Summer Survey Results
The Summer Business Survey was conducted in September/October – 63 businesses responded, mainly thanks to Executive Members (Danni and Abi) interviewing town centre businesses face-to-face. This is quite a time commitment for our volunteers, but worth it as the sample size achieved allows more detailed analysis by business sector.
The survey was intended to give a steer on how businesses felt the summer season had performed this year. Anecdotes are always helpful, but survey results provide quantitative numbers which give a more robust understanding, and is valuable evidence when talking to Council bodies.
As this first chart shows, the majority of businesses felt Summer 2025 was at least as good as the previous year, if not better. Given the tough business climate this is a good outcome for Dartmouth, whilst also reflecting that times are tough, and significant year on year growth in business is not a given.
Interestingly it was the retail sector in Town that was more likely to report a much better Summer, compared to other businesses.
The data also reflected the importance of August as the strongest month of the Summer for most businesses, although May 2025 was particularly good for our Hospitality businesses, with the Music Festival noted as a key driver of business that month.
More support from Town & District Councils continues to be a key concern for businesses, followed by support with marketing. In addition to the higlighted differences between Visitor Facing and Non-Visitor Facing business responses, retailers were particularly interested in support with marketing. This could be a result of Dartmouth retailers often being small, independents by nature, whereas hospitality includes a number of larger organisations which have marketing capabilities in-house.
When asked about the impact of the different Festivals on business, the more established events were felt to be of benefit to business overall, although Non Visitor Facing businesses were also positive about the newer events. Music Festival scored particularly well amongst hospitality businesses, whereas retailers had a more consistent view across the events.
It is worth noting that even when businesses felt they didn’t benefit themselves, they recognised the value of the Festivals in attracting attention for Dartmouth as a whole.
At the close of the survey each respondent had the chance to share their own concerns about the business environment in Dartmouth. The two issues raised most often overall were parking and footfall, although non visitor facing businesses were also interested in improvements to the Old Market, and advertising of Dartmouth. In addition,whilst retailers and other businesses are more likely to mention parking, footfall and rent, the hospitality businesses were more focused on improving The Old Market, and the wider advertising of Dartmouth.
Parking has long been an issue for Dartmouth, and Jo (Chair of Chamber) continues to advocate for the businesses on the issue of parking on a regular basis. There is no quick fix, but the survey responses provide yet more evidence of the impact on business. Footfall is a key concern for Explore Dartmouth as they pull together a clear marketing plan for Dartmouth 2026 – with a priority being getting the right visitors here, who are willing to engage in everything Dartmouth has to offer, and spend while they are here!
Conclusions and Actions
Whilst the business climate is tough in the UK, the fact that 43% of Dartmouth businesses felt the summer was an improvement on 2024 should be seen as encouraging. There continue to be key areas on which businesses would like to see positive change, and these results help inform and guide both the Chamber of Commerce, and the tourism team at Explore Dartmouth.
Festivals are recognised as an important part of raising the profile of Dartmouth as a place to visit, although their different features and appeal are reflected in the varying impacts on businesses. Further analysis will be carried out to understand the different responses in more detail, and shared with the various committees / organisers to help with their future plans.
Dartmouth continues to be a great place to visit, with a lot to offer every type of visitor – and a key part of that appeal is a vibrant business sector. Given the proportion of small, independent businesses in the Town it is important we all work together during this challenging economic period: impactful change comes from cooperation; economies of scale can be achieved by collaborating; confidence comes from connecting and communicating with neighbouring businesses or peer groups.
Dartmouth & District Chamber of Commerce is here to help and support every Dartmouth business, so please get in touch if you have concerns, or want to get involved: marketing@dartmouthchamber.co.uk