Copy
View this email in your browser
Windles chosen to print a special edition of Vogue
It isn't often that a member of the Royal family gets involved in guest editing Vogue, but you can't have missed the story in the news that this week that HRH Duchess of Sussex did just that - with an issue devoted to women who break barriers. What is even more exciting is that the cover of this special edition of Vogue was printed here in Thame by Windles. This fabulous production house, based in Cotmore Wells Road, was chosen as the printer to create the front of the magazine which is divided into 16 boxes -  15 feature inspiring women, and the one unfilled space is taken by a mirror, which aims to encourage the reader to use their own platforms to force change. 

Read more here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49145664

Congratulations Windles! We are so proud to have such a fabulous business based in the town. 
ULS technology: a company to Inspire Britain

The local Thame business, ULS technology, has been included in this years’ London Stock Exchange ‘1000 companies to Inspire Britain’. This London Stock Exchange Group's flagship publication profiles the 1000 most dynamic and fastest growing SMEs across the UK. This is the sixth annual edition of this report. SMEs are the heartbeat of our economy, driving jobs and growth. Their dynamism plays a huge part in the UK's ability to innovate and export, and, in doing so, creates high-quality jobs for the next generation.
 
John Howell MP said:
 
‘I was delighted to receive notification of this achievement from the London Stock Exchange. SMEs are at the heart of business across this constituency and this shows what value they can add locally and nationally. I have written to the company to congratulate them. I hope this can be taken as an encouragement to other companies in the area.’
 
‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ is an annual celebration of some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. As well as identifying 1000 companies, the annual report examines in detail the opportunities and challenges facing SMEs and looks at the sectors and trends that will shape the future of the UK economy. This year 144 companies in the South East of England are included in the list.
 
 
https://www.lseg.com/resources/1000-companies-inspire/1000-companies-inspire-britain

The Visitor Economy in Thame

Summer is well and truly here, and with it comes the potential of increased footfall to our town centre with visitors from abroad, visitors from elsewhere in the country who are following the increasing trend for staycations, as well as the increased number of local families around due to school holidays. This provides a real opportunity for the retail and hospitality sector in the town. Thame Town Council's Visitor Economy Working Group has been exploring and developing opportunities to try to make the most of these visitors to the town by developing projects that encourage dwelltime, and therefore spend. This newsletter highlights a taster of these.

If you, or your business, would like to be involved in the development of future ideas and activities just email becky.reid@thametowncouncil.gov.uk and she can provide you with more information.
South Oxfordshire is where much of the popular TV series Midsomer Murders is filmed. Fans flock to the area to visit the filming locations and many come to visit the 20+ locations Thame boasts, attracted by the self-guided and organised tours on offer. While here, they spend money in our shops, restaurants, pubs, and hotels – which is good for the town and its economy.

2019 is seeing demand for tours increasing. Thame Midsomer Murder Tours Facebook page has been set up to support the tour offer. Businesses in the town have taken advantage of the Midsomer effect, developing products to attract fans to their businesses. 
Rumsey’s Chocolaterie offer popular Barnaby Buns and Midsomer Chocolate Lollipops.
The Deli at No. 5 have launched 'Barnaby Blue' Cheese - named after DCI Barnaby in the TV series and already a best seller, and a 'Midsomer' Gin. 
Plans are underway to explore the possibility of 'Midsomer Murder Mystery' evenings at The Spread Eagle
Read more about Thame's Midsomer journey in this fantastic article (pages 4-5 in the linked magazine) written by Helen Johns - one of the volunteers working tirelessly to deliver the Midsomer Murders offer in Thame. 

Have an idea for a Midsomer product or experience? Get in touch
Visit Thame leaflet

A common cry in recent headline-hitting stories is that High Streets have to start offering experiences to survive. In 2018 a leaflet encouraging people to 'Visit Thame', showcased three experiences it has to offer: The Players Theatre, Thame Museum and Midsomer Murders Tours. They were distributed to 8000 homes and key locations outside of Thame, to encourage visitors to the area, and local residents who are unaware of these opportunities, to come and explore the town further.
Vouchers for local businesses were included in the centre page, providing an opportunity for them to raise their profile and increase their footfall. If you want to be a business featured in the 2019 version of the flyer get in touch
 

Connect your business to an experience

If you would like to explore opportunities to connect your business to an experience within the town centre there are opportunities currently available!

  • We are looking for a business to offer a 'reward' for participants who successfully complete our Thame Treasure Trails, such as a discount off their bill with you - giving them an incentive to come and visit you.  
  • We have the potential for providing 'offers' through our membership with Visit Buckinghamshire & The Chilterns - do you have an offer you want to promote?
If either of these appeal then get in touch, or contact us to explore your own ideas further. 

'staycation' 

noun
INFORMAL
  1. a holiday spent in one's home country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions.
To increase the potential impact of 'staycationing' on the economy of Thame, time and resources have been invested to promote Thame to a national audience. This has included membership of Experience Oxfordshire, Visit Buckinghamshire & the Chilterns, Tourism South East, and the Coach Drivers Companion. There are opportunities for businesses to work with Thame Town Council to offer incentives through these partnerships. At present the Black Horse offers an incentive for Coach Drivers who bring their party to dine with them. 
Staycationing? find out what to do in Thame
Every month we aim to do a feature that puts the spotlight on people who are running businesses in Thame. This opportunity is open to anyone whose business in based in Thame and all we need is a photo of you and your answers to the following 3 questions: 
  1.  Who are you and what drives you?
  2. Tell us about your business?
  3. Why do you choose to base your business in Thame?
If you would like to be featured in a future edition then contact Becky Reid.

August dates for your diary

1: Business Buzz 10am - 12pm
20: Market Community Day 9am - 3pm
List yourself in our Business Directory
List current vacancies on our Jobs Board
Find/advertise a room or facility for hire
Twitter
Website
Email
Facebook

Have an announcement to make?

Share your big news.

If you have anything you want to share with the wider business community in Thame, then email becky.reid@thametowncouncil.gov.uk with details and an image to catch attention and you will be included in next months edition if space allows. 
Thame Town Council regards your privacy as important and any personal information you give to us will be used in accordance with the law. Please read our privacy notice here.






This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Thame Town Council · Town Hall · High Street · Thame, Oxon OX9 3DP · United Kingdom

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp