Totnes Means Business

Local businesses had their say on the Totnes Community Economic Plan. Join us to hear what you told us – and what’s happening next. Totnes Means Business is the free event for everyone who runs or manages a business in Totnes and the surrounding area. Last year, local businesses and organisations shared their views for the Totnes Community Economic Plan. The consultation ran from May to August 2025 and was led by South Hams District Council, working closely with Totnes Town Council. Now the results are in. Come and hear what the town said, what happens next and how you can be part of it. Alongside the business consultation, the Totnes Young People’s Survey asked 16 to 24-year-olds in Totnes and Dartington what matters most to them – including jobs, housing, volunteering, social activities, events, and climate change – and the barriers young people face in finding work and opportunities. Hear first-hand about the changes young people want to see and the future they want to help create. One of the clearest messages from the consultation was that businesses wanted a forum of their own. Totnes Business Forum is a direct result of the consultation. It's built around practical projects that could make a real difference, not meetings for the sake of it. Join us as we officially launch the Forum and share what’s coming first. You’ll also hear from local organisations about the practical help available to Totnes businesses right now. That includes funded business advice, support to find and keep new staff, and a new way of reaching more customers online. There’ll be plenty to take away from the evening, and you can talk to our speakers over food and a drink or at their stand. AGENDA 6pm – Doors and Welcome, with networking, food and bar, plus stands from local businesses and organisations 7pm – Speakers: • The Totnes Community Economic Plan: the results, with Cllr John Birch (South Hams District Council) and Cllr Nick Roberts (Totnes Town Council) • Totnes Young People’s Survey: two members of the young people’s steering group from KENNICOTT share the survey results • Free Business Support: Business Information Point (BIP), helping local businesses and organisations start, grow and stay in business • Connect to Work: help for employers to recruit inclusively, with Ian Snow (Devon County Council) • AmaZen: selling local, online, with Simon Wishy • Totnes Business Forum Launch Questions, then more time to network 8.30pm – Close SUPPORT ON OFFER AmaZen: A not-for-profit community interest company running a community-led online marketplace that makes it easier for people to buy from independent South Hams businesses. Find out more at www.amazen.org.uk Business Information Point (BIP): BIP was set up in 1993 as a local enterprise agency and works with businesses across the South Hams. It works with government, councils and other partners to bring funded guidance and support to small businesses. BIP will be there on the night to talk you through the support available and how to access it. Visit www.businessinfopoint.co.uk for more information. Connect to Work: This programme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and delivered through Devon County Council. It helps people with disabilities, health conditions and other barriers to work, find and keep paid jobs. It matches candidates with local businesses, supports the interview process and stays involved after people start. Learn more at www.devonworkswell.co.uk Totnes Business Forum: Supported by Totnes Town Council and run by local businesses, Totnes Business Forum's goal is to provide a semi-structured organisation that acts as a hub for people to interact, share ideas, collaborate and innovate, helping businesses in the area to thrive. Learn more at www.totnesbusinessforum.co.uk ALSO Meet local businesses and organisations at their stands, enjoy food (included with your free ticket, courtesy of South Hams District Council) and the bar, and get to know the other people who make Totnes tick. WHO SHOULD COME The evening is aimed at the Totnes business community, from sole traders and shop owners to industrial estate firms, charities and social enterprises. If you're part of the Totnes economy, this event is for you. PLEASE NOTE Spaces are limited, so please make sure you book your tickets here on Eventbrite ahead of time. We cannot guarantee entry to those without a pre-booked ticket.