Agenda item

MR informed the group that approx. 150 businesses were visited today which covered Fore Street, Lower Fore Street and branch roads such as Keast mews.

 

All businesses were given a Fore Street Public Relam project leaflet and spoken to about the project and how they could get involved.

 

There was overwhelmingly positive feedback from the businesses about the project, businesses are keen to see improvements and new events in the town centre to help improve the footfall and support the towns future.

 

Some businesses mentioned they are keen to do market day offers and there was no resistance or negative feedback given.

 

14 businesses expressed interest in shaping the project in conjunction with Town Team with many businesses offering to advertise the markets in shop windows.

 

MR is to produce a report on the positive and or negative feedback from the businesses during the trial period.  The data will be used to help shape future projects and as evidence to the final report to meet the funding criteria.

 

Members discussed how to engage fresh food businesses to get involved with the market.

 

The Chairman reported that Diverse Events confirmed, fresh food items are hard to source for an untested market due to the high risk to their business, if their fresh items do not sell, they end up wasted.  However, the Chairman agreed he would reiterate the importance of Saltash based fresh food producers being given the opportunity to have a stall.

 

Members all agreed that the emphasis for the market has to be on Saltash based businesses.

 

Councillor Griffiths commented, the market needs to be advertised and include information on what stalls will be present to assist in driving intrigue and footfall to the event.   Members agreed this needs to form part of the Marketing Strategy.

 

Councillor Frank spoke of the national scheme called Totally Locally who have recently announced the new national campaign for independent high streets and businesses.  The campaign is built to show how spending £10 (Magic Tenner) in a local independent can mean up to £50 going back into the local economy.  The campaign runs from 1 to 16 March 2025 and asks businesses to put bundles together for £10 encouraging shoppers to the town centre.

 

The scheme is free to join and will be advertised via the Saltash Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

 

The Chairman and Councillor Hilary Frank to consider launching ‘magic tenner’ (under Chamber) in Saltash providing an update at the next Town Team meeting.

 

Councillor Peggs offered to assist in spreading the word with businesses.

 

The Town Clerk updated members on the tender process for the greening and wayfinding part of the project.

 

The tender specification has been uploaded to contracts finder and is live on the Town Council website, social media channels and further information throughout Town Council noticeboards (part of the procurement process).

 

Due to the requirement to comply with Saltash Town Council Standing Orders to open tenders received, the Town Clerk asked for three Members attendance to the opening and scoring of submitted tender applications due to be held on 23 January at 10.30am at the Guildhall.

 

The Chairman, Councillor Peggs and Councillor Lennox-Boyd confirmed their attendance at the opening and scoring process.

 

The Town Clerk, MR and The Urbanists are confirmed to be in attendance to undertake the administration process, due diligence around procurement, and any technical advice required.

 

Deadline for bids is Friday 17 January at 4pm.

 

Members approved delegated authority to the panel to open, score, and award a contractor for greening and wayfinding.  The Chairman to confirm the award to Members via email and formally report at the next Town Team meeting to form the notes.

 

Members requested that The Urbanists be approached to further advertise the tender prior to Friday’s deadline to encourage applications.

 

The Town Clerk informed Members that funds of £7,500 has been received from TDF payment schedule (included in the funding statement) and Cornwall Council are processing funds of £10,500 in line with the funding agreement.

 

The last funding claim appears to be straight forward, by way of, evidence added to a report.

 

The Town Clerk informed Members of the marketing Strategy, circulated within the reports pack, to be delivered by Saltash Town Council on behalf of Town Team.

 

 

 

 

 

Members agreed a marketing strategy is required and approved to recommend to Saltash Town Council to cover associated cost for paid adverts of up to £60 on social media and advertising banners to state markets held on 3rd Saturday of the month instead of exact dates keeping the banners timeless.  Banners to be displayed at Isambard House, Fore Street, Saltash Retail Park, Library.

 

Further to the above recommendation, after the meeting,the Town Clerk confirmed to the Chairman that she is confident that the advertising of the trial can be allocated against either TDF/TAF therefore the recommendation is not required and the spend will be added to the funding statement.

 

Saltash businesses will be asked to share any special offers they may wish to offer on market days so it can be included in the marketing strategy.

 

RB suggested to create events on Facebook for each market date.

 

The sample feedback survey, contained within the reports pack, for market traders was discussed. Members approved the survey.

 

The group discussed the poster used by Diverse Events (for traders only) to encourage traders to book a stall at the market. All agreed branding needs to be consistent across the project. The Town Clerk to liaise with Diverse Events to see if it is possible to update at this stage.

 

All agreed press and social media releases are key in the lead up, during and delivery of the project. This provides an opportunity for a good news story circulated in local newspapers, potential for interviews etc.

 

Members agreed to give delegated authority to the Development and Engagement Officer to action the marketing strategy contained within the report pack plus additions approved at this evening’s meeting.

 

Councillor Frank confirmed that residents that are affected by the road closure have been notified by Diverse Events. 

 

The Town Clerk to check if unloading and loading can take place whilst the market is on Belle Vue Road.

 

To confirm, Members approved for the Development and Engagement Manger to undertake on behalf of Saltash Town Team the following elements:

 

1.    The full marketing strategy, phase 1,2,3,4 as attached, plus additions, as listed below:

·         Social media paid advertising

·         Create social media monthly ‘events’

·         Timeless banners for display at, Isambard House, Fore Street, Saltash Retail Park, Library

·         Red bus and Plymouth Boat Trips Ferry (poster)

·         Engage with Fore Street businesses to assist in promoting any special offers they may have during the market trial.