WHY THE NEED FOR CHANGE ?
There is always merit in rationalising, improving and updating. The Vale 100 was a concept which was to be developed by the traders, but it has lost its way somewhat. We need to find more effective ways of engaging and serving the town's commerce and retail needs, and to have some sort of unified Tourism action plan to support the town and its business sectors. Major input for this should come from the commerce and retail businesses themselves.
However, VECTA has not been idle in this respect either. A forum for discussion has been developed on our web site,(www.vecta.info) and debate continues to be facilitated through the pages of our new Newsletter and our forthcoming open meetings. VECTA’s advisory role for businesses is developing from connections with the Federation of Small Businesses, the British Shops and Stores Association, and local and Central Government. We are also seeking to build a sense of “community” amongst the business sectors through open forums and meetings, regular contact, the development of common goals, and the implementation of initiatives that recognizes business successes.
The proposed formation of VECTA sub-committees to organise and deliver, (reporting to the executive committee) would be a major step forward - The |
River Festival Stands tribute to that. The Vale 100 was given every opportunity to take the strongest possible lead; indeed at one point it was mooted to perhaps take over VECTA, and move on to newer and better things for the town. This did not happen for a variety of reasons, not least because of lack of cohesion, indecisive direction, and limited financial clout. We need to promote and plan for success through endeavour. The basis for this is actually already there - now we need the 'drivers, movers and shakers'. The MTP will support any movement to make VECTA more pro-active and successful. The time is therefore ripe for the membership to take control of their own destiny and to tap into the rich resources of experience and vision from old and new members. MTP support will still be forthcoming because it is a priority in its Action Plan that the town and the Vale has a strong representative body to look after its Commerce & Tourism needs, and the establishment of a strong, independent and sustainable Association dovetails with the MTP aspirations for it.
You are invited to join with your local business colleagues in an Open Forum event to take forward the effective development of the Vale of Evesham Commerce and Tourism Association(VECTA).
Contact Address: Gerry O’Donnell, 4 St Pauls Close, Evesham, Worcs. WR11 2EY (gerry.gerry@virgin.net) |