The boss of Sanders Garden World, Peter Burks, told traders in Burnham-On-Sea this week that he wanted to work with them to build prosperity in the town.
Speaking to more than 40 traders gathered at the town’s Chamber of Trade meeting in the Ritz Social Club, he said the garden centre wants to work together with shops in the town to benefit the whole local economy.
“Customers know no boundaries, so there is no point in having hostilities or lines in place, which help none of us. Customers will decide where they go.”
He continued: “A prosperous, vibrant economy will do us all good. Nothing gives me more pleasure in the summer than to see caravans coming off the M5 heading towards Burnham and Brean. They are customers for you and me.”
Mr Burks said traders should work closer together: “We all face the same issues – government interference, waste disposal costs, fire regulations- which we should try to tackle together.”
“I was very pleased to see Burnham’s shopping brochure launched recently and have already given away a whole box at Garden World in recent days. We’re very happy to see customers coming to us and to Burnham as well.”
But art gallery owner Malcom Bartlett asked Mr Burks: “Do you look forward to seeing so many coaches turning right off the M5, travelling straight into Garden World without ever visiting Burnham?”
He asked whether Garden World gives coach drivers incentives to visit, to which Mr Burks replied: “Yes, we do encourage coaches to visit us and actually appraoch many companies. We also give incentives to drivers whose bring more than 35 customers to us and stay at least an hour.” He asked whether such a scheme could exist in Burnham-On-Sea.
John Edwards, chairman of the trade group, said such a scheme was being considered. He thanked Mr Burks for coming along and meeting business owners.
Later in the meeting, Chamber of Trade committee member Alex Turco gave an overview of the activities planned by the group in coming months, which includes a shoppers’ survey, more work on car parking issues, the annual Christmas lights, window competitions and a possible incentive shopping scheme. The recently shopper’s directory (pcitured) will probably be re-published in 2008.
Members were pleased to hear Cllr Neville Jones say this autumn’s carnival fireworks will go ahead despite cash fears earlier in the year. Mr Edwards welcomed the news, saying “it is very important the event goes ahead for our members.”
A discussion on car parking issues followed in which GW Hurleys boss proposed that a free shoppers’ car park be introduced in Burnham for town centre shoppers. “Burnham can’t compete if we are constantly charging for parking,” he said. Further work is to be done in coming months.
Rupert Cox, chief executive of Somerset’s Chamber of Commerce, also discussed the role of the county-wide group in helping towns like Burnham and said much can be done in coming months.
The meeting ended with regeneration boss Mike Murphy praising the work of the Chamber of Trade, saying they had made “great strides” in promoting the town with the recent launch of the shopping directory. He praised the group’s “stength” and said he looked forward to helping with many of the upcoming initiatives.
RELATED LINKS:
New Burnham-On-Sea shopping guide launches
Plans unveiled for new shopping guide for Burnham
