In the past I have wandered away from the financial guidance remit for the Christmas edition of the Beacon, and I’m going to ‘bang the same drum’ again this year… shamelessly.

Ivybridge is an upwardly mobile town of c. 12,500 people that evenly span the age continuum, i.e., there’s a ready-made ‘audience’. There are wonderful sports facilities (Ivybridge Leisure Centre, the Ivybridge Cricket Club at Filham, the Tennis Centre and much more); it’s home to the lively Watermark Centre; there are a plethora of clubs and societies – my grandma enjoys “Read & Reminisce” at the library -;and good transport links to springboard your adventures - after all, we’re situated at “the gateway to the moors” and a stone’s throw from the South Devon AONB!

It's this community and location that drives the town and creates the appeal Ivybridge has as a home.

…But elements are under threat from the tough economic climate households and small businesses face and by the behemoth of online shopping. The disconnect and apathy that this dynamic can create undermines what’s good about living in the South Hams – knowing your neighbours, the feeling of safety, and the slower pace of life.

Our “village” would look quite different without the vibrancy and social hubs that local enterprise creates, but they need us to engage. Seek them out, be imaginative and support local where you can this Christmas… just small changes can make a difference… perhaps grab a pint at the not-for-profit Ivybridge Brewery, eat out locally with friends/family (Marco’s Trattoria, Rochelle’s, Nandon etc etc), visit one of the charming local retailers for your gifts and cards, and/or attend one the numerous local events– the Christmas Festival on 24^th November is always a highlight!

…and I believe the Rotary Club of Ivybridge have commandeered Santa again this December.    

I understand the convenience the internet provides - people are weary, torn in multiple directions and feeling the financial ‘bite’ of Russia’s invasion – but the value of gifting is in the thought, the care, and the joy of finding the ‘right’ thing. Local businesses will offer something personal/unique and provide quality goods/services and aftercare - an individual’s pride and reputation rests on it!

Multinationals and anonymous interaction can work, it may even save you money, but it is often when things go wrong that the value of face-to-face presents: -

·        No queuing on the telephone only to speak with a call centre in Dagenham (say) that’s bereft of knowledge and decision makers – this is a problem I’ve seen a lot from banks, insurers and investment houses since2020!

·        No pile of forms required to process the most straightforward of complaints/transactions/returns.

·        No parcelling things up and/or waiting on delivery services that arrive at the least convenient time, and then leave yourgoods in the unrelenting English rain.

Instead, a single point of contact for difficulties, assistance, and ongoing service, phew!

Of course, buying locally is investing locally, and the virtuous circle this can create is where the financial recommendation can be crowbarred in. Would you love to see the high-street full of independent retailers? The development of café culture and a growth in the night-time economy (theatre, dining, music etc)? It needs the residents of Ivybridge, and planning decisions, to connect and make this a self-fulfilling prophecy… and we’d all feel the lifestyle and financial benefit (the tenuous financial link is complete).

The financial and legal clinic at the Watermark will return in the New Year; but in the meantime, I hope to see you around Ivybridge this Christmas!

Rob Cowsill, Independent Financial Adviser at SW Financial Planning

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