A SOMERSET telecoms business has expanded its portfolio of Vodafone franchises by purchasing the Bridgwater branch.

Inittis Ltd is a Vodafone Partner agent that acquired its outlets in Taunton, Street and Yeovil in February 2020.

Since taking over the Bridgwater store, it has launched new offers for small businesses, increasing its customer base to higher levels than it had before Covid. 

Company director David Harris-Heffer, who has over 20 years' experience in the communications industry, said: “The Vodafone store in Bridgwater has been a fundamental part of its community for over two decades.

“Bridgwater is a culturally diverse and commercially exciting place to be. It is a proud and motivated town; we are so pleased to be there, building relationships and engaging with the local community. 

“We are very fortunate, here, in Somerset. We don’t need to go far to find successful businesses run by innovative and conscientious people. 

“All our stores across the county engage first and foremost in the services and businesses closest to them. From training courses to t-shirt printing, we always shop local.

Bridgwater Mercury: “It is a proud and motivated town; we are so pleased to be there.” Picture: Initiis“It is a proud and motivated town; we are so pleased to be there.” Picture: Initiis

“We have recently launched our unique offers for small businesses, which has resulted in the stores now having more customers than before the pandemic. 

“I am also reliably informed that it is the great coffee we serve our customers in store that’s bringing everyone back.

“The high street is certainly starting to see some green shoots of recovery, with fresh, local retailers appearing every month across the county. 

“I think this is down to more and more people returning to the high street for that sensory shopping experience. 

“Footfall across the county is now back to the levels last seen before the pandemic. People want that touch, taste and take away today experience that only the high street can offer.”

Vodafone's Bridgwater store, located in Fore Street, offers a tech team, business plan advice, and home broadband. 

It also has click and collect and trade-in services.

Kevin Hughes, branch manager of Vodafone Bridgwater, said: “I feel very excited for Bridgwater and really pleased to be here. 

“It has truly lovely people from a range of industries and backgrounds. Hinkley Point has brought to the town a richly diverse customer base; we have customers from across Europe and as far away as Brazil.

“With our Vodafone Together service, customers love the fact that we can offer them both mobiles and home broadband under one roof.”

Dan Suarez, the store’s assistant manager, added: “I am originally from Budapest in Hungary.

“Bridgwater feels like home because the locals are friendly and accepting of others. 

“But it also feels very international due to the variety of businesses and nationalities in the area. 

“Bridgwater has so many positives and so much potential for everyone to tap into.”

Vodafone offers franchise opportunities to external entrepreneurs through its Partner Agent Programme.