I went to a local business event in Basingstoke last night called “A question of business”. Basically it was a panel consisting of the elected leader of the council, Andrew Finney, and other partners, taking pre-prepared questions and debate from the floor about business in Basingstoke. Topics included manufacturing, regeneration, education, the recession, etc.

I should mention that The Escape have just helped Destination Basingstoke create a new website but this is an independent post about my experience at the event mainly because I have been thinking a lot about what was said by different people (more posts to follow).

Firstly, I actually think it’s really good that the council are doing something to address the town’s image and engaging people to start the process of change – we need it (if only in perception).

Even yesterday, on my Twitter Account, I challenged someone who made a negative comment about Basingstoke and he replied acknowledging my point that he was shooting from the hip. The town does have an image problem and Destination Basingstoke is the start of addressing that. It will take time and participation and what it will become, I don’t know. I do feel strongly that it will only be a success if people get involved at all levels.

That said, following on from my last post about apathy in business marketing, I do worry that people (local business owners especially) will not engage with the incentive. Let’s face it, it’s much, much easier just to slag it off right rather than look to positive change. I for one, will be getting involved as much as possible.

One of the panel members, Stephen Sheedy, Principal of QMC, is a big fan of the town and spoke about the need for local people to start being proud of the town and pushing it more. He came across very passionately about Basingstoke, even with his scouse accent (he moved to Basingstoke in the 90s) and it’s good to hear anyone being positive about the town. He also made an incredibly valid point, after citing the success of northern cities such as Sheffield and Leeds and their regeneration programmes:

They were bad to start with – the only way was up – Basingstoke doesn’t have that problem.

In fact, I would go as far as to say Basingstoke’s biggest issue in the past has been mediocrity – it’s an ‘okay’ place. It’s not famous for anything, it doesn’t have a successful football team and gets no acknowledgment other than it’s a town on the M3 near London – it’s run of the mill. That’s the challenge in intself.

The fact that they town is actually a good place to live with lots of facilities (especially for business) is by-the-by. It’s USP is too similar to too many other towns and it gets lost in the noise as a marketing proposition.

Suggestions welcome… my thinking cap is already on above and beyond my Basingstoke Business website – there must be more I can personally do. And, if you are from Basingstoke, why not get engaged? It will benefit us all in the town.