Business Action | June / July 2019
June / July 2019 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news about business and enterprise in Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton, Chulmleigh, Combe Martin, Holsworthy, Ilfracombe, Lynmouth, Lynton, South Molton, Torrington, Woolacombe and more. Full magazine available to non-subscribers mid-August. Subscribers and get priority access of new issues of Business Action on publication. Subscribe at http://www.business-action.co.uk/subscription-packages
June / July 2019 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news about business and enterprise in Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton, Chulmleigh, Combe Martin, Holsworthy, Ilfracombe, Lynmouth, Lynton, South Molton, Torrington, Woolacombe and more.
Full magazine available to non-subscribers mid-August.
Subscribers and get priority access of new issues of Business Action on publication. Subscribe at http://www.business-action.co.uk/subscription-packages
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usiness
ACTION
north enterprise
devon
growth
innovation
news & views
On the crest of a wave
New people, new investment, new premises
Penny Power OBE
Is business easy?
The writing is on the wall
Hi-tech wall printer is first in the UK
Blind Man Roy
Construction champion to scale three peaks
business-action.co.uk | June / July 2019 | @businessactionm
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CONTENTS
business
ACTION
Web site | business-action.co.uk
Online version | business-action.uk
Vol 1 Issue 3 – June / July 2019 – distribution 2,500 across North Devon
CONTENTS
TDK-Lambda opens £1m EMC test centre........................................... 2
Agency’s mission leads to bigger office.............................................. 2
HR consultancy to open fourth UK office............................................ 3
Ryanair launches Exeter to Alicante winter flights........................ 3
Triple wins for legal team in regional law awards........................... 4
Packaging firm maintains capital investment................................... 4
Large format wall printer is first in UK.................................................. 5
Editor’s view......................................................................................................... 6
Business listings............................................................................................... 6
North Devon to host new technology institute centre.................. 6
North Devon Manufacturers Association 2019 Awards............... 7
Biggin’ up beverages....................................................................................... 8
Penny Power OBE: Is business easy?.................................................. 9
From art to architecture................................................................................. 10
North Devon Enterprise Day....................................................................... 11
Heritage cob blocks......................................................................................... 11
BBxpo: Bideford Business Expo.............................................................. 12
People...................................................................................................................... 14
Digital Agency’s Achievements................................................................. 15
Intelligence in Business................................................................................ 15
Magnetic Devon: From New York to Ilfracombe............................... 16
Subscribe to Business Action.................................................................... 16
Cheers! Brewery celebrates orders from across the UK............ 17
In the Hot Seat: Jack Richards of Applegate..................................... 18
Shaking off the corporate accountancy image................................. 19
Quality and detailed design......................................................................... 20
Co-founder on UK jewellery power list................................................. 20
Blind Man Roy set to scale three peaks............................................... 21
North Devon Show............................................................................................ 22
EDITORIAL
Robert Zarywacz
Editor, Designer & Publisher
t: 07971 176044
e: robertz@business-action.co.uk
@robertz
ADVERTISING
Alan Williams
Advertising, Distribution & 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.
INITIATIVES & CONSULTATIONS
New recruiters service
Gradsouthwest, the graduate
job board for the South West,
is offering free recruitment
advertising for paid internships,
placements and projects
of up to 12 weeks’ duration in
South West England and Wales.
Gradsouthwest actively
encourages students to
gain work experience and
employers to offer work experience.
However, students and
graduates often don’t know
how to find quality roles and
recruiters often don’t have the
budget to advertise.
Gradsouthwest is offering
this service as a solution to
these problems. The service is
limited to two free recruitment
adverts per company / organisation
per year. The role must
be paid at least minimum wage
and must be a position which
could be reasonably assumed
to be at undergraduate or
graduate level.
■■Details gradsouthwest.com
Agricultural consultation
Exmoor National Park
Authority is inviting comments
on new guidance into how
new homes for rural workers
and farming families in the
National Park can be applied
for, as part of a public consultation
running for six weeks until
18 June 2019.
The draft ‘Rural Worker
and Succession Farm Dwelling
Guidance’ applies to those
working in land-based businesses
in the National Park,
such as farming or forestry, and
is supplementary to existing
national guidelines as well as
those set out in the Local Plan
for the National Park.
The draft guidelines and
comments form are available
from the Exmoor National Park
Authority web site, while hard
copies are available at National
Park Centres in Dulverton,
Dunster and Lynmouth,
Lynton and Porlock libraries,
Exmoor House in Dulverton
and West Somerset and North
Devon Council Offices in
Williton and Barnstaple.
■■Details exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
Cover photo: Woolacombe waves by Robert Zarywacz
Taking Teaching Further
Petroc is looking to initiate
innovative collaboration
between micro SMEs and
start-up businesses and Further
Education (FE) as part of the
national Taking Teaching
Further programme.
Taking Teaching Further
aims to attract experienced
industry professionals, with
expert technical knowledge
and skills, to work with FE in
delivering masterclasses and
collaboration. The objectives
are to develop a programme of
two-way secondments between
industry and FE to embed
digital and employability skills
across the curriculum.
Financial incentives
are available for successful
businesses.
This provides the opportunity
for academics and
industry to work in partnership
and deliver current
skills required for students to
enhance employability.
■■Details 01271 852428 or
projects@petroc.ac.uk
Small Business Saturday
The UK’s most successful small
business campaign, Small Business
Saturday, is returning on
Saturday 7 December 2019. In
2017, the campaign saw an estimated
£748 million spent with
small businesses across the UK
on Small Business Saturday.
Once again, the campaign
will be highlighting 100 small
businesses, one a day for the
100 days leading up to Small
Business Saturday 2019. For
the past six years, the 100 have
not only received exposure
on Small Business Saturday’s
social media channels and in
the local and national press, but
also joined the Small Business
Saturday team in London at a
number of official receptions.
Applications are now open.
■■Application details at
smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
North Devon
Enterprise Day
The first North Devon
Enterprise Day on Thursday
24 October celebrates all businesses
in the area.
■■Details page 11
@businessactionm | June / July 2019 | business action 1
TDK Corporation has officially
opened its TDK-Lambda UK
EMC Centre located next to
its manufacturing facility in
Ilfracombe. The company,
which celebrates 60 years in
power this year, welcomed
Hiroyuki Yashiro, president of
TDK-Lambda Corporation,
who cut the ribbon at the grand
opening ceremony.
“It is an honour to welcome
President Yashiro from Tokyo
to perform our opening
ceremony,” says Adam Rawicz,
managing director of TDK-
Lambda EMEA.
“The opening of this EMC
Centre is testament to the
11 months after opening
its Bideford office, Simple
Recruitment has moved to
bigger premises in Queen
Street as a result of its growing
success in North Devon.
Growing team
Established in Midsomer
Norton in 2009, managing
director Jayla Wilcox decided
to open the North Devon
office after holidaying here
several times with family.
Since opening in July 2018, the
Bideford team has expanded
to three members to meet the
enthusiastic response from the
area’s business clients and candidates.
Permanent consultant
Karen Wraxton and temps
consultant Caitlin Wood continue
developing and driving
the business forward, assisted
by branch administrator Charlotte
Heath, who ensures the
smooth running of the office.
Building a reputation
“We have well-known clients
on board and a good candidate
base and are growing
every week,” says Jayla Wilcox,
who attributes the company’s
success to “building a good
reputation for a good solid
service, communication, honesty,
reliability and integrity”.
“We do care, whether we’re
putting someone forward for
a temp job or a career role,”
Jayla adds. “We are changing
continued inward investment
by TDK Corporation and will
enable the design teams to
their life and we take that
seriously.”
Jayla started Simple
NEWS
TDK opens £1m EMC test centre
Official opening: (from left) Hiroyuki Yashiro, president, TDK-Lambda Corp;
Adam Rawicz, managing director, TDK-Lambda EMEA; Phil Scotcher &
Geoff Wilby, joint managing directors, TDK-Lambda UK; Kazuhiko Sekimoto,
general manager administration division, TDK-Lambda Corporation Japan
continue to develop the next
generations of world-class
leading-edge power supplies.”
Recruitment with many years’
experience of high street
recruitment with the aim of
The £1 million EMC Centre,
which houses an anechoic test
chamber, enables the company
to perform EMC (electromagnetic
compatibility) test
measurements in full compliance
with EN, CISPR and
ANSI standards. This will allow
TDK-Lambda to fully certify
its power supply products
onsite, without the need to use
a third-party test house.
In addition, TDK engineers
will be able to provide a much
deeper level of support, assisting
customers to gain compliance of
their end equipment.
■■Details 01271 856600 or
uk.tdk-lambda.com
Agency’s mission to make recruitment simple
leads to bigger office
Expanding team: (from left) branch administrator Charlotte Heath,
temps consultant Caitlin Wood, managing director Jayla Wilcox
and permanent consultant Karen Wraxton
Simple Recruitment welcomes clients and candidates to its new office:
(from left) Charlotte Heath, Karen Wraxton, Jayla Wilcox and Caitlin Wood
providing a ‘simple’, cost-effective
and timely recruitment
solution for both clients and
candidates, where consultants
listen to the needs and wants
of each party.
“We take great pleasure
in making the recruitment
process simple, so whether you
are looking for the next step
in your career or the newest
addition to your team, we are
more than happy to help.”
Industrial and commercial
Simple Recruitment specialises
in both permanent
and temporary recruitment
services across industrial
and commercial sectors. Its
dedicated permanent division
develops relationships with
each client to understand
their business, what a vacancy
entails and what they require
from a new recruit in terms
of skill set, experience and
personality, so it can ensure
these goals are met.
It also provides temps on
both a short and long-term
basis, covering many job roles
from reception and PAs to
production operatives, forklift
drivers and more.
Jayla concludes: “We get
to know each and every one
of our clients and candidates
to ensure that the match is
always perfect.”
■■Details 01237 439500 or
simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk
2 business action | June / July 2019 | business-action.co.uk
HR consultancy to open fourth UK office
Fitzgerald HR celebrated
its 10th year in business in
2018, and has experienced
significant growth since
Lucy Fitzgerald began the
consultancy in 2008. From its
head office in Barnstaple, the
consultancy has expanded to
include offices in Somerset
and London.
It is also opening an Exeter
office in June in response
to the growing demands of
developing businesses in the
South West.
“This is a great time for
businesses in the South
West, and we’re excited for
Members of the Fitzgerald HR Barnstaple and Wellington offices: (from left) Charlotte Pengelly, Helen Rook, Alice Hellmund,
Emily Errington, Gemma Churchill and Vicki May
the future,” says director and
founder Lucy Fitzgerald.
“Over the past 10 years,
we’ve been lucky to work with
amazing businesses, from
start-ups to well-established
organisations across industries
and sectors throughout the
South West.
“Our success has been a
result of the customised and
personal service that we deliver
to each and every one of our
clients. Many of our clients
consider us to be an integral
part of their in-house team.
“Our new office will
mean that we can support
more businesses across the
South West and beyond, and
continue to deliver our highquality
service to new and
established clients.”
This summer, Fitzgerald
HR is bringing back its HR
talk sessions through webinars
and seminars to help more
businesses get the HR basics
right to manage risk, compliance
and comply with employment
law, as well as attract and
retain staff. Keep an eye on
the Fitzgerald HR web site for
more information.
■■Details 01271 859267 or
www.fitzgeraldhr.co.uk
Lucy Fitzgerald, director and
founder of Fitzgerald HR
Ryanair launches Exeter to Alicante winter flights
Ryanair is launching new
winter flights from Exeter
Airport to Alicante in Spain
starting 29 October 2019.
The announcement of the
twice-weekly service was made
days after Ryanair launched
three new routes from Exeter
to Malta, Malaga and Naples,
its first ever flights from the
Devon airport.
It will also enable passengers
to continue flying from Exeter
to Alicante when Flybe stops
its winter service in October.
Flybe has confirmed the route
will cease when it withdraws a
jet aircraft from Exeter on 26
October as part of its planned
fleet reduction strategy. It is
focusing instead on its Q400
aircraft, which operate the vast
majority of its domestic and
European routes from Exeter.
Matt Roach, managing
director of Exeter Airport, said:
“We’re delighted that Ryanair
is expanding its network from
Exeter and that there will be no
gap in service for passengers to
Alicante between the summer
and winter timetable.
“Ryanair has predicted up
to 85,000 extra passengers a
year though Exeter, taking our
numbers above one million for
the first time since 2007.”
To cater for extra demand,
Exeter Airport is investing
£1 million in new passenger
handling facilities in preparation
for the peak season.
Ryanair’s flights from Exeter
to Alicante will operate twice a
week on Tuesdays and Saturdays,
and are on sale now at
ryanair.com.
■■Details exeter-airport.co.uk
@businessactionm | June / July 2019 | business action 3
Slee Blackwell’s personal
injury and clinical negligence
team did not just win once at
the recent Devon and Somerset
Law Society’s awards
ceremony, but returned to
Barnstaple with three awards.
Elizabeth Duncan won
Legal Hero of the Year for her
work in abuse law and stress
at work cases. She was also
Highly Commended in the
Chartered Legal Executives
category, while the department
was Highly Commended
in the Team of the Year award.
The ceremony was held
at Exeter Cathedral and was
attended by lawyers from
across Devon and Somerset.
Elizabeth, who deals with
personal injury and sexual
abuse claims, was thrilled:
“I feel hugely honoured to
win this award from such a
respected organisation. I am
passionate about the work
that I do and proud to be
able to give people who have
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Triple wins for personal injury
and clinical negligence team
in regional law awards
Banner 2.indd 1 20/03/2019 16:20:58
Slee Blackwell’s personal injury and clinical negligence team with their award
felt powerless and voiceless a
means to fight back, whether
they have survived sexual
abuse or workplace bullying or
suffered life-changing injuries.
I am touched and grateful that
this award will help to raise
the profile of those subjected
to abuse in all its forms.”
Clinical negligence partner
Oliver Thorne said, “To be
shortlisted in these award
categories is an achievement
in itself, but for the team to
receive an award and then for
Elizabeth to receive her awards
was wonderful. The team have
worked exceptionally hard
this year and whilst I may be
considered biased, the recognition
is thoroughly deserved.”
Oliver, who is based in the
Barnstaple office and specialises
in clinical negligence
claims, added: “Unfortunately,
it is a recognised fact that
claims relating to clinical
negligence and sexual abuse
are on the increase both in
the region and nationally.
Our team continues to grow
in order to accommodate
the number of enquiries we
receive. The team work tirelessly
on helping often vulnerable
people obtain the help
and support they need and I
am very pleased their efforts
have been rewarded.”
■■Details 01271 349957
or sleeblackwell.co.uk
Packaging firm maintains capital investment
Atlas Packaging in Barnstaple
has recently installed a
Signode speciality bundler, the
SigCORR, to work behind its
new Bobst Expertfold 230 A2
folder gluer. The recent investments
are part of a larger
investment strategy, which
centred on the installation of
a Cuir high quality flexo post
print machine a few years ago,
as the company continues to
enter high value markets.
To complete its print and
gluing line, Atlas was looking
for an innovative bundle
strapping solution with the
versatility and handling
capacity for a multitude of
different box types that would
be coming from the new Bobst
folder gluer.
Vince McDermott, manufacturing
director at Atlas,
says, “The quality and reliability
of Signode’s equipment,
combined with their first-class
support and back-up, made
turning to Signode for a solu-
Atlas Packaging’s new Signode speciality bundler
tion a natural decision.”
“An important factor for
Atlas was to have a proven
and reliable high-speed
solution to avoid packaging
operations causing production
bottlenecks. The design
of the machine is good and is
specific to bundling multipoint
glued cases. The key
benefits we have experienced
so far are faster packaging
operations, improved and
consistent bundle presentation
and no indentation or marks
on boxes.”
Generating a £17 million
turnover in 2017, Atlas
Packaging employs some 135
staff, producing corrugated
cardboard boxes and packaging
from its Roundswell
base. Clients include national
and local companies such
as B&Q, ASDA, Riverford
Organic Farmers, St Austell
Brewery and Pall.
■■Details 01271 344055 or
atlaspackaging.co.uk
4 business action | June / July 2019 | business-action.co.uk
A North Devon business has
become the first in the UK to
introduce a high quality printer
that prints direct to walls. Wall
Printer UK, started by Graham
Atkinson, has invested in the
£40,000 German-manufactured
printer (pictured right) and
already completed a project
filmed for a programme to be
broadcast on national television.
The printer is suitable for
applications both in business
and homes, from printing
corporate logos, promotional
graffiti, innovative promotional
designs and marketing
murals to transforming dull,
uninteresting wall spaces into
entertaining and interactive
sources of information, fun and
fantasy in schools, hospitals
and airports. It enables interior
designers and homeowners to
turn their dreams into reality
and create the ambience they
require in gyms, restaurants,
cafés, hotels and homes.
Graham, who is based in
Barnstaple and previously ran
a car valeting business, was
searching online for products
to buy and sell when he
discovered the wall printing
technology. After months of
research, visits to the manufacturer
and training in Germany,
he returned with his printer to
launch Wall Printer UK.
“It’s a challenge bringing
something new to the UK, but
it’s already attracting a lot of
attention,” says Graham.
“We can print in detail a lot
faster than a mural artist so we
cause minimum disruption to
a business or home when we’re
printing. We can print a square
metre of wall per hour and it is
95% dry when finished. What’s
more, there’s no mess, no dust
and no fumes.”
Graham can pack the
printer into six bags and transport
it anywhere it is needed to
print. Images can be printed up
to 3.8 metres in height with no
limit to the width on vertical
surfaces. For commercial structures
with higher ceilings, Wall
Printer UK can print conjoined
images almost in unlimited
height using a scissor lift.
Images can be printed
on most surfaces, including
plaster, wood, stone, plastic,
tiles, glass, metal and concrete.
They are printed using a
waterproof, scratch-resistant,
chemical-resistant washable
plastic-like UV ink with no
associated solvent fumes or
chemical releases and will
retain their quality for three to
six years or more outdoors with
a transparent UV coating, and
12 or more years indoors.
For clients requiring creative
input to develop imaginative
images for their spaces, Wall
Printer UK has teamed up with
Barnstaple-based design group
Really Different.
As the first in the country,
Wall Printer UK is attracting
considerable attention and
Graham has already participated
in a high profile project
filmed for a prime-time television
programme with more
filming likely to follow.
Wall Printer UK will be
giving live demonstrations at
BBxpo business-to-business
exhibition on Thursday 24
October in Bideford.
■■Details 07534 258992
or wallprinter.co.uk
NEWS
Large format wall printer is first in UK
First Thursday of every month
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email@theriverbankbistro.co.uk
@businessactionm | June / July 2019 | business action 5
NEWS
Editor’s view
Launching Business Action
has enabled me to reconnect
with many existing contacts
and make new ones locally and
across the region.
Welcome to the third, 24-page
issue of Business Action, the
independent North Devonbased
business magazine.
16 years ago I joined
ecademy, the world’s first social
network for business, and
helped run its North Devon
club. In this issue, we are
delighted to include an article
by Penny Power OBE, ecademy’s
founder, who discusses
the challenges of running a
business and how it’s not as
easy as many people pretend.
You can also download for
free the first chapter of Penny’s
book ‘Business is Personal’.
Meeting people
It was through ecademy that I
connected with so many people
in North Devon, including
co-publisher Alan Williams. As
global social networks grew, so
I joined Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
and others, and connected
with thousands of people
worldwide. I still find this
aspect of social media enjoyable
and valuable, although never
to underestimate the importance
of face-to-face contact.
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You can speak to us
With social networks now
imposing many restrictions,
communicating becomes more
challenging for businesses as
digital reach shrinks.
This is definitely not the case
with Business Action. You
can phone, email or message to
speak with us directly.
You don’t have to send press
releases – you can if you want –
as we like to talk to you to find
out about you, your business
and your story.
This means that anyone
in business in or near North
Devon has the potential to
access this news channel.
You don’t have to have a big
marketing department, PR
agency or budget – just news.
And we know that there’s lots
of it out there.
So pick up the phone or
look out for us at networking
events, the North Devon Show
and BBxpo. We look forward to
meeting you.
Robert Zarywacz, editor
■■Call 07971 176044 or email
robert@business-action.co.uk
info@futuredimensions.uk
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
Locksmith
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Covering North Devon
t: 07532 139388
w: northdevonlocksmith.co.uk
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North Devon to host new
technology institute centre
North Devon will host a centre
as part of a new Institute of
Technology in the South West
after the success of a multibillion
pound bid in which
Petroc is participating.
The Institute of Technology
in the South West
will comprise centres located
across Devon, Cornwall and
Somerset, with state-of-theart
facilities proposed for
Barnstaple, Plymouth, Exeter,
Truro and Taunton.
In North Devon, it will
create a bespoke engineering
laboratory space, digital
immersion facilities, other
emergent manufacture
capacity and additional spaces
for research and learning,
providing a new hub for
quality engineering training
and innovation. The initiative
will revitalise part of the
Petroc campus in Barnstaple
to provide a multi-discipline
engineering and advance
manufacturing centre.
The national initiative aims
to establish unique collaborations
between universities,
Further Education colleges and
leading employers, to specialise
in delivering quality higher
level technical training and
provide employers with the
skilled workforce they need.
The successful proposal
draws on expertise from
partner organisations
including the University of
Exeter, University of Plymouth,
Petroc, Bridgwater &
Taunton College, City College
Plymouth, Exeter College and
Truro & Penwith College.
A group of ‘anchor
employers’ will lead the direction
of the new Institute of
Technology and ensure focus
on the latest industry skills.
Employers participating in the
group include Oxygen House
and the Met Office in Exeter,
Babcock in Plymouth and
TDK-Lambda in Ilfracombe.
The bid is also supported by
both the Heart of the South
West and the Cornwall and
Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise
Partnerships (LEPs).
Catering for up to 2,500
students, in apprenticeship
and full-time courses from
post-16 level to Master’s
degree level, the institute
will help put the region at
the forefront of digital and
engineering education across
the UK.
Diane Dimond, principal
and chief executive of
Petroc, commented: “We are
delighted to be part of this
fantastic initiative for our
region bringing specialised
facilities and exciting careerenabling
opportunities.”
■■Details petroc.ac.uk
6 business action | June / July 2019 | business-action.co.uk
The 2019 NDMA Awards
recently recognised North
Devon’s outstanding manufacturers,
which continue to make
a massive contribution to the
area’s economy.
Manufacturer of the Year
Accord UK was awarded the
title of Manufacturer of the
Year for responding positively
to legislative changes affecting
core products, while launching
six new products and planning
for all Brexit scenarios.
Award winners
The winners of the specific
award categories were:
➤➤Apprentice of the Year –
David Harwood of Eaton
Aerospace
➤➤Trainee of the Year –
Thomas Beauchamp of
Anglo Krempel
➤➤Engagement in STEM &
Schools – SEA
➤➤Environmental Project of
the Year – The Sign Maker
➤➤Innovation of the Year –
Helitune
➤➤Team of the Year – Accord
Q-Edge Team
➤➤Business Transformation of
the Year – Perrigo
➤➤Exporter of the Year – Pall
Life Science
➤➤Product of the Year – SEA
MANUFACTURING
Outstanding manufacturers recognised
Manufacturer of the Year Winner – Accord UK Ltd: (from left) Trudi Spratt
of Anew SW, Alain Casavieille of Accord UK and Janet Phillips of Anew SW
Schools and colleges
The Schools and Educational
Technology Awards recognised
students for projects submitted
in the under-16 and 16+ categories,
while awards were given
to teams in the primary school
STEM challenge, in which
600 pupils from nine schools
participated. The challenge was
to build a tower to hold a raw
egg as high as possible for 30
seconds from only uncooked
spaghetti and marshmallows.
Over and Above
The awards ceremony included
a brief introduction to the
event’s nominated charity,
Over and Above – supporting
Northern Devon Healthcare
NHS Trust – which was given
by Richard Barnes of Beran
Instruments Ltd, who himself
recently received treatment for
multiple life-threatening conditions
at NDDH ICU. A raffle
raised £1,915 for the charity.
High standards
Competition among awards
entrants was tough and feedback
from the judging panel
highlighted the extremely high
standard of entries and incredible
diversity of manufacturing
capability and innovation in
the area.
■■Details ndma.org.uk
Paul Mullen with the primary school STEM challenge winning team from
Southmead Primary School
Paul Mullen with primary school STEM challenge Runners Up from
Woolsery Primary School, whose tower held the most eggs for 30 seconds
Right Way HR Services
Safeguard your business Call us on 01237 426450
• 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
Looking for independent financial advice?
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.
@businessactionm | June / July 2019 | business action 7
FOOD & DRINK
Finding Jobs for People and People for Jobs
Temporary & Permanent recruitment solutions throughout North Devon!
01237 439500
In a recent workshop, I gave
soft drinks the hard sell, with
stats, trends and profit-boosting
techniques that left attendees
shaken not stirred.
Here’s the low-down:
Premium paving the way
The soft drink industry is now
worth over £8 billion, with last
year seeing an annual increase
of over 5.6% in value and 2%
by volume.
Luxury mixers (triggered
by artisan gins), cordials and
soft drinks have enjoyed the
greatest uplift, as consumers
seek out premium brands that
deliver superior quality, strong
brand stories and a play on
provenance.
No mocking the Mocktail
Once a token gesture,
mocktails now stand proud
alongside cocktails as one in
five consumers now define
themselves as teetotal. With
younger generations increasingly
health-conscious, low
and zero-alcohol alternatives
are on the up . . . with sugar
continuing as the #1 health
concern for the fourth year
consecutively.
Stir in the art of ‘perceived
value’ and mocktails make for
serious profit-power.
www.simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk
Biggin’ up beverages
Sara-Jane Williams of BrandLanterns on the profit-power of soft drinks
Profit power
With ‘restaurant typical food
costs’ reported at approximately
25-30%, but beverages
at 20%, drinks provide a great
opportunity to stretch profit
margins. Furthermore, with
pressure for hospitality to be
more experimental, beverages
are lower risk than new dish
concepts. Give them the space,
psychology and descriptions
they deserve on a separate
menu, and consider tabletalkers
or postcards to get
promotions front-of-mind.
Emerging trends
The coolest drinks right now?
Innovative flavours (vegan
and plant, medicinal, ethnic);
bitter not sweet; cold-brew teas
(nudging over coffees); superpower
water (added minerals,
vitamins, caffeine etc);
digestive health (especially
Follow us:
those using traditional
methods of fermentation, pickling
and preserving); sustainability
(not just packaging
and processes, but also wonky
fruits, peels and seasonals).
Last but not least, the ‘freefrom’s
(with gluten-free behind
half of all the free-from sales
value in 2018).
Comfy or Cool?
Traditional? Trendy? Foodies?
You know your customers
best; the challenge is to
find the balance between a
beverage menu that’s within
their comfort zone versus
delivering new experiences
that reinvigorate footfall. Seek
supplier support with a dedicated
beverage programme
(or ask us) to keep your
menu ahead of the game this
summer and beyond.
■■Details 01271 372620 or
brandlanterns.co.uk
Beautiful candles – Handmade in Devon
SHOWROOM & STUDIO
Lyn Candles . Lynton . N. Devon . EX35 6BS
Tel: 01598 753321 www.lyncandles.com
e-mail: lyncandles@btopenworld.com
01271 267420 | info@gtales.co.uk
8 business action | June / July 2019 | business-action.co.uk
ENTREPRENEURS
Is business easy?
Everyone else seems to think
it is. This is how most business
people feel. Terrified of the
truth, hiding their own vulnerabilities
and joining the world
of fake that is now so prevalent
in society.
I feel really passionate
about this statement. I called
myself an ‘accidental entrepreneur’
for years. I actually feel
vast numbers of us are now
‘accidental’. The opportunity
when we see a gap to make a
difference is so much easier
to launch, creating a web site,
applying digital technology to
our business model and the
desire to be able to say “I built
it and now they will come” is
intoxicating.
Is there a formula to success?
You would think so from all
the ‘marketers’ who sell their
courses online and tell us: “You
could be as rich as me, just pay
me and I will show you how.”
Quite funny really. No
wonder they are rich (if they
really are) as they appeal to our
vulnerabilities to believe that
we lack, that we are not rich,
beautiful or wise enough.
How about this? Imagine
you were enough, imagine you
could create your own definition
of success and ambition
and you stopped looking over
your shoulders at other people
and took control of your life.
It is vital that we understand
ourselves, respect, accept
and believe in ourselves. Our
character, our personality, our
life experiences, our personal
desires and how much we are
personally willing to sacrifice.
Then add in your skills, knowledge
and the people you know.
This is one huge mixing bowl
of ingredients to create your
future from.
I work with people who are
skilled. They have a defined
and powerful skill that they
have honed and invested in
for a number of years. They
look over the shoulder at the
perception of the world and
they can’t understand why
their life has not turned out
as amazing as the people they
follow and ‘admire’.
Penny Power OBE
This is my take on this.
Firstly, what is your benchmark?
I coached a gentleman
who was amazingly successful
but had depression and was
frustrated with his business.
He laughed and laughed
when I asked him who he was
comparing himself with. “Mark
Zuckerberg and Elon Musk”
was his reply. His laughter
came from a place of joy as
he realised what a ridiculous
subconscious belief system he
was holding. It didn’t take much
to make him feel incredible.
Secondly, what makes you
happy? This will be a great
discovery. Write down your
values, the top three things that
are important. Then create two
columns. The first, out of 10,
how important is this value to
you? The second, out of ten,
how are you doing against this
value? You will be amazed.
Many people have a value that
they are not recognising they
are achieving, or worse still,
they are chasing the wrong
definition of success.
Thirdly, what is the life and
business you want to lead? Be
very firm with yourself now.
Vast numbers of people have a
gap between ‘believed’ desires
and their true ones.
Many of us can be happier,
just with some self-awareness.
As Napoleon Hill said, What
do you desire? Do you believe
it is possible? What skills and
knowledge do you need to
make this happen? And, then,
the big one: will you take the
actions and create the change
in habits and mindset to make
your desires happen? If you are
not willing, then re-define what
your desires are.
I truly believe that we can
all achieve, but we must know
what that means to us. Let me
leave you with this thought:
“What does success mean to
you, and what is the life and
business you want to lead?”
■■Details pennypower.co.uk
Penny Power OBE is an
entrepreneur. She created the
world’s first social network
for business, four years before
LinkedIn launched. Business
Action editor Robert Zarywacz
was one of the early members.
Awarded an OBE in
2014 for her contribution to
entrepreneurship, she went
on to build another business.
In November 2017, Penny
crashed and spent a year
recovering and examining
many aspects of being a business
owner that are not in the
‘rule book’. As a result, Penny
wrote her latest book to help
create a fair and honest benchmark
on what it really means
to be a business owner. So
many people start a business
to be free. Financially free,
free to make their own choices
and freedom of time. Penny
believes, the ultimate freedom
comes when you allow you to
be free to be yourself.
Penny’s book is on Audio,
print and Kindle – available
on Amazon.
■■If you would like to connect
with Penny and also have
a free download of her first
chapter, visit www.pennypower.co.uk/freechapter
@businessactionm | June / July 2019 | business action 9
ARCHITECTURE
From art to architecture
Is it possible to manage a
business in the South East
from deepest North Devon?
That is what Kevin Davies is
doing, managing a 12-member
architectural practice based in
Staines, Middlesex from his
Kevin Davies in his architects office and art gallery in Chulmleigh
office and gallery in the centre
of Chulmleigh.
Kevin’s journey to Chulmleigh
has taken him across
the world after embarking on
a sabbatical from his position
at Robert Davies John West
Cranford Business
Services Limited
www.accountsindevon.co.uk
Old Stone, Cranford, Bideford, Devon, EX39 5QW
07896 204 857
Does your accountant...
Listen to you and act on your needs?
Explain your accounts in terms you understand?
Arrange meeting at your convenience?
Leaving you free to concentrate on what you do best!
Ltd, the architectural practice
established by his father. This
intended six-month exploration
of Africa extended to
eight years, during which time
Kevin and partner Sue started a
family while establishing a lowimpact
tourism site in Malawi,
setting up the country’s first
permaculture / tourism project
and starting an architectural
practice among other activities.
It was their children’s education
requirements and other family
considerations that brought
them back to Europe, first
to France, and then, in 2012,
to Chulmleigh, where Kevin
rejoined his father’s practice.
Now, as director and chartered
architect playing an active
role in managing the business,
Kevin operates from his
office in Fore Street, working
remotely in between fortnightly
visits to Staines. Kevin has overseen
the growth of the practice
from a team of six to 12 over
the past seven years, operating
Chulmleigh as a satellite office.
He has a strong interest in the
restoration, conversion and
re-use of vernacular and listed
buildings, as well as in working
in conservation areas. Local
projects include the Chulmleigh
Congregational Church and an
early 15th century Benedictine
Tower in Cornwall, both are
Listed Grade II*.
He maintains his interest
in sustainable and appropriate
technologies in Africa, which
has led to involvement in new
projects in Kenya, Malawi,
Somalia and Bangladesh as well
as distinguished pioneering
developments including the
Sonda Orphan Care Centre,
Ripple Africa Mwaya and the
Cultural and Museum Centre
Karonga.
Visitors to Kevin’s office
might be surprised to find it
doubles as an art gallery called
the Architects Gallery. Like
many of Kevin’s interests which
turn into a business, this sprang
from meeting local artist Brian
Denington and giving him a
commission. This introduced
Kevin to the artist community
and the idea of opening a
gallery and, one by one, artists
contacted him. Now the gallery
promotes a number of artists
from Lapford, Torrington and
Winkleigh, and hosts several
shows a year to promote artists.
Kevin explains that architecture
and art dovetail well: “The
lovely thing about being an
architect is that you get out and
meet people and everyone has
a story, while the gallery brings
people together.”
This also explains Kevin’s
involvement in the community
with cricket and table tennis,
Chulmleigh Old Fair and as the
newly elected district councillor
for Chulmleigh.
■■Architects Gallery:
01769 581765 or
atelierthink.co.uk
■■Architects Practice:
01784 779106 or rdjwltd.com
10 business action | June / July 2019 | business-action.co.uk
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
Heritage Cob and Lime has
started manufacturing its own
North Devon cob blocks. Based
in East-the-Water, the company
is known for manufacturing
and supplying its awardwinning
lime mortar and
associated products across the
UK. Its clients include home
owners, artisan lime plasterers,
traditional builders, architects
and organisations who
maintain historic buildings,
including Buckingham Palace
and Windsor Castle as well as
St Anne’s Chapel in Barnstaple.
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
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.
Heritage cob blocks
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.
Now the company is making
its own cob blocks from a
North Devon vernacular
mixture of sub soils, mixes,
aggregates and straw, ideally
suited to the wetter climes of
the West Country. These are
ideal for building and restoration
work on traditional
cob and earth buildings, and
provide effective insulation,
having a zero carbon footprint.
Cob in its wet form is also available
for wattle and daub work.
■■Details 01237 477431 or
heritagecobandlime.com
Visit ideaengine.co.uk to see all the
brands that we have brought to life
online, in print, outdoors and in a
whole host of other ways.
ideaengine.co.uk
01271 324594 or 07974306711
Web, Brand, Advertising, Design, Literature
@businessactionm | June / July 2019 | business action 11
BBxpo
EXHIBITORS SO FAR . . . EXHIBITORS SO FAR . . .
BNIB
bnibarnstaple.co.uk
Business Networking in
Barnstaple (BNIB) is a team of
businesses from across North
Devon who meet weekly in
order to expand their business
through making new contacts
and gaining new work through
focused business referrals.
Cirrusli
cirrusli.co.uk
Top-notch training in cloud
and digital accounting
systems across North Devon
and Cornwall.
CITB
citb.co.uk
The industry training board
for the construction sector,
helping it to attract talent and
to support skills development.
Clarity Copiers North
Devon
claritynorthdevon.co.uk
Advice, demonstration,
service, rental & sale of colour
printers, copiers & MFPs
(multifunctional printers).
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.
Fernbank Advertising
fernbankadvertising.co.uk
Promoting your business
through advertisements on
bus shelters across the South
West region.
Fitzgerald HR
fitzgeraldhr.co.uk
With offices in Devon,
Somerset and London,
Fitzgerald HR provides Human
Resources with the human
touch to small, medium and
large organisations.
Jobcentre Plus
dwp.gov.uk
Engage with employers to
identify bespoke labour
market solutions creating
opportunities for DWP
customers.
Thursday 24 October
Devon Hall, Bideford College
Presentation programme
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 ill-health and what can businesses do to help improve
employees’ well-being and their productivity?
Benefits of Upskilling Your Workforce | Petroc
Supporting your staff will bring benefits to you and them.
This presentation will discuss specific qualifications, short
courses or apprenticeships as a route to help your staff upskill.
This interactive discussion will be an opportunity to explore
the options for you and your business and staff.
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.
YOU CAN EXHIBIT – BOOK STAND(S) NOW at bbxpo.uk
Learn Devon
learndevon.co.uk
Adult and community learning
courses supporting people in
learning new skills for leisure,
returning to employment,
improving their English and
maths and improving their
health and wellbeing.
Marley Comms
marleycomms.co.uk
An expert leading bespoke
cloud and on-premise
telecommunications and
technology company.
Marsdens Devon
Cottages
marsdens.co.uk
With over 400 holiday
cottages across North Devon
and Exmoor, Marsdens helps
you get the most from letting
your holiday property.
Petroc
petroc.ac.uk
Petroc raises the aspirations,
knowledge and skills of
individuals, communities
and business in Devon and
beyond.
bbxpo.uk #BBxpo
Safety Supplies Direct /
Tawsa
tawsa.co.uk
Tawsa Ltd is a Health & Safety
consultancy, while Safety
Supplies Direct specialises in
supplying PPE and workwear.
Simple Recruitment
simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk
Specialises in both temporary
and permanent recruitment
solutions across industrial and
commercial sectors covering
the North Devon area.
The Sign Maker
sign-maker.net
House signs, business signs,
memorials, engraved plaques
and wheel covers all made in
North Devon.
Tarkatography
tarkatography.co.uk
A passionate photographer
concentrating mainly on food
and interior images for web
sites and magazines.
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.
Wall Printer UK
wallprinter.uk
Introducing the UK’s brand
new, innovative vertical wall
printing technology for interior
designers, graphic designers,
advertising agencies, sign
makers, painters, decorators,
artists and start-ups.
Wills at Home
wills-athome.co.uk
Alan Williams provides a
personal wills and lasting
powers of attorney service
across North Devon.
Zarywacz
z2z.com
Attract customer attention
with communications from
Zarywacz. From business
journalism and copywriting
to case studies, magazines,
blogs and online content,
campaigns and events.
12 business action | June / July 2019 | business-action.co.uk
What is BBxpo?
It’s five months to BBxpo and
already it’s shaping up as North
Devon’s biggest business-tobusiness
event in 2019.
What started out as a
suggestion from co-organiser
Alan Williams to host a business
exhibition in Bideford
in 2018 has now grown to an
event that is attracting interest
from across North Devon and
the south of the county.
What is the key to the
event’s success? Co-organiser
and Business Action editor
Robert Zarywacz says it is
because the event aims to be
useful to everyone: “We want
to give exhibitors the best
possible value by being part of
the event and that is why we
are already promoting them
in this magazine and on the
BBxpo web site.
“And we want visitors to
benefit from meeting all the
exhibitors, participating in the
presentations and connecting
with business people from
across Devon at the networking
lunch – all for free.”
Andy Francis, the person
behind the camera: I was born
and grew up in North Devon
and am proud to be part of
its rapid growth and development.
It has such a diverse
lifestyle in some of the most
beautiful surroundings so I
am always out and about with
the camera and often at photoshoots
getting those images
that are just right for customers’
web sites and magazines.
I have been a passionate
photographer for many years,
concentrating mainly on
food and interior images. As
web sites have grown with
faster internet speeds, these
images can now be shown in
improved quality and detail.
My photography has
evolved with the internet
enabling me to deliver a costeffective
quality product for
web sites. Recent projects have
been in partnership with Land
Rover, Crew Clothing, Waitrose
Kitchen, The Michelin
Guide, The Sunday Times and
Devon Life magazine.
BBxpo
Capturing excitement on camera
I am privileged to have
been appointed official
photographer for BBxpo on
PHOTOGRAPHER PROFILE
Andy Francis of Tarkatography, official photographer for BBxpo 2019,
discusses his photographic career in North Devon
Thursday 24 October and look
forward to meeting everyone
on the day.
VISITORS REGISTER FOR FREE bbxpo19.eventbrite.co.uk
High performance in the workplace
One in four people suffer
with a mental health problem.
This has a massive impact on
our lives, our relationships and
our economy. Living a happy,
fulfilling and productive life
relies on a healthy mental state.
So how do we maintain a
healthy state of mind?
It seems to be an insurmountable
problem. Even our
doctors are baffled.
But what if it isn’t?
What if understanding
mental health problems, and
solving them, was far easier
than we thought? What if
human beings were, in fact,
designed for success and it was
simply a misunderstanding that
has us struggling and suffering
so much?
This is what we have seen to
be true . . .
➤➤Our minds only work one
way – from the inside out
➤➤Perceptions and feelings
don’t happen to us – they are
created within us
➤➤We live in the feeling of
our thinking – we don’t feel
circumstances (the outside
world) we feel what we think
(our inner world)
➤➤Human beings are designed
for success
We have an intelligence that
runs our body that we all know
PRESENTER PROFILE
Beccy and Debra from Dare2BU discuss the impact of mental health
problems and what they will discuss in their BBxpo presentation
Presenting at BBxpo: (from left) Beccy and Debra of Dare2BU
about, rely on and trust.
This intelligence beats
our hearts, helps us heal and
performs a million tasks every
second to keep us alive. We
don’t control this force, but we
do reap the benefit of it.
Our mind is exactly the
same; it has an intelligent
VISITORS REGISTER FOR FREE bbxpo19.eventbrite.co.uk
system running everything
behind the scenes.
Our problem is, instead of
understanding this amazing
psychological system and
benefitting from it, there is a
widespread misunderstanding
of it. This misunderstanding
has reached epic proportions
and is a major cause of all the
mental health issues that we
face and the mental health
crisis we are witness to.
Solving the problem is as
simple as putting this misunderstanding
straight.
The main objection we have
from people we work with
when they see the simplicity of
this is: “Why hadn’t we heard of
this before?”
But as Ludwig Wittgenstein
said: “A man will be
imprisoned in a room with
an unlocked door that opens
inwards so long as it doesn’t
occur to him to pull rather
than push.”
Find out more at BBxpo.
@businessactionm | June / July 2019 | business action 13
PEOPLE
On the March: (from left) Heather Mock and Lorraine Irwin receive their
award from Active Devon
Two employees from Golden
Coast at Roundswell claimed
the top spot in Active Devon’s
Big Devon March — a monthlong
campaign to encourage
the county’s workers to become
more active on a daily basis.
More than 1,000 people
took part this year and it was
Lorraine Irwin and Heather
Mock from Golden Coast —
the UK’s largest independent
distributor of products for the
swimming pool, hot tub, spa
and sauna industry — who
topped the leaderboard.
Jamie Adams, managing
director of Golden Coast, said:
“It’s brilliant to see Team GC
win big at this year’s Big Devon
March. We employ 33 people
at the company, who all love
being active — everything
from scuba diving to marathon
running to boxing.”
Lorraine and Heather
recorded the highest average
number of steps for the 2019
Big Devon March — clocking
up more than a million
between them, and walking
more than 200 miles in the last
two weeks of the challenge.
Heather, administration
team leader, said: “It’s fantastic
to place first, but it felt just as
rewarding to have explored
our beautiful region. I walked
part of the Tarka Trail across
North Devon and explored
some of the pathways along the
Tiverton to Taunton canal, as
well as my daily morning and
lunchtime walks.”
Company accountant
Lorraine added: “It was fun
taking part in a team event and
becoming more active. The
challenge inspired me to take
walks during my lunch breaks.
“We both certainly feel the
benefits of walking a lot more
and feel both physically and
mentally healthier.”
Sean Mackney has been
appointed principal and CEO
of Petroc from 1 August 2019.
Sean will take over from Diane
Dimond, who is leaving the
college in the summer as part
of her retirement plan.
Sean joins Petroc from
Buckinghamshire New
University, where he has
served as pro vice-chancellor
Research, Enterprise and
External Relations and pro
vice-chancellor Education.
Kevin Finan, chairman
of Petroc Governors,
commented: “We are absolutely
delighted with the
appointment of Sean, who
comes to us at a really exciting,
if challenging time. We are
confident that he will take up
the mantle from Diane who
has led us so effectively for the
past few years and under her
leadership we have achieved
so much including becoming
NicDex No:1 College in 2018.
Sean has extensive experience
in the FE and HE sectors as
well as developing strategic
partnerships with the business
community and this will
be invaluable for us in our
next stage of development,
ensuring we provide a high
quality and relevant provision
for our community.”
Sean has more than 25
years’ experience in the education
sector. In his most recent
role Sean has been responsible
for Buckinghamshire New
University’s partnership provision,
with 5,000 learners in
partner FE colleges in the UK
and internationally.
“I am passionate about
working in partnership
to improve learning and
teaching, something I have
done throughout my career
with individual students,
students unions and the NUS,”
said Sean, “and I relish the
opportunity to do this back
in my home area of Devon,
ensuring we provide the best
possible opportunities for our
community.”
Sean’s previous roles
include director of Student
Education and Engagement at
the University of Exeter, senior
deputy chief executive at the
Higher Education Academy,
head of Learning and Teaching
at HEFCE and head of the
HE Regional Development
Association – South West.
Sean, who was born in
Devon, holds a postgraduate
qualification in education
from the University of
Manchester and is currently
completing his doctorate with
the University of Bath.
Mark Speck has joined
Barum & Dewar’s UK sales
team as a regional sales
manager with responsibility
for developing business
growth in the South West.
His appointment underlines
Barum & Dewar’s
continued commitment to
further improving client engagement.
Mark brings with him extensive experience
of the UK specialist packaging sector.
Barum & Dewar are a market leader in the
design, manufacture and supply of protective
cases with a reputation for delivering innovative
packaging solutions of the highest quality.
Barum & Dewar managing director David
Frame said: “Our business is all about building
trusted relationships with our clients. Mark
joins a highly motivated and expanding team
at Barum & Dewar and brings not only professional
integrity but enthusiasm and a desire to
make a real difference.”
14 business action | June / July 2019 | business-action.co.uk
DIGITAL AGENCY’S
ACHIEVEMENTS
A digital agency established
in a one-bedroom flat in Exeter
recently celebrated its fifth year
in business and the acquisition
of its 300th client.
MiHi Digital, started
by director Mark Worden
in 2013 and now based in
Broadwoodwidger, supports
businesses throughout Devon
and Cornwall in strengthening
their online presence through
web design, social media,
search engine optimisation and
strategic consultancy.
In the past twelve months,
the business has broken its own
records by winning a total of
69 new clients, launching 39
web sites, and achieving growth
of more than 30% for a fifth
consecutive year.
Mihi has achieved significant
growth across all of
its core service areas, with
social media management
and training both growing by
more than 400% in revenue
compared with the previous
year. There was also strong
growth in search engine optimisation,
PPC management
and web site design, which
continues to be the agency’s
leading service.
Mark, who previously
worked at a law firm, attributes
part of this year’s expansion to
even more recommendations
from existing clients.
“We are delighted to have
had yet another busy and
successful year at MiHi, seeing
results which have surpassed
all of our expectations,” says
Mark. “We’ve launched a large
number of new web sites and
gained a lot of work through
word of mouth and personal
recommendations, passed on
by our happy clients.”
Now in its sixth year, Mihi
continues to build its reputation,
especially in the wedding
and tourism industries, as well
as developing a niche within
film and television production.
It also supports the Devon
business community by sponsoring
the Glamping Business
and Alternative Accommodation
of the Year category in the
Devon Tourism Awards.
“The glamping category is
one that’s close to our hearts
at MiHi,” adds Mark. “We’ve
worked with more than 100
hospitality businesses in
recent years, many of whom
have gone on to win national
acclaim, so we’re looking
forward to handing over the
awards to those that really are
at the top of their game.”
■■Details 01566 232323 or
mihidigital.co.uk
DIGITAL
Intelligence in Business
A review of purchases made
by businesses represented
at Applegate’s ‘Intelligence
in Business’ event identified
combined potential cost savings
of £35,000.
As a technology business,
Applegate offers a free,
cloud-based eProcurement
tool for buyers to help them
find what they need. It is
also working, in partnership
with the Institute of Data
Science and Artificial Intelligence
at the University of
Exeter, to develop machine
learning systems – continually
enhancing that tool – with the
mission of saving businesses
time, money and hassle in the
purchasing process.
Intelligence in Business
explored what organisations
are doing to develop the digital
landscape across Devon, the
ways in which businesses can
recruit for the long term, the
role of AI for business, and
how procurement can often
mean sourcing smarter.
In line with the ethos
of saving businesses time,
hassle and money, Applegate
reviewed a number
of purchases by attendees,
placing requests on its system
to identify potential cost
savings, which identified the
£35,000 of cost savings.
“All organisations are
looking to achieve savings
across their business,” said
Stephen Roberts, chief executive
of North Devon Hospice.
“As a local charity, we have
to ensure that every penny
counts and can be used to
support our care for patients.
Through Applegate you are
able to achieve efficiencies
both in terms of time and
costs across all aspects of your
procurement activities.”
In addition to keynote
presentations spanning intelligence
in apprenticeships,
digital, Artificial Intelligence
and procurement from Jack
Richards (Applegate), Paula
Byers (DigitalND) and Stuart
Brocklehurst (Applegate), the
event concluded with a Question
and Answer session.
The event at the Queen
Anne’s Café in Barnstaple,
was attended by organisations
including North Devon
Hospice, TDK-Lambda, Beran
Instruments and Children’s
Hospice South West.
Stuart Brocklehurst,
chief executive at Applegate,
commented: “We are very
pleased to have saved money
for every organisation who
raised a request for quotation.
This event has proved highly
successful for us in spreading
the message of the importance
of sourcing smartly and we
hope that attendees found the
afternoon useful.”
■■Details 0345 600 7177 or
applegate.co.uk
Celebrating five years in business working with 300
clients: Mark Worden, director of Mihi Digital
@businessactionm | June / July 2019 | business action 15
NORTH DEVON
A job in New York would be
a dream come true for many
people, so how does the Big
Apple compare with North
Devon? For Stacey Ferguson,
who grew up in Woolacombe,
working in New York was a
fantastic experience, but the
attraction of North Devon
compelled her to return home.
“You get a perspective on life
and realise what’s important,”
says Stacey. “This is what life is,
not New York.”
Stacey developed her career
in the art sector in roles with
Bonhams and Momart in
London and for six years with
Cadogan Tate in New York.
Now she works remotely
from Ilfracombe in business
development for Articheck, a
digital art condition report tool
specially designed for galleries,
museums, auction houses, art
shippers, and conservators.
Built on an app running
on smart phones, tablets and
PCs, Articheck enables users to
create reports on the condition
of paintings, paper art works,
sculptures, antiques, books,
photographs and other objects
easily and quickly. It saves paper,
saves time and eliminates many
of the headaches of creating
accurate, verifiable reports.
Users create reports which
record an item’s name, artist or
From New York
to Ilfracombe
What is it that attracts business people to or back to North Devon?
In this issue’s Magnetic North Devon feature editor Robert Zarywacz
talks to Stacey Ferguson who returned to Ilfracombe from New York
maker, creation date and other
details, along with photographs
which can be annotated. Information
can be entered using
dictation, typing, copied from a
database or uploaded in bulk via
Stacey Ferguson with Polly
CSV files. Once uploaded to the
web portal, each report is locked
for editing to provide a legally
verifiable audit trail. Updating
details creates a new version of
the report so that changes to
the item can be recorded and
assessed through comparisons
with previous reports.
Condition reports are
essential in the art world for
cataloguing, insurance, shipping
and other purposes, and
Stacey works by phone and
email with clients across the
world, from Hong Kong and
Singapore to the USA. She also
travels to London every week
to attend events and art fairs
and to meet colleagues.
Stacey is grateful for her
experience of working in
New York, and loved the
city’s 24-hour heartbeat, the
opportunity to see and hear
great music, and being part
of the ex-pat Brit community,
although she warns that everything
there comes at a price.
“I would encourage
young people to explore, but
remember what is back home.
Remember the quality of life
and simplicity here. This is
really living.”
Stacey now enjoys walking
with her daughter and dog on
Woolacombe beach before a
day of connecting with clients
in the UK and internationally.
She is also a keen supporter of
the arts in the South West and
would like to see North Devon
develop and attract more high
profile artists and exhibitions.
■■Details articheck.com
What attracted your
business to Magnetic
North Devon?
Share your story to
news@business-action.co.uk
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16 business action | June / July 2019 | business-action.co.uk
BREWING
Cheers! Brewery celebrates
orders from across the UK
It’s often said that what’s
most important when starting
a business is to choose
something you enjoy doing.
It’s no surprise then that the
founders of GT Ales, Gary
Jarvis and Toby Marsh, share a
passion for beer.
The two lifelong friends
started the business six years
ago, brewing 100 bottles
a week in Gary’s garage.
Following the instant demand
for their beer, the business
moved to its current premises
in an ex-aircraft hangar on the
old Chivenor airbase where
they now brew 3,200 bottles
every week.
When asked what it is
that customers like about GT
Ales, Gary replies: “We use
the world’s finest ingredients
to produce unique products
which are truly hand crafted.
“We use local producers
wherever possible, including
local printers for labels and
a local brewshop for certain
materials. The malts we use
are all grown in the UK, and
we use hops grown in the UK
as well as from all over the
world, including New Zealand,
USA and Europe.
Cheers! (from left) Gary Jarvis and Toby Marsh of GT Ales
“We have now been established
for six years and last
year were awarded CAMRA
‘Brewery of the Year’ for North
Devon out of 18 breweries
from across the region.
“We are continuing to grow,
and are still run entirely by
myself and Toby, hence the
name. The brand is becoming
more and more recognisable
and demand is now being
received from businesses
further afield, and so GT Ales
will be seen in various parts
of the country, with a proud
offering from a North Devon
producer.
“We currently supply
around 50 pubs, local shops,
restaurants and holiday parks
in North Devon, as well as
several locations in Exeter. We
feature in various beer festivals
nationwide and have just taken
our first order from a distributor
from the West Midlands.”
GT Ales’ range of beers
include Thirst of Many, Blonde
Ambition, North Coast IPA,
Dark Horse and Lazy 8 with
small batches of its GT# Series
produced throughout the year.
■■Details 01271 267420 or
gtales.co.uk
Attract customer
Attention!
with your marketing, PR
and communications
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u business journalism u technical writing u
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R
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@businessactionm | June / July 2019 | business action 17
IN THE HEADER HOT SEAT
Jack Richards of Applegate
1. What was your first job?
I worked for a sports coaching
company turned sports artist
agency as an admin assistant
from the age of 16. Bizarrely,
I organised an office renovation
in my first six months. I
am still confused as to why I
was trusted to do this . . . but it
turned out okay.
2. What is the best
business advice you’ve
ever received?
‘Don’t do too much on your
own’. I am a ‘yes’ person, and
whilst that is great, I have had
to admit that I am not the best
at everything. What I have
learnt is a business is filled with
experts and it is always best
to recognise that and use that
knowledge to broaden my own
understanding.
3. What do you enjoy most
about business?
Positive conversations. In a
world that can sometimes be
just a bit gloomy, it is incredible
how many positive conversations,
cheery coffees and
optimistic propositions I have
shared. Going to work can be
very refreshing.
4. What technology could
your business never be
without?
Artificial Intelligence. We lived
without it, but it now makes our
lives much easier and rather
more exciting. We have two
programmes running which
have been set up through our
partnership with the University
of Exeter. As a technology business,
PCs are rather important
too, but significantly less
glamorous than AI.
Each issue we put a North Devon business personality in the hot
seat and ask them 10 questions. This issue we asked Jack Richards,
marketing communications executive at Applegate
5. Describe your business
management / style
Our business is managed in
such a way that is inclusive of
employees at all levels. From
apprentices to directors, all staff
are made aware of decisions
and the vision of the business
– included in discussion and
decision making along the way.
6. How do you go about
personal development?
My personal development
seems to be never ending. From
a Degree Apprenticeship and
working towards CMgr status
to project management and
external event attendance, it is
safe to say I have a lot going on
in terms of my professional and
personal development. I think
that Applegate strikes the right
balance between providing
support and giving me
autonomy to jump into the deep
end and just learn to swim.
Applegate Marketplace offers
‘Applegate’ – the eProcurement
Marketplace which helps
buyers source the products
and services their organisation
needs. While Applegate’s
database provides information
on millions of products
and services from many
thousands of companies – the
60,000 registered buyers can
simply fill out a request for
quotation and obtain multiple
quotes, from different
suppliers, in line with best
purchasing practices.
7. Is there anything about
yourself that you want to
change?
I think it’s quite important to
learn to be happy with yourself.
So, I’d quite like to be more
like that. I always worry about
underperforming or me not
being the best I can be.
8. Social media: yes or no?
Preferred network?
Yes, yes, YES! Not just as
a digital marketer, but as a
person too. I love the fact that
on social media, I can see
where my friends are and all
the cool things they are up
to. I’m a Londoner, so social
media connects me to everything
and everyone I know.
LinkedIn is great for expanding
my professional network,
generating leads and keeping
up to date with contemporaries.
But, no preferred
network – I like them all.
9. How do you wind down
when not working?
Apart from drinking wine? Let
me think. I do like to travel and
visit new places, so winding
down for me often involves
heading off somewhere for
some exploring.
10. Do you have a motto or
favourite quotation?
No – I am not one of those
people, I’m afraid.
I’ve heard the phrase ‘Be
More Jack’ float around of late,
which I rather like.
ABOUT APPLEGATE MARKETPLACE
In partnership with the
Institute of Data Science
and Artificial Intelligence
at the University of Exeter,
the company now develops
machine learning systems,
continually enhancing the
matching of suppliers to buyers’
requests – ensuring the
best possible result for buyers.
The company is a Strategic
Partner of the US Department
of Commerce International
Trade Administration.
■■Details 0345 600 7177 or
applegate.co.uk
18 business action | June / July 2019 | business-action.co.uk
Barefoot accountants: (from left) Mel Willis, Barbara Harris and Nicola Blong
Shaking off the corporate accountancy image
Barbara Harris of Cranford
Business Services is one of a
growing new breed of accountants
– women, who dress
casually and can tell a joke.
She realised early on that
many clients are scared by the
fancy suits and plush offices
and, as she wasn’t interested in
the ‘corporate’ image, started
her own business taking on
other clients.
“Originally, it was just for
me and my husband Ian as
money was tight and we could
save by doing our own tax
returns,” says Barbara.
She quickly realised
that there were other selfemployed
people and those
who owned a single rental
property, for whom paying the
bills was the priority but profit
easily eaten away.
“It’s also a matter of
knowing your strengths and
playing to them, letting others
play to theirs. By keeping
overheads low, we can pass
this saving along to those
smaller clients. Working
for the occasional client in
evenings and weekends from
a home office while working
full-time soon led to one parttime
member of staff, then a
move out of the house. Being
self-employed, it can be difficult
to switch off and if you’re
not careful you find yourself
living to work rather than the
other way round.
“So many people in North
Devon / North Cornwall’s
rural environs enter selfemployment
because there
is no real alternative, often
doing more than one type
of work – now colloquially
referred to as ‘slashies’.
“This is an area that could
cause some problems for them
in future years. HMRC rolled
out their latest acronym MTD
(Making Tax Digital), which
finally went live in April. This
leads to quarterly reporting
of income and expenditure.
Presently only for those who
are above the VAT threshold
of £85,000 turnover, the
‘HMRC initiative that will
revolutionise the UK tax
system and ultimately bring
an end to self-assessment’ has
at least one flaw for those who
need to keep costs low and
that is the requirement for the
majority of business owners to
maintain digital records using
compatible software. And this
definitely has cost implications.
There are systems
available at lower costs to
enable Excel to communicate
to HMRC computers, but
increasingly it costs to use
Excel. And if you then have to
send income and expenditure
for each type of business you
run, it’s not just the money
but the additional time it
takes in an already packed
working week.
“Is there an upside to this?
Well, if you have to do this
four times a year, then the
actual tax return at the year
end should be quicker.
“From the point of view of
the small accountant, there
have already been changes
and cost implications at Cranford.
In the past few years,
as we attracted new clients,
we have tried to encourage
them to let us have their
paperwork every few months
so it becomes a good habit.
This quickly made us realise
that storage space was going
to be a headache. Although
the volume of paperwork isn’t
more, we still need to book it
in and be able to work on it
then get it back out to clients.
Also, we needed more people
to complete the work to meet
the new deadlines.”
To meet these demands
Cranford has a new office and,
shortly Barbara and her two
existing colleagues will be
joined by a third. Barbara also
remains very conscious of the
need to provide the service
clients want at a cost they can
still afford.
“To keep costs down we
have our office at the bottom
of the garden rather than
paying rent on offices in town
and we meet up with clients
at a time and place to suit
them and stagger our opening
hours to provide a value for
money service.
“We are now waiting to see
how the new tax system will
actually work in real time.
RTi for payroll was introduced
14 years ago, requiring
employers to send an electronic
return to HMRC every
time they pay their staff, yet
we still encounter instances
where HMRC maintains that
its system received different
information from that which
was sent, leading to investigations
that can take months
and considerable work to
resolve.”
So with changing times
ahead for tax, is there anything
that will stay the same?
“Oh yes, as the temperature
rises on those warm sunny
days with gentle winds, you
will still find us sitting up on
the decking with the parasol
up, sunscreen on and our
sandals off . . . still practising
barefoot accountancy.”
■■Details 07896 204857 or
accountsindevon.co.uk
@businessactionm | June / July 2019 | business action 19
DESIGN
Quality and detailed design
One of the oldest clubs in
golf, Muirfield in Scotland, has
recently completed a major
redevelopment. Part of the
redevelopment process was the
creation of the new Muirfield
Room, which was carried out
by Barnstaple-based Bobblehat.
“This was tremendously
exciting for us and is testament
to our attention to detail and
quality of workmanship,” says
sales director John Courtney.
“As the building dates
back to 1891, every detail was
scrutinised and signed off by
their heritage committee who
were great to work with.”
This is the second major
golf-based refit undertaken
by Bobblehat, who two years
ago designed and fitted out the
Centurion Club pro-shop near
St Albans.
■■Details 01271 328003 or
bobblehat.co
Co-founder on UK jewellery power list
Katie Nickell, co-founder and
creative director of Barnstaple-based
Kit Heath, has been
named Brand Champion on
Professional Jeweller’s Power
List 2019.
Professional Jeweller
honours leaders across the UK
jewellery trade and recognises
Katie for bringing innovation
back to the forefront of the
business. The listing places
Katie among prestigious business
leaders from De Beers,
Tiffany and Swarovski.
This advert can be
yours for
£125 a year.
Call 07970 671192
Katie and brother Kit
Heath founded the design
partnership in 1984, taking
inspiration from the beauty
of their North Devon home
and timeless British style. Kit
had melted down the family
candlesticks to create sterling
silver jewellery that he sold
to friends and family. He also
sold to gift and jewellery shops
from his VW camper van while
Katie collaborated and led the
creative side until both took
non-executive roles in 2000.
Professional Jewellery
recognises Katie’s achievements
since returning to the business
full-time in 2014. This includes
winning Fashion Jewellery
Brand of the Year at the PJ
Awards and, in 2018, moving
away from a US distributor to
dealing direct with US retailers.
It says the firm is now doing
well in a tough market and
Katie has brought innovation
back into the business.
■■Details 01271 312029 or
kitheath.com
20 business action | June / July 2019 | business-action.co.uk
In his Blind Man Roy blog, Roy Imeson describes living with Retina Pigmentosa and his year of fund raising with his children: (from left) Ollie, Laura and Roy Imeson
Blind Man Roy set to scale three peaks
Eye tests are a routine for
many of us, but for Roy
Imeson of Ilfracombe they
brought to light deterioration
in his peripheral vision, leading
to a diagnosis of Retina
Pigmentosa (RP), which the
RNIB defines as “a group of
inherited eye conditions that
affect the retina at the back of
the eye” causing permanent
changes to vision.
The diagnosis came as a
shock to Roy, who is a father,
Exmoor Explorers Scout
leader and strategic partnership
adviser covering the
Heart of the South West for
the Construction Industry
Training Board (CITB).
“I was lost for reasons
and worried about going
forward and supporting my
family,” says Roy. “I made a
call to the RNIB helpline and
was overwhelmed by all the
support that followed. The
help included a home visit
from a couple of supportive
people. After time, I received
white cane training, support
with finding further support
such as a ‘Blue Badge’ and
discounted bus journeys.”
With support from his
employer and the government’s
Access to Work scheme,
Roy continues to work across
Devon and in London. Instead
of driving himself, Roy is
provided with a chauffeur
through Access to Work, CITB
and Ilfracombe and District
Community Transport.
“I couldn’t have asked for
a better employer,” adds Roy.
“They give me scope to be who
I am and have provided me
with high-tech tools.”
These include a microphone
designed to pick up
Roy’s voice and cancel out
background noise as well as
dictation tools.
With this support, Roy is
working with as many small
rural construction companies
as possible to attract, train and
retain new talent.
“I’m still talking to people
and giving presentations,
although I don’t see the audience
and am learning new
skills to get feedback.”
Remarkably, Roy is one of
only two people registered
blind in the UK construction
industry and is working
to improve access: “It has to
increase. People need to be
aware that deaf and blind
people still need to work.”
Roy is also working to
increase awareness of RP and
raise funds for the RNIB,
which is funded solely by donations.
In 2019, he and daughter
Laura and son Ollie are taking
part in a year of fund raising,
which includes an expedition
in July to scale the three
highest peaks in the United
Support Roy’s Go Fund Me campaign at
gf.me/u/sxhxwz
Kingdom – Ben Nevis, Scafell
Pike and Snowdonia – plus
walks along the Once Brewed
section of Hadrian’s Wall and
the English National Three
Peaks in the Yorkshire Dales.
Roy is very grateful to Ilfracombe
and District Lions Club
for offering to pay for fuel
for the trip and he welcomes
any further sponsorship or
support for the expedition.
He explains: “I also wish
to promote mental wellbeing
via my challenges and attitude
towards life, and support
other families with this rare
genetic problem. There are
some tough decisions and
it can feel very frustrating
and lonely. Please feel free to
contact me to ask questions or
offer support.”
While RP has a major
impact on his life, he is able
to discuss it with humour and
discusses how he manages the
challenges in his Blind Man
Roy blog.
■■Details blindmanroy.com
Call 01271 326694.
info@boomboomedia.co.uk
visit www.boomboommedia.co.uk
@businessactionm | June / July 2019 | business action 21
North Devon Show – Wednesday 7th August 2019
The North Devon Show is a
celebration of all things rural.
Our traditional, annual one
day show has something for
everyone.
We have livestock classes
– sheep, cattle, horses and
ponies, and an open dog show,
alongside pig and poultry
exhibition marquees, sheep
shearing demonstrations and
NEW for 2019 – an education
and petting area.
In our horticultural
marquee there will be floral
art demonstrations and horticultural
classes for everyone
to enter.
Demonstrations will take
place all day in our countryside
area: ferret racing,
archery, fly casting, thatching,
stone walling, charcoal
display and many more –
come and have a go at clayzer
at no extra charge.
There are 400 trade stands
throughout the showground
including a food hall, arcade,
members mall, and crafts and
gifts marquee.
Our main ring and Tarka
ring will offer you a wide
range of attractions all day,
with our vintage vehicles on
display and parading our main
ring. Don’t miss the fast and
furious inter hunt relay.
As well as our circus and
fairground, we have introduced
a music stage to the
centre of our showground,
which is NEW for 2019 with
acts commencing at 10.00am.
Our show opens at 8.00am
and runs all day – please come
and join us.
E-tickets are available to
purchase on our web site or via
our advance ticket outlets or
our gates on show day.
■■northdevonshow.com
Business Action is exhibiting at the North Devon Show
Meet the publishers and editor of Business Action magazine and the organisers of BBxpo
business
ACTION
business-action.co.uk | BBxpo.uk
Need it
Find it
Visit us at the North Devon Show on the Need it Find it stand in the Arcade