Better communication is the low cost key to regenerating Exmoor and West Somerset.

A simple online act of Christmas goodwill which would help regenerate Exmoor and West Somerset was the subject of my post yesterday.

But there are many more ways to extend a welcoming hand which would improve communication and help regenerate Exmoor and West Somerset. Some of these are the subject of my discussion today.

Communication seems such a simple word and, of course, we all communicate with each other constantly in many different ways. But how effective is our communication as a community in Exmoor and West Somerset? Imagine these various scenarios.

Jemima is visiting Minehead for the day. She walks down Minehead Avenue wondering where to go and what to do. All around her, there are activities going on but how does she find out about them?

Nearby, there is Minehead Tennis Club with members who may be willing to play tennis with her but how does she find out about this club? There is a bowling club nearby too. Again, how does she find out about it? She is in Minehead for one day. What did she see? What impression of Minehead does she return home with?

I am not saying that there are no sources of information. I am merely asking how easy do we make it for her? I believe this really matters. If other areas make finding activities easier, Jemima will go elsewhere next time.

Chris is an Internet entrepreneur and he is surfing the web in Birmingham. He is rather fed up with living in a big town. He has a lovely wife and two children. He would like to introduce them to a better life in the country. He is financially well off, very intelligent and forward-looking. He would like to join a community of people where he can find others like himself to spark off socially and intellectually and where he can carry on his business activities across the Internet worldwide.

What would bring Chris to Exmoor and West Somerset? We have good schools. We have lovely countryside and running an Internet business is as easy from Minehead, Williton, Watchet, Dunster, Dulverton, Timberscombe, Exford, Allerford, Winsford, Porlock, Lynton or any of the surrounding villages but what will make him consider this area for his relocation? How could we make his relocation easier? Do we even want high earners and achievers like Chris in this area?

I could discuss many examples of different types of people who may want to come and live in or visit Exmoor and West Somerset but I think the point is made.

At the heart of the problem that faces these two individuals and which also faces Exmoor and West Somerset and our attempts at regeneration is communication.

How do we communicate the benefits of living in or visiting Exmoor and West Somerset to the rest of the UK or even worldwide? What are they?

There is one further aspect of communication that needs to be examined.

Fred is retired and living in Exmoor and West Somerset. He cares very much about the area and would like to help with its regeneration. He has energy and opinions. He really does want to get involved. How does he talk to like-minded people? How does he get involved? How does he communicate his ideas and opinions? Where can he get involved with the debate?

These are but three of the many different sorts of people who have communication issues with the area of Exmoor and West Somerset.

Improving communication lies at the heart of the regeneration of Exmoor and West Somerset. It benefits those of us who already live here, businesses and private individuals, and those who we would want to attract to the area.

It is a problem that no amount of millions of pounds expenditure on bricks and mortar will rectify.

To solve the problem of communication, we must all start talking to each other.

We must extend the hand of goodwill.

It sounds easy doesn't it? But is it easy? What are the barriers? What you think? Your comments are very much welcome. Let's talk!

Bye for now.

Rob

(Rob Hopcott - online author - fiction - news - philanthropy)

Note: names used in this article about regenerating Exmoor and West Somerset are fictitious and do not relate to any specific individuals locally or otherwise.