LYMG was founded with the aims of positively promoting Yeovil,
organising seasonal & thematic events and attractions, creating
an enjoyable, varied and exciting shopping experience and
monitoring consumer experience, whilst evolving a programme in
response to this feedback.
The funding from Area South Committee means that the LYMG are
now over half way towards being able to fund someone on a part time
basis to continue to support town centre events. The role will
focus on engagement with the retail, evening and night time sector
and also work in partnership with key stakeholders, whilst
developing an online presence and creating a one stop shop for
retailer and visitors alike.
The businesses in the town centre will benefit by seeing more
activity on the ground and by having a dedicated person who
co-ordinates town centre activities.
The group is run by volunteers and was founded with the aims of
positively promoting Yeovil, organising seasonal & thematic
events and attractions and creating an enjoyable and varied
shopping experience.
With online shopping becoming popular the only way to keep large
numbers of shoppers coming to the town is to offer something in
addition to retail such as leisure opportunities, Markets and
events. Shopping habits are changing and many of the recent
studies, including the Yeovil Refresh, have shown that in order to
survive, High Streets need to offer an 'experience' to
shoppers.
Councillor Peter Gubbins, Area South Committee Chairman and
Portfolio Holder for Yeovil Refresh, said: "The Committee Members
unanimously backed this grant because by providing a dedicated
person to provide marketing activities in Yeovil can only be a
positive thing. Some businesses have reported that they have seen
an increase of 30% in footfall on event days, so the fact that the
Area South Committee was able to support this group to continue
their work is great news for the town.
"With the Yeovil Refresh project also taking place, we are
excited for the future and keen to create a town centre that will
be a vibrant place to live, work, shop, learn and visit."
The Love Yeovil Marketing Group will match fund the community
grant from their own funds that are generated through contributions
from local businesses.
Community grants are available from the District Council to
voluntary and charitable organisations, not-for-profit groups,
Parish or Town Councils and other organisations that benefit the
wider community. For more information visit www.southsomerset.gov.uk/community-grants.
