At ABC Service, we believe that a town is defined by the people who work and live within it. While we spend our days helping businesses across the UK with high-quality printing and managing IT support for local organisations, our heart has always been right here in Tavistock.
Being a Responsible Local Partner means more than just providing a service; it means being part of an ecosystem. Our high street is more than just a place to shop; it’s a collection of stories, traditions, and hard-working families who make West Devon such a fantastic place to be.
In this post, we’re stepping away from the "tech talk" to celebrate three local legends, businesses that embody the spirit of Tavistock. These are the places that make our town unique, and we’re proud to call them our neighbours.
1. The Heart of the Town: Tavistock Pannier Market
If Tavistock had a heartbeat, you’d find it inside the stone walls of the Pannier Market. Built in 1862 by the Dukes of Bedford (using the wealth generated from the Devon Great Consols copper mines), this market has been the centre of commerce for generations.
What we love about the Pannier Market is its sheer variety. On any given day, you can find everything from handmade jewellery and vintage collectibles to locally grown vegetables and artisanal crafts. It’s a "browser’s paradise" that hasn't lost its authentic charm despite the passage of time.
For us at ABC Service, the market represents the ultimate SME incubator. Many of the businesses we support today, whether through logo design or UK-wide printing services, started with a single table in this very building. It’s a reminder that every great organisation starts with a small idea and a lot of passion.
"The market isn't just a place to buy things; it's where the community catches up. You can't get that kind of connection from an online giant." — A local regular.
2. A Taste of Tradition: Country Cheeses
Just a stone's throw from the market, you’ll find Country Cheeses, a business that has become a true South West institution. Their story is a classic example of local growth, they started in 1989 with a small stall in the Pannier Market, selling just a handful of cheeses from a local Devon creamery.
Fast forward to today, and founders Gary and Elise Jungheim have built something truly special. They don't just sell cheese; they champion local producers. By visiting farms personally and building direct relationships with cheesemakers, they ensure that every wedge sold has a story behind it. Gary even acts as an affineur, ageing cheese in their own dedicated cave to reach peak perfection.
We admire Country Cheeses because they share our commitment to sustainability and local provenance. Just as they prioritise West Country farmers, we prioritise sustainable printing options to help our clients reduce their environmental footprint. It’s about making choices that benefit the community and the planet in the long run.
3. A Browser’s Paradise: The Book Stop
In an age of digital everything, there is something profoundly comforting about The Book Stop. Located in a stunning 16th-century timber-framed building on Market Street, this independent bookshop is a testament to the enduring power of the printed word.
Walking into The Book Stop feels like stepping into a different world. It’s spread across three floors, with the top floor housing a dedicated "Music Room" filled with vinyl, CDs, and DVDs. It’s the kind of place where you can lose an hour just browsing the shelves, helped by staff who actually know their stock and can offer a spot-on recommendation.
At ABC Service, we have a soft spot for anything related to paper and ink. While we handle the modern side of things, like magazine printing and bespoke notebooks, we have huge respect for a business that keeps the traditional bookshop experience alive. It’s a vital part of Tavistock’s cultural fabric and a "must-visit" for anyone in town.
Why We Support Local
You might wonder why an IT and print company is writing about cheese and books. The truth is, we don't exist in a vacuum. When local businesses thrive, the whole town benefits.
We’ve seen firsthand how a strong local economy creates jobs, supports families, and keeps our high street vibrant. Whether we’re helping a new shop set up their business broadband and VoIP phones or printing flyers for a local event, we’re invested in the success of our neighbours.
Our own storefront on the Tavistock high street is a hub where tech meets the community. We aren't a faceless call centre; we’re real people you can talk to face-to-face about your computer repairs or graphic design needs.
As a Trading Standards Approved business (proudly displaying our Made in Devon and Buy With Confidence badges), we hold ourselves to the same high standards as the "Local Legends" mentioned above. We believe in honest pricing, expert advice, and a friendly, non-corporate approach.
Summary: Let’s Keep Tavistock Growing
Tavistock is a special place, but its character depends on all of us choosing to support independent businesses whenever we can. Next time you need a gift, a treat, or a bit of inspiration, why not head into town and visit the Pannier Market, Country Cheeses, or The Book Stop?
And if your own business, whether you’re a sole trader or a growing SME, needs a hand with the technical side of things, remember that we’re right here on the high street to help. From UK-wide web hosting to local WiFi solutions, we’ve got you covered.
Our Local Business Takeaways:
- Support the ecosystem: Every pound spent locally circulates through the community multiple times.
- Seek out expertise: Independent shops offer knowledge and passion you won't find at major retailers.
- Build relationships: Knowing the people behind the counter makes for a much better service experience.
Let’s continue to celebrate the "Local Legends" that make Tavistock the fantastic town it is!