TBE PARTNERSHIP WITH BATH RUGBY
Imagining the future in the city of Bath
On Wednesday 15th November Bath Rugby hosted its first business breakfast at Farleigh House , the home of Bath Rugby . The morning was an opportunity to connect with businesses from across the region and showcase the club ’ s High Performance Centre and recently enhanced facilities including its new purpose-built auditorium .
As Bath Rugby eagerly awaits the outcome of its Stadium for Bath planning application to redevelop the club ’ s recreation ground in the centre of Bath , the event was an occasion to discuss what Bath ’ s future might look like .
After guests enjoyed breakfast in the stunning surrounds of Farleigh House ’ s Grand Hall , attendees moved across to the club ’ s new auditorium for a panel discussion on ‘ Imagining the future in the city of Bath ’ hosted by ITV ’ s Jonty Messer .
Panellists included Bath Rugby Chief Executive Tarquin McDonald , Allan Lloyd , Partner at Bath-based commercial property firm CSquared , Professor Andy Salmon , Pro-Vice-Chancellor at Bath Spa University and Fiona Pollard , a tourism expert and experienced Chair and Non-Executive Director who has worked in a number of roles including Interim Chair for VisitEngland .
The panel addressed several areas key to Bath ’ s future success including nurturing , attracting and retaining talent , attracting the right tourists , investment in place , facilities and transport .
THE KEY TAKEAWAYS :
TALENT
“ Bath is a city of highly capable people , but it ’ s also the most polarised city . 80 % of its residents are in the top 20 % educationally but B & NES currently sits at the bottom of the national rankings for its attainment gap for children aged 7-11 .”
“ We must strive to improve by facilitating talent and making the most of the best-in-class facilities we have on offer with Bath Spa University excelling in creative industries and Bath University in STEM subjects .
“ One key barrier to retaining talent post study is the lack of affordable real estate . We must do more to address this issue .” Professor Andy Salmon , Pro-Vice Chancellor at Bath Spa University
TOURISM
“ Post pandemic the tourism market has seen a lot of change . The focus now is on building back better and attracting the right pound in terms of spend , not volume . It ’ s all about repositioning the model to drive and attract the right tourism .
“ We ’ re the only country in Europe that doesn ’ t offer tax free shopping . We need a facility to get our visitors to spend more .” Fiona Pollard
INVESTMENT IN PLACE , FACILITIES AND TRANSPORT
“ Bath Rugby plays host to the largest congregation in the city but it ’ s not all about rugby supporters , we need more than that to build a vibrant community .
“ Our plans for the new stadium development are about bringing people together outside of match days for a whole host of activities . We want it to be an inclusive space where people come together from all backgrounds . A space thriving with connectivity .” Tarquin McDonald , Chief Executive , Bath Rugby
“ After the recession occupancy rates dropped and international brands stopped building . Covid was a Darwinist moment of kicking the dinosaur and reinventing what retail means in Bath .
“ We are now attracting fit for purpose retailers into occupation . The city is currently at a 3.5 % vacancy rate which is lower than most of the country .
“ We now need to invest in our transport infrastructure as it ’ s not up to scratch as well as finding a solution to our ever-rising accommodation costs . Those who were born here , in many cases can ’ t afford to continue to live here , and that ’ s a challenge .” Allan Lloyd , Partner , CSquared
Bath Rugby look to host more business networking events in 2024 addressing topical subjects and bringing the community together .
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