So the pre-Christmas rush is almost over in Exeter…

For another year, trading has been relatively buoyant for us during the Christmas period. Conversations with store managers during the last week have underpinned my take on things – that Christmas trade has continued with the encouraging trend prevalent in Exeter during the last 18 months. Exeter isn’t an island and there’s no doubt that we’ve had our challenges during the tough economic climate of the last 12 months, but there does appear to be light at the end of the tunnel, with new stores opening in the City, and choice for our visitors improving still further. The good news is underpinned by our latest City Centre retail vacancy figures (the percentage of City Centre shops lying empty) – currently standing at a relatively modest 6.8%, which compares favorably to the national rate of around 13%.

Now it’s time for an, albeit brief, period of thanks and reflection…

Exeter’s success is down to many things, but there’s no doubt that a large slug of our success is down to the thousands of people working in City Centre businesses and the many hundreds of workers who keep our streets clean, run our public buildings, keep our streets safe, manage our car parks and ensure our buses and trains provide reliable and speedy access in to the City. As many of us break for what we will all feel is a well deserved rest, let’s firstly give a big thanks to the often unsung heroes of our City Centre – many of whom will still be working over the Christmas period. Let’s give thanks for the tireless work of others who make our visits to the City safe and enjoyable – and let’s give thanks for the support of their families too. The City Centre can only operate successfully because of the dedication of so many who often work in challenging situations and give 110% to their job and the community they serve.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Heart Toast of Devon Awards event earlier this month. The event was humbling, with all those receiving awards having done amazing things for their families and communities. I’m lucky enough to be looking forward to a Christmas with family and loved ones this year, but I will be taking time to think of the many who are not as lucky as me…

The City Centre is more than just one big shopping centre. Commerce is vital to Exeter and the health of its community, but the City Centre is a shop window for the wider community and there are many in that community who will find Christmas difficult. However you do it, whether in one of the wonderful Cathedral Christmas services, or in church, or simply with family and friends, I hope that you will join me in reflecting on those in our community for whom Christmas brings hardship.

Here’s to a period where we can properly reflect on the things that really matter to us all…
…and think of so many others that make the simple things in our life and our City Centre work like clockwork.

Thanks & Happy Christmas.