Place management leader won over

The boss of an international place management organisation has praised Wellington for ‘doing things right’ after spending a fact-finding day in the town.

Ian Harvey, head of the Institute of Place Management, explored regeneration work at the town’s market, met several expanding businesses, and took part in debates with a wide range of local stakeholders.

The Institute supports individuals and organisations to create thriving places, connecting research, policy and practice and feeding its findings and views into the top level of Government.

“The only way you really understand what is happening in a place is by paying a visit, meeting the shop owners, the business owners, and the people who are trying to co-ordinate activities,” Ian said.

“I take the opportunity on these visits to listen to what businesses are saying, and aggregate it across the country. It means that when I go into Government-level conversations, I can confidently tell ministers whether their opinions ring true with what the people are saying.

“I have absolutely loved going round Wellington and hearing from some brilliant small businesses about some of their journeys, and the support they have received.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution to place, which is what makes it so fascinating, but there are certain conditions you do need for success. I’ll be feeding much of what I have discovered here in Wellington back to central Government.”

He said it was vital for a successful town to have a vision, a group of local people to drive it forward, and the backing of councils, businesses and the wider community to maximise potential.

“What will I take away? I will be telling people Wellington is a place that is doing things right… and that other locations might want to check it out.

“The partnership and collaboration that every town needs is quite clearly happening here. If you could copy the passion and entrepreneurial spirit of the businesses I have spoken to and drop them into other places, they would undoubtedly be positive.”

Mr Harvey visited several Wellington businesses including Little Green Pantry, Spinning Around records, Music Vault, and Boardroom Gaming Café, followed by a tour of Wellington Orbit which hosted the afternoon panel discussion.

Among the delegates on the visit were Clive Fletcher, high streets lead at West Midlands Combined Authority, Shropshire Council’s service manager for economy funding and skills Matt Potts, Telford & Wrekin Council’s team leader for regeneration and investment Caroline Tudor, and Ross Cook, executive director for place at Telford & Wrekin Council. 

The panel debate, chaired by Shropshire Business magazine editor Carl Jones, also included Simon Kinvig of Pegasus Group Architects, Market Drayton and Ellesmere markets manager Kate Gittins, Wellington mayor Councillor Reg Snell, Wellington Orbit director Ray Hughes, and Good2Great duo Johnny Themans and Jenna Humphreys. 

The visit was organised by Sally Themans - Good2Great placemaker and the leader of Love Wellington - who said she was delighted at the day’s success.

“I’m proud of what has gone on in Wellington over the past few years, and was keen to bring people together to show it to Ian. In 2019 the percentage of vacant shops here was over 14%, and now it is below 4%.

“This is down to a combination of things – financial support from initiatives such as the Pride In Our High Street grant scheme, partnership working, communication and collaboration to join the dots together, and a real community pride and spirit.”

She added: “The Government is saying all the right things about place at the moment, but at the same time indicating that funding is going to be centred very much on urban mayoral areas. That’s great if you are in cities like Birmingham or Manchester, but we are a rural community of smaller market towns, and our funding has dried up.

“It’s not all about money of course, but it does make a big difference. I hope this is one of the messages that Ian has taken away. When people feel part of their community, invested in their community, and proud of their community, things really do happen.”