23 October 2009 The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) has opened a new central administrative office in Exeter. For some time, the administrative needs of NCI’s lookout stations around the coast have been in increasing need of servicing much more quickly and efficiently. A small and cost effective administrative centre has therefore been opened at the Basepoint Business Centre, Yeoford Way off the M5 at Exeter.

Initially the centre will be open on a daily basis from Monday to Friday. Staffed by volunteers with out of office back-up, both station and external enquiries and requests can in future be answered without delay and with much greater continuity.

The centre will also house the NCI Shop which currently has no home. Orders can, in future, be despatched without delay by supporting staff, enabling management to devote more time towards developing and expanding this potentially lucrative business.

At the same time, all administrative records will, for the first time, be housed and managed in one place in a secure environment.

Commenting on the establishment of the new central base, Jon Gifford, NCI Chairman said:

“With this single point of reference, NCI will be now able to communicate more professionally and effectively, both externally as well as internally, as an organisation. It should also serve to bring our Stations closer to the Centre as they receive better support”.