Released On 4th Dec 2017

President’s Heartbeat - w/c 4th December 2017

Outside interest and investment in Yeovil continues.  In addition to £14m invested to upgrade arterial road junctions around Yeovil, £11m for a new aerospace R&D facility, and a District Council moving on its appetite for town centre property acquisition; the Quedam Shopping Centre now has a new managing agent.  I met with one of the new directors on 27th November to discuss Yeovil, its’ challenges and opportunities.  The new agents recognise the changing complexion of the 21st century town centre; investing in being part of the high potential for Yeovil town centre, and the growing sense of joined-up thinking.  When tendering for the job, the new agents chose, unlike their competitors, to consult directly with Yeovil Chamber and other local businesses to get a taste of the noise coming out of Yeovil.  Certainly, the town centre like any other has its challenges, but there is much going on behind the scenes to turn everything around.  What has become apparent during 2017 is that prospective stakeholders are increasingly being directed to, and seeking out, Yeovil Chamber, for insight, influence and investment opportunities in Yeovil.  They are being given a picture of a town that has much to offer from those who live and work here, and their new investment will raise the profile of Yeovil, as well as their own, creating prosperity for all.