Councillor Woan continues #TalkThingsUp visits to Somerset businesses

Jim (left), Councillor David Woan (centre) and Chloe (right) outside The Acorn entrance

Our Associate Lead Member for Business Strategy, Councillor David Woan, has continued his #TalkThingsUp visits to businesses across Somerset, shining a spotlight on those delivering excellent customer experiences and driving local growth.

During a recent visit on 13 May, Councillor Woan met Jim and Chloe Thomson at The Acorn in St John’s Churchyard, Yeovil, to hear directly from a Somerset hospitality business. Now 3 years into their journey, and recently married, Jim and Chloe acknowledge the difficult trading conditions facing the sector.

Even so, they remain focused on excellence, quality, value and continuous improvement, while building honest relationships with customers, suppliers, staff and neighbouring businesses. The Acorn buys, uses and sells locally produced, high-quality food and drink.

Jim said:

“We set up to be a go-to brand for local people. We like to keep money local. Local always sells better. We’re giving visitors an experience as well as something local to take away with them.”

That approach takes constant attention. Every day, they keep a close eye on all aspects of the business. Prices are adjusted incrementally to avoid sharp increases when costs rise.

Jim added:

“You’re on your game to stay afloat.”

In year 1, they offered discounted vodka shots. While this proved popular, it attracted the wrong crowd, so they reviewed their pricing and offer, helping to shape the customer base they wanted.

Now in year 3, their focus on value and quality is paying dividends. Jim and Chloe keep a wish list and each month invest in something small to improve the business. Last month, it was a new set of speakers. Next month, it will be a new set of A-boards.

Even during a recent visit to Sicily, they were interacting with Italian hospitality businesses and picking up ideas.

Jim said:

“There’s no magic bullet. We just try to keep everything at a manageable scale. We are The Acorn.”

Councillor Woan said hospitality businesses are trading in some of the most challenging conditions he can recall in 20 years of working with the business sector.

Somerset-based businesses that would like to share their experiences and explore potential support are encouraged to get in touch with Councillor Woan by emailing david.woan@somerset.gov.uk or messaging him via LinkedIn.