Good news for Wellington High St. Samuel’s fishmongers, empty for almost two years, is to be taken up by a pair of Tiverton-based businesses keen to expand into Somerset.
Apsleys accountants is headed by David Wicks who lives in Wellington and is a familiar figure in the town through his connections with the rugby club, where he is a vice-president.
BH & S Insurance has been a major player in Tiverton for many years but, like Apsleys, is keen to expand and has senior staff living in Wellington.
“We’ve already got a number of clients in Wellington and we’re planning to increase our presence in the town,” said BH & S managing director Graham Harvey. “Apsleys share our view, so it makes sense to co-operate and share premises.”
Although a huge amount of car and home insurance is now done online, according to Mr Harvey there are still many people who want to walk into a High St office and discuss things face-to-face. “It’s almost going full circle,” he said. “The internet is great for many things but we’re seeing a steady increase in walk-in business.”
Despite the much-predicted death of the High St, Wellington seems to be holding its own in terms of empty shops. The insurance/accountancy branch will be the third new business to open in the town centre in as many months.