Entrepreneurs, business owners and managers from across Exmoor are invited to a free networking and workshop session to launch the Rural Enterprise Exmoor initiative.
The workshop will mark the launch of a significant new business survey being undertaken across the length and breadth of Exmoor to capture business views. The research will map out business activity across Exmoor for the first time, providing a comprehensive picture of business activity and sectors operating in the area.
The project will also look to broaden understanding of operating businesses beyond the national datasets which capture those who are VAT or PAYE registered and don’t provide a true reflection of the number of sole proprietors and small home-based businesses found across Exmoor.
Businesses of any size and from any sector who are active within Exmoor National Park are invited to the session to network and share challenges and opportunities.
A free buffet lunch will be provided during a networking session at the start which will include stands from a range of business support organisations. Presentations will then be given, including an introduction to the Rural Enterprise Exmoor project, case studies from local businesses grown on Exmoor, and an introduction to the work of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership from their chief operating officer. The session will finish with an overview of the new research being undertaken by Wavehill, an independent research organisation, prior to a workshop.
Dan James, Exmoor National Park Authority’s sustainable economy manager said: “We are really excited to be able to bring together so many groups and organisations who are working to support enterprise on Exmoor.
“Exmoor is a very special place and as well as being home to some of the most stunning landscape in the country it is also home to a range of enterprising people and businesses.
"Whilst Exmoor offers many benefits it is one of the most rural areas of England and so brings with it some unique challenges. We’re keen to help bring businesses together to share ideas and hear first-hand what more could be done to further grow appropriate business activity within the National Park.”
The event takes place on October 24 from 12.30 - 4pm at the Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross, TA24 7DU. Attendance is free but spaces must be booked in advance. For further details email ruralenterprise@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk or follow @RuralEntExmoor on Facebook and Twitter.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here