24 focus on winchester
Business is thriving in England’s first capital
The gothic towers and cobbled streets of an ancient Hampshire city may not be the immediate image that ’thriving business destination’ conjures up, but England’s ancient capital is a city whose business clout far outstrips its modest size and quaint scenery.
There are many strings in Winchester’s bow including the emphasis on ’community’ in the business community in the city – a group of key stakeholders working in partnership to ensure that Winchester delivers on its potential.
The business potential of the city is delivered by a group of powerful businesses, Winchester City Council and the staff of Winchester Business Improvement District (BID).
For several years Winchester was positioned as England’s Christmas capital and this was a well-deserved title with the streets bustling throughout the festive season and visitors bussed in from around the country to shop at Winchester Cathedral’s famous Christmas Market. The crown of top Christmas destination in the south is hotly contested
and the battle between Winchester and Salisbury managed to make tabloid headlines in 2013.
The partnerships that help to make Winchester strong are particularly vital during the Christmas period and for 2014 a new campaign for the city was launched, The Perfect Christmas, a project run in partnership by Winchester BID, Winchester Cathedral and Winchester City Council.
A key part of the city’s success is that it tackles its problems head on. High street vacancy rates have been a major issue in many towns and cities during recent years and while the strong Winchester economy was less badly damaged than many during the recession, vacant properties in the city are not left to fall to rack and ruin, further damaging the appeal of the High Street. Instead the few prominent vacant properties that exist in the city are decorated in a manner which reflects and celebrates the local enthusiasm for the city.
These units now brighten the High Street with images of Winchester’s most scenic areas while they await new occupants.
This kind of positive action, coupled with Winchester’s active effort to create a digital High Street fit for the future through its View Winchester branding, demonstrate the fact that this historic city can still keep up with the bright young things.
Its picturesque nature is a powerful element in driving much of the city’s business. In the summer of 2014 five million visitors descended upon the city from Hampshire, the wider United Kingdom and beyond, drawn not just by the beautiful scenery and historic interest, but also by the bustling programme of festivals.
This programme, which runs from April to November, caters to almost every interest imaginable and goes some way to demonstrate the passion and power of the Winchester community. These festivals are born from the dedicated creative minds of local people and new projects continue to emerge and thrive. The 2014 Winchester Poetry Festival ran for the first time and was considered a great success, while this year sees a Cheese and Chilli Festival.
Chris Turner, executive director of Winchester BID, said: “During the past year Winchester has continued to demonstrate its position as an excellent destination both for recreational and business requirements.
Continued on next page ... Paris Smith sings the city’s praises
What words or phrases spring to your mind when you hear or see the name ’Winchester’? Is it Winchester College or the other centres of learning in the city? Is it the majesty and solemnity of the Cathedral, the history of the city, the culture, or the variety of restaurants and hostelries? asks Peter Taylor managing partner of Paris Smith (pictured)
There may be other aspects of Winchester life that feature in your thoughts. Whatever they may be, it is beyond doubt that Winchester inspires confidence and a warm feeling as a result of its strong sense of tradition and identity. Despite the comings and goings of fads and trends, there remains that golden thread of quality and strong, well-founded values that runs through the city and is timeless. A forthcoming visit creates a sense of expectation of a positive, enjoyable experience.
Paris Smith is a regional law firm that has been serving both private individuals and businesses throughout Hampshire and the Central South for more than 190 years, a significant number of the firm’s clients being within or in easy reach of Hampshire’s county town. The firm has purchased landmark offices in Parchment Street in the centre of the city and will be welcoming its clients through its doors in the coming months.
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An integral part of the firm’s culture and beliefs is that our clients have a positive experience with us. In addition to having a team of people who are inspired to deliver legal excellence, the partners and staff of Paris Smith consider it important that our offices are both accessible to our clients and reflect our values and standards.
We have been seeking offices in the city which reflect our values and commitment to our clients. We are passionate about adding value and enabling our clients, who are in and close to Winchester, to succeed. In 9 Parchment Street we have found such a location.
We have immense pride in being in a position to contribute to the life of Winchester. We not only have a strong respect for the heritage, culture and vibrancy of the city but are also committed to reflect these in our own level of service. We want to be, and are indeed excited to be, a part of the golden thread of the city.
The offices will provide a full range of legal services through a team of in excess of 20 lawyers and support staff as well as planning consultancy services. The firm will continue to service its clients’ needs from its landmark offices in London Road, Southampton.
Details: Peter Taylor 023-8048-2286
peter.taylor@parissmith.co.uk www.parissmith.co.uk
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – MAY 2015
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