A NEW marketing plan is proposing the creation of a community interest company (CIC) with the aim of promoting and marketing Okehampton to an international audience.

The plan, discussed during Monday’s Okehampton Town Council meeting, suggests establishing a not-for-profit business for the benefit of the Okehampton community.

The project is the brainchild of Cllr Paul Vachon. He said: ‘The aim is to put Okehampton on the world map’.

He said that the company’s income will be generated from funding bodies and development grants initially, and then in effect the CIC will become self-funding from advertising sales, product placement and brand licensing.

He proposed that the company will offer services on a free basis but with outsourced expenses charged at cost where appropriate, and will be made up of volunteers with appropriate skills and experience in marketing, advertising, PR, journalism and finance.

The company would work on a strategy aiming to develop Okehampton as a brand, firstly by developing and maintaining a public interface via the internet, including an up-to-date webpage and active social media accounts, printed media and PR.

Secondly, through the creation of events which will engage the residents of Okehampton and the surrounding area.

Cllr Vachon said: ‘The community interest company will aim to create public awareness, encourage visitors, as well as support and promote local attractions and facilities.’

The CIC proposal includes the creation of a dedicated multi-lingual visitor website which will feature regular updates about local events, facilities and attractions, the development of links to local businesses, community groups, accommodation providers and events organisers, the engagement of wider publics via presence at national tourism and travel shows in Bristol, London, Birmingham and Manchester, the production of an Okehampton prospectus, as well as the making of an Okehampton video, which will be used to promote the town.

Cllr Paul Vachon stated in his proposal: ‘It has long been recognised that the Okehampton area would benefit from promotional and marketing campaigns. New development for housing and employment is increasing optimism and a promise of future prosperity.

‘On the downside there are the austerity measures — an increasing burden to the community. But one of the solutions, as identified by Destination Okehampton (a town council working party), was the need to increase visitors and tourism to this area.’

The town’s proximity to the A30 and Dartmoor is seen as a unique selling point which could be used to market the town.

Several councillors agreed that the formation of the CIC was a good idea, and Cllr Vachon is hopeful that the proposed marketing strategy will help to promote Okehampton.