Action Plan

Actions for delivering the strategic objectives

Objective one - To diversify the economic base of Wellington through developing indigenous businesses as well as encouraging inward investment.

Short term 

• promote the town to inward investors - particularly in the food and drink, creative industries, care and Knowledge Based Industries sectors

Medium term

• establish a small grants fund for Small and Medium Enterprises in Wellington aimed at both inward investors and indigenous SMEs that show a capacity to grow;
• provide an aftercare support service to inward investors  

Long term

• assess the feasibility of establishing a managed workspace scheme in Wellington for relocating businesses and indigenous start-ups

Objective two - to maximise opportunities for Wellington within the context of the developing Taunton Principal Urban Area

Short term

• lobby for Wellington to be included within the Taunton PUA in the Regional Spatial Strategy

Medium term

• build on opportunities from Taunton PUA status

Long term

• build on opportunities from Taunton PUA status

Objective three - to develop the skills base of the area

Short term

• establish a pilot training centre at Relyon offering basic and transferable skills training provision

Medium term

• encourage the take-up of existing courses, bespoke training and intiatives provided through SCAT, Richard Huish, Business Link and the Somerset Skills Alliance through the development and circulation of an information leaflet

Long term

• potential establishment of learning centre in Wellington arising from pilot to tackle basic skills and workforce development

Objective four - to improve the land, property, image and environment of Wellington

Short term

• encourage the provision of a variety of leasehold and ownership options as well as a variety of unit sizes (particularly 1,000 to 5,000 sq ft) on Chelston House Farm Business Park.

Medium term

• actively encourage investment in the town centre in terms of both environmental enhancement and increased multiple provision (particularly in the food retail section)

Long term

• build upon the image of Wellington as the Gateway to the Blackdown Hills

Objective five - to actively market the strengths of the area for inward investors

Short term

• work with SCC, TDBC, commercial agents and developers to promote Wellington to potential investors through a promotional website;
• work with a marketing company to define the image of Wellington

Medium term

• encourage people to visit the town by positioning brown signs on the M5 and town maps in the main car parks;
• actively seek to promote the town of Wellington and its investment opportunities in local newspapers and regional business magazines;
• encourage SWRDA to promote the Chelston House Farm site in their drive to encourage public sector relocations

Long term

• maintain long term marketing strategy arising from ongoing strengths