Business Action | April / May 2019

usiness 

ACTION 

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devon 

growth 

innovation 

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Blowing with the breeze? 

Time to achieve solid business growth 

A hotel for business events 

Quality venue for meetings and training 

Start-ups and expansion 

Enterprising individuals driving the economy 

Magnetic North Devon 

What attracted your business here? 

business-action.co.uk | April / May 2019 | @businessactionm

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ii 

business action | April / May 2019 | business-action.co.uk

CONTENTS 

Welcome to the second issue of 

Business Action, the independent 

North Devon-based 

business magazine. 

We were overwhelmed by 

the positive reaction to the 

first issue as we distributed 

copies across the area, from 

Chulmleigh to Bideford, from 

Lynmouth to Holsworthy. In 

response, we have increased 

print distribution by 25% to 

2,500 for this issue. You can 

also read the magazine online 

after the print copies have been 

distributed – subscribers get 

immediate access – see below. 

As promised, in this issue 

we cover businesses right 

across North Devon, not just 

in one or two big towns – no 

other business publication does 

this. Wherever possible, we 

try to meet or visit businesses, 

because you can’t beat seeing 

what people actually do and 

drinking in the atmosphere 

and experiencing what excites 

business owners. 

Blowing with the breeze 

As we write, Brexit is still in 

the balance and, we suspect, 

uncertainty will continue even 

after decisions are made and 

rejected again and again. 

This is not good for business, 

but the first rule of 

business is to assess the environment 

in which you operate 

and work out how to make the 

most of it. 

We all have to be smart, 

adaptable, resilient and the best 

we can possibly be. We also 

have to support each other. The 

best business support comes 

from each other’s businesses, 

so we need to be generous 

with our time and our advice 

to build an economy that can 

withstand anything. 

WELCOME 

North Devon Enterprise Day 

We were discussing what could 

bring all businesses in the area 

together – and we mean all 

businesses, small and large, 

new and old, those in the big 

towns and those operating 

from remote farms across the 

800 square miles of North 

Devon – when we came up 

with the concept for North 

Devon Enterprise Day. 

This is a day to promote and 

celebrate enterprise in the area 

and what better way than the 

ultimate free lunch – the North 

Devon Enterprise Day Free 

Networking Buffet at BBxpo at 

Devon Hall, Bideford College? 

The date is Thursday 24 

October 2019 – you can 

register your place(s) at the 

buffet and for the free business 

exhibition and presentations at 

bbxpo19.eventbrite.co.uk. 

We are delighted that the 

Google Digital Garage will be 

presenting two workshops at 

the BBxpo – see page 8. 

There’s lots more you can 

get involved in on the day – see 

ndevonent.uk. 

In the meanwhile, we hope 

you enjoy reading this issue 

and find it useful. 

Subscribe for £40 per year 

Business Action subscribers receive: 

➤➤6 x print magazines per year posted to a UK mainland address 

➤➤Exclusive access to online version on date of publication plus 

download or print – non-subscribers have to wait for access 

➤➤Free listing in needitfindit.uk online directory 

➤➤Up to 3 free business event listings per month on web site 

Cover photo by Robert Zarywacz 

Subscribe online now at 

business-action.co.uk 

business 

ACTION 

Web site | business-action.co.uk 

Online version | business-action.uk 

Vol 1 Issue 2 – Apr/May 2019 – distribution 2,500 across North Devon 

CONTENTS 

NDMA Manufacturing Awards.................................................................... 2 

Market research firm’s success................................................................ 2 

Pinnacle Award for young people............................................................ 3 

Public unaware of how to recycle scrap metal................................. 3 

Power plant firm installs solar power.................................................... 3 

Commercial property firm celebrates 10 years................................ 4 

Online marketplace doubles transactions.......................................... 4 

Family loss leads to enterprising solution.......................................... 5 

Recycling equipment firm expands to meet demand.................... 6 

You can afford to advertise.......................................................................... 6 

Ilfracombe hotel is the business............................................................... 7 

BBxpo, exhibitors and presentations.................................................... 8 

Google Digital Garage courses................................................................. 8 

North Devon Enterprise Day....................................................................... 9 

Marley Comms to provide 4G Wi-Fi at BBxpo 2019 ...................... 9 

Welding business builds a promising future ................................... 10 

North Devon business events.................................................................... 10 

Does anyone actually know what they’re doing?............................ 11 

In the Hot Seat: Neil Hughes of Dartington Crystal....................... 12 

Design and branding locally and worldwide...................................... 13 

Healthier planet, healthier sales................................................................ 13 

Magnetic North Devon: Memories of a sparkling sea................... 14 

Lynton deli brings quality food to the high street........................... 15 

Candlemaker lights up customers’ lives.............................................. 15 

People...................................................................................................................... 16 

Business listings............................................................................................... 16 

Accessible accountants attract new clients...................................... 17 

Teamwear firm signs deal............................................................................. 17 

New roof for textile factory........................................................................... 17 

EDITORIAL 

Robert Zarywacz 

Editor, Designer & Publisher 

t: 07971 176044 

e: robertz@business-action.co.uk 

@robertz 

ADVERTISING 

Alan Williams 

Advertising & Publisher 

t: 07970 671192 

e: alan@business-action.co.uk 

© Need it Find it 2019. All information in this magazine is published in good faith. 

Any views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, Need it Find it. 

Readers are strongly recommended to seek advice from an appropriate professional 

before taking any action on any topic discussed in the magazine and to check full 

terms and conditions of any products or services promoted in advertisements. 

@businessactionm | April / May 2019 | business action 1

NEWS 

NDMA Manufacturing Awards 

The 2019 NDMA Awards are 

now open for entries with 

the aims of identifying and 

celebrating the expertise, technical 

specialisation, innovation, 

growth or other success 

of manufacturers and schools 

within North Devon. 

The 10 categories are: 

➤➤Manufacturer of the Year 

➤➤Team of the Year 

➤➤Apprentice of the Year 

➤➤Trainee of the Year 

➤➤Environmental Project of 

the Year 

➤➤Innovation of the Year 

➤➤Transformation of the Year 

➤➤Business Engagement in 

STEM and Schools 

Ofwat has delivered its verdict 

on water companies’ plans for 

its 2019 price review (PR19) 

submitted last September. 

It has been critical of many 

suppliers, who have been told 

to do more, but South West 

Water (SWW) has been held 

up as a shining light and an 

example to others. 

Setting a new standard 

SWW engaged Turquoise 

Thinking and several other 

agencies to deliver the research 

and customer insights to help 

formulate its PR19 proposal. 

Turquoise Thinking offers 

its market research services 

nationally and has its headquarters 

in Barnstaple. 

Ofwat commended 

SWW’s plan and the insights 

Turquoise provided, going so 

far as to say that these “set a 

new standard” for the water 

sector. While Severn Trent 

and United Utilities were also 

singled out for praise, and can 

join SWW in implementing 

their PR19 without further 

ado in Ofwat’s ‘fast track’ 

category, Ofwat has told the 

other 14 water companies 

they need to revise their plans, 

following the model of the 

benchmark suppliers. 

Understanding the market 

Every one of the water 

companies conducted market 

research in formulating its 

➤➤Exporter of the Year 

➤➤Product of the Year 

Free to enter 

Any manufacturing business 

in the area can enter, both 

North Devon Manufacturers 

Association members and nonmembers, 

and the awards are 

free to enter. They are open to 

companies of any size – awards 

are judged on criteria relative 

to the individual organisation. 

The judging panel consists 

of individuals who support and 

promote manufacturing excellence 

across the South West of 

England. 

Deadline 26 April 

The deadline for entries is 

Friday 26 April and the awards 

plan, but what did South West 

Water get so right compared 

with the other suppliers? 

Part of the answer lies with 

its long business relationship 

with its market researchers. 

Turquoise has 30 years’ 

experience in utilities market 

research and has been working 

alongside South West Water 

since the 1980s. Few, if any, 

market research firms have 

will be presented at an evening 

function at the Barnstaple 

Hotel, Barnstaple on Thursday 

16 May. The event will be 

attended by entrants, members 

of NDMA, guests and the 

media, providing the opportunity 

for employers to reward 

their staff for their hard work 

and to network and share their 

expertise with others. 

Student awards 

Entries are also open for the 

NDMA’s North Devon Technology 

Awards – for students 

13-19 years – which aim to 

encourage the manufacturers 

of the future. 

These awards enable school 

and college students to showcase 

their technology projects 

Market research agency 

helps water company 

on to Ofwat fast track 

that level of knowledge and 

experience, and the ability to 

ask the right questions in the 

right way is what ultimately 

makes the difference. 

Turquoise dug into the 

qualitative side of the research 

by using a variety of tools. 

These included in-depth 

interviews, focus groups and 

co-creation groups. Other 

specific measures included: 

to win an industry award. 

There is also a £100 cash prize. 

Winners will receive their 

awards at the NDMA Awards 

event on Thursday 16 May. 

Entries are welcome from 

students independently, or 

through their school, college 

or institution. The deadline 

for student entries is 4pm on 

Wednesday 8 May. 

Students can submit 

excerpts from current projects 

that they are working on for 

their GCSE, A level, BTEC or 

similar courses. Please contact 

the NDMA to arrange for a 

STEM Ambassador to visit 

your school/college to discuss 

how current projects can be 

used and/or tailored for entry. 

■■Enter at ndma.org.uk 

➤➤Future customer research 

➤➤Regional investment 

research 

➤➤Retailer research 

➤➤Priority Services Register 

research 

➤➤Priorities and measures 

research 

➤➤OPM scoping research 

Challenges ahead 

PR19 was always going to 

be a tough challenge. Rachel 

Fletcher, Ofwat chief executive, 

put it that the regulator 

has essentially demanded that 

water companies “deliver more 

for less” over the next five 

years. In any industry, that is 

going to be a big ask, and to 

come up with a plan that will 

deliver demands full colour 

market insights. 

Fletcher praised South 

West Water along with the 

other fast-tracked suppliers 

for delivering plans that will 

improve efficiency, ensure they 

meet their statutory obligations 

and deliver “more of 

what matters” to the communities 

that they serve over the 

coming five years. She said 

that the gauntlet has now been 

thrown down to the other 

water companies in England 

and Wales to meet this same 

high standard. 

■■Details 01271 337100 or 

thinkturquoise.com 

2 business action | April / May 2019 | business-action.co.uk

Pinnacle Award offers £3,000 prize to young people 

The 2019 Pinnacle Award, 

organised by the Exmoor 

Society, is now open to young 

people aged 18 to 27 years 

who live, work or study in the 

Greater Exmoor area. 

The award offers up to 

£3,000 to an individual or 

group who have an idea for 

a business venture based 

on Exmoor, for example, in 

agriculture, forestry, food and 

drink, conservation, horticulture, 

craft, tourism, or any 

outdoor land-based activity. 

Now in its eighth year, the 

award was established to help 

young entrepreneurs live and 

work on Exmoor. As a conservation 

body, the society fully 

recognises the importance of 

providing opportunities for 

young people to continue to 

live in the area by encouraging 

entrepreneurial activity. 

The award also helps to 

promote the idea that beautiful 

landscapes and livelihoods 

in a National Park do 

go together. Previous applications 

have come from people 

making cider and developing a 

herd of pedigree cattle. 

So far the award has helped 

fund young people either 

setting up or developing 

businesses such as agricultural 

contracting, country 

clothing and woodland 

management. There were 

three successful applicants 

in 2018: Polly Goodman, 

Philip Stephens and Camilla 

Waterer, who were developing 

respectively goat meat from 

local herds, vehicle canopies 

from lightweight material and 

horse-drawn carriage rides 

over the moor for celebrations 

and special picnics. All 

three applicants impressed the 

judges so much that trustees 

decided to offer the full award 

to each one. 

Public unaware of how to recycle scrap metal 

Members of the public prefer 

to take their metal waste to a 

local council recycling centre 

instead of a metal recycling 

company, according to a recent 

survey by YouGov for a leading 

UK metal recycler. 

65% prefer this option, 

not realising that regulated 

recyclers not only genuinely 

recycle scrap metal, but will 

pay to receive it. Only 32% said 

they would sell to a scrap metal 

company, and a ‘worrying’ 1% 

said they would fly-tip it. The 

remainder would pay someone 

externally to take it away 

directly from their home. 

“If the results coming out of 

the survey are to be believed, it 

is very worrying,” says Martin 

Mogford, managing director of 

SWM. “As the region’s leading 

metal recycler, we strongly 

believe that promoting the need 

to recycle all metal is a fundamental 

part of what we do. 

“SWM want the general 

public to be aware that we 

welcome their business, and 

are investing to make our yards 

more welcoming. The public 

could be missing out so we 

want them to know that now 

it is easier than ever to sell 

waste metal to SWM. Not only 

do you get the peace of mind 

knowing that your metal is 

recycled efficiently, but you also 

get paid for it.” 

As part of a global recycling 

programme, SWM has also 

launched an initiative which 

gives back to local charities 

and organisations who support 

scrap metal recycling through 

their metal recycling yards. 

For every tonne of waste metal 

purchased, SWM will donate 

a percentage to a nominated 

charity or organisation. During 

March it supported North 

Devon Hospice. 

As a family business, SWM 

is proud to support an initiative 

recognising that businesses 

can make a difference to 

Winner Polly Goodman is developing goat meat from local herds 

local communities and to the 

environment. It believes the 

metals recycling industry, 

while being a driver of the 

circular economy, faces many 

challenges. This includes scrap 

yards who pay cash for scrap 

metal, which is illegal. It is also 

illegal to receive cash for scrap. 

Yards such as SWM, which 

is a Metal Recycling Association 

member, ensure they are 

environmentally compliant, 

pay close attention to the 

health and safety and welfare of 

their employees, and support 

the local community. 

Anyone can take scrap 

metal to one of SWM’s yards in 

Barnstaple, Bideford or South 

Molton and receive payment 

in addition to raising funds for 

worthy local causes. 

■■Details 01769 572184 or 

swmrecycling.co.uk 

Got a North Devon business news story? 

Business Action wants your business news. Whether you’re a 

new start-up, a sole trader or an established company, we want to 

hear from you and can even visit your business to interview you. 

Contact us now on 07971 176044 or news@business-action.co.uk 

Exmoor Society chairman 

Rachel Thomas, said: “There 

is a great deal of concern that 

young people have to leave 

Exmoor because of the lack 

of employment. By providing 

seed core money through the 

Pinnacle Award, the society 

hopes to enable them to stay 

in the area and keep the moor 

alive and thriving.” 

The society aims to attract 

even more entries this year 

before the closing date of 

30 June 2019. Entry is via a 

simple form with a reference 

from a mentor or sponsor. 

■■Enter at exmoorsociety.com 

NEWS IN BRIEF 

Power plant factory 

installs solar panels 

TDK Corporation has installed 

solar panels at its power supply 

manufacturing facility in Ilfracombe 

to help power the whole 

factory, including its recently 

opened EMC test facility. The 

company anticipates a return 

on investment in the 92kWh 

solar array in five years. 

“The west facing roof of 

‘Factory 2’ is the ideal place to 

install solar panels as it gets 

maximum exposure to the sun, 

while being obscured from 

general view,” explains Geoff 

Wilby, joint managing director, 

TDK-Lambda UK. “From day 

one, the solar panels will significantly 

reduce expenditure on 

energy, whilst showing local 

residents and our customers 

our continued commitment to 

improving the environment.” 

The solar panels, combined 

with an upgrade of the lighting 

system to LED technology, aim 

to minimise the whole facility’s 

grid power requirements. 

■■Details uk.tdk-lambda.com 


people and companies from 

purchasing or leasing businesses 

or business premises. In 

fact, our pipeline is the strongest 

it has been in 10 years, so 

from a buyer’s point of view 

the confidence is still there that 

they want to purchase. 

“More of the difficultly 

might be in a few months time 

NEWS 

Commercial property and business specialists 

celebrate 10 years 

If ever there was a difficult 

time to set up a specialist estate 

agency in the sale and letting of 

commercial property and business, 

you would probably pick 

a few months after the Lehman 

Brothers bank collapsed, 

when the ‘Great Depression’ 

or ‘Financial Crisis’ was really 

at its worst. However, this is 

when James Doble established 

JD Commercial and now in 

2019 the firm is celebrating its 

10-year anniversary. 

James himself has been 

dealing with commercial property 

and businesses throughout 

Devon, Cornwall and Somerset 

for longer than this, with more 

than 20 years’ experience. He 

says that since establishing the 

business, “although the market 

remains challenging, there is 

seemingly a growing number 

of those who want to be their 

own bosses and run a business 

or those wanting to move to 

the area for a home and income 

lifestyle change, whether that is 

renting a workshop to establish 

a business or buying a going 

concern B&B, tea room or 

cottage complex.” 

With many of the challenges 

in the market at present 

appearing to come from issues 

surrounding Brexit, James says: 

“Although Brexit is still up in 

the air, this is not deterring 

Applegate Marketplace, based 

in Barnstaple, has doubled 

the number of transactions 

it handled in 2018 compared 

with 2017. The online marketplace 

matches buyers sourcing 

products and services with 

suppliers across the world. 

Jack Richards, marketing 

communications executive at 

Applegate, cites three mains 

reasons for the increase: repeat 

usage, word of mouth and 

artificial intelligence. 

“We have placed emphasis 

on retaining site users and 

encouraging them to place 

multiple requests for quotation 

on a repeat basis,” says 

Jack. “We know that not only 

does this mean the buyer’s 

purchasing process becomes 

habitual, but that this in turn 

increases the likelihood of them 

proceeding with the purchase 

from our supplier base.” 

James Doble of JD Commercial 

when these deals have gone 

through, as there does not 

appear to be the stock coming 

on the market to replace these 

soon-to-be-sold and leased 

premises. Maybe it is a case 

that buyers have more confidence 

and desire to purchase 

than prospective sellers think? 

If this is the case, now may be 

Online marketplace 

doubles transactions 

While Applegate invests 

heavily in technology, it also 

recognises how traditional 

advertising and PR add 

value, and, as well as working 

with global businesses and 

organisations, Jack works 

with businesses locally. This 

approach is generating significant 

numbers of referrals 

and recommendations which 

have contributed to the large 

increase in transactions. 

Complementing this 

human approach, Anneka, 

Applegate’s artificial intelligence 

tool, continuously 

searches social channels to 

identify possible leads. This 

AI tool frees up employees so 

they can follow up leads and 

strike while the iron is hot. 

“Our substantial transactional 

growth is not down 

to any one thing,” adds Jack. 

“We see buyers coming back 

to us in numerous industries, 

particularly in manufacturing/ 

engineering, promotional 

printing and digital agencies 

and web design. Often, we 

notice that these repeat within 

the same industry, but also in 

other industries too. As with 

many services, I believe that it 

is through providing a service 

people find useful and easy 

which will see them return.” 

Established in 1996, 

Applegate now employs a team 

a good time to consider a sale, 

when purchaser confidence is 

high but supply of stock is low. 

“For those who are considering 

a sale, we offer a free no 

obligation marketing appraisal, 

whether you put your property 

on the market straightaway 

or in five years’ time. We are 

happy to meet prospective 

clients and offer our advice 

with a view that hopefully we 

will do some business with 

them in the future. 

“Whatever happens around 

Brexit, one factor remains 

consistent: the quality and 

speed of response is something 

that is key to what 

we offer at JD Commercial, 

and something that clients 

and purchasers appreciate. 

Whether it is a voicemail, 

email, text, Facebook message 

or Twitter comment, who 

wants to be waiting 24 hours to 

be responded to? We find the 

key to offering first class service 

is client contact.” 

James is happy to discuss 

any aspect of buying or selling 

a business or commercial 

property in Devon, Cornwall 

or Somerset and is looking 

forward to JD Commercial 

working with clients old and 

new in the years ahead. 

■■Details 01237 424053 or 

jd-commercial.co.uk 

of 31 at its office on Petroc’s 

Sticklepath campus. A technology 

leader, it launched its 

Applegate PRO eprocurement 

system in 2016 and in 2017 

secured an Innovate UK grant 

to develop its artificial intelligence 

and machine learning 

technology. 

In partnership with the 

Institute of Data Science and 

Artificial Intelligence at the 

University of Exeter, Applegate 

now develops machine 

learning systems, continually 

enhancing the matching of 

suppliers to buyers’ requests. 

Applegate is also a Strategic 

Partner of the US Department 

of Commerce International 

Trade Administration. While 

operating globally, Applegate 

retains its established base in 

North Devon. 

■■Details 0345 600 7177 or 

applegate.co.uk 


NEWS 

Losing a family member is 

difficult at any time of life, but 

when James Dawson experienced 

a family loss, he realised 

there was a lack of interactive 

resources available for children 

and decided to create a solution. 

The result was Off To The 

Stars, a unique interactive kit 

to help children deal with the 

bereavement process. 

“I wanted to give children a 

pathway to manage their grief 

in an interactive and nonthreatening 

way, providing a 

positive outlook on life,” says 

James. “I started the business 

in 2017 during a college 

enterprise project but started to 

grow it in 2018.” 

Initially, James created the 

concept and built the brand 

and then built social media 

profiles and a web site incorporating 

a selling platform. 

The kits, which were 

developed alongside a child 

psychologist to ensure they are 

beneficial to children, include 

a children’s illustrated book, 

sunflower seeds, a wish string 

bracelet and an individual star 

certificate enabling the child 

to name a star after their loved 

one. The aim is to support 

All year 24/7 business services 

Contemporary meeting venue 

Great facilities & services 

Choice of packages 

Including activities 

Training events 

Call today for our business package 

prices & details 01271 862446 

ilfracombecarlton.co.uk 

Banner 2.indd 1 20/03/2019 16:20:58 

Family loss leads to enterprising solution 

children in understanding 

the concept of loss and how 

to deal with their emotions as 

YOUNG ENTERPRISE 

James Dawson of Off To The Stars 

they pass through the different 

stages of grief. 

“The products are sold 

online, which has reached 

great success,” adds James. 

“Customers can purchase their 

kits swiftly and without added 

hassle, which they do not need 

due to the subject. I have also 

had kits purchased by charities 

and stocked in small stores. 

“I market my products on 

Facebook mainly, but also use 

Instagram to boost day-to-day 

activities.” 

James, who is 18 years old 

and currently studying a Business 

Access course at Petroc, 

sees a bright future for Off To 

The Stars and hopes to expand 

products and stock them in 

larger stores to increase sales: 

“I have great aspirations and 

would love to build my career 

on it. However, I have another 

business which I would like 

to expand on, as well as future 

business ventures.” 

■■Details offtothestars.com 

Are you a young 

entrepreneur? 

Business Action aims to 

support young people 18–30 

starting businesses. Contact 

us with your story at 

news@business-action.co.uk 


NEWS 

Recycling equipment firm expands to meet 

growing demand 

A request to source a 

machine for baling cardboard 

in 2003 led to the creation of 

a North Devon company that 

supplies recycling machinery 

to customers including Heinz, 

Nestlé, Twinings, UPS, Viridor 

and other household names 

across the UK. 

Founder Gordon Webber 

supplied a RamPack 60 – 

the first machine sold by 

the company – to a friend’s 

Barnstaple company and now 

Mardon Recycling Machinery, 

based on Pathfields Business 

Park in South Molton, 

supplies a range of new, 

second-hand and refurbished 

waste and recycling machines 

to its customers. The company 

is now headed by managing 

director Dennis Henry, who 

is the driving force behind 

its year-on-year continued 

growth. Dennis has a fervent 

belief in the recycling agenda, 

leading by example with a 

‘can do’ approach to customer 

waste solutions, and an insistence 

that the company fulfils 

its promise of “we say what we 

do and do what we say”. 

Mardon’s equipment can 

handle general waste, card, 

plastic, cans, glass and wood, 

and the company offers 

customers a free survey – by 

Mardon Recycling Machinery supplies static compactors and balers 

phone, email or visit – to 

establish existing waste 

streams and recycling practices 

so that it can recommend 

the most cost-effective 

solution. Its product range 

includes vertical balers, semi 

and fully automatic horizontal 

balers, static and portable 

compactors together with 

a range of bespoke peripherals, 

such as conveyors and 

shredders. Equipment can 

be purchased outright while 

finance options are available 

together with Mardon’s own 

contract rental scheme. 

Recycling, waste reduction 

and the environment are very 

important considerations 

You can afford to advertise 

Many businesses think it’s 

too expensive to advertise 

in magazines, so Business 

Action has developed advertising 

packages providing a 

whole year of advertising – six 

consecutive adverts – for as 

little as £125 for business cardsize 

adverts. 

How do we do this? With 

pricing that’s keen for advertisers 

and viable for us. Our 

pricing is transparent – we 

don’t discount. We do reward 

customers advertising in five 

issues with a sixth free advert. 

■■To advertise in Business 

Action, contact Alan Williams 

on 07970 671192 or 

alan@business-action.co.uk 

for every business and in 

everyday life, and Mardon 

finds that more businesses 

are taking an interest for a 

number of reasons, including 

sustainability, source of 

income and savings on costs. 

A big factor for recycling is 

what can be earned through 

rebates for baled products and 

Mardon’s mill-sized balers are 

very popular for cardboard 

recycling. Mardon’s balers 

and waste compactors help 

companies by providing more 

cost-effective transport of 

waste and, where applicable, 

rebates on materials such as 

cardboard. They also help 

companies meet the requirements 

of ISO14001 with 

regard to recycling targets. 

Mardon’s team of in-house 

engineers complete machine 

refurbishments, bringing 

second-hand machines back 

to their best without compromising 

performance, while its 

team of field engineers repair 

and maintain all types and 

brands of recycling machinery 

nationwide, as well as 

providing training and repairs. 

Demand for Mardon’s 

recycling machinery and 

services continues to grow 

and the company is currently 

expanding its sales and 

engineering teams to meet this 

growing need. 

■■Details 0800 587 3028 or 

mardonbalers.co.uk 


Ilfracombe hotel is the business 

A Victorian hotel in Ilfracombe 

now offers businesses 21st 

century style and facilities 

following a £1.25 million refurbishment 

programme. 

Owners Michael Rebeiro 

and Eliot Seabourn-Wren 

have redesigned and furnished 

the Carlton Hotel, near the 

seafront, to de luxe, four-star 

standard, having refurbished 

its 39 rooms plus the restaurant, 

lounges and reception. 

They have also added a gym, 

library and dedicated boardroom 

and workshop facilities, 

fully equipped with superfast 

broadband, smart TVs and 

everything needed for a 

productive off-site meeting or 

customer event. 

Michael, who has more 

than 20 years’ experience in 

remodelling five-star hotels 

in London, said they started 

looking to buy a hotel in Kent 

or Essex, but were sent the 

Carlton’s details. After viewing 

other local hotels, Michael said 

the Carlton’s potential stood 

out and in August 2015 they 

took ownership of a bookedup 

hotel, embarking on what 

Michael describes as their 

mission to “own a hotel we 

would want to stay in”. 

Since then, they have fully 

refurbished the main building, 

creating a contemporary feel 

sympathetic to the original 

architecture. All bedrooms 

include tiled bathrooms with 

underfloor heating, double 

glazing, flat screen TV, laptop 

safe and personal bar plus many 

Hospitality is vital to the North Devon economy, but the sector 

depends on businesses with vision investing in the highest 

standards of facilities and service. Robert Zarywacz visited the 

Carlton Hotel in Ilfracombe to see how its owners have transformed 

the Victorian building into a haven for business and leisure guests 

personal touches to make each 

guest’s stay extra special. 

Michael and Eliot ensure 

that the focus on physical 

comfort is matched by high 

standards of service. The original 

full-time staff of two has 

expanded to a team of seven 

supported by a further eight 

part-time members. With the 

hotel open 365 days a year, they 

take their responsibilities as 

employers seriously and aim to 

provide all-year-round employment 

to maintain a motivated 

team who enjoy creating the 

best possible experience for 

guests. Eliot adds that the team 

are really focused on this and 

are continually developing, 

supported by a training and 

development programme 

plus team wellbeing sessions 

including yoga and the gym. 

With refurbished accommodation, 

dedicated business 

facilities, a team dedicated 

to providing the best service, 

what else can businesses expect 

for their events? Eliot points 

out the Carlton Club bar and 

brasserie, which serves simple 

dishes prepared from scratch 

with ingredients sourced from 

many local suppliers. This is 

a deliberate choice and some 

95% of the Carlton’s spend 

is local and includes West 

Country meat from Tony the 

Butcher near Muddiford, fish 

and seafood from Appledore 

market, seasonal vegetables 

from Broadlands Farm, 

Braunton, and craft beers from 

Lynmouth’s Madrigal Brewery. 

Located near Croyde, 

Woolacombe and two shooting 

grounds, the Carlton is the 

ideal base for corporate activity 

days and it offers a choice of 

packages: Refresh and Energise, 

Michelin (including dining 

at Thomas Carr at The Olive 

Room, North Devon’s only 

Michelin starred restaurant) 

and Engage (featuring artisan 

or outdoor activities). 

Michael and Eliot’s vision for 

the Carlton Hotel has come to 

fruition and it now offers businesses 

all they could want. 

■■Details 01271 862446 or 

ilfracombecarlton.co.uk 


ENTERPRISE 

BBxpo is taking shape fast with 

exhibitors booking stands, the 

presentations programme now 

being confirmed and the North 

Devon Enterprise Day Free 

Networking Buffet organised. 

Thursday 24 October 2019 

Put the date in your diary now 

to make sure you take part in 

North Devon’s most enterprising 

event at Devon Hall, 

Bideford College. 

Book exhibition space now 

To take part in the exhibition, 

please book your space now 

to guarantee your stand. Stand 

prices are £75 for a small stand 

and £125 for a large stand. All 

exhibitor packages include free 

promotion on the event web 

site, in the printed and online 

editions of Business Action 

magazine, in the official event 

guide and in social media 

posts. For full exhibitor details 

and to book your space, please 

visit bbxpo.uk 

Register as visitor(s) 

Entry to BBxpo, all presentations 

and the North Devon 

Enterprise Day Networking 

Buffet is free. 

We are delighted to welcome 

the Google Digital Garage, who 

will be presenting two courses 

at the event (see below). 

We are also pleased to host 

the ultimate free lunch at the 

North Devon Enterprise Day 

Free Networking Buffet. 

Make sure you guarantee 

your places by registering at 

bbxpo19.eventbrite.co.uk 

Get free digital 

skills at BBxpo 

Google is bringing its Google Digital Garage to BBxpo on 24 

October 2019, offering North Devon businesses free advice and 

coaching on their digital skills to help them grow in their business, 

career or confidence. 

The Google Digital Garage is one of Google’s flagship investment 

programmes in the UK, where anyone can come and learn 

free digital skills through a range of courses or 1:1 sessions. Since 

launching the Google Digital Garage in 2015, over 300,000 people 

have benefitted from Google’s free face-to-face training on digital 

know-how across 250 locations in the UK. 

Two courses will be available at BBxpo, where visitors can stay 

as little or as long as they like: 

➤➤Build Your Personal Brand Online – Learn to identify your 

brand, build and protect your online presence, and share 

content to your network 

➤➤Get Your Business Visible on Google – Get your business 

visible on Google Maps and Search. 

BBxpo co-organiser Alan Williams said: “The Google Digital 

Garage visiting North Devon is a great opportunity for business 

people to gain new skills and knowledge. As we are so remote, 

digital branding and communication are vital for reaching more 

customers and fulfilling business potential. These sessions will be 

invaluable for anyone determined to grow their business.” 

Ronan Harris, Google UK & Ireland managing director, said: 

“In the digital age, a basic understanding of how the online world 

works is useful and when it comes to business, it’s essential. We 

are delighted to bring the Google Digital Garage to North Devon 

and ensure everyone has access to free digital skills workshops and 

1:1 coaching. We hope you’ll pop in and get the skills you need to 

become more confident online, grow your career or business, and 

maybe even launch the next big idea.” 

■■To book your free place(s) for sessions, please register online 

at bbxpo19.evenbrite.co.uk Find out more at 

learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage/ 

bbxpo.uk #BBxpo 

EXHIBITORS – Book your stand now at 

bbxpo.uk 

Confirmed 2019 exhibitors include 

Clarity Copiers North Devon | claritynorthdevon.co.uk 

Advice, demonstration, service, rental & sale of colour 

printers, copiers & MFPs (multifunctional printers). 

Cirrusli | cirrusli.co.uk 

Top notch training in cloud and digital accounting systems 

across North Devon and Cornwall. 

Dare2BU | dare2bu.co.uk 

Working to make North Devon the most mentally healthy place 

to live and work. 

Devon Electric Heating | devonelectricheating.co.uk 

Electric Heating Systems – supplied and installed – throughout 

the South West. 

Jobcentre Plus | dwp.gov.uk 

Engage with employers to identify bespoke labour market solutions 

creating opportunities for DWP customers. 

Marley Comms | marleycomms.co.uk 

An expert leading bespoke cloud and on-premise telecommunications 

and technology company. 

Petroc | petroc.ac.uk 

Petroc raisies the aspirations, knowledge and skills of individuals, 

communities and business in Devon and beyond. 

pressme | pressme.co.uk 

Fixed-price copywriting services for effective articles that take 

full advantage of promotional opportunities. 

Safety Supplies Direct / Tawsa | tawsa.co.uk 

Tawsa Ltd is a Health & Safety consultancy, while Safety 

Supplies Direct specialises in supplying PPE and workwear. 

The Sign Maker | sign-maker.net 

House signs, business signs, memorials, engraved plaques and 

wheel covers all made in North Devon. 

Towergate | towergate.com/locations/bideford 

Through our trusted team in Bideford, Towergate has access to 

a wide range of tailor made insurance solutions. 

Utilities Warehouse | pinkpigsavings.co.uk 

Based in North Devon, Nick Parry can show you how to make 

great savings on all your household bills. 

Wills at Home | wills-athome.co.uk 

Alan Williams provides a personal wills and lasting powers of 

attorney service across North Devon. 


Thursday 

24 October 2019 

is North Devon Enterprise 

Day when all businesses can 

join together to celebrate our 

vibrant local business community, 

support each other 

and promote the vast range of 

products and services provided 

in the area. 

Take part 

Are you an enterprising 

business? Take part now by 

registering to 

join the Enterprise 

Wave at ndevonent.uk 

Businesses are already 

registering for what we aim 

to be the largest independent 

enterprise community in the 

area – a collection of forwardlooking 

entrepreneurs 

committed to helping every 

business to succeed. 

On the day, we’ll celebrate 

at BBxpo with a panel session 

of North Devon entrepreneurs 

VISITORS – register now for free entry at 

bbxpo19.eventbrite.co.uk 

Presentations & activities 

Build Your Personal Brand Online | Google Digital Garage 

Learn to identify your brand, build and protect your online 

presence, and share content to your network. 

Get Your Business Visible on Google | Google Digital Garage 

Get your business visible on Google Maps and Search. 

High Performance in the Workplace | Dare2BU 

1 in 4 people suffer with a mental health problem every year. 

How does it impact a business when employees have mental illhealth 

and what can businesses do to help improve employees’ 

well-being and their productivity? 

Skills presentation | TBA 

Full details of this session will be published as soon as they are 

confirmed. 

Celebrating North Devon Entrepreneurs 

A panel of local business people will discuss their own business 

experiences and answer questions on how to build a successful 

business in North Devon. 

North Devon Enterprise Day Free Networking Buffet 

The ultimate free lunch brings together business people to 

network and build new relationships on North Devon 

Enterprise Day. 

Marley Comms will be providing a fast and reliable 4G Wi-Fi network 

for BBxpo exhibitors and visitors. Below, Daniel Garner, lead 

communications manager, introduces Marley Comms and its services 

Marley Communications, 

serves the whole of the UK 

from our Bideford base. We are 

a leading provider of business 

phone systems, IP CCTV, voice 

and data networking, broadband, 

4G and Wi-Fi systems 

and much more, with a team 

of highly skilled telephone 

engineers and data networking 

engineers at your disposal. Our 

satisfied customers include The 

Rigby Group PLC, Bovey Castle 

Hotel, Devon Air Ambulance, 

Evans Transport and Woolacombe 

Bay Holiday Parks. 

We offer bespoke systems 

that will streamline your 

business communications and 

can design, build, install and 

maintain a communications 

package that is perfect for your 

business or home needs. 

Having gained valuable 

experience across the sector 

over many years, we work with 

new and existing businesses 

and develop solid proposals to 

support business growth and 

increase productivity. 

With internet access now as 

important as gas and electricity, 

4G systems are something we 

are implementing more and 

and the North Devon 

Enterprise Free Networking 

Buffet – open to all businesses. 

Let’s all share our experience 

and advice to help other 

businesses so all thrive. 

And share on social media 

– hashtag #ndevonent – to 

encourage everyone to join in. 

North Devon 

ENTERPRISE 

Day #ndevonent 

Follow and connect 

Connect with @northdevon, 

@businessactionm and 

@needitfinditnow on Twitter 

and other platforms. 

■■Visit ndevonent.uk or email 

ndevonent@business-action.co.uk 

for full details. 

Marley Comms to provide 

4G Wi-Fi at BBxpo 2019 

more, especially in remote 

locations where fibre to the 

cabinet (FTTC) is not available 

and ADSL speeds are very low. 

Depending on coverage, we can 

achieve speeds around 60Mbps! 

The hardware we use is 

the same as you will find in 

a normal home router, so all 

your devices can connect to the 

Wi-Fi or LAN network as you 

would normally do. The added 

benefit is we can remotely 

monitor the devices for you, 

apply firmware updates and 

have them alert us should the 

connection become unstable. 

We were contacted by 

Devon Air Ambulance Trust 

to help get to the bottom of a 

long-standing headache at one 

of their Devon airbases. 

It has always been a factor 

at the Eaglescott base that the 

helicopter and medical crews 

could not get a reliable internet 

connection on the site. This 

was, at times, operationally 

difficult, as flight information 

such as weather updates are 

crucial to the successful operation 

of the service. 

We completed a survey at 

the base and found that there 

was a very reliable 4G footprint 

covering this area. 

We designed, quoted and 

subsequently installed a special 

high gain external aerial to 

run to a 4G router housed 

internally, which in turn feeds 

into their current data network. 

From this point we also 

installed a managed wireless 

internet solution for medics 

and flight crew so when on 

base they can enjoy the luxury 

of a reliable internet connection 

and complete their work in 

an effective manner. 

An added advantage of 

the managed wireless access 

solution is that our engineering 

team gets alerts if the internet 

system is down, which enables 

us to take a proactive approach 

to the connectivity on site 

and to dispatch engineering 

resource in advance of the crew 

realising there is an issue. 

We aim to provide a firstclass 

emergency engineering 

service to all our customers 

and can deliver this to you any 

time, day or night. In fact, we 

offer a full 24-hour, 365-daysa-year 

service. It is never too 

much trouble for us to come 

along and give you an idea of 

what we can do for you. 

We offer multiple care 

levels to provide the support 

you need, so you only pay for 

what you need from us. We 

currently monitor some 1,000 

cloud-managed devices, all 

automatically alerting direct 

to our team of engineers who 

work on our service desk. 

■■Details 01237 423445 or 

marleycomms.co.uk 

■■Meet Marley Comms on 

their stand at BBxpo 

■■Quote ‘Need It Find It’ for a 

10% discount on any physical 

installations 


How do you start a manufacturing 

business? Daniel Nott, 

from Barnstaple, decided to do 

it at the age of 24 to establish 

a business that would support 

his young family. Previously 

an outdoor activities 

instructor, Daniel completed 

an apprenticeship in welding 

and fabrication at Petroc, then 

gained experience with local 

companies. In June 2018, he 

started Nott’s Welding and 

Sandblasting and is now 

working hard to establish and 

grow the business. 

Making the leap 

As anyone who has started a 

business knows, it is always 

difficult to decide when to 

make the big leap from a job 

to self-employment. Daniel 

had been working from 7am to 

5pm in a job, then in evenings 

and at weekends on his own 

work when he was offered a 

three-month manufacturing 

contract and decided it was 

time to launch Nott’s Welding 

and Sandblasting full-time. 

Own premises 

Now Daniel works from a unit 

at Mullacott Cross Industrial 

Estate, near Ilfracombe, having 

set up his workshop up with 

equipment and a vehicle with 

the support of a government 

start-up loan. 

“I have always wanted to 

run my own business and I just 

went ahead and did it,” said 

Daniel, now 28. “It is hard at 

the start, when you’re building 

up the business, but you have 

more freedom.” 

Building a reputation 

Daniel is experienced in a 

variety of metalwork, including 

fabrication, stainless steel 

and mild steel, wrought iron, 

construction and RSJ work, as 

well as working on products 

such as fireplace frames, glass 

balconies, railings and gates. 

He also offers sandblasting on 

metal and wooden items such 

as motorbike frames, car wheels 

and vintage lamps. He has even 

built a custom cabinet so that 

he can sandblast larger items 

than is usually possible, which 

is attracting referrals from 

within the trade, and aims to 

offer mobile sandblasting soon. 

Nine months on, Daniel is 

MANUFACTURING 

Welding business builds 

a promising future 

looking to develop all opportunities 

open to him. One is to 

design and construct bespoke 

wood and metal furniture to 

order and he has already made 

tables and house gates. 

Daniel has achieved 

considerable success already 

and, with ambitious aims to 

expand Nott’s Welding and 

Sandblasting, is a young entrepreneur 

to watch. 

■■Details 07706 595955 or 

facebook.com/Nottswelding 

NORTH DEVON EVENTS 

Thurs 4 April – North 

Devon Networking Lunch 

Informal business lunchtime 

networking at the Riverbank 

Bar & Bistro, Bideford 

■■northdevonevents.co.uk 

Tues 9 April – Tourism 

Masterclass: Increasing 

bookings 

Mihi Digital is hosting this 

workshop aimed at tourism 

businesses in the South West. 

■■mihidigital.co.uk 

Thurs 25 April – Retailers – 

harnessing digital tech 

Heart of the South West 

Growth Hub workshop in 

Bideford in conjunction with 

Torridge District Council. 

■■heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk 

Fri 26 April – Barnstaple 

Networking Lunch 


networking at Lush in 

Barnstaple. 

■■07801 199671 or 

susie@poundlane.co.uk 

Thurs 9 May – North Devon 

Networking Lunch 





Thurs 6 June – North 

Devon Networking Lunch 





Thurs 24 Oct – Bideford 

Business Expo (BBxpo) 

Business exhibition, presentations 

and free networking 

buffet at Devon Hall, Bideford 

College 

■■bbxpo.uk 

Check for more events at 

northdevonevents.co.uk 

Looking for independent financial advice? 

Call us on 01237 426450 

for a free initial consultation 

contact@dscottfinancial.co.uk 

https://dscottfinancial.co.uk 

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. 


PERFORMANCE 

Does anyone actually know what 

Have you ever had that feeling 

that, any day now, you’re going 

to get ‘found out’? Someone, 

somewhere is going to call 

you out as a fraud and your 

secret will be out: you’ve been 

winging it through life! 

Well, you’re not alone, 

according to a study published 

in The International Journal of 

Behavioural Science in 2018, 

some 70% of professional adults 

suffer from a phenomenon 

known as ‘imposter syndrome’. 

Imposter syndrome, or 

imposter phenomenon, is 

defined as “the persistent 

inability to believe that one’s 

success is deserved or has been 

legitimately achieved as a result 

of one’s own efforts or skills”. 

It comes in as many as five 

different forms: 

1. The Perfectionist 

Perfectionists tend to set 

themselves excessively high 

goals and, when these are not 

achieved, they feel a complete 

failure. If goals are achieved, 

the perfectionist will often feel 

they could have done better 

or the feeling of success will 

be short-lived and rapidly 

replaced with a new goal. 

2. The Superman/woman 

These people will feel they need 

to push themselves harder than 

their colleagues to feel satisfied 

that they measure up. 

The superman/woman can 

get addicted to the validation 

they receive through 

their achievements, but often 

believe that they, as a person, 

are undeserving so they need 

to keep proving themselves 

professionally. 

they’re doing? 

Professional counsellor and supervisor Kelly Smith discusses 

imposter syndrome and how to manage it 

3. The Natural Genius 

People who achieve with ease, 

generally, can feel a huge 

amount of shame when something 

challenges them. These 

types of imposters not only set 

their expectation bar incredibly 

high, like the perfectionist, they 

also expect to achieve their 

goals on the first try. If they 

feel they fail at this, they feel a 

sense of internal shame. 

4. The Soloist 

These are people who feel that 

if they need to ask for help 

to achieve a goal, they have 

failed. They will tend to frame 

requests for help in terms of the 

project or goal they are working 

towards, rather than saying they 

need the help as an individual. 

5. The Expert 

Experts measure their competence 

on what they know and 

how much expertise they have 

in their professional field. They 

often feel that they can never 

know enough and will feel 

driven to continually know 

more, learn more and try to 

keep ahead of others, to avoid 

being exposed as inexperienced 

or unknowledgeable. 

If any of the above feel 

familiar to you, you are in very 

good company. Maya Angelou, 

author of 11 best-selling books 

admitted to feeling undeserving 

at times: “I have written 

11 books, but each time I think 

‘uh oh, they’re going to find 

out now, I’ve run a game on 

everybody and they’re going to 

find me out’.” 

Kate Winslet, Tom Hanks, 

David Bowie and Serena 

Williams have also admitted to 

feeling they’ve tricked everybody 

into thinking they know 

what they’re doing! 

So, if so many of us feel this 

way, what can we do about it? 

Here are some tips. 

Get over yourself! 

It is proven that the more 

important we feel we are, the 

more likely we are to feel we 

have to live up to a certain 

standard or achieve certain 

goals. By releasing yourself 

from internal expectation and 

accepting that we are all equal, 

this feeling diminishes. 

Accept that you’ve had a 

role in your success 

Look back over your life and 

remember how you got where 

you are. Remember the sacrifices 

you may have made, the 

hard work you’ve put in, the 

people you’ve supported. Let 

yourself recognise that YOU 

got yourself where you are now. 

Focus on providing service 

The more depersonalised we 

can make our role, the less 

pressure we put on ourselves. 

Recognise that you ARE NOT 

your job, you are providing a 

service, in whatever form that 

may be. Take yourself out of 

the equation and focus on what 

you can offer others instead. 

Make a note of nice things 

people say about you 

If someone praises you or your 

work, accept it and remember 

it! Make a note somewhere of 

what was said and how it felt so 

you can return to this in times 

of self doubt. 

Say to yourself: 

“It’s imposter syndrome!” 

When these feelings of being 

undeserving surface, name it. 

Say to yourself in your mind: 

“It’s just imposter syndrome. 

I deserve my successes, I’ve 

worked hard for them and I am 

not alone in feeling this way.” 

And, above all else, remind 

yourself that life is not a 

competition. You are you. You 

are unique and have a set of 

skills and wisdom totally of 

your own. It doesn’t matter 

what the next person is doing. 

Celebrate the success of others 

and they will celebrate the 

success of you. 

And if you’re ever feeling 

really brave, turn to the 

colleague next to you and say: “I 

have no idea what I’m doing, do 

you?” My guess would be that 

they’ll be in the 70% with you. 

■ ■ Details 07872 501606 or 

facebook.com/ 

KellysmithMBACP 

Right Way HR Services 

Safeguard your business 

• Advice on all aspects of employment law 

• Contracts of employment 

• Staff handbook • HR policies 

• Letters, templates and documents 

Call Richard on 07825 090782 

e-mail: richard@rwhrs.com 


IN THE HEADER HOT SEAT 

Neil Hughes of Dartington Crystal 

1. What was your first job? 

For a short period after leaving 

school I worked as a trainee 

for an electronics company 

building and installing engine 

test equipment for the automotive 

industry. It wasn’t long 

before my employer and I 

realised that it wasn’t to be 

my field of expertise, so very 

swiftly I moved on to become 

a packer for Kays catalogue 

and then a ware carrier for 

Worcester Porcelain. 

Glamorous stuff! 

2. What is the best 

business advice you’ve 

ever received? 

Not strictly advice, but a few 

words of wisdom from Richard 

Branson: “You don’t learn to 

walk by following rules. You 

learn by doing, and by falling 

over”. I guess he knows what 

he’s on about. 

3. What do you enjoy most 

about business? 

All of it and sometimes none of 

it. I love to travel, landing the 

big order, overcoming impossible 

challenges, and being 

involved in creative thinking 

but dislike big company bullies, 

tardy communication, big 

company bullies, poor service, 

oh and big company bullies. 

4. What technology could 

your business never be 

without? 

The obvious answer for a handmade 

crystal company would 

be our furnaces. Although I 

would use the word technology 

in the loosest sense, given that 

many of the methods that we 

use are traditional hand craft 

techniques and, although the 

Each issue we put a North Devon business personality in the hot 

seat and ask them 10 questions. This issue we asked Neil Hughes, 

managing director of Torrington-based Dartington Crystal 

efficiency of the furnaces has 

improved over time, the equipment 

we use today is pretty 

much the same as it was in 1967 

when Dartington first started 

production in Torrington. 

5. Describe your business 

management / style 

Not sure about style. I feel 

management style is for people 

who have read too many books 

or who require an adjective or a 

self-praising label that feeds their 

ego, but if you pushed me for an 

answer, I would say straightforward 

and a bit moody. 

6. How do you go about 

personal development? 

I do believe in formal structured 

training, but I believe far 

more in experiential development. 

I learnt far more that 

way. I believe in giving good 

young, enthusiastic people, the 

opportunity to take on new 

challenges, by allowing them 

enough freedom for them 

to get the personal pleasure 

from achievement without 

dropping them in too deep. 

At Dartington we have a great 

track record of promotion 

from within, something that 

we would hope to continue as 

we grow. 

7. Is there anything about 

yourself that you want to 

change? 

Wish I was a bit taller and 

maybe younger but not too 

much younger. 

8. Social media: yes or no? 

Preferred network? 

Absolutely yes. LinkedIn is the 

only one that I personally use, 

but I use it nearly every day to 

network, to improve my knowledge, 

to share experiences and 

to keep up to date with the 

latest news within the many 

industries that Dartington are 

directly or indirectly involved 

with. I really enjoy it. From a 

company perspective, social 

media is also really important 

and something we have been 

prepared to invest in. We have 

recently employed Sarah as 

our social media manager, 

spreading the word, sharing 

our successes and engaging 

with a wider audience. If I’m 

honest, I don’t really get all the 

‘book face’ stuff but she’s great 

at it. 

9. How do you wind down 

when not working? 

I have been known to appreciate 

the occasional glass of wine. I 

feel it’s important to make sure 

that our wine glasses are regularly 

road-tested to ensure that 

they are working properly. 

10. Do you have a motto or 

favourite quotation? 

Start with ‘Yes’ and work out 

how afterwards. 

About Dartington Crystal 

Dartington Crystal, the 

leading UK name in contemporary 

crystal and glass was 

first established in 1967 in 

Torrington, North Devon as a 

manufacturer of quality products 

for home use. Over more 

than 50 years, Dartington has 

developed and evolved many 

ranges of crystal and glassware 

based on its key skills of 

design and glass-making. 

Today Dartington has 

customers throughout the 

world, including major department 

stores and high street 

retailers. Dartington also has 

well developed capabilities in 

the B2B, premium hospitality 

and luxury-bespoke markets. 

In recent years, the business 

has enjoyed good sales growth 

and profitability as it has 

widened its manufacturing 

operation, customer base and 

sales channels. 

Dartington are proud to be 

the only remaining large-scale 

producer of crystal and glass 

in the UK and remain an 

important regional employer 

with 130 staff. All of Dartington’s 

24% lead-crystal product 

is hand-made made in the UK 

while the company designs 

and sources other non-lead 

glassware from selected 

European suppliers. The 

Torrington visitor centre and 

factory shopping complex is 

an established tourist attraction 

and welcomes many 

thousands of both tourists and 

local visitors each year. 

In addition to crystal and 

glass products, Dartington 

Crystal owns and markets the 

world-renowned Caithness 

Glass and Royal Brierley 

Crystal brands. Dartington 

also sells and distributes 

ceramic gifts and tableware, 

enabling them to offer 

customers a choice of products 

and design styles from the 

very best British names. 

■■Details 01805 626262 or 

dartington.co.uk 


DESIGN HEADER & BRANDS 

Bobblehat created Chester Barrie’s flagship store in London’s Savile Row 

A group of North Devon 

designers who set out to offer 

businesses and brands an 

agile and creative partner for 

their retail and exhibition 

challenges are taking their 

designs across the world, but 

as their international reputation 

grows, Barnstaple-based 

Bobblehat remains “proud to 

be local”. 

“Our roots are very much 

in North Devon and always 

will be,” says Bobblehat’s 

John Courtney. “Virtually 

everything we deliver is 

Locally designed for clients 

worldwide and in North Devon 

made in North Devon. Since 

we started, six years ago 

we’ve designed and installed 

Formula 1 stores at the major 

European venues, built exhibition 

stands in Florence and 

most recently a flagship store 

in London’s Savile Row for 

Chester Barrie.” 

With such an impressive 

portfolio, what is the next step 

for Bobblehat? 

“We’ve got brilliant clients 

who we work with throughout 

the UK and Europe and, 

naturally, we will continue to 

expand our UK and European 

business, but it would 

be great to work with more 

local progressive businesses, 

whatever the sector.” 

Working collaboratively 

with clients, Bobblehat designs 

retail spaces and exhibitions 

Bobblehat’s design for Formula 1 stores across Europe 

and takes care of the build and 

installation process too. 

Whether it’s a worldfamous 

store in London’s 

Jermyn Street or a quality 

brand in North Devon, 

Bobblehat works in a variety 

of styles from period to 

contemporary and uses a 

range of quality materials 

to create unique retail 

environments. 

“We work with brands who 

want their stories told.” 

■■Details 01271 328003 or 

bobblehat.co 

Healthier planet, healthier sales 

Can a win for the planet be a 

win for business too? In 1994, 

Harvard Business recognised 

this was traditionally a ‘no’, but 

reassured “being green is no 

longer a cost of doing business; 

it’s a catalyst for innovation, 

new market opportunity and 

wealth creation”. Yet in 2019, 

the nuts and bolts of how to 

profitably combine moral 

conscience with savvy business 

still leaves many foggy-headed. 

Blossoming audience 

Research results? 50% of Gen 

X (40-50yrs*) are willing to pay 

a green premium, with 71% 

more likely to promote ethical 

messages. Gen Y (20/30yrs*) 

seek out the interactive brands. 

81% of Gen Z (4-24yrs*) would 

“choose a restaurant based on a 

menu’s environmental impact” 

. . . hardly surprising given how 

deeply interwoven social media 

and environmentalism is in 

their young, digital lives. Not 

your key audience? They soon 

will be. 

Sara-Jane Williams of BrandLanterns advises coffee shops, pubs and 

restaurants on how to go green . . . profitably 

Sales opportunities 

Eco-disposables are a given, 

so now let’s get creative! From 

rewards on green-hero dishes 

to bike-powered PR gimmicks, 

leftover scratch menus to 

brand-boosting merchandise, 

our recent workshop unearthed 

many ideas ready for picking . . . 

Unite with suppliers 

Protect your profits too. Rather 

than rekindle the painful PR 

disasters of food and beverage 

suppliers here, I’ll remind you 

that negativity can whoosh 

along the supply chain and 

grab you unaware. Challenge 

your suppliers to share helpful 

info and ensure you’re working 

to the same set of values. Stand 

united, stand stronger. 

Be an educator 

Feeling passionate, knowledgeable? 

Brands that educate 

attract great advertising 

opportunities, while improving 

customer loyalty. Prefer to play 

safer? Holds hands with local 

action groups (ask for contacts) 

or like-minded businesses. 

Sustainability for survival 

If businesses don’t become 

greener AND more profitable 

with it, they’ll struggle to 

survive the next generation. 

Activism is no longer ‘in-yerface’, 

intimidating or rebellious; 

it’s smart and creative . . . and 

we’re here to help you. 

(*approximate range) 

■■Details 01271 372620 or 

brandlanterns.co.uk 


Childhood memories of a sparkling sea 

After stepping off the train at 

Ilfracombe Station, I saw the 

most magical sight ever: the 

August sun sparkling across the 

water for as far as the eye could 

see. I had never seen anything 

like it and that memory from 

1969 remains with me now. 

My family’s first holiday 

in North Devon was the best 

holiday of my life and, through 

my teen years, I spent hours 

in school lessons drawing 

the track plan of Ilfracombe 

Station, as back then railway 

modelling was a big hobby. I 

returned in the 1980s and 90s 

and, by then, Mrs Z and I had 

discovered the restaurants in 

Fore Street. Both working in 

London, in a merchant bank 

and global law firm respectively, 

we delighted in booking 

a table at Food for Friends and 

travelling down for a weekend 

break of fantastic food. 

Then, in 2002, when I had 

been running my Zarywacz 

communications partnership 

with my brother Simon for 

some years, I jumped at the 

chance to give my Mum and 

Aunt a lift down for a week’s 

holiday. Our cocker spaniel, 

Felix, came too and stayed 

an extra day to spend in 

Ilfracombe. By this time, we 

had lived in Windsor for 12 

years where Heathrow Airport 

noise pollution was increasing 

to such an extent that I was 

getting up at 7am every Sunday, 

unable to relax. 

“Why don’t we move to 

Ilfracombe?” I suggested, on 

my return. To my surprise, Mrs 

Z thought it a good idea. 

From city to sea 

But was it a good idea for 

two townies, used to hopping 

on the Tube into London, to 

make such a big move? We 

decided to test it by visiting out 

of season and imagining we 

already lived here, wandering 

around on wet, grey days when 

North Devon is a wonderful place in which to live and work, but 

running a business here is challenging. In Magnetic North Devon, 

we explore what attracts people to move here to start and run 

businesses. We begin with our ‘blow-in’ editor, Robert Zarywacz, 

born in Heston under the Heathrow Airport flight path 

attractions were closed and 

the town was deserted. Would 

we still enjoy it when cold and 

stormy? The answer was: Yes. 

And so, one morning in 

January 2004, we posted the 

keys of our old house through 

the letterbox and set off on 

the 200-mile journey to our 

new Ilfracombe home, to be 

welcomed by a howling gale. 

And we never looked back. 

Business relocation 

Moving to a beautiful area is 

one thing, but running a business 

here is a different story. 

As an early adopter of home 

and remote working in 1994, it 

didn’t matter where I worked 

as long as I had internet 

access. This was a potential 

problem before we moved, as 

many North Devon telephone 

exchanges had not been 

enabled for the (then) highspeed 

ADSL service. Luckily, 

Ilfracombe was enabled in 

September 2003 and on our 

first day a BT engineer installed 

a new line, connecting us with 

the rest of the world. 

Of course, technology 

continues to advance and it’s 

vital that North Devon’s telecommunications 

and transport 

infrastructure keeps pace with 

the rest of the country and the 

world. We need to remain vigilant 

about this and Business 

Action will report on relevant 

developments. 

Connecting with people 

Another consideration when 

moving to a new area is that 

you don’t know anyone else. 

I was just getting into online 

networking and connected with 

Kevin Woodward, who had 

moved to North Devon from 

Berkshire the previous year. 

Kevin started the North Devon 

group on ecademy.com, then 

a thriving international online 

business network. Through 

this I met many local business 

people, including Business 

Action co-publisher Alan 

Williams, and entered the highcholesterol 

world of breakfast 

networking, attending several 

groups weekly for years before 

moving to networking lunches 

at a more civilised time of day. 

During the past 15 years 

in North Devon, my business 

activities have included 

seven years of freelancing as 

business editor for the North 

Devon Journal – when I met 

and wrote about hundreds of 

local businesses – and working 

with our own clients across the 

UK. Like many in the businessto-business 

sector, we export 

services, providing a vital yet 

invisible contribution to the 

local economy. 

Remoteness and our 

small market make running 

a business in North Devon 

tough, and this has led me to 

admire the many businesses 

who operate here successfully, 

creating a hotbed of enterprise. 

While great transport links 

and the massive marketplace 

around Windsor made it easier, 

I much prefer to run my business 

in North Devon where the 

sea sparkles. 

■■Details 01271 879100 or 

z2z.com 

What attracted your 

business to Magnetic 

North Devon? 

Share your story to 

news@business-action.co.uk 


In a tough climate for high 

street food retailing, the 

Moorland Pantry in Lynton is 

establishing itself as an independent 

foodstore selling organic 

meats, fair-trade fruit, and 

organic vegetables and groceries 

to the local community and 

summer visitors. 

Barnstaple-born owner 

Dominic Cornish says his original 

aim was to be self-sufficient 

and he started growing salads 

and herbs as well as keeping 

free-range pigs for his family to 

enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Then 

he attended farmers’ markets 

and ran a small farmshop to sell 

his surplus before opening the 

Moorland Pantry in 2016. 

Now the store stocks his 

own nitrate-free bacon, cured 

with sea salt, as well as sausages 

and charcuterie products. A 

keen baker, Dominic makes 

his own pasties, sausage rolls, 

pork pies and homity pies, 

using organic ingredients, and 

sells organic beef, lamb and 

game from local farms as well 

as sustainably caught fish and 

Lynmouth lobster. 

RETAIL 

Lynton deli brings quality food to the high street 

Independent businesses are 

North Devon’s treasures. Our 

businesses aren’t always as 

visible as some of the national 

and global brands people 

expect to see on the high street 

and it takes some exploring 

to discover some of them, but 

once you start exploring, you 

never stop. 

Lyn Candles in Lynton is 

one of our treasures. John 

Baker started the business 

after reading about candlemaking. 

His fascination with 

the process led him to buy a 

candlemaking kit and to start 

the business in 1996. His shop 

in Lee Road, where he has 

made his candles for some 

20 years, is brimming with 

candles of all shapes, sizes and 

scents, and has become one of 

Lynton’s must-see attractions 

for visitors. 

John makes all his candles 

by hand without the use of 

machinery and, aware of the 

need for sustainability and 

care for the environment, aims 

to use materials that minimise 

environmental impact. The soy 

wax he uses is 100% natural 

Dominic Cornish serving customers in the Moorland Pantry, Lynton 

Candlemaker lights 

up customers’ lives 

Enjoying your work is one of the best feelings in life and it is clear 

when you meet John Baker of Lyn Candles that he really loves his 

work. Editor Robert Zarywacz caught up with the Lynton chandler 

who sends customers on their way smiling 

and no beeswax or palm oil 

are used. The candles are also 

vegan friendly. 

John uses quality soy wax 

in his scented candles so they 

are totally paraffin free. This 

ensures all the fragranced 

wax burns, reducing wastage 

and providing better value. 

All coloured, seashell, classic 

cream and designer candles 

are made from high grade 

paraffin wax. Burn times 

extend up to an impressive 216 

Chandler John Baker of Lyn Candles, Lynton handcrafts all his candles 

“Farming should be about 

working with nature and 

encouraging wildlife,” says 

Dominic. “I’ve always farmed 

as naturally as possible and 

want people to know where 

food has come from.” 

In addition to his own 

produce, Moorland Pantry 

stocks organic vegetables 

from Devon farms as well as 

local cheeses, spices, olives 

and bread, along with coffee 

and tea, health foods and 

ecologically friendly cleaning 

products. This year Dominic is 

expanding his range of homereared 

meat after acquiring his 

first flock of Jacob’s sheep on 

his smallholding. 

“Locals have taken to it 

really well and we have a 

good local customer base,” 

adds Dominic, who opens 

the store all year round and 

stocks produce according to 

the season. “People love the 

personal service and often 

come in for a chat.” 

■■Visit at 12 Lee Road, Lynton 

or details at The Moorland 

Pantry on Facebook 

hours for the largest candles, 

such as the 200mm round ball 

single wick candle. 

At one time, Lyn Candles 

supplied other businesses and 

sold candles through its web 

site, but now John supplies 

only a select range of stores in 

Bristol, Ilfracombe and Westward 

Ho!. He has also stopped 

web site sales – customers are 

welcome to phone to place 

their order and John finds that 

some people call specifically 

for a chat. 

“Talking to people is so 

important,” says John. As 

well as making life better for 

everyone, it’s a practice that 

helps the business, as many 

customers return year after 

year to talk to John, watch as 

he makes candles and then 

browse the range of candles 

and slate, solid wood and 

wrought iron candleholders 

before making their purchases. 

John says Lyn Candles’ 

aim is to “ensure that our 

customers are truly thrilled 

with their purchases.” 

■■Details 01598 753321 or 

lyncandles.com 


TCi (GB) Ltd, Bideford-based 

specialist commercial fit-out 

and construction contractor, 

has appointed three shareholding 

directors from within 

the company. 

The appointments recognise 

outstanding achievement 

and commitment, promoting 

Alex Slee as finance director, 

Jim Capron as construction 

director and Alex Perkis as 

operations director. 

Managing director,Adrian 

Sealey explained; “I started 

TCi in 2006 with my wife 

Rebecca, working out of 

my home and garage space, 

working long hours, taking 

HYPNOTHERAPY 

Paul Holder 

New Life Hypnotherapy 

South Molton 

t: 01769 574711 

w: newlifehypnotherapy.org 

Landscaping 

CW Landscaping 

Bideford & North Devon 

t: 01237 474335 

m: 07960 930974 

From left (standing): Jim Capron, Alex Perkis, Alex Slee, 

(seated) Rebecca Sealey, Adrian Sealey 

BUSINESS LISTINGS 

Locksmith 

Nice logo 

But what do you 

actually do? 

opportunities and growing the 

company wherever possible. 

Along the way, I have been 

fortunate enough to have been 

joined by an exceptional team, 

capable of developing the 

business well into the future.” 

Whilst maintaining a 

guiding hand in the company, 

Adrian is already embarking 

on new projects beyond TCi, 

now that there is a strong leadership 

team in place. He has 

already embarked on two separate 

ventures in farming and 

commercial property, through 

which he hopes to bring new 

employment opportunities and 

prosperity to the area. 

MJS Locksmiths 

Covering North Devon 

t: 07532 139388 

w: northdevonlocksmith.co.uk 

Removals 

HLH Removals 

Covering North Devon & UK 

t: 07593 234194 

e: hlhremovals@yahoo.com 

fb page: HLH Removals - 

Horshams Light Haulage 

Advertise in our business listings for £10 per issue – minimum 

three issues. Advertise for the whole year by taking advantage of 

our ‘six listings for the price of five’ offer. Contact Alan Williams 

07970 671192 or ads@business-action.co.uk 

PEOPLE 

Kerrie Anson, marketing 

coordinator for Savona Foodservice 

in Ilfracombe, is now 

a Certified Digital Marketing 

Professional after successfully 

completing the Professional 

Diploma in Digital Marketing. 

The diploma has been credit 

rated for the Scottish Credit 

and Qualifications Framework 

by the Scottish Qualifications 

Authority at level 8 with 24 

SCQF credit points. 

The most widely taught 

industry-accredited qualification 

in its field, it teaches the 

fundamental principles of 

digital marketing, from mobile 

and social media to email, PPC 

marketing and SEO. 

Kerrie said: “Having worked 

in marketing for more than 

seven years, I have a wealth of 

knowledge in the more traditional 

approach to marketing. I 

therefore was looking to learn 

more about the digital world 

and how I could utilise my new 

learning within my job role. 

Hannah Cook has joined 

the team at MiHi Digital in 

Broadwoodwidger as digital 

marketing executive, adding 

her marketing experience 

from the hospitality and 

manufacturing sectors. 

Nice photo 

But what’s 

the price? 

Having a digital presence 

has become more and more of a 

priority for businesses, making 

it important to stay ahead of the 

game. Savona Foodservice has 

this forward-thinking approach 

and they encouraged me to take 

this step by funding the course 

for me. Six months of hard 

work and one tough exam later 

I am now super proud of my 

achievement and excited to see 

how it shapes my career.” 

MiHi Digital director Mark 

Worden said, “Hannah brings 

with her a wealth of experience 

and we are delighted to 

welcome her to the team. In 

order to be able to provide the 

best possible service for our 

clients, it’s vital that we have 

a talented and knowledgeable 

team. I am confident that the 

addition of Hannah will allow 

us to continue delivering for 

our clients, expand the business 

and grow our client base 

even further.” 

Committed to providing a 

high level of service, the firm 

is expanding into new sectors, 

including the wedding and 

tourism industries, with much 

of its new business coming 

through recommendations 

from existing clients or free 

digital skills events offered to 

business owners. 

Nice video 

But how do I 

buy one? 

A word is worth a thousand pictures 

We write choice words for your business. Call Robert Zarywacz on 01271 879100 or visit pressme.co.uk 


Rachael Woosey of North Devon Accounts 

Accessible accountants attract new clients 

An accountancy practice with 

a difference has started 2019 

by attracting 60 new clients. 

North Devon Accounts opened 

its office in Braunton last 

September and has quickly 

established itself as a firm that 

clients trust. 

Rachael Woosey started 

North Devon Accounts in 2005 

and practised professionally 

while bringing up her young 

children. Now her children are 

older, Rachael is developing 

the practice and, along with 

the new office, has built a team 

of five to manage all aspects 

of clients’ bookkeeping and 

accounting requirements, 

including payroll, pensions and 

CIS, cloud accounting and VAT. 

“I do it because I love 

accounts and got clients 

through word of mouth,” says 

Rachael. “Now I want to move 

the business to the next level.” 

Rachael is very clear about 

how she runs the business, with 

accessibility being an important 

requirement: “To have a 

small, local accountant really 

fits in here and people can ring 

up or pop in rather than it 

being formal.” 

As a busy working mother, 

Rachael is aware of the pressures 

people experience while 

running their businesses and 

the worry that receiving a letter 

from HMRC often causes. 

She founded North Devon 

Accounts to take away this 

stress so that clients can focus 

on business and not have to 

bring accounting worries home 

with them. 

“Some people are really 

nervous and don’t know what to 

do, but as soon as you get some 

order, it all comes together.” 

Rachael is also aware that 

many people need support 

when starting up a business 

or taking on employees. 

North Devon Accounts offers 

monthly bookkeeping so that 

business owners can keep track 

of their accounts, see whether 

they are covering costs and 

making a profit on their activities, 

and know what tax they 

will have to pay at the end of 

the financial year. 

Continuity is another 

essential and clients get to 

know who is looking after their 

accounts and are always aware 

of all charges. 

“We’re really transparent 

with our pricing and talk 

people through what we do and 

give them options. 

“I set out to build a different 

kind of practice. One where 

I can work closely with my 

clients without having to bill 

for every call, email or chat 

over a coffee. One where I can 

forge strong working relationships 

with my clients and make 

accounts approachable and 

affordable.” 

■■Details 01271 815332 or 

northdevonaccounts.co.uk 

Teamwear firm signs deal 

MJM Sports has secured an 

exclusive three-year deal, with 

Italian brand Kappa, to supply 

playing, training and travelling 

clothing to Army Basketball. 

MJM managing director 

Terry Schofield of Bideford 

said: “We are delighted to build 

on our long-standing partner- 

ships with Corps basketball 

teams within the Army. 

Lt Col Duncan Chamberlain 

(vice chair ABBA) said: 

“Army Basketball is delighted 

to be working with one of the 

UK’s leading team kit specialists 

and a brand that has over 

100 years of experience.” 

■■Details mjm-sports.co.uk 

New roof for textile factory 

Devon Contractors has 

completed a re-roofing project 

for technical textile specialists 

Heathcoat Fabrics in Tiverton. 

The new roof will enable the 

manufacturer to install new 

equipment previously prohibited 

by the low roofline so 

it can expand and meet the 

needs of its growing product 

range. Heathcoat Fabrics 

designs and develops technical 

textiles for applications such 

as space exploration, extreme 

sports and Hollywood films. 

Devon Contractors works 

primarily across Devon, Cornwall 

and Somerset. 

■■See devoncontractors.co.uk 

Infrared heating 

revolutionises the way 

we heat our homes 

Infrared Electric Heating Specialists 

Modern, stylish and affordable electric heating for your home 

Easy to install 

Energy efficient 

Thermostatically controlled 

Infrared, like gentle sunshine 

Comfortable healthy heat 

White panel heaters Picture heaters Mirror heaters 

www.multiheat-energysystems.co.uk 

01237 451759 

First Thursday of every month 

is Steak Night! 

01237 473399 

49 Torrington Street, East the Water, EX39 4DP 

www.theriverbankbistro.co.uk 

email@theriverbankbistro.co.uk 


TOWERGATE 

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or email bideford@towergate.co.uk www.towergate.com 

Towergate, 24 The Quay, Bideford EX39 2EZ 

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Business Action | April / May 2019

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