Large businesses mean large problems when they come under stress
We hear today of another 500 job losses at Flybe, some of which will no doubt be in our area. Not so long ago Sainsbury’s pulled out of building a large depot near Cranbrook. Other big businesses have tumbled in the south-west, particularly in Plymouth and Cornwall.
The fallen EDBF kept telling us (and EDDC faithfully sang in chorus) that our future lies with big business. Statistics show us that small and medium-size businesses (including those in tourism) are our life blood.
When will we see EDDC giving the support to our small and medium-size businesses (including those in tourism) to the same extent that they supported their big business friends, most if not all of whom are currently taking advantage of the development loophole that having no Local Plan and no 5 year land supply have handed to them?
4 Responses to “Large businesses mean large problems when they come under stress”
- Rob Duncan (power to the people)November 11, 2013 at 7:27 pm #Yes. I understand that Devon Clinton Estates (from their website) has c 70 direct employees and their many business premises enable around 2,000 jobs across Devon. The sooner they are broken up and the small businesses can own their own property the better. Then the risk is reduced hugely. Small is not just beautiful it is sustainable.
- Not A DeveloperNovember 12, 2013 at 9:11 am #“Big” business is not just about how many staff you have. Clinton Devon owns a huge number of office buildings, industrial units and, for all I know, houses, all over the South West (and possibly further afield) as well as massive amounts of land. This makes it a very “big” business where many people are affected by it if it suffers problems, as it did a few years ago..
- Media MandyNovember 12, 2013 at 9:13 am #Has anyone been able to find out how many of EDBF’s members have had planning applications which are against the Local Plan agreed by our council or which are currently being considered by our council? Should that be one of the things that the TAFF investigates?
- Paul HaywardNovember 13, 2013 at 8:26 am #In light of recent posts regarding SME’s and their contribution to the Devon economy, could I possibly ask SIN to publicise SmallBizSat on December 7th which aims to promote small businesses around the UK. Most East Devon chambers of commerce are getting on board ( def. Axminster ) and we are trying to convince East Devon DC that free parking across the district on that day would generate tremendous goodwill, and financial benefit for all local retailers, businesses etc.Many, many councils across the UK have seen the light already and are waiving all parking charges for the ENTIRE day and it would be great if SIN / SOS could use its network to diseminate the news about SBS so that all our town and villages benefit from a swell in sales. Plus it would be great to see every town centre full and throbbing with activity after 12 noon with tills ringing, coffee cups clinking & people chatting.Your readers can search for information on Twitter, Facebook, Google or contact their local chamber of commerce / town clerks. Shops and businesses are being asked to display window posters, decals, counter stands, stickers – whatever – to promote the day and help bring vibrancy and activity back into our town centres. I have emailed the economy portfolio holder at EDDC and I am sure they will do everything possible to promote something that will help our local economies. Many Thanks. Paul
Large businesses mean large problems when they come under stress | Sidmouth Independent News
On Monday, Flybe announced considerable job losses:
Flybe cuts another 500 jobs to 'secure future'
New boss Saad Hammad angers unions but shares soar by 40pc
Saad Hammad (left) and Jim French
Flybe's new chief executive will cut another 500 jobs, the number of aircraft it flies and its route network in an overhaul that won immediate plaudits from the stock market but riled the unions.
The shares soared 40pc, rising 27.63 to 95.75p, as Saad Hammad put his strategic imprint on a carrier whose three-year stint as a public company has been punctuated by regular profit warnings.
“We are shrinking to grow,” said the former easyJet executive, who took over in August. “Even after phase one and phase two of the turnaround, our costs are simply too high.”
Flybe to cut 500 jobs despite return to profit
11 November 2013 Last updated at 17:36
Flybe, the Exeter-based airline, has announced plans to cut 500 jobs across the business, despite reporting a return to profit.
Pre-tax profits were £13.8m for the six months to 30 September, compared with a loss of £1.6m a year earlier.
The company said its turnaround plan was on track to make £40m of savings this year and £45m in 2014-15.
But the pilot's union, Balpa, said it was "shocked" by the decision to cut jobs. Flybe employs 2,700 staff.
BBC News - Flybe to cut 500 jobs despite return to profitIn June 2011 Sainsbury's announced "There will be indirect jobs, lots of opportunities for local companies..."
New Sainsbury's depot near Exeter could create 450 jobs
Hundreds of jobs could be created after a supermarket chain announced plans to build a major distribution centre in Devon.
The Sainsbury's depot will be built at the new Exeter Gateway freight facility, subject to planning permission.
The company said the depot would employ about 450 staff, the majority of whom would be recruited locally. It said it hoped to open the facility before the end of 2012.
Planning approval for the depot is being considered by East Devon District Council's Development Management Committee later. The depot would initially serve 35 stores in the South West, including Devon and Cornwall.
'Big signal'
At the moment the nearest depot is in Bristol, which Sainsbury's said was almost at full capacity. Tim Jones, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council, said: "This is fantastic news. More than 400 jobs at this time in the market economy is brilliant news for Exeter. "It's a big signal about investment in Exeter. There will be indirect jobs, lots of opportunities for local companies."
Richard Bull, head of Economy and Tourism at Exeter City council, said other companies such as Waitrose and John Lewis were also planning developments in Exeter. He said: "They are a signal of confidence in the city's capability of growth and we hope we can continue with that."
The Exeter Gateway freight facility is part of a major proposed development east of Exeter to include the new town of Cranbrook and a science park. Planning permission to develop the freight site near Clyst Honiton was originally granted in 2007. The Sainsbury's development is dependent on an application to vary the terms of the original planning consent being granted.
BBC News - New Sainsbury's depot near Exeter could create 450 jobsBut last month, Sainsbury's announced a 'postponement' of their plans:
Council demands Sainsbury's depot site answers
Sainsbury's said it was reviewing all of the options about how best to use the site
30 October 2013 Last updated at 14:15
Senior managers from Sainsbury's will decide by March next year what they plan to do with a development site which could create hundreds of jobs.
They were called to Devon to explain their plans after revealing in July the firm was postponing a new 500,000 sq ft distribution depot near Exeter. East Devon District Council wanted reassurances Sainsbury's would either sell the site or resume work on it.
The depot was to be built as part of the Exeter and East Devon Growth Point.
The Growth Point will incorporate science and business parks, a freight terminal, and the new town of Cranbrook.
The depot, near the Skypark development and Exeter Airport, would have supplied stores across south west England and created about 450 jobs.
A source at East Devon Council said the site was "too important for the area's economy to be left dormant" and the authority would be "very supportive" of plans to develop it.
At a meeting between the council and the retailer, the supermarket said it promised it would make a decision on what to do by the end of the first quarter of next year.
In a statement, David Mills, Sainsbury's head of property communications, said: "We have invested significant sums in preparatory works at Clyst Honiton and are now undertaking a review of the options about how best to use the space on the site.
"This includes the potential to bring forward development on the rear portion of the site. We intend to complete the review over the coming months and provide a progress update in early 2014."
See also: Futures Forum: District Council decides against the Local Retail Levy
Futures Forum: The Sid Valley Business Awards 2014
Futures Forum: What is the difference between a 'business park'... and a 'retail park'... Part Two
Futures Forum: Can anyone save the High Street?
Futures Forum: Cream teas, Devon and Sidmouth
Futures Forum: The West County, East Devon and tourism
Futures Forum: "Promoting local economic activity, local services and facilities, social and community wellbeing and environmental protection"
Futures Forum: Jobs and services: the hospitality industry
Futures Forum: Devon and tourism
Killing the goose that lays the golden eggs? | Sidmouth Independent News
EDDC: Too many eggs in too few baskets? | Sidmouth Independent News
Is tourism important to East Devon District Council? | Sidmouth Independent News
So what is the East Devon Business Forum up to these days? | Sidmouth Independent News
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