A brand-new online directory of businesses operating in and around Exmoor National Park has been launched as part of the Rural Enterprise Exmoor initiative, which seeks to retain greater community wealth in the area. The site already has over 200 listings, with other businesses from all sectors urged to sign-up for free.
A priority for the Rural Enterprise Exmoor vision, developed by the National Park Authority alongside partners including the Heart of the South West LEP, has been connecting businesses across the area and encouraging individuals and businesses to use local tradesmen, services, suppliers, and producers to retain greater economic benefits to the area while minimising impacts on the special environment of Exmoor.
Users of the free directory can search for a business by name, search a specific area to find nearby businesses or browse by sector such as business services, local trades, or health and wellbeing.
Dan James, Rural Enterprise Manager at Exmoor National Park Authority said: “Developing an easy-to-use online directory of business operating within the National Park has long been an ambition shared by businesses and stakeholders alike to support our rural economy. I am therefore delighted that the directory is now available for everyone to use. Whether you are an Exmoor business, a resident, or a visitor you can now search for local businesses operating in all sectors.”
“There are over 1300 businesses operating within the National Park and eventually we’d like to see all of them included in the directory. Businesses can submit their own entry online and it’s free. We hope that the directory will become the first port of call for anyone looking for a business or service, supporting others in the area, and I encourage every business to upload their details as soon as possible.”
The directory has been launched following the publication of a suite of new guides to doing business within the National Park, providing practical ideas and information for local businesses to make the most of the opportunities afforded by the area.
“Through Rural Enterprise Exmoor we aim to develop strategies to benefit businesses right across the board, while conserving the special qualities of the National Park”, continued Dan.
“The directory therefore highlights those businesses contributing positively to the work of the National Park as Park Partners putting the National Park at the heart of all they do, as CareMoor for Exmoor Champions raising funds for conservation and access work or, as Dark Sky friendly businesses. We want to celebrate these businesses for going the extra mile for our protected and much-loved landscapes whilst working closely with other businesses and local communities.”
The site has been developed by South West based MiHi Digital, with funding support from the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund (via Somerset County Council).
