2023 has been designated the 'Year of the Pier', and in our final podcast of the season, we are celebrating Weston's piers. Of the 60 piers left in the UK, four can be found on North Somerset's 19-mile coastline, and three of them are in Weston!We chat to pier experts Michelle Michael, one of the owners/directors of The Grand Pier and Revo, and Simon Talbot-Ponsonby, Director of  Birnbeck Regeneration Trust, about the history and future of Weston's three very different, iconic piers. They discuss:- The evolution of entertainment at The Grand Pier, from its Victorian beginnings to the present day-  Michelle's family's aspirations for The Grand Pier and Weston- The importance The Grand Pier places on hiring and training young people in Weston-super-Mare- Large-scale events: The Grand Pier can seat up to 1,000 people, making it the biggest venue in the town- The charity work Michelle, her team and The Grand Pier are involved with - at their recent charitable ball, they raised a staggering £410,000- Celebrity visitor anecdotes from The Grand Pier - Upcoming events, recent developments (including new feature lighting) and future investment happening at The Grand Pier.- The history of Birnbeck Pier from its days as an enormous funfair to being commandeered as a secret weapons research establishment.- How the implementation of modern transport lead to its demise.- Birnbeck Pier's importance for the RNLI- North Somerset Council's recent ownership of Birnbeck Pier after years of uncertainty.- Funding,  grants and future plans for the restoration of the pier.-Michelle and Simon's favourite places to eat out, shop and go in Weston-super-Mare.You can also read a transcript of the podcast here.To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

This week, we talk to Simon Price, a partner at Alder King, and Jane Harrison, Head of Economy at North Somerset Council, about the increasing appeal of Weston-super-Mare as a place to locate a business, and for developer investment.During the episode they discuss:Trends for business growth and interest in Weston, including industrial sector growth, particularly in advanced manufacturing. How KMW and Rockhaven are collectively developing sites of over 130,000 sq. feet, speculating on positive market demand. The attractiveness of locating a business in Weston, thanks to staff availability, good transport connections, culture-led regeneration and government investment, alongside ease of access to local government support, advice and business networks. The great value for money of commercial property in Weston, where average top-end rents are £18 - £20 per sq. metre, whereas just 20 miles away in Bristol, they are £42 - £50 per sq. metre.  The importance of the Weston Enterprise Area and the handholding and support for any business moving into the area.  The many environmental and community groups in the town focused on areas like trees, plastics reduction, and sustainability that businesses may want to partner with for ESG goals.Investment in the High Street, the increase in independent businesses coming into the town centre and why large empty units like TJ Hughes remains empty. They also share with us some interesting facts about Weston, and their favourite places to go, eat and drink.To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

This week, host Becky Walsh chats with guests Fay Powell and Alan Smith, to discover what Weston has to offer this Christmas.Alan Smith, Manager of The Sovereign, shares what the shopping centre has been up to over the past year, and their grand festive plans for December, including late night shopping and a Christmas light switch-on (30th November 2023).Fay Powell,  Central Services Manager of Weston Town Council, shares the Christmas activities she has planned with her family including pantomimes, markets, workshops, and festive activities, and reveals her favourite local shops. Fay also talks about:Weston's grand Christmas lights switch-on  (2nd December 2023), funded by the town council and Weston BID, which will see the mayor, competition winners and celebrities from the Blakehay pantomime illuminating the town!eat: Food Festival, taking place in Winter Gardens and Italian Gardens on Small Business Saturday (2nd December). Weston Museum's extended Christmas Market weekend (2nd-3rd December)For more information about what’s on this Christmas in Weston head to the Visit Weston website.To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

The Stable is a vibrant hub that has woven itself into the fabric of the community in Weston-super-Mare. A multifaceted space, it offers everything from co-working offices, to a board game cafe, hot desks, a pub, pop-up food shop, artisan markets and more.In the latest episode of the We are Super Weston podcast, Councillor Jemma Coles - the driving force behind the remarkable transformation of the building and ongoing community initiatives - tells us about her journey and how The Stable got to where it is today.Host Becky and Jemma talk about:What led Jemma to this role The vision behind this thriving community hub The diversity of businesses that have set up at The Stable and subsequent opportunities for networkingThe foresightedness of their community initiatives, such as Stable Foundations, which has been instrumental in supporting young people with learning disabilities and others who may have been overlooked by traditional support systemsHer favourite places to eat out and shop in WestonMore about The Stable To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

The West Country is fast becoming a hotbed for entrepreneurial food and drink producers thanks to food and drink innovation centre, Food WorksSW, which opened in 2020.  If you have an idea for a new food or drink product, or have a small food business you want to scale-up,  Food WorksSW can help you innovate and grow.Located just off the A370 into Weston-super-Mare, The Food WorksSW offers food-grade business units and development kitchens, as well as hands-on food technical and specialist business support, conference and meeting rooms, a business lounge for co-working and a coffee shop.On today’s podcast, host Becky is chatting to Rebecca Hale - Marketing and Facilities Manager of Food WorksSW, and Alli Briaris, owner of Drinks Kitchen alcohol-free beverages.  They talk about: The amazing facilities at the Food WorksSW for food producers and those looking for co-working spaceThe businesses who are benefiting from the Food WorksSW servicesThe story behind Alli setting up her own non-alcoholic beverages business, Drinks KitchenHow the Food WorksSW has helped Alli’s business scale-up.How the eat: Festivals have helped give Alli’s product an outlet to sell, along with a community of supportive producers To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

With house prices considerably lower in Weston-super-Mare* than the West Country capital, Bristolians are moving to the North Somerset seaside town in their droves.  In this week’s podcast, we talk to David Plaister - owner of the family-run Weston Estate Agency that bears his name - about this growing trend, where the best places are to live in Weston and what’s going on with the property market in general.Becky and David discuss: The trend for people moving to Weston from Bristol How Weston has become a ‘suburb of Bristol’ due to its excellent train connectionsThe sense of community, great schools, and hospital in WestonSome of the popular areas to live in the townFor more information about David Plaister:Website: https://www.davidplaister.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidplaister/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/davidplaisterltd/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidplaisterltd*According to Rightmove, the average house price in Weston in 2023 is £271,853, in comparison to Bristol at £393,582.  With semi-detached houses in Weston reaching £289,413, while in Bristol they are £429,391. To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

Perched on the edge of the Mendip Hills, surrounded by gorgeous Somerset countryside and with miles of flat seafront promenade, Weston-super-Mare is a walker’s paradise. In episode 13 of our We are Super Weston podcast, host Becky Walsh speaks to local experts, Paul Batts - owner of independent shop, Outdoors & Active - and Jane Murch, Visitor and Information Services Manager for Visit Weston, about the best places to go for a stroll in and around Weston.They discuss:Their favourite walking trails in and around Weston-super-MareThe opening of the new King Charles III England Coast Path and related celebrations at Weston MuseumHealth tourism in WestonTheir favourite things about working and living in the townWeston Literature Festival's special guest Raynor Winn (author of The Salt Path)  5-8 October.  Best places to stay (including dog-friendly places!), eat and drink in WestonDiscover more on our blog: superweston.net/latestTo comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

In today’s episode, we chat with former Combat Paramedic Ben Peters, about some of his many adventures,  his work with young people and WhatSUP paddleboarding, and some of the adrenaline sports on offer in Weston.  Born and bred in Weston, Ben's extraordinary life has seen him paddleboard down the Amazon River, work as Bear Grylls’ medic and help rebuild the British Virgin Islands with Richard Branson.Host Becky Walsh talks to him about:Where his appetite for adrenaline comes from and how it has inspired his youth work in Weston-super-MareWhat led him to working with Bear Grylls and Richard BransonThe fantastic range of outdoor activities on offer in Weston for those who want adventure and excitement (e.g kitesurfing, windsurfing, blokarts, stunt kites, paddleboarding and canoeing to name a few!) How people looking to participate in water and windsports can stay safe in the water in Weston by getting involved with local clubsHis involvement with Weston Wind, Wheels and Waves, and the accessibility of his paddleboarding club, WhatSUP UK (which includes a wheelchair accessible paddleboard)Fascinating facts about Knightstone Island in WestonCeliac-friendly places to eat out in WestonThe upcoming Weston Beach RaceHere are a few links to help you find out more about Weston’s wind, water and adrenaline sports:South & West Association of Traction KitingThe MudlarksWeston Rollers’ Skate NightsVisit WestonWeston Blokart ClubDiscover more on our blog www.superweston.net/latestTo comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

Each September allows us to delve deeper into Weston-super-Mare’s history through the national Heritage Open Days festival. This year, it’s taking place from Friday 8th to Sunday 17th.    In today’s episode, we talk to two of our local heritage specialists– Jane Hill, Heritage & Communication Officer at Weston Museum and Cara MacMahon, North Somerset Council’s Heritage Action Zone Project Manager.  Cara, Jane, and Becky, highlight some of our town's rich heritage and what you can find at this year’s Heritage Open Days event.They share with us:How Weston developed as a seaside town through the coming of the railways. The work of local Architect Hans Price whose work can be seen throughout Weston in the many historic buildings dating back to the 1850s.The investment in the shop fronts and buildings in the town centre over the past six years, which has been made possible thanks to the Heritage Action Zone projects funded by Historic England. This includes work on buildings including the Fork n Ale Taproom and Kitchen and Walker and Ling, Weston’s family-run department store.Dr Fox and his development of Knightstone Island, and the rise of Weston as a place to improve health and wellbeing.The website Know Your Place where local people share their photos and stories.  It's a great resource for those wanting to search the history of their house and its location through the ages. Some of the buildings that are open, experiences and events taking place as part of the national Heritage Open Days Festival.  Find out more here.Here are a few links to help you find out more about Weston’s heritage. Find more on our blog www.superweston.net  Weston’s Heritage Open Days Festival Programme 2023Weston Museum - a great place to visit with lots to see and do (great cafe too!)Know Your Place map - find interesting information about different areas of Weston Heritage Open Days - National visitor information North Somerset To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

If your culinary go-to for food in Weston-super-Mare is a bag of chips on the seafront from the chippy, let us broaden your gastronomic horizons. In this episode, we discuss the surprisingly excellent food on offer in Weston (some of it produced by our two guests, local hospitality owners, Anna Southwell from Loves Cafe and Sprout Cafe, and Prayag Rajpura from Cumin-Alive and Dark Arts Rebel Kitchen. They share with us:Why they chose to run vegan establishmentsHow Anna started her Garden Grooves summer sessions in Grove ParkHow they cook everything from scratch and infuse their food with love The positive changes they have noticed in Weston over the past few yearsFamily-friendly days out in the town (and why they no longer feel the need to travel to Bristol when Weston has so much to offer)The wonderful Grove Village areaTheir favourite places in Weston to visit and eat outFollow Sprout (Instagram or Facebook) and Loves (Instagram or Facebook) - you’ll find updates on upcoming events as well as pictures of their food to try and tempt you in for lunch!Follow Cumin-Alive on Facebook or Instagram for future events and new menu ideas.Check out Dark Arts Rebel Kitchen food delivery service (also on Instagram) For more inspiration on places to eat and drink in Weston, go to the Visit Weston website.To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

In this episode will be 'diving' into the joys of swimming in the sea in Weston with Claire Trevor-Roper, CoDirector of Mudlarks and Karen Barry, one of the founding members of the Wild Swimming group the Supermares!   Our guests share their expert knowledge on taking a dip in Weston's waters as well as some valuable advice on swimming safely when it comes to navigating the town’s powerful tidal changes. They also chat about:Weston Marine Lake as a safe place for year-round swimmers, paddleboarders, kayakers, canoeists and families. The creation of the Mudlarks group who are instrumental in the renovation of the marine lakeThe Supermares! swimming group, a friendly community of swimmers who meet regularly to swim safely in WestonTips on the best times and places to swim Up-and-coming events taking place in and around the marine lakeTheir favourite places to eat and drink, as well as some of the lesser known places such as Weston Music Shop and Weston Arts Space.  Find out more:Visit the Weston Marine Lake site Check out the Mudlarks on FacebookFollow the Mudlarks on InstagramJoin the Supermares! Facebook group Follow the Supermares! on Instagram To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

Weston-super-Mare is a holiday destination and a great place to bring kids, but what's it like to raise a family here? We talk to Lynsey McKinstry, who grew up in the town and is now bringing up her own children in Weston.Lynsey also tells us about her work with Weston College and how the college provides an award-winning service supporting students and employers in Weston. Lynsey talks about: her early memories of the townthings to do with kids of all ages in the areathe positive impact Culture Weston has had on life in the townThe Grand Pier’s local’s membership cardher favourite places to eat and shop in Westonher role at Weston College, its progressive approach to getting students into the workforce and the pastoral care given to pupilsthe work Weston College is doing around neurodiversity and how inclusive Weston is becoming.  Lynsey works for Weston College as Business Partnerships Manager & SEND Employment Coordinator.  If you are interested in Lynsey's work you can connect with her on LinkedIn To find out more about things to do for families in Weston go to VisitWestonAs mentioned in the podcastWeston College The Grand Pier TropicanaCastle Batch Park Culture WestonGinger PigThe VaultsDuke of Oxford Fork & AleThe Nut Tree The Woolpack South Sands HotelTo comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

Land redevelopment, investment in the high street and seafront experiences being brought back to life - these are exciting times for Weston.  In this week’s episode we talk to Alex Hearn, experienced Placemaking specialist, and former Assistant Director (Placemaking and Growth) for North Somerset Council.Alex discusses how public and private organisations involved in Weston are working together to bring to life the Super Weston placemaking strategy, and his vision for the future of Weston.  Alex shared his views on:What placemaking is and why it’s important What the Super Weston strategy is all about The new projects in Weston which are benefiting from the £20m levelling-up fundWhy it is important to get the right private investment into Weston and how that can help boost the local economy The importance of culture as a key component for connecting the community, acting as a skills provider and a key ingredient for attracting investment.  Alex also shares his favourite places for coffee, to eat out and to shop in Weston.This podcast is part of the marketing strategy to share more about the exciting projects and people doing great things in the town as part of the Super Weston strategy.  Find out more about the strategy to regenerate Weston at www.superweston.net/about/resourcesClick here to read the full transcript.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

Surrounded by beautiful countryside and excellent cycle routes (with more in the pipeline), Weston-super-Mare is a fantastic place for a pedal, whether you're an avid mountain rider or prefer more of a leisurely pace on two wheels, you'll find everything from flat, relaxing rides to coastal paths and stunt jumps in the woods.Dominic Early, owner of eBike UFO in Weston first came to the town as a national stunt kite flyer and loved it so much he wanted to open a shop. 26 years later and his kite shop has evolved into a fantastic bike shop, focused on eBikes, servicing and hire.  In the podcast they chat about: How he went from kites, to inline skates, to YoYos to eBikes The benefits of eBikes and the intro sessions run at eBike UFOSome of the great places to cycle in and around Weston The development of cycling routes around Weston including the new Pier to Pier route to Clevedon.  His favourite places to eat, drink and shop in WestonClick here to find out more about eBikeUFO and all they offerTo learn more about the plans for the Pier to Pier Way, click hereFor links to the organisations mentioned in the podcast along with guides to where to cycle in and around Weston, read the full conversation here.Enjoy the episode! To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

Family-owned recycling and waste management business ‘Towens’ employs around 135 people from in and around Weston.  If you live in the town, you will be familiar with the lorries and skips taking away Weston’s waste, of which a staggering 94% is recycled.  In today’s episode, John Telling, Director of Towens talks to Becky about some of the interesting projects Towens has been involved in, from helping clear Weston Marine Lake, to supporting BBC1's DIY SOS with a project in the Bournville housing estate. Find out more about:The amazing long-serving team who work at Towens How they recruit new staff The development of a new aggregates plant that is cleaning and recycling soil normally destined for landfill Some of the challenges he faces as a business, with the ever-changing laws around what can and can’t be recycledThe opportunities for Weston in the next few years Why he feels Weston is such a great place to live and work.  For a full summary of the conversation click here.Find out more about Towens.Enjoy the episode!To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

Rainbow flags, glitter balls and a pier (or three)…no we’re not talking about Brighton, this is Weston-super-Mare, where there’s excitement, support and ambition amongst the LGBTQ+ community this June, as the *Beautifully Proud programme kicks off across several of the town’s venues.Listen to Matt Hardy, Operational Services Manager for Weston Town Council, and Event Creator for Beautifully Proud, as he gives us an overview of some of the social aspects and support available for the community, and how it has changed over the past few years. Not only does he give us an insight into life in the LGBTQ+ community in the town, he also tells us how Weston’s burgeoning cultural scene has ignited his creative spirit.Matt talks about:Highlights of the Beautifully Proud programme for JuneLGBTQ+ nightlife, year-round events and diversity in WestonSupport services available for the community How venues in Weston are getting involved in a new support system showcasing welcoming, safe spacesThe independent business scene in Weston and his favourite places to eat and drink in the town.For a full summary of the conversation click here.*Beautifully Proud  is a month-long programme of events, activities, exhibitions and performances for all ages across multiple venues throughout Pride Month in June 2023.  Click here for the full Beautifully Proud programme.To find about more about year-round support and social events for the LBGTQ+ community, visit The North Somerset LGBT+ Forum Find Matt Hardy (@matthdoesmakeup) on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook and YouTubeTo comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

In this week’s episode, we meet Angela Hicks, Chief Executive of The Hive, and Clair Haycraft of Haycraft Creative.   Clair and her husband Phil set up their creative business in Weston, with the help of Angela and her team. Starting out on your own business path can be daunting, but the businesses of Weston and North Somerset have huge support in the form of The Hive. The Hive offered Clair and Phil essential business advice, office and meeting space, plus connections to other businesses, helping them set up what is now a thriving design business.  In the episode, Clair talks about:How the move from Bristol to Weston has benefitted their business and allowed them to have a better quality of lifeWhy clients like an excuse to visit, as they get the chance to be close to the beachHer business success story after maternity leave and lockdown, following input from The HiveThey also talk about the benefits to working in Weston, including: The sense of community support for each other and the collective desire to make Weston a better place How unlike a city like Bristol, Weston’s size makes it feel easier to connect with people, and stand out with less competition from other creative peersHow culture has transformed the town over the past few years, how much there is to do on the doorstep and the sense of light and space in WestonWeston’s fantastic transport connections - including the train station, local airport and road networkLesser known facts about Weston and their favourite places to eat, drink and shopClick here for a  summary of the episode and further links to business support within Weston Find out more about The Hive Discover more about Haycraft Creative To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

Walker & Ling is a stalwart of Weston High Street with a fascinating history. Run by the Walker family for 115 years, its rich heritage has seen the department store survive being bombed in WW2, undergo a major facelift as part of Historic England and North Somerset Heritage Action Zone investment and welcome great brands while retaining a sense of homely nostalgia.Owner Sam Walker spoke to us about:The store’s heritage and challenging timesWhat drew him to take over the reins of the family businessHow he juggles the store's heritage with modern shopping expectationsThe Shopfront Enhancement Scheme - part of the Heritage Action Zone delivered by Historic England and North Somerset Council to reinvigorate the high streetHis involvement in other organisations in the town, including Weston Hospice CareHis favourite things to do in Weston-super-MareWhat he would like to see for the town's futureFor a full summary of the conversation click here.You can find more about Walker & Ling here.Follow them on Instagram and Facebook.To find out more about  Weston Town Centre, including vacant units and other retail business enquiries contact Weston BID, or North Somerset Council Economy Support Services.To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

Welcome to the very first episode of the We are Super Weston podcast.  Thank you so much for taking the time to listen today.  Giant bats in a climate carnival, massive murals on walls and festivals for the grieving - the impact of Culture Weston on the town can't be understated. In this podcast, we talk to Fiona Matthews, Artistic Director and Tom Newman Executive Director of Culture Weston who are the driving force behind some of the outstanding cultural activity at the heart of Weston-super-Mare's daily life.In this episode they talk about:The importance of culture to Weston and the town’s regenerationWhy Weston was chosen as a ‘priority place’ for Arts Council fundingHow community and collaboration is a big part of the success of Culture Weston Weston’s cultural renaissance over the past few yearsHow projects in Weston like SEE MONSTER and Banksy’s Dismaland were important for WestonThe development of Weston for creative people, where paid work is no longer something they have to move away to findLesser known facts about Weston and their favourite places to eat, drink and shopExciting events Culture Weston has in the pipelineIf you are interested in culture and creativity and its impact on a town, then we hope you’ll find this episode really interesting. Click here for the full podcast transcript and links to where to find further information about Weston's culture offer. Find out more about Culture WestonCulture Weston on Instagram & FacebookFor the full programme of what's happening for the months ahead see  Visit Weston. To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy

Join Becky Walsh, host and resident of Weston-super-Mare, every two weeks as she brings you interviews with the movers and shakers who are rocking Weston right now.  From award-winning digital artwork creators or food technology manufacturers, Weston has so much to offer beyond its beautiful sunsets and fabulous beaches.Tune in and listen to stories of inspirational people who have created hugely successful businesses, and people who have interesting and unique stories to tell about life in Weston, and those who are bringing excitement and intrigue through new projects, events and culinary delights. Be prepared to be surprised.   Subscribe now to make sure you never miss an episode.  To comment on today's conversation head over to Instagram or LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, we would so appreciate it if you could rate, review and subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify - it helps us to share the amazing stories of the people of Weston-super-Mare. Huge things are happening in Weston-super-Mare, the creative, historic seaside town on the Somerset coast in the South West of England. Find out more on our website Super Weston Huge thanks to our host Becky Walsh and our voiceover artist Matt Hardy