiona Stapley, editor of The Good Pub Guide. "The task of choosing a winner for this title can be extremely difficult with so many innovative chefs working in the county’s top dining pubs. This year pub goers are telling us they welcome the use of more local produce in pub cooking through the full spectrum of pub meals, from simple light lunches to special meals"
For news on pub goers favourite main courses and news on pint prices please see national press release also attached. A jpeg of The Good Pub Guide jacket will be available from http://www.thegoodpubguide.co.uk/Info/Press from tomorrow or please email me today.
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Embargoed until 0001 hours Thursday 6 October 2011