Totnes Business Survey to Shape New Totnes Community Economic Plan
South Hams District Council (SHDC) has been leading the development of Community Economic Plans across the district. The intention is for Community Economic Plans to not only provide a clearer understanding of local needs and priorities but also ensure that councils are well positioned to evidence community views when applying for future central government funding.
With research already completed for Ivybridge and Salcombe, work began to create a dedicated plan for Totnes last year, starting with a survey with which to inform the Community Economic Plan.
As Totnes Town Council (TTC) had already carried out a comprehensive community survey in recent years, providing a strong overview of the town’s priorities, this latest work focused specifically on gathering insight from local businesses.
SHDC established and led a steering group made up of local business representatives, town councillors, and members of the voluntary sector. Meeting fortnightly, the group first developed a detailed questionnaire that could be used both online and in paper format. They then spent approximately three months engaging directly with businesses across the area .
This engagement included visits to businesses within the town centre, Totnes Industrial Estates, Dartington Industrial Estate, and Dartington Trust, as well as hosting stalls at the Totnes Saturday Market over several weekends. Through these face-to-face conversations, the group gathered valuable feedback, which along with the survey results formed the basis of the consultation results.
SHDC has analysed the data with the help form the steering group and will use it to produce an Economic Plan for Totnes. This plan will identify key priorities and set out clear actions to support the local economy.
Totnes Town Council will play an active role in reviewing these actions and beginning implementation. For example, TTC has already provided seed funding for the development of a Totnes Business Forum, which is expected to fully launch later this year. The Council’s Economic Working Group will work closely with this initiative, alongside other existing working groups already addressing related issues.
One key theme highlighted in the survey was concern around the cleanliness and condition of the River Dart. This is an issue already being championed by Friends of the River Dart, with endorsement from Totnes Town Council, particularly through its Environment Working Group. It is also supported by SHDC who are running a river pollution monitoring programme across the area.
The survey also identified several priority areas for improvement:
- Marketing & Development: Businesses would benefit from stronger marketing support and access to funding opportunities.
- Business Forum: There is strong interest in a forum offering training, networking, and events.
- Digital Connectivity: Improved digital infrastructure is needed in some areas to support efficiency and customer service.
- Traffic & Transport: Better access is needed for people walking, wheeling, and cycling across the town.
- Business Waste: Businesses are seeking improved recycling and composting services.
- Local Procurement: There is growing interest in sourcing more goods and services locally to strengthen the local economy.
The full survey results can be viewed here.