The South Hams Infrastructure
The South Hams lies between Plymouth and Torbay in South Devon. The District covers 342 square miles and has about 80,000 inhabitants. The principal towns are Dartmouth, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge and Totnes. The exceptional natural and built environment of the South Hams offers an outstanding quality of life. The main arterial access is via the A38 Devon Expressway that runs through the district, connecting Plymouth and Exeter. Two local airports, at Plymouth and Exeter, lie within twenty minutes road travel time of the district while the main railway stations are at Exeter, Totnes and Plymouth. Neighbouring Plymouth is also a major port.
The Local Economy
The main industry sectors are: manufacturing, food & drink, agriculture, marine trades, retail, printing & publishing, professional & domestic services, Information & Communications Technology, and tourism & leisure. More information on the district and it’s economy can be found in the Business Information Guide, Business Survey 2004 Report and South Hams Economy 1992 – 2002 Report located on the economic development pages of this website.
Help From The Council
The South Hams District Council encourages the growth of 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 and assist businesses that wish to relocate to the district through its Economy and Europe Office.
Help and local knowledge to find suitable employment sites or industrial premises is offered by the:
- Property Services Department – 01803 861234 (Council owned premises)
- Economy & Europe Office – 01803 861234 (other premises)
Contact details for business advice, funding and on environmental and resource efficiency management are given below and can be found via the Business Opportunities page of the council website.
The majority of the district’s telephone exchanges have been upgraded to deliver ADSL broadband and the remainder will be upgraded by the end of August 2005. Local businesses and communities have been at the forefront of finding and implementing non-ADSL broadband solutions.
The South Hams Business Support Network
The District is fortunate to have good quality support services available to local businesses. We maintain excellent relationships with both the following organisations and recommend them to you.
Business Link - offers a range of services to established businesses, ranging from impartial business advice to specialist advice and information. Business Link is part of the national Small Business Service programme.
Business Link,
Unit 1 Cranmere Court,
Lustleigh Close,
Matford Business Park,
Exeter,
Devon
EX2 8PW
Contact: Ernest Fleck
Telephone: 0845 600 9966
Mobile: 07990 584636
Email: ernest.fleck@prosper-group.co.uk
Enterprise South Devon (ESD) is the local enterprise agency serving the South Hams. It maintains an office at the district council. ESD provides a free, confidential business counselling, information and advice service for pre-start businesses and those who have been established for up to three years, with a maximum of 250 employees and an turnover of less than £18.9m. Services include - project evaluation, business and financial planning, marketing, legal support and access to business premises.
- project evaluation
- business and financial planning
- marketing
- legal support
- access to business premises.
Local Office:
Enterprise South Devon
Boat Shed
Steamer Quay
Steamer Quay Road, Totnes
Contact: Mr Paul Hamilton
Telephone: 01803 849508 or 0845 644 7558
Facsimile: 01626 837001
Email: paul.hamilton@enterprisesouthdevon.co.uk
Or enquiries@enterprisesouthdevon.co.uk
The Teignbridge Business Centre - is a joint initiative between Teignbridge District Council and Enterprise South Devon Although not located within the South Hams it often has units and office space at their Centre situated near Newton Abbot.
For up to date information on availability of their accommodation please contact:
Tracey Higgins - 01626 837002.
Useful Contacts:
Company |
Telephone/Fax Number |
South West of England Regional Development Agency
Royal William Yard
Plymouth
Devon |
Tel: 01752 256132 Fax: 01752 223278 |
Devon County Council
County Hall
Topsham Road
Exeter
Devon |
Tel: 01392 382000 |
Teignbridge District Council
Forde House
Brunel Road
Newton Abbot
TQ12 4XX |
Tel: 01625 215110 |
West Devon Borough Council
Kilworthy Park
Drake Road
Tavistock
PL19 0BZ |
Tel: 01822 813600 |
Torbay Council
Council Offices
Higher Union Street
Torquay
Devon TQ1 3PQ |
Tel: 01803 201201 |
Government Office for the South West
Mast House
Shepherds Wharf
24 Sutton Road
Plymouth
Devon, PL4 0HU |
Tel: 01752 221891 |
Devon & Cornwall Learning & Skills Council
Foliot House
Budshead Road
Plymouth
Devon, PL6 5XR |
Tel: 0845 0194155 |
