Hard-hit county finds silver lining

The pandemic may have led to fresh opportunities, argues Sarah Brazendale

THE effect that Covid-19 will have on Devon’s economy is likely to be long-lasting and it could take the region years to fully recover. Given that a significant part of its economy is based on tourism, hospitality, agriculture and retail, the impact on the county is also likely to be greater than in other areas.

Between February 2020 and January 2021, it’s estimated that almost £1.8 billion of anticipated tourism business turnover and supply chain spend was lost in Devon due to Covid-19. In the April 2020 lockdown alone, as a result of lost tourism spend, an estimated £233 million of tourism business turnover and £45m of supply chain spend is unlikely to have occurred.

But what if it’s not all doom and gloom? Yes, jobs have been lost and many businesses are struggling at the moment. But what if the huge shift in consumer habits towards supporting local businesses represents an opportunity, and could, in the long run, bring even greater benefits to communities and the environment, and help Devon’s economy to become even stronger and more resilient?

One case in point is the online availability of many products and services previously only accessible to canny local shoppers – best-kept secrets of butchers, bakers and candlestick makers tucked down country lanes and hidden in countless high street nooks and crannies.

With restaurants, bars and retail outlets closed, many of these independent businesses – from sheep farmers, furniture makers and brewers to cheesemakers and veggie growers – have had to start selling directly to the public. Many, out of necessity, have been brought into the digital age.

That’s great news for consumers who now get greater choice and access to the pick of the crop. It’s also great for local businesses, opening up huge new markets and opportunities for growth.

Tourism and hospitality employ more than 10% of Devon’s population, while agriculture is an integral part of the county’s iconic landscape and rural community life, as well as vital for the food manufacturing industry and the management of Devon’s countryside.

If these and other local industries flourish, then the people of Devon, the communities of the county and even its landscapes, are positively affected. And let’s not forget that buying local reduces our carbon footprint, so it’s great for the environment, too.

That’s why the Made in Devon scheme has been established and is focusing initially on the industries that have been hardest hit – ones that also have the potential to benefit most from new buyer trends and pent-up demand for restaurants, entertainment and holidays. It will then expand to include a range of other businesses, including manufacturing and service industries that are proud to be Devon-made.

The acid test is going to be whether these businesses can and will continue to provide consumers with these goods once their traditional markets reopen. It’s also about whether we can encourage consumers to maintain their new, different shopping habits and ensure a year-round, pandemicproof market for local businesses.

Made in Devon aims to promote quality local businesses that are bona fide ‘made in Devon’, to help consumers find them and to support these businesses to continue to grow. This new business support scheme will help member businesses through a major marketing campaign. It will provide upskilling and training.

And because Made in Devon is part of the Trading Standards Buy with Confidence scheme, all members will have access to free expert advice to help them navigate through a myriad of new pressures – and opportunities.

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