Retail in Monmouthshire is booming and bucking the national trend, say the county’s chambers of commerce.
Representatives of retailers in Monmouthshire told the council this week that conditions for business are better in part due to Monmouthshire County Council’s business development service, ‘Monmouthshire Enterprise’.
Monmouthshire Enterprise is Wales’ first enterprise partnership between a local authority and a private sector agency. It was also announced that the venture has outstripped business start-up and job creation targets during its first six months of operation.
Monmouthshire Council has set encouraging business as one if its three main priorities and Dave Bevan, Head of Enterprise at Monmouthshire County Council has said that the council will continue to work at promoting enterprise in the county.
David Cummings, Chairman of Monmouth and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce said:
“There is chill news out there nationally on the retail side, but in Monmouth there is evidence that the independent retail sector is bucking this trend.
“Twelve new businesses will have opened their doors this autumn and we expect to reach a shop occupancy rate of 99% soon.
“Two independent retailers have told me that they have had the best trading month in October, in 25 years in business.
“There is also evidence of excellent order books in some parts of the services sector. The chamber is redoubling our efforts to improve footfall into shops with the Buy Local/Buy Monmouth campaign, which is now in full swing.
“The chamber’s efforts to improve opportunities for Monmouth’s businesses greatly benefit from our excellent working relationship with Monmouthshire Enterprise, the economic development arm of Monmouthshire County Council. In 2012 both organisations will focus on inward investment by high tech companies and to finding ways to tap the skills, and provide work, for our youth unemployed.”
Susi Cernoch, President of Abergavenny Chamber of Trade and Commerce said:
“Despite the nationwide downturn, Abergavenny continues to provide quality independent retailers, with several new shops having opened in the past few months, including a fine outlet for artisan Welsh products and a shop selling excellent Welsh wools.
“Some long-term vacant shop leases have finally been taken up, and buildings are being refurbished for re-opening shortly.
“We look forward to a new food store, restaurant and other exciting ventures.
“Our mission is for local shops and businesses to be mutually supportive wherever possible, such as a restaurant serving local food produce that uses, and acts as an outlet for, locally handmade soaps.
“We are blessed with a high level of personal service in town that sets our independent shops apart from most national chains.
“We are eager to see more accessibly priced office space in and around the town, and the impact of high business rates continues to challenge businesses and retailers alike. Maintaining a vibrant and viable high street is a priority for the chamber and we are continuing to work towards that end.”
Melanie Phillips, President of Chepstow Chamber of Commerce and Tourism said:
“It is encouraging to see that Chepstow business people, rather than sink into the economic gloom that is permeating throughout the country, have used the current climate as an opportunity to expand.
“A number of shops have relocated into larger premises and we are really pleased to welcome a significant amount of new businesses to Chepstow.
“The Chamber is committed to supporting efforts to provide and excellent retail experience for both residents and tourists.”
