Business and Tourism in Totnes
Today I was on a tour of businesses in the Totnes area.
I met with a variety of business leaders, including Mike Francis from Foundry Fabrications and Peter Tanner from Tanner Engineering. Foundry Fabrications is a prime example of manufacturing industry continuing to survive and provide wealth creating jobs for 65 people in Totnes. It is vital that businesses like these are encouraged to succeed and remain competitive. Today I was hearing about the pressures of red tape and at times excessive health and safety legislation acting as barriers to taking on staff and apprentices.
Later I visited Martin Peacock, from Tiffany Kitchens to hear that the hike in business rates has not just been a problem for Dartmouth and to learn about the issues for businesses that find themselves no longer qualifying for rate relief.
China Blue is another business that provides valuable jobs in Totnes, as well as acting as a magnet to attract tourists to the area. Now on two sites and employing 130 people, this is an expanding business with dynamic plans for the future.
In the afternoon I had the opportunity to tour the Sharpham Estate and learn about the inspirational work of the Sharpham Trust.
If you have not visited, then take a look at their website and follow one of the most beautiful cycle routes in the country to pay a visit from Totnes. Trusts like this achieve so much, they deserve support to expand their work.
