About the South Hams
The South Hams is a rural district that lies between the conurbations of Plymouth and Torbay. The area of 342 square miles encompasses an abundance of rich natural beauty with countless villages, hamlets, isolated cottages, and 60 miles of magnificent coastline recognised nationally through the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Approximately 82,000 people live in the district, with two-thirds of the population living outside the larger towns of Dartmouth, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, and Totnes.
The South Hams District Council encourages sustainable enterprise in the area and is keen to see new industries develop and established businesses expand and flourish. The Council also seeks to encourage sustainable businesses that wish to relocate here from elsewhere. The Economic Development Unit and the Property Services can both help enquirers to find suitable employment sites or industrial premises; the Business Premises Register will help that process.
Please contact us if you need further assistance; we may have local knowledge or new information that is not published in this edition. We may also be able to tell you something more about the South Hams District - not only the industrial facts & figures but also useful information about housing, schools, transport, healthcare, leisure, and the countryside.
| Useful Contacts: |
|
|
| Sue Beech |
(Property Register & Council Premises availability) |
01803 861346 |
| Michael Cozens |
(Economic Development Officer) |
01803 861317 |
| Carol Trant |
(Business Support Officer) |
01803 861267 |
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Business Support in the South Hams
Your Guide to Help in Difficult Times
South Hams District Council has published a guide: 
Your guide to help in difficult times.
To obtain a printed copy of this guide please call Carol Trant on 01803 861267, or email carol.trant@southhams.gov.uk. This booklet is to let you know about the range of support that is available for businesses and residents. Information included in the guide is:
Help with business finances
- Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme
- Regional Loans
- Capital for Enterprise Fund
Business Rates Relief
- Hardship Relief
- Rural Rate Relief
Help with investing for the future
- Training support for apprentices
- Supporting business research & innovation
- Funding & Support for Training
FREE one-to-one Business Clinics
Business Link, in partnership with South Hams District Council, The Federation of Small Business, the Town Councils, and the Chambers of Commerce are hosting FREE advice clinics for local businesses:
What is a business clinic?
The clinic is a one-to-one 90-minute meeting with a Business Link adviser who will review key areas of your business and the issues you are facing - identifying activity and support that will help improve performance.
How will it benefit your business?
It will identify key areas within the business that need to be addressed to help:
- Increase sales and customer service
- Manage people and develop skills
- Reduce costs and improve productivity
- Identify new products or markets
- Implement plans for growth
What areas will the clinic cover?
- You and your business history
- Your growth and development plans
- Key issues affecting your business
- Activity and support to improve performance
- Activity and support to achieve growth
What will happen after the clinic?
You will receive an action plan covering the key activities agreed with the adviser. You will also receive:
- Help to progress your action plan
- Details of relevant Business Link services
- Links to a network of local specialists
- Information on business events and seminars
Where are the business clinics held?
Kingsbridge, Ivybridge, Totnes, and other venues as required.
To book your appointment contact Business Link
T: 0845 600 99 66
E: enquiries@blpeninsula.co.uk
