Hello. We have exciting progress in the Business Improvement District as it is really taking shape. There is a new BID Manager in post, who is dedicated to Okehampton. You may know Kathy James-Castle as owner of Health Foods and Nutrition Okehampton in the Red Lion Yard. She will bring loads of experience to the BID and will be working closely with the BID’s board to turn the business plan into projects that work for Okehampton.
We’ve been listening to the town and planning projects, and there’s lots in the pipeline. Get in touch if you want more details. There’s already a lot of support from people in town, but more is always welcome.
Here’s some of what we have been doing..
Making Okehampton a place to be!
We’ve given support to VE day, which was a big success. And we’re helping with the imminent Oke Music Day (Sunday 20th July, remember the date!). The town will have live music across five stages from 11am, and it’s free to attend.
Welcome to SEEDL
The world’s first Live and On Demand learning subscription company, enhanced with game changing Learning and HR software tools.
We’ve been called the ‘Netflix of Live Learning’ and the ‘Peloton for the brain’ – but essentially SEEDL offers businesses companywide access to an entire education library plus your own learning management, and HR performance system to support business success and compliance.
We’ll be launching SEEDL in the summer when we give lots more information about how it can work for your business, whether you have 1 to 100,000 employees. It is easy to access for employees and owners, and we can track progress for individuals and learners.
There are over 300 short courses, something for everyone. Sales, Business Essentials, Customer Service, Office 365, Project Management, Health & Safety, Compliance, Mental Wellness and much more.
It will save on training costs and personnel. It will raise the game for small businesses that can use quality training without paying. It gives employees confidence to keep their skills up-to-date and go further. And you can use as much or as little as you need.
Set-up and launch SEEDL, which will be available for all levy payers across the town to access. Go to seedl.com/o/okehamptonbid to create your account.
If your business is too small to pay a levy, get in touch and we will make sure you can access these amazing tools. Or, if you don’t have facilities or space to access the courses online, get in touch, and we will help.
Okehampton Interchange
In a short time Okehampton Station, nestled next to the Granite Way, has become a gem for the town. And we’re getting another! 2 new train stations in less than 4 years.
The new train station is due to open in summer 2026, and Okehampton BID will be working closely with GWR to make the most of this amazing addition. The town is changing, and with a BID in place we can make the most of what that means. We’ll be preparing for everything that the station can be. Not just people coming in and out of the town, it will be possible to hop from the vibrant business parks and homes across to the moors in one short stop.
It will take the long-term vision and planning of the BID to make the most of this colossal change, so everyone benefits. And we are getting prepared.
Edwardian Evening
Preparing for a 2025 Edwardian Evening and turning on Christmas lights to be remembered. It has always been a massive success for the town, but this year it will focus more on the businesses in Oke.
We’ll be recruiting volunteers to learn more about Edwardian Times and share what it means for Oke. Many of the businesses in the town would have looked very similar at the beginning of the 20th Century, some of them wouldn’t have been possible without the big changes that happened. Like our very own Table Tennis club!
In the meantime, can you spot any Edwardian buildings in town?
Okehampton Castle
We are working to make sure that the treasured castle can be a community asset and an insight into the history of the town for visitors. At the moment we’re applying for extra funding and updates will continue, but please share your thoughts. We need to know just how much it means for you to be able to use the castle grounds for the community.
Please feel free to contact me Kathy on bidmanager@okehamptonbid.co.uk regarding BID matters.
