Business Action | October / November 2019
October / November 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. This issue includes the event guide for the BBxpo business exhibition and networking event in Bideford on Thursday 24 October 2019. Business Action Plan and magazine subscribers receive priority access of new issues of Business Action on publication. Subscribe at http://www.business-action.co.uk/plans
October / November 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.
This issue includes the event guide for the BBxpo business exhibition and networking event in Bideford on Thursday 24 October 2019.
Business Action Plan and magazine subscribers receive priority access of new issues of Business Action on publication. Subscribe at http://www.business-action.co.uk/plans
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usiness
ACTION
north enterprise
devon
growth
innovation
news & views
BBxpo exhibition
Full event guide inside
Boost your business
North Devon Enterprise Day
#10to1m campaign
Switch spending to local businesses
We’re in the #SmallBiz100
Sign up for Small Business Saturday
business-action.co.uk | October / November 2019 | @businessactionm
CONTENTS
Wills Property Trusts (in will)
Children’s Trusts (in will) Funeral Plans
Probate Lasting Powers of Attorney
Wills: £70 Single / £105 Joint
Web site | business-action.co.uk
Online version | business-action.uk
Vol 1 Issue 5 – Oct / Nov 2019 – distribution 2,500 across North Devon
Enterprise................................................................................................................ 1
New laundry offers flexible service............................................................. 2
Clovelly Lectures: Smart people have too much power..................... 2
Media pigs fly with Facebook approval...................................................... 3
High Street.............................................................................................................. 4
Exceptional service drives digital agency................................................ 5
Small Business Saturday................................................................................. 6
Business Action is a #SmallBiz100............................................................. 6
How B2B businesses can get involved with SBS.................................. 6
From £10 to £1 million #10to1m.................................................................... 7
Business Action Advertising Plans............................................................. 7
BBxpo event guide.............................................................................................. 9
BBxpo presentations & free networking lunch...................................... 9
BBxpo exhibitors................................................................................................. 10
North Devon Enterprise Day........................................................................... 11
Expressing your brand in video.................................................................... 11
Quality print plus local service...................................................................... 11
Corporate responsibility recognised by Parliament............................ 14
People....................................................................................................................... 15
Networking.............................................................................................................. 16
A finance provider with a difference........................................................... 17
Untapped Talent recruitment event ............................................................ 18
Virtual Business Partners listen to clients’ needs................................ 18
Harness your web site data............................................................................. 18
Business Listings................................................................................................ 19
In the Hot Seat: Mike Matthews of Lineal Software.............................. 20
From vine to bottle in Devon........................................................................... 21
Bringing business ideas to life...................................................................... 21
© 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.
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.
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Web, Brand, Advertising, Design, Literature
ii
business action | October / November 2019 | business-action.co.uk
ENTERPRISE
business
ACTION
Building a prosperous economy
When we launched Business
Action in February this year,
it was with the idea of raising
awareness of businesses in
and around North Devon and
supporting their growth and
development.
Seven months later, we are
astounded at the response to
the magazine and the support
from local businesses. We are
also surprised and delighted
that we have been selected as
the only business in Devon to
be included in Small Business
Saturday’s #SmallBiz100 – 100
businesses from across the
country chosen to represent
and support small businesses.
In fact, events overtook us.
We were already organising
our BBxpo business exhibition
and networking event
on Thursday 24 October
2019 and had created North
Devon Enterprise Day to help
ADVERTISING
Alan Williams
Advertising, Distribution & Publisher
t: 07970 671192
e: alan@business-action.co.uk
businesses take advantage of
national initiatives such as
Small Business Saturday, which
provide free resources and
infrastructure to support them.
Selection for #SmallBiz100 took
this a step further and in order
to maximise this opportunity
for all businesses in the area,
EDITORIAL
Robert Zarywacz
Editor, Designer & Publisher
t: 07971 176044
e: robertz@business-action.co.uk
@robertz
we have launched the #10to1m
initiative to encourage not only
businesses, but also consumers
to change their buying habits.
Let’s make it a habit always to
ask where we can purchase
a product or service locally
before resorting to a national
business or online giant.
The take-up of these initiatives
by enthusiastic business
owners is very exciting and we
want to encourage you to join
in with us. Everyone benefits
if we inject money back into
our economy by switching to
buying locally whenever we
can – businesses thrive, jobs are
maintained and created, and
prosperity increases through
the community.
We thank all our supporters,
especially our advertisers,
without whom this magazine
would not exist. To support us,
please consider taking out one
of our affordable advertising
plans for your business. We
also thank all our contributors
and readers.
We do hope you enjoy this
issue and participate in all
the initiatives below for the
benefit of your business, your
employees and the whole area.
Small Business Saturday
is the national campaign to
encourage people to support
local businesses on the first
Saturday of December – this
year on 7 December.
Business Action is delighted
to have been selected as one of
the campaign’s #SmallBiz100
for 2019 – one of 100 businesses
across the UK chosen to
represent the campaign and the
only one in Devon.
We will be working hard
during the coming months
to encourage all small businesses
to join in Small Business
Saturday – campaign registration
and resources are free.
>>> PAGE 6
From 10 to a million – that’s
what we can achieve if just
over half the population of
North Devon and Torridge
switch £10 of spending from
an online giant or national
company to a local business on
one day – £1 million.
Sounds crazy, but it is
achievable. All we have to do is
to each pause before we make
any purchase – either personal
or for business – and consider
whether we can buy from a
local business.
And when we do buy
locally to share it with the
#10to1m hashtag.
Let’s do it!
>>> PAGE 7
BBxpo is North Devon’s
biggest business-to-business
exhibition and networking
event and will open its doors
to visitors on Thursday 24
October 2019 at Devon Hall,
Bideford College.
Register your free place(s)
at bbxpo19.eventbrite.co.uk
to attend the business exhibition
and the presentation
programme, which includes
two sessions from the Google
Digital Garage.
The event culminates in
the biggest free lunch in
North Devon – our famous
networking buffet.
See you there!
The first North Devon
Enterprise Day is on Thursday
24 October – the same day as
BBxpo – and aims to celebrate,
inspire and encourage entrepreneurs
across North Devon.
Book for the session at
BBxpo to join in the group
discussion on how entrepreneurs
can work together to
provide support for each other
and build a stronger North
Devon economy.
Join our North Devon
Enterprise Wave and demonstrate
how you are investing,
expanding and succeeding in
developing your business in
North Devon.
>>> PAGE 9 >>> PAGE 11
@businessactionm | October / November 2019 | business action 1
NEWS
New laundry offers flexible service
Edwards Laundry Services
has launched in Holsworthy to
provide tailored and bespoke
services for holiday let owners,
hotels and property management
companies.
The company is owned
by Amy Parker and David
Drewery, and named after
their 10-month-old son.
“For the past seven years
I have been managing local
holiday let properties,” says
Amy. “Throughout the years
laundry has always been an
issue. Either the larger companies
were not interested, due
to not having an order over
£500 a week, or I would be put
into a contract where we were
builder Phil Cook, SD Martin
Plumbing and Heating, Terry
Graves Electrical and North
Cornwall Bottled Gas and
Solid Fuel Centre.
The response to the service
has been enthusiastic and
customers include hotels and
holiday companies.
“We do not tie companies
into a contract,” says Amy.
“I believe our customers
stay with us because we give
them a good service and
quality. We understand that
everyone’s requirements will be
different, which is why we offer
tailored and bespoke laundry
services to all our customers.”
Amy adds that all staff have
charged even if we were quiet.
previously worked either with
Bespoke laundry services: (from left) David Drewery and Amy Parker
“Three years ago, I started
holiday lets or in hotels so
my own laundering and
bought linen and towels for
a property in Bude. Over the
years, due to demand, it has
just grown.”
Dave adds, “It’s a new
adventure and an act of faith
in Amy and her staff.
“I saw the amount of
laundry Amy and her staff
would have to do and at times
I was found at the ironing
board, ironing for hours. We
decided to open a laundry
business and employ local
people.”
Amy and Dave acquired
their 2,100 sq. ft. premises on
Holsworthy Industrial Estate
in late June. They are grateful
to a range of local suppliers
who helped them prepare
to launch Edwards Laundry
Services in July, including
they care and understand how
important it is to have clean
bedding and that the tablecloths
in a hotel or restaurant
have to have lines that match
up to look right.
■■Details 01409 259872 or
edwardslaundryservices.co.uk
Smart people have too much power
Smart people have too much
power is the topic of the latest
Clovelly Lecture on Saturday
12 October at Clovelly.
The talk will be presented
by David Goodhart, who will
examine ‘Democracy in Crisis
– Understanding Political
Disaffection in the West’. As
an influential journalist and
head of the Demography,
Immigration and Integration
Unit at the think tank Policy
Exchange, Goodhart will lead
the discussion, which will
provide the opportunity for
the audience to ask questions
directly on some of the
most important issues of the
current time.
David Goodhart founded,
current affairs magazine Prospect
in 1995, was director of
the London-based think tank
Demos and took up his Policy
Exchange role in 2017. He has
been a correspondent for the
Financial Times, has written
for The Times, The Independent
and The Guardian and
presented documentaries for
BBC Radio 4.
The purpose of Clovelly
Lectures is to provide information
on policy directions
for making informed choices.
They aim to bring influential
people out of the corridors of
power and into a more relaxed
setting where people can meet
them and hear what they have
to say.
The David Goodhart event
includes reception, lecture,
debate and optional dinner.
It runs from 6.00pm from
8.20pm with the dinner
running until 10.30pm.
■■Book on 01237 431200 or
clovellylectures11@gmail.com
Details at clovellylectures.com
Friendly, Reliable, Affordable
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email@theriverbankbistro.co.uk
2 business action | October / November 2019 | business-action.co.uk
Blind Pig Media, which has
creative hubs in both Bude
and London, has been named
a Facebook official Marketing
Partner. Recognition by a
corporation of this size is a
significant achievement for
the growing digital marketing
agency, and will open up more
opportunities for both the
agency and its clients.
According to Facebook,
“Marketing Partners are
painstakingly vetted not only
for capability and expertise,
but also for a solid track record
of success”, meaning that
when a company is in need
A trio of the Bude Blind Pig Team: (from left) Steve Brookes, Alice Edmonds and Erin Michie. Two of the piglets are Hippo and Lily!
Media pigs fly with Facebook approval
of marketing assistance, they
can head straight to this list of
proven partners all across the
world to find an agency who
will help –Blind Pig Media now
being one of them.
The benefits of this recognition
include early access to
new product releases, a direct
connection to the Facebook
team, as well as a wide variety
of training resources and events
right at the tip of the team’s
fingers. These can be fed back
to clients, which include SMEs
and FTSE100 companies, to
further improve their digital
marketing and business success.
Exeter ranked a top five UK airport
Exeter Airport has again
been ranked in the top five
of UK airports for customer
satisfaction, according to the
consumer group Which?
Exeter went up one place
this year to fourth out of
17 airports across the UK
with fewer than 10 million
passengers. Based on a range
of member measures, Exeter
scored 73%, up one percent
on the previous report, in the
survey competed by more than
6,000 Which? passengers.
Matt Roach, managing
director of Exeter Airport,
said: “Our passengers appreciate
the convenience of flying
from their local airport and
the Which? survey results
show that our staff at Exeter
Airport have again helped
bring about the high scores for
customer satisfaction.”
■■Details exeter-airport.co.uk
Steve Brookes, co-founder of
Blind Pig Media says, “We are
delighted to have received this
partnership accreditation from
Facebook and to be recognised
for our expertise and the results
achieved for our clients.
“I am very proud of the
team’s efforts and hard work
that have got us to this stage as
a business, and I am even more
excited for the future of Blind
Pig Media and what’s to come.”
Blind Pig Media was
originally established in
London and relocated to Bude
in 2016, while retaining its
London presence. One of the
William Bolton, 22, has won
the Exmoor Society’s 2019
Pinnacle Award for Young
Entrepreneurs, worth £3,000.
William has a passion for
bee-keeping, learnt from his
grandfather, and is determined
to follow in his footsteps by
producing heather honey
from hives on Exmoor. He will
continue the practice of moving
hives on and off the moor by
reviving these sites and finding
main reasons for moving to
the South West was the level of
creative talent emerging from
Falmouth University.
Client account associate
Alice Edmonds adds: “I also
love the fact that you can get
out for a walk on the beach
in your lunch break or before
work – it definitely helps the
creativity to flow.”
The Blind Pig ‘litter’ now
numbers 14 and its services
range from content creation to
growth and engagement, SEO
and web design.
■■Details 020 3745 65 75 or
blindpigmedia.co.uk
Rural award winner busy with bees
new ones in his enterprise
WBee, based on his initials.
William attended school in
Wiveliscombe before working
on several bee farms in New
Zealand. He said: ‘‘It is an
honour to have been chosen
by the Exmoor Society for this
award and I look forward to
growing my business for the
benefit of the environment and
my community.”
■■Details exmoorsociety.com
@businessactionm | October / November 2019 | business action 3
HIGH STREET
Fill your own containers in Lynton
After visiting local eco
shops, Val Pugsley wanted
to open her own store and so
started researching products.
On 1 September, Val and
husband Steve accepted the
keys to the shop at 1 Lee Road,
Lynton and opened the doors
of Ginger Nut on 2 September.
Ginger Nut stocks home,
eco and seaside goods and
is building up its range to
include cleaning products
from fabric conditioner to
washing-up liquid, hand soap,
laundry liquid, toilet cleaner,
washing and dishwasher
powder and a lot more.
To reduce waste, customers
are invited to bring their own
bottles to refill and reuse their
plastic containers. Ginger Nut
also sells glass bottles with a
pump, spray or pourer, which
can be refilled again and
again. The store’s emphasis is
on products free from dyes
and harsh chemicals and not
tested on animals.
As well as Val and Steve,
the store is staffed by four
assistants include Christine
Bowden, Kelly Peacock and
family members.
The response from the
community has been very
positive and Val intends to
open all year.
■■Details 07811 356711 or
ginger-nut.co.uk
Pannier market plan
Bideford Pannier Market
development officer Helen
Perrson, appointed in August, is
working to increase market use
for businesses and community.
With accommodation for
a potential 17 businesses on
Butcher’s Row, eight marketplace
shops and 35 stalls plus
toilets, baby-changing facilities,
café and food outlets all under
cover, Helen aims to develop
events to attract more traders,
families and shoppers.
“We welcome new traders
who want to be part of a
vibrant market,” says Helen.
The Pannier Market Hall
is open Tuesdays to Saturdays,
9.00am to 3.00pm from
January to March and 9.00am
to 4.00pm from April to
December; the independent
Butcher’s Row and the Market
Place Shops are open Mondays
to Saturdays.
■■Details Bideford Pannier
Market at bideford-tc.gov.uk
Sustainable store: (from left) Christine Bowden, Kelly Peacock
and ginger nut Val Pugsley
Back to nature on the high street
If the high street is at the
centre of the community, then
the community is at the centre
of Nature’s Nutrition in Mill
Street, Bideford.
Not only is Nature’s Nutrition
a health-food store selling
high-quality foods and supplements
for a range of specialist
and regular diets, but it’s also
a co-operative which aims to
support the local community.
Registered as a not-for-profit
community benefit society, individuals
can join as members.
It also strives to care for the
environment and encourages
customers to bring in their own
boxes, jars or pots to fill them
with herbs, spices, cereals, rice,
pulses, dried fruit and other
foods to reduce packaging and
waste. It also stocks refill shampoos,
hand-wash, cleaning and
laundry liquids from ethical
brands including EcoLeaf, Bio
D and Faith in Nature.
There is large range of
products in store, from vegan
protein powders to speciality
teas, and staff are always pleased
to source specific products.
■■Details 01237 425194 or
naturesnutrition.life
4 business action | October / November 2019 | business-action.co.uk
NEWS
Do you need to be based in
a city to run a digital agency
with customers across the
world? Andrew Bowers of
Peak Online has proved that
you don’t. Originally from
Wales, Andrew now lives in
North Devon and has moved
his business here too.
Andrew started his
first business 10 years ago,
building web sites for local
businesses in Wales. In 2014,
he travelled to Hong Kong,
where a friend was based. On
his first visit, he signed up his
first international client and
started Peak Online. Since
then, Andrew has developed it
into an international web site
design and digital marketing
business servicing clients
across the world.
“Now I go to Hong Kong
every year and see as many
people as possible to sign up
new customers,” says Andrew.
“Over the years, clients don’t
need to see me and I can
contact them by Skype.”
As well as working with
Farmers group’s fifth anniversary
Exmoor Hill Farming Network
(EHFN) is celebrating its fifth
anniversary. The independent,
farmer-led group was launched
in 2014 to improve the viability
and sustainability of Exmoor
farming businesses through
knowledge transfer, peer-group
support, training, and co-operation
to safeguard upland
farming, rural employment and
landscape management.
EHFN is based at Cutcombe
Market and aims to be the
‘go-to hub’ for the farming
community, supporting some
300 farming businesses in and
around Exmoor.
EHFN organises a wide
range of events for farmers to
learn, share and collaborate
through a mix of discussion
groups, visits, and specialist
knowledge / training events.
Exceptional service
drives digital agency
Recently, members and the
National Park Authority have
produced ‘Exmoor’s Ambition’.
These proposals advocate a
new approach to enhancing
the internationally important
landscapes and the many public
benefits that good farming and
other land managing businesses
can provide. They comprise a
co-ordinated set of locally delivered
and accountable measures
to enhance the environment,
economy and public wellbeing.
Network chairman Dave
Knight says, “Because this has
been a farmer-based approach,
backed by the National Park
Authority and the local
community, we have got a
groundswell of local farming
support for this initiative.”
■■Details 01643 841455 or
exmoorhillfarmingnetwork.org.uk
Andrew Bowers of Peak Online
clients in Hong Kong and
Australia, Andrew also works
with design and marketing
professionals across the world
so that his business operates
truly internationally.
“I have a formula of things
I expect from professionals,
including speed of response,
honesty, reliability and their
ability to deliver. I like to build
up trust with all the people I
work with.”
Peak Online’s services
range from Wordpress and
Magento web site design and
development to ecommerce,
app development, digital
marketing, copywriting, translation
and graphic design.
In addition to clients
abroad and in Wales, Andrew
is keen to become part of
the North Devon business
community and to work with
more customers here. Peak
Online already manages web
sites for World of Wonder
at Affinity and Mono Stereo
Records in Bideford.
Andrew is not only
interested in the business side,
but also has a long history of
involvement with community
and helps Neath Port Talbot
Mind with its web site.
“I like to get involved with
the local community and I
like to work with people who
complement my business.”
While digital and design
skills are essential to his business,
Andrew emphasises that
Peak Online’s success is due to
its exceptionally high level of
customer service.
“We help customers improve
their businesses because we
care about their businesses.”
■■Details 01237 721256 or
northdevon.peak-online.uk.com
VISIT STAND AT BBXPO
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.
@businessactionm | October / November 2019 | business action 5
Small Business Saturday UK
is a grassroots, non-commercial
campaign, which highlights
small business success and
encourages consumers to ‘shop
local’ and support small businesses
in their communities.
The day itself takes place on
the first Saturday in December
each year – this year on 7
December – but the campaign
aims to have a lasting impact
on small businesses.
On Small Business Saturday,
customers across the UK go out
and support all types of small
businesses, online, in offices
and in stores. Many small
businesses take part in the day
by hosting events and offering
discounts to customers.
SMALL BUSINESS
Sign up for Small Business Saturday
Every year the campaign
highlights 100 small businesses
across the country, one
a day for the 100 days leading
up to Small Business Saturday.
This year Business Action
has been selected as one of
the #SmallBiz100 – the only
business representing Devon
– and is working to encourage
as many businesses as possible
to register for Small Business
Saturday and as many
customers as possible to buy
from small businesses, both
on the day and every day
throughout the year.
Why get involved?
£812 million was spent in
small businesses across the UK
on Small Business Saturday in
2018, according to research
commissioned by founder and
We are a #SmallBiz100
menting the services you
provide. Then work out a plan
of how you’re going to work
together, for example:
➤➤Joint giveaway (maybe a
competition)
➤➤Joint offer (create a bundle
of your services)
➤➤Create a networking event
for other local businesses
Whatever you decide to do,
remember that you will extend
your reach because you’ll both
be promoting your activity to
your respective audiences.
Give away some expertise
You know your stuff. You are
the expert on the product or
service you offer. So why not
principal supporter American
Express, up from £748 million
the previous year.
Small Business Saturday
also achieves high engagement
on social media channels,
including Facebook, Instagram
and Twitter. Tweets on the day
reached more than 100 million
people, with #SmallBizSatUK
and #SmallBusinessSaturday
trending in the UK’s top 5.
■■Register your business and
benefit from the campaign at
smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
Work together for success
Sign up your business and follow
Small Business Saturday
on all social media channels.
To make the most of the
campaign, follow Business
Action and talk to other local
small businesses so we all
work together for success.
Business Action publishers
Robert Zarywacz and Alan
Williams (alongside left to
right) will also be discussing
how North Devon businesses
can take part in Small Business
Saturday at BBxpo in Bideford
on 24 October.
How B2B businesses can get involved
Many business-to-business
(B2B) enterprises think that
they can’t take part in Small
Business Saturday. They think
it’s a day for retail businesses.
They are wrong! Small Business
Saturday is for all small businesses.
You just need to work
out what you’re going to do.
I’ve been involved in Small
Business Saturday as a small
business owner for the last
three years and in total since
it began in 2013. My target
customers are you, other small
businesses. In addition to being
a Small Biz 100 (I got that in
my first five months of business),
I’ve also run my own
offers and campaigns. What can
you do? Here are some ideas.
Don’t go it alone
Sometimes, two heads are
better than one. So why not
partner up with another business?
Work out who would be
good to work with, comple-
Can B2B businesses benefit from Small Business Saturday? Minal
Patel is a previous #SmallBiz100 and has been involved with Small
Business Saturday for the past three years. This extract from her
blog shows how businesses can grasp the opportunities available
give some of that expertise
away for free, such as an ebook,
webinar or personal event?
Get on video
Video is big news. It should
be a regular part of your
marketing and doesn’t have to
be expensive or complicated.
Join in local SBS activities
If you’re a little unsure of
jumping in and doing your
own thing, check out what
chambers of commerce or local
networking groups are doing.
Ask them if you can help.
Get listed on the SBS app
It’s free to list your business and
any offers or events you have
right now and up to the big day.
Read Minal’s blogs in full
Read the whole blog and others
on Minal’s web site for more
Small Business Saturday ideas.
■■Details 07766 222344 or
marketingbyminal.com
6 business action | October / November 2019 | business-action.co.uk
#10to1m
From £10 to £1 million
What is #10to1m?
Switch £10 of spending to a
local business.
Buying locally supports
businesses so they thrive,
employ more local people and
re-inject money back into the
local economy to keep our
towns and villages alive.
How could this benefit
North Devon?
Some 162,000 people live in
North Devon.
➤➤100 people switching £10
of spending to a local
business on one day would
inject £1,000 back into the
economy
1. While you might not
be able to compete with
national or online businesses
on price, take advantage
of the local service you
can offer customers.
2. Encourage customers to
ask questions so that you
can provide help and advice
– getting advice from
national or online businesses
is not always easy.
3. Offer to order products
for customers – if national
or online businesses have
limited ranges, you can
compete with them by
being more flexible.
➤➤1,000 people would inject
£10,000
➤➤100,000 people would inject
£1,000,000
➤➤100,000 people switching
most weeks would inject
£50,000,000 a year
#10to1m is about making
that switch happen.
Businesses
Make it easy for people to buy from you
All plans include
➤➤6 adverts (if selected)
➤➤6 magazine listings
➤➤online listing
➤➤6 mailed magazines
➤➤plus more
Switch £10 of your spending to a local North
Devon business each month, week or day
4. Make your business as
environmentally friendly
as possible by switching
to sustainable packaging
or bags wherever you can
– welcome customers who
bring their own bags or
containers with them.
5. Apply your knowledge and
expertise for you customers’
benefit – they like to know
they have someone whose
advice they can trust when
they need something.
Once customers know how
good you are, they will return
to you again and again.
Join in with #10to1m now
It’s easy – just buy local and
share on social media.
1. All are welcome to join in –
shoppers and businesses.
2. Change your shopping
habits – look for a local
supplier before you buy.
Shoppers
1. Do you really need something
instantly? Buying
online appears convenient,
but might add delivery
charges, while delivery
direct to your address could
require a special journey by
delivery van and unnecessary
packaging – not good
for the environment.
2. You could walk to a local
business to make your
purchase or perhaps travel
there on the way to work or
as part of another journey
– much better for the
environment.
3. Whenever you buy local,
post it on your social media
accounts with the business
name, town and hashtag
#10to1m.
Example tweet:
@businessactionm Bought a
fantastic jumper in #######
in #Braunton #10to1m
4. Share with your family,
friends and colleagues and
encourage them to switch
their spending to local businesses
too.
5. Share with us on our social
media channels.
■■Join in at 10to1m.co.uk and
share hashtag #10to1m
When you need something, look to buy locally
3. A local business can let you
see products before you buy
and explain the differences
between brands or models
– you are more likely to
select the most suitable
product or service to meet
your needs and receive
better service.
Convenience is not always
environmentally friendly and
could cost you more.
Visit 10to1m.co.uk
and share the
#10to1m hashtag
Promote your business all year round with our
Business Action Plans
Select plan
£50 Business Action Plan – 6 magazine listings
£150 Business Action Plan – 6 business card adverts
£275 Business Action Plan – 6 banner adverts
£400 Business Action Plan – 6 quarter page adverts
£750 Business Action Plan – 6 half page adverts
£1,375 Business Action Plan – 6 full page adverts
Payment options
Pay in full or by
12 monthly instalments –
with no extra charges.
Put yourself in front of
North Devon businesses.
Book online at business-action.co.uk/plans or call Alan on 07970 671192
@businessactionm | October / November 2019 | business action 7
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8 business action | October / November 2019 | business-action.co.uk
BBXPO GUIDE
Welcome to BBxpo
We welcome you to our second
annual BBxpo business event.
We hope you enjoy:
➤➤visiting the exhibition
➤➤attending the presentations
➤➤the free networking buffet
Get new skills
for a digital world!
We’re partnering with Google
Digital Garage to bring you
digital skills training from
Google – book for free training
courses below.
Visitors are urged to take
the opportunity to pick up the
best hints and tips on how to
Thursday 24 October
Devon Hall, Bideford College
FREE BUSINESS EVENT
brand their businesses online
and achieve better visibility for
their businesses.
Business exhibition
See pages 10-14 for profiles of
the 40+ businesses exhibiting
Free business presentations
10:00–11:00 | Build Your Personal Brand Online | the Google Digital Garage
For people who want to understand and identify what their brand is online. We cover which platforms
are right for you and how to get the most out of them. You will learn how to build a personal
brand online and how to increase visibility online.
1. Define your personal brand
2. Build your brand online
3. Increase your online visibility
11:00–12:00 | Get Your Business Visible on Google | the Google Digital Garage
For anyone who wants to get their business more visible online. We cover creating a listing for your
business on Google Maps and provide training in how to monitor and maintain your website’s presence
on Google Search. You’ll learn how to use the Google My Business platform to manage your
business presence on Google.
1. Understand how search works
2. Set-up a Google My Business listing
3. Manage your listing on Google
12:00–12:40 | High Performance in the Workplace | Dare2BU
1 in 4 people suffer with a mental health problem, every year. What impact can it have on a
business, whether small or large, when employees have mental ill-health and are unsure what to
do about it and feel unable to get help. Discover the rewards, business and personal, when we
understand where our mental health and state of mind comes from. What can an individual do for
themselves and what can an individual do for others?
12:40–13:20 | Benefits of Upskilling Your Workforce | Rozz Algar, 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.
13:20–14.00 | North Devon Enterprise Day Panel
To celebrate and promote enterprise in North Devon, a panel of successful business people will discuss
enterprise and how to develop your business, and answer questions from visitors. This will also
include Small Business Saturday, #10to1m and North Devon Enterprise Day. The panel will include:
➤➤Denise Anstey – Heartfelt Products
➤➤Jack Richards – Applegate
➤➤Lee Randall-Pybus – Devon Partnerships
➤➤Robert Zarywacz – Business Action
14:00–15:00 | North Devon Enterprise Day Free Networking Buffet
Join us for the ultimate free lunch at North Devon’s biggest networking event to celebrate and
promote enterprise in North Devon. Nibble and network and establish new business contacts.
Register at bbxpo19.eventbrite.co.uk
in the main hall. Support
organisations attending include
CITB, which will be advising
on grants for construction
businesses, while the Heart
of the South West Growth
Hub will be advising on its free
business advice and support.
Jobcentre Plus and Learn
Devon will be on hand to
discuss employment, while
Petroc will be promoting its
wide range of courses.
Free networking buffet
And don’t miss our free
networking buffet – the biggest
in North Devon – which offers
the opportunity for everyone
to make new connections and
build new relationships.
Panellists
Denise Anstey
Denise is an award-winning
inventor and business owner.
She has worked for an ISO9001
regulated company within the
R&D Tax Credits industry and
can provide impartial advice on
these for businesses.
Jack Richards
Jack Richards works in
marketing at Applegate – the
eProcurement marketplace for
business. He studies Business
and Management at Plymouth
University and is an Apprenticeship
Ambassador in the
South West. Jack has considerable
knowledge and experience
of eCommerce, marketing
automation, communications
strategy and Project Management
and has appeared in the
Financial Times and on BBC
Radio 5 Live.
Lee Randall-Pybus
Lee is director of Your Partnerships,
having created
the extensive programme of
Devon Partnerships business
networking events across
Devon. Lee has an extensive
network of business people
across the county and the UK.
Robert Zarywacz
Robert combines corporate
experience with 25 years as a
business owner. He is a wellknown
business journalist and
is editor of Business Action
magazine. He is also co-organiser
of BBxpo.
@businessactionm | October / November 2019 | business action 9
BBXPO HEADER GUIDE
good
design
is good
business.
let's be good together
01271 336275 | clevera.co.uk
ps. see you at the expo
Barclays Business Banking
Web: barclays.co.uk/businessbanking
Tel: 07775 555514
Address: 38 Boutport Street,
Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1HH
Contact: Simon Pollard,
Relationship Manager. Whether
you are just starting out in
business or you’re already well
established, you’ll know that
smart, sensible support from your
bank can make all the difference.
That’s where we come in. Talk
to us about what you want to
achieve, in the UK or abroad, and
our team of managers will do all
they can to help you reach your
business goals.
Bearman’s Plumbing Centre
Twitter: @Bearmansplumin
Web: bearmansplumbingcentre.
co.uk
Tel: Ilfracombe 01271 867990
Barnstaple 01271 328097
Address: Unit 1F, Mullacott
Cross Industrial Estate,
Ilfracombe, EX34 8PL and
Unit 5 Brannam Crescent,
Roundswell Business Park,
Barnstaple, EX31 3TD
Plumbing, heating and bathroom
supplier to trade and DIY
customers. Supplying all aspects
of heating, plumbing, gas fittings,
bathrooms, pipe and fittings.
Spares for showers, taps, and
boilers in stock or available net
day. Expert advice available
on all aspects of plumbing and
heating as well as great advice
on bathroom design and fitting.
BNIB
Twitter: @BNIBarnstaple
Tel: 0843 289 1339
Web: bnibarnstaple.co.uk
Business Networking in Barnstaple
(BNIB) is a team of North Devon
businesses who meet weekly in
order to expand their business
through making new contacts
and gaining new work through
focused business referrals.
Business Action
Twitter: @BusinessActionM
Tel: 07971 176044
Web: businessaction.co.uk
and business-action.uk
Meet the publishers and editor.
CITB
Twitter: @CITB_UK
Web: citb.co.uk
CITB is the industry training
board for the construction sector
in England, Scotland and Wales.
Its aim is to help the construction
industry attract talent and to
support skills development to
build a better Britain.
Clarity Copiers North Devon
Tel: 01271 374061
Web: claritynorthdevon.co.uk
Address: Ground Floor, Florence
House, Brannam Crescent,
Roundswell Business Park,
Barnstaple, EX31 3TD
North Devon-based advice,
demonstration, service, rental &
sale of colour printers, copiers &
MFPs (multifunctional printers).
Wide range of models to suit all
requirements.
EXHIBITORS
Clevera
Twitter: @CleveraAgency
Tel: 01271 336275
Web: clevera.co.uk
Address: Whiddon Valley,
Barnstaple
We’re a fun, friendly creative
agency producing fab designs
for all forms of printed & digital
media. From a logo to anything
you can put it on, we’ve been
making businesses look their
best for many a year. If you fancy
getting a little Clevera with your
design and print, come say hi.
Cranford Business
Services Limited
Tel: 07896 204857
Web: accountsindevon.co.uk
Address: Old Stone, Cranford,
Devon, EX39 5QW
Barbara Harris FMAAT provides
accountancy and business
support. Does your accountant
listen to you and act on your
needs? Explain your accounts in
terms you understand? Arrange
meetings at your convenience?
Dare2BU
Tel: 07772 215366
Web: dare2bu.co.uk
Can we help you? Our aim is
to make North Devon the most
mentally healthy place to live
and work. We are Dare2BU, a
team of four ladies, led by Debra
Simmons, working together to
run retreats, talks, workshops
and other events to help
people find a more fulfilling and
contented way of living.
Devon Electric Heating
Twitter: @heatingdevon
Tel: 01237 722136
Web: devonelectricheating.
co.uk
Address: 1, The Vineyards,
Holsworthy, EX22 6JG
Electric Heating Systems
– supplied and installed –
throughout the South West. The
Devon Electric Heating range
of products provides a heating
solution whatever the size of your
property. From the smallest to
the largest home. Contact us for
a free, no obligation consultation
and survey.
Devon Partnerships
Twitter: @Devon_Partners
Tel: 07393 149855
Web: devonpartnerships.co.uk
Devon Partnerships’ purpose is
to help your business enhance its
position within the community by
providing the necessary tools to
promote your brand and services
by connecting businesses
together to create a stronger
Business network across Devon.
Devon Partnerships will also
work with Cornwall businesses
and Cornish Partnerships to help
build an even stronger South
West business community.
Fernbank Advertising
Tel: 01566 779653
Web: fernbankadvertising.co.uk
Promoting your business through
advertisements on bus shelters
across the South West region.
10 business action | October / November 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
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
Expressing your brand in video
The buzz at an event is great
to experience and video can
capture the atmosphere to
share with those who cannot be
present. Paulo Symons of
Panotion will be present at
BBxpo to video the day’s activities
and has offered his insight
into the benefits of video and
how he approaches it.
Paulo studied graphics at
college and university and
learnt to apply the concepts of
storytelling to evoke emotions
and to include a call to action
in his work. He believes businesses
who use videos can get
messages out to their audience
quickly and effectively. Videos
can show the essence of what a
brand is, what it does and why
it is unique.
“Great video tells a story
in some form, whether it be
a simple message selling a
product or promoting a brand’s
ethos,” says Paulo.
“Everyone connects with
stories, so when a business
shares a story, this has the
power to influence people to
react positively towards it.”
Paulo started Panotion in
2019 to produce commercial,
promotional and wedding
videos.
A specific product Panotion
offers is the Video Business
Card (VBC), usually a video of
up to two-and-a half minutes
long that promotes what the
client’s business does, why it’s
different and how it meets its
customers’ needs.
All videos are tailored to
meet the individual communication
needs of a business.
For example, a customer may
want a cool, fun, enticing 45
to 60-second video for their
social media or web site using
a cinematic approach (without
scripting, using purely music
and sound effects).
“Panotion takes the time to
learn about a client’s business,
what works well and not so
well,” adds Paulo.
“Once we’ve learnt about the
client, we tailor specific solutions
that may reinforce what
they currently do well and/or
create new ways they can reach
their intended target market
through video, while adhering
to their brand personality.”
Speak to Paulo at BBxpo and
see him video the event.
■■Details 07780 010411
VISIT STAND AT BBXPO
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.
Quality print plus local service
Jamaica Press moved to its
current base at Mambury
Moor Estate, Buckland Brewer
10 years ago. Over the past
decade, owner Paul Mitchell
has seen many changes in
print and office supplies.
Broadband has become
essential to the business,
while digital printing enables
it to offer quick turnaround,
shorter runs and personalisation
options. Jamaica Press
also installed a full colour
press, delivering economies
through quicker print times
and better quality, and offers
large format print for signs,
posters, vinyl banners, roller
banners and custom shaped
labels. Technology has not
only broadened its range
of print services, but also
improved the business’s own
IT services, enabling it to
operate more efficiently.
On the office products side,
developments include expansion
into areas such as facilities
management (cleaning products),
educational supplies and
rest room supplies.
While technology is a great
help, Jamaica Press is built
on the foundations of high
quality, local service. Paul is
the third generation of his
family to run the business,
and serving and supporting
the community remains of
paramount importance.
“We care. It’s important
to us that we provide quality
product alongside good service
and good value,” says Paul.
“We’ll get it done. Online
print companies rarely have
a connection with their
customers and when it goes
wrong – quality or delivery –
there is usually little that can
be done. Producing in-house,
we control these variables.
“We’re also supporting the
local economy and the money
spent stays in North Devon
longer. Our employees all live
in North Devon and spend
their income here with other
local businesses.”
■■Details 01237 452333 or
jamaicapress.co.uk
VISIT STAND AT BBXPO
Members of the Jamaica Press team at Buckland Brewer
@businessactionm | October / November 2019 | business action 11
BBXPO GUIDE
Finding Jobs for People and People for Jobs
Temporary & Permanent recruitment solutions throughout North Devon!
01237 439500
Fitzgerald HR
Twitter: @FitzgeraldHR
Tel: 01271 859267
Web: 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
looking for HR solutions across
the employee life cycle. Our
team of specialists deliver a truly
customised HR service for each
of our clients.
Growth Support Programme
Twitter: @ERDF_GSP
Web: heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/
business-support-programmes/
growth-support-programme/
The Growth Support Programme
helps businesses to identify
their barriers to success and
provides access to the funded
support they need to grow. You
can get up to 12 hours of free
advice in different areas, such as
marketing, business planning,
digital processes, finance and HR.
Heart of the South West
Growth Hub
Twitter: @GrowthHubHOTSW
Tel: 03456 047 047
Web: heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk
The Heart of the South West
Growth Hub provides a central
business advice service to
businesses within Devon and
Somerset. The Growth Hub
is a free, first point of contact
for both new and established
businesses seeking support
and advice. We have a local,
dedicated advisory team on
hand to answer questions,
provide information and make
www.simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk
introductions to specialists on
business topics such as: funding
opportunities, marketing, finance,
exporting and innovation.
Heartfelt Products
Twitter: @HeartfeltProdu1
Tel: 01237 476005
Web: heartfelt-products.com
We design products including
the ICE Alert pocket medical
wallet, the Woofie Wallet and a
bespoke range Made in Devon
comprising Happy Quilts and
Quilt of Memories (to wrap
around people/children for
their final journey). We can add
photos, wording, names and
dates to these products and
tailor colours/themes.
Imaginary Space
Twitter: _imaginaryspace
Tel: 07544 666457
Web: imaginaryspace.co.uk
Address: Bideford
Imaginary Space was founded
on the premise of improving the
quality of local web design in
North Devon. We are a twoman
studio that is excited to
help local businesses grow by
designing with their customers
in mind. We detest trends,
templates and stupid b******t.
Itseeze North Devon
Tel: 07890 633458
Web: itseeze-northdevon.co.uk
Itseeze North Devon has the
“World’s Easiest Editing System”
based simply on Word – giving
you complete control to change
text, images, menus, prices, add
EXHIBITORS
unlimited pages – live on screen
in seconds! We guarantee to
save you time and money – for
less than £2 a day! As SEO
and copywriting experts – we
guarantee a high local ranking.
All our websites are bespoke
– no frames or templates, 24/7
customer support on your own
website and via Itseeze Youtube
Editing Support.
Jamaica Press
Twitter: @jamaicapress
Tel: 01237 452333
Web: jamaicapress.co.uk
Address: Mambury Moor
Estate, Buckland Brewer,
Bideford, Devon, EX39 5NL
Jamaica Press has many years’
practical experience in working
closely with our clients and
being the ‘everyday’ answer to
queries, regular requirements
and emergencies. With our
highly skilled team of staff, we
offer graphic design, printing,
signage/display, web design,
office products/stationery, office
furniture and education supplies
– all with a high level of customer
service.
Jobcentre Plus
Twitter: @JCPinDevon
Web: dwp.gov.uk
Tel: 01237 496925
Address: Northbank House,
North Road, Bideford, EX39 1RD
Engage with employers to
identify bespoke labour market
solutions creating opportunities
for DWP customers. Support the
recruitment and retention of staff,
Follow us:
promote the flexibilities offered
by Universal Credit and support
schools to prepare young people
for the world of work.
Learn Devon
Tel: 01237 472462
Web: learndevon.co.uk
Address: The Arts Centre, The
Quay, Bideford, EX39 2EY
Learn Devon has provided adult
and community learning courses
on behalf of Devon County
Council for more than 20 years
supporting people in learning
new skills for leisure, returning
to employment, improving their
English and maths and improving
their health and wellbeing.
Marley Comms
Twitter: @MarleyComms
Web: marleycomms.co.uk
Tel: 01237 423445
Address: Unit 8, Caddsdown
Business Centre, Clovelly
Road, Bideford, EX39 3DX
An expert leading bespoke
cloud and on premise
telecommunications and
technology company. We
are a specialist Voice & Data
Communications and IP CCTV
company based in the South
West that aims to help you
reduce your costs, while giving
you great products and a first
class after-sales service. We
offer a 24-hour call-out service
throughout the year, so you are
assured that you will have the
support whenever you need
it and because we are locally
based covering Devon, Cornwall,
Somerset and Dorset; we can be
with you in less than four hours.
Cranford Business
Services Limited
design | concepts | logos | brand identity
print | stationery | forms | brochures | books
signs | posters | banners | exhibitions | signs
web | design | domains | seo | hosting
office | supplies | consumables | furniture
01237 452333 info@jamaicapress.co.uk
“Employing local people – supporting North Devon’s economy”
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!
12 business action | October / November 2019 | business-action.co.uk
Marsdens
Devon Cottages
Twitter: @MarsdensCottage
Web: marsdens.co.uk
Tel: 01271 813777
Address: 2 The Square,
Braunton, Devon, EX33 2JB
With over 400 holiday cottages
across North Devon and
Exmoor and more than 40 years’
experience, Marsdens Devon
Cottages understands how to
get the most from letting your
holiday property. Our local team
offers a professional, personal
and friendly service, plus all our
properties are graded by our own
Quality Assessment Team to give
guests confidence when booking.
Medicare South West
Limited
Web: medicaresouthwest.uk
Tel: 0800 0614539
Address: 10 Pollards Place,
Bideford, EX39 4FE
We have been offering care and
support to local people affected
by a life-limiting illness since
1984. We now care for around
3,000 people every year across
North Devon, offering specialist
care to patients at home and at
the hospice, while supporting the
whole family throughout these
toughest of times.
Need it Find it
Twitter: @needitfinditnow
Web: needitfindit.uk
Tel: 07970 671192
Need it Find it’s aim is to be
useful by connecting businesses.
It achieves this through business
events, including BBxpo;
Business Action magazine; and
its online directory.
Nott’s Welding &
Sandblasting
Web: facebook.com/Nottswelding
Tel: 07706 595955
Address: Unit 5D, Mullacott
Cross Industrial Estate,
Ilfracombe, EX34 8PL
We specialise in welding and
sandblasting offering dependable
and efficient services. We believe
in delivering the highest quality
fabrication for the best possible
price. Our team cover a range of
skilled jobs from mobile welding
to bespoke furniture, wrought
iron gates & railings, fabrication,
agricultural, roof racks,
sandblasting, pressure washing,
spray painting, and stainless
steel and glass balcony cleaning.
Panotion
Tel: 07780 010411
Address: Bideford
Panotion started with a passion
for video and a bridge to serve
businesses well by helping solve
communication challenges.
As a solo video creator, I enjoy
working closely with businesses
to learn about them, how I
can facilitate growth and build
stronger relationships with my
client’s target audience.
Peak Online
Twitter: @peakonlineltd
Web: northdevon.peak-online.
uk.com
Phone: 01237 721256
Address: 21 Chingswell St,
Bideford, EX39 2NF
Peak Online provides website
design and digital marketing
services to clients throughout
the UK and Internationally.
Specialising in WordPress and
Magento websites, custom
or templated, we cater for all
budgets. Our digital marketing
services include SEO, social
media, pay per click and email
marketing.
Petroc
Twitter: @petrocofficial
Web: petroc.ac.uk
Phone: 01271 345291
Address: Petroc, Old
Sticklepath Hill, Barnstaple,
Devon, EX31 2BQ
Petroc is one of the South
West’s leading colleges, raising
the aspirations, knowledge
and skills of individuals,
communities and business in
Devon and beyond. The college
offers a vast range of courses
including apprenticeships,
vocational training, professional
programmes and degrees,
BBXPO GUIDE
EXHIBITORS
and works with hundreds of
employers to deliver essential
training.
Safety Supplies Direct /
Tawsa
Twitter: @safetysupplies1
Web: safetysuppliesdirect.
co.uk and tawsa.co.uk
Phone: 01271 377558
Address: Unit 47A, Upcott
Avenue, Pottington Business
Park, Barnstaple, EX31 1HN
Tawsa Ltd is a Health & Safety
consultancy providing an
extensive range of services to
clients, from simple questions
answered over the phone to
overseeing and managing
the health, safety and welfare
of an entire business. Safety
Supplies Direct is Tawsa’s sister
specialising in supplying PPE
and workwear, including safety
boots and shoes, high visibility
clothing, workwear, gloves, eye
protection, fall arrest equipment
and harnesses, from its
Barnstaple store and online.
Simple Recruitment
Twitter: @SimpleRecND
Web: simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk
Phone: 01237 439500
Address: 2 Jubilee House,
Queen St, Bideford, EX39 2JH
We provide local businesses
and individuals with a different,
more personal, approach to
recruitment which sets us
apart from other recruiters. We
specialise in both temporary and
permanent recruitment solutions
across industrial and commercial
sectors covering the North
Devon area and get to know
each every one of our clients
and candidates to ensure that
the match is always perfect. We
take great pleasure in making the
recruitment process SIMPLE.
SWIG Finance Ltd
Twitter: @swigfinance
Web: swigfinance.co.uk
Phone: 01872 223883
SWIG Finance provides business
loans from £500 to £100,000
to start-ups and growing SMEs
throughout the South West.
From offices in Exeter, Truro
and Bristol, we provide friendly,
professional support to smaller
businesses who often find it
difficult to raise finance from
other sources. We have 30 years’
business lending experience and
are part of a national network of
Responsible Finance Providers.
Tarkatography
Twitter: @tarkatography
Web: tarkatography.co.uk
Phone: 07977 414798
A passionate photographer
concentrating mainly on food and
interior images. Images can now
be shown in far better quality
and detail than before and my
photography has evolved with the
internet enabling me to deliver a
cost effective quality product for
your websites and magazines.
Tazza Design
Web: tazzadesign.com
Phone: 01237 479240
Address: 10 & 11, Rope Walk,
Bideford, EX39 2NA
“Tazza design and print images
you see everywhere”, ie we
print and decorate all sorts of
garments from t-shirts to Hi Vis
workwear. We also print and
supply signs, banners, flags
and stickers. We can print on to
nearly all types of material and
virtually any shape.
The Sign Maker
Twitter: @the_sign_maker
Web: sign-maker.net
Phone: 01769 561355
Address: Yelland Farm, High
Bickington, High Bickington,
Umberleigh, EX37 9BX
House signs, business signs,
memorials, engraved plaques
and wheel covers all made at
The Sign Maker in North Devon.
Everything made just the way
you want it – your choice of size,
font, image and material which
includes granite, slate, oak, other
timbers, cast bronze, engraved
brass and many more.
@businessactionm | October / November 2019 | business action 13
Towergate
Web: towergate.com/locations/
bideford
Phone: 01237 429 978
Address: 24 The Quay, Bideford,
EX39 2EZ
Through our trusted team in
Bideford, Towergate has access
to a wide range of tailor-made
insurance solutions and risk
management programmes.
Drawing on resources from our
insurance experts across the
UK, we can assist with insurance
requirements locally, nationally
and globally. Located on the Quay
means we are easily accessible
to see clients in the office or visit
them to ensure full understanding
of their requirements.
Utilities Warehouse
Distributor – Nick Parry
Web: pinkpigsavings.co.uk
Phone: 07890 655316
Based in North Devon, I can
show you how to make great
savings on all your household
bills with the added convenience
of having everything on the same
The All Party Parliamentary
Corporate Responsibility
Group recently recognised
Applegate in Barnstaple for
its commitment to corporate
responsibility, including its
pioneering work on degree
apprenticeships.
The APCRG is a group
of MPs and members of the
House of Lords committed to
promoting corporate responsibility
within Parliament and
beyond. As part of their work,
they highlight a small number
of businesses each year from
monthly bill! Contact me to find
out how much you could save.
Virtual Business Partners
Twitter: @virtualbizuk
Web: virtualbusinesspartners.co.uk
Tel: 01271 603078
Practical solutions, support and
coaching for small businesses,
entrepreneurs and start-ups. If
you require additional resources,
and need experienced, flexible
support, we have it covered:
Business process optimisation
| Administrative / VA assistance
| Managing / setting up CRM
systems | Web design & hosting /
content writing | Communications
(newsletters, social media).
Wall Printer UK
Twitter: @WallprinterU
Web: wallprinter.co.uk
Phone: 07534 258992
Wallprinter UK is pleased to
introduce the UK’s brand new,
innovative vertical wall printing
across the UK as Responsible
Business Champions. Nominated
by Peter Heaton-Jones,
MP for North Devon, Applegate
joined major corporations
such as Standard Life,
BAe Systems and Zurich in
receiving the honour.
Corporate responsibility
encompasses many aspects of
business life and operation:
its fundamental purpose – for
Applegate, connecting buyers
and sellers to help commerce
work more effectively – the
tax paid to fund schools
BBXPO GUIDE
EXHIBITORS
technology. Wall printing is
the perfect medium for interior
designers, graphic designers,
advertising agencies, sign
makers, painters, decorators,
artists and start-ups who need
to make an impact and want to
add drama to everyday spaces.
Wallprinter UK can print any
design on indoor and outdoor
walls in brilliant, durable, highdefinition
colour, whatever the
texture of your surface: plaster,
wood, stone, plastic, tiles, glass,
metal, concrete and similar
materials.
Wills at Home
Web: wills-athome.co.uk
Phone: 01271 860105
Address: West Yelland,
Barnstaple, EX31 3EX
Alan Williams provides a personal
wills and lasting powers of
attorney service in North Devon.
Wills – £70 single – £105 joint.
and hospitals, its role in the
community, and the impact it
has on the environment.
In recent years, Applegate
has starkly reduced its carbon
footprint by moving systems
into the cloud, enabling the
decommissioning of inefficient
servers and air-conditioning
units; the business
donates £45,000 a year to
local charities in Devon, it
runs an extensive programme
of school talks and work
experience opportunities,
and it provides gold-standard
Wizard Signs and Print
Twitter: @WizardSignsLtd
Web: wizardsignsltd.co.uk
Phone: 01237 476100
Address: Unit 2, Habat
Enterprise Park, Clovelly Road
Industrial Estate, Bideford,
EX39 3HN
Wizard Signs and Print has built
a reputation for engaging with
clients to design, manufacture
and install a wide range of
promotional and directional
materials to ensure maximum
recognition for their businesses.
Zarywacz
Twitter: @z2zcom
Web: z2z.com
Phone: 01271 879100
Attract customer attention
with marketing, PR and
communications from Zarywacz.
25 years in business, we provide
business journalism, technical
copywriting, case studies,
magazine production, blogs
and online content, campaigns,
events and project management.
Corporate responsibility recognised by Parliament
training through its degree
apprenticeship programme.
In addition to having their
university fees paid and
earning while studying,
Applegate’s apprentices benefit
from a wide range of broader
opportunities, including
visits to Parliament, to other
businesses and to local charities,
and on graduation the
company provides them with
up to £15,000 each to help
them buy their first home.
■■Contact 0345 600 7177 or
applegate.co.uk
Corporate responsibility: (from left) Applegate chief
executive officer Stuart Brocklehurst receives the
certificate from Peter Heaton-Jones MP
14 business action | October / November 2019 | business-action.co.uk
PEOPLE
Apprentice success: (from left) Jenny Vince, Exeter College,
with Dan Huxtable and Peregrine Mears
Dan Huxtable, an apprentice at
Peregrine Mears Architects in
Barnstaple, scooped bronze for
Apprentice 16-18 of the Year
in the national BTEC awards.
This is Dan’s second big win of
the year, having already won
Construction Apprentice 2019
at the annual Exeter College
Apprentice and Employer
Awards. Practice director
Peregrine Mears comments,
“Dan has put in tremendous
effort since he started with
us three years ago. This latest
Peter Beaumont is to assume
the role of managing director
of insurance company Cornish
Mutual, which has its Devon
office in Cullompton. Currently
the company’s finance and
operations director, Peter will
take over the role (subject to
regulatory approval) from
Alan Goddard, who retires in
December 2019.
Cornish Mutual insures
farms and rural businesses
across Cornwall, Devon,
award is justly deserved and
shows what can result from
hard work and enthusiasm.”
The practice fully supports
the National Apprenticeships
programme and the principle
of ‘earn while you learn’.
Dan’s broad range of
experience at the company
includes using BIM (Building
Information Modelling) as
part of CAD (Computed
Aided Design) to explore and
develop design concepts from
a technical perspective.
Somerset and Dorset. It is a
mutual organisation, owned by
customers – its members – and
was the first mutual insurance
company in the UK and the
first insurer in the South West
to achieve chartered status.
The company’s growth has
increased members’ funds to
above £21 million.
Peter joined Cornish Mutual
in 2009, bringing with him a
wealth of experience in the IT
and financial services sectors.
Peter Brown has been
appointed a director by
accountancy firm Thomas
Westcott. Based in the Holsworthy
office, Peter leads the
firm’s agricultural consultancy
team and has been providing
technical and business advice
to farmers and landowners for
more than three decades.
In addition to advising on
business planning and cash
flow management for agricultural
clients, Peter has recently
developed a new service to help
dairy farmers analyse milk data
to increase yields.
Peter joined Thomas Westcott
in 2016, having worked
for national consultancy firm
Genus ABS, bringing a wealth
of experience in finance,
banking and agricultural
consultancy from the UK and
overseas. He grew up all over
the world and made Devon his
home at the age of 21.
Tom French has joined marketing
agency MiHi Digital in
Broadwoodwidger as digital
marketing executive after
Peter said: “I am delighted that
the company has given me this
promotion. It reflects the hard
work that the whole team has
put into building our agricultural
consultancy service and
will help me to continue to
drive it forward.
“The agricultural sector is
absolutely vital to the South
West’s economy. Farmers need
support on a whole range of
issues so it is important to
have a trusted advisor with
sound technical agricultural
knowledge as well as financial
expertise.”
more than eight years working
in journalism in West Devon.
MiHi Digital director, Mark
Worden said, “Tom brings
with him a wealth of experience
and we are delighted to
welcome him 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
Tom will allow us to continue
delivering for our clients,
expand the business and grow
our client base even further.”
@businessactionm | October / November 2019 | business action 15
Business Networking in Barnstaple
Business Networking in
Barnstaple includes three
members who started with the
group in its original form more
than 17 years ago.
The group relaunched in
its present format three years
ago and is now approaching its
limit of 25 members.
BNIB meets weekly on a
Tuesday morning at Portmore
Golf Park, near Barnstaple,
and mixes friendly, structured
networking with an online
referral system that measured
£650,000 of actual business
referrals last year, with more
than £350,000 referred since
January 2019. One member can
be admitted per business sector
and the group is easy to join,
with no pressure.
Chairman John McLaughlin-
Mills says this enables members
to measure and see actual business
generated by the group.
Members are encouraged to
generate referrals voluntarily,
but these are not the sole
measure of a member’s value.
“The group values services
people give,” says John, who is
a founder member. “We value
the human side and the efforts
people make to support each
other. People in the group get
on very well.”
As a self-managed group,
BNIB works to keep fees low
and organises social gatherings
to help people get to know each
other. It also supports members
by helping to promote them,
including attending events such
as BBxpo exhibition.
It also encourages members
to conduct one-to-one meetings
to get to know each other
and their businesses well,
which strengthens the group.
■■Details 0843 289 1339 or
bnibarnstaple.co.uk
VISIT STAND AT BBXPO
NETWORKING
North Devon’s remoteness can
be a barrier to connecting with
businesses across the county
or beyond. Building these
connections has become easier
with the launch of Devon
Partnerships, which hosts
networking events across the
county and held its first North
Devon lunch in September.
Lee Randall-Pybus
launched Devon Partnerships
in May, inspired by the success
of Cornish Partnerships run by
David Brock. Since then, Lee
has run 120 networking events
and says that there is always a
new face at every event.
“I had only ever been to one
networking event before,” says
Lee. “I met David at one of
his events and there was such
a buzz. Now I do it full-time,
helping people where I can. It’s
North Devon networking groups
North Devon Networking
Group
Meets at the Barnstaple Hotel,
Barnstaple on alternate Fridays
from 7.15am to 8.45am.
Networking with a difference
– a friendly and informal
group of business people with
no charge for membership and
no targets to bring in leads.
There is ample opportunity
to network, present your business
and gain contacts.
■■northdevonnetworking.co.uk
Rise
Meets at Block, Butcher’s
Row, Barnstaple on alternate
Wednesdays from 7.00am to
8.30am.
Co-founded by Martin
Critchard and James
Devon Partnerships across the county
Dapling, Rise offers informal
networking interspersed with
alternate member presentations
and educational sessions.
Choose your breakfast from a
wide menu with great coffee.
Come along, make friends and
do business.
■■martin@duchyifa.co.uk
all about creating relationships
– we’re like a big family. Events
are very relaxed and informal,
and everyone is welcome.”
Lee likes to meet each
business owner for a one-toone
meeting to explore how
becoming a member can help
their business.
Devon Partnerships now
has more than 200 members
across the county and Lee and
David are franchising Your
Partnerships throughout the
UK. Anyone joining in Devon
will be able to attend events
anywhere else in the country.
“The greatest thing for a
business is to build relationships
face-to-face.”
■■Details 07393 149855 or
devonpartnerships.co.uk
VISIT STAND AT BBXPO
Torridge Business
Network
Meets at the Royal North
Devon Golf Club, Westward
Ho! on alternate Fridays from
7.00am. Plenty of free parking.
A friendly and informal
networking group with no
joining fees – just the cost of
breakfast. Come along and
meet like-minded businesses.
■■torridgebusinessnetwork.co.uk
WE OFFER ASSISTANCE WITH:
Valuations
Cost Management
Bills of Quantities Tendering
Procurement
Invoice Reconciliation
CALL TODAY for an informal chat:
01271 603053
futuredimensions.uk
info@futuredimensions.uk
01271 267420 | info@gtales.co.uk
16 business action | October / November 2019 | business-action.co.uk
FINANCE
your link to success
covering Temporary, Permanent and Contract
in Manufacturing, Sales and Marketing and Business Support
offices in Barnstaple and Somerset 01271 349 745
www.coopergolding.co.uk
A finance provider with a difference
At a recent meeting with
a team of business bank
managers, I was asked to
explain how SWIG Finance
differs from other alternative
finance providers operating in
the South West.
I answered that we are
interested in engaging with the
customers that you like, but
your underwriters don’t.
Because we have our own
capital as well as access to other
sources of finance, we have our
own lending discretions. This
means we can look at the whole
picture, and not make a decision
based on last year’s accounts or
background collateral. Indeed,
by using the Enterprise Finance
Guarantee (EFG) scheme, we
commonly lend where there is
no security available.
You won’t find SWIG
Finance on any of the national
bank referral portals. In our
view, signposting to a list of
John Peters, managing director of SWIG Finance, takes a look at
what makes a different alternative finance provider
other potential funders isn’t
a solution for many small
business owners, who want
someone to talk to about their
business and its needs.
The referral scheme – which
requires banks to refer any business
declined for funding to one
of four online funding platforms
Meet the SWIG Finance team at BBxpo
– has only had very limited
success; according to figures
published by the Treasury,
between 2016 and 2018, 19,000
businesses have been referred
via the scheme but only 900
have been granted funding.
This is where SWIG Finance
is really different; whilst we are
harnessing ‘fintech’ to support
our lending operations, our
business managers personally
engage with all applicants, and
meet with everyone we take
to credit. We do this so that
we know our customers and
have confidence that the loan
request being made is right for
them as well as us.
SWIG Finance is part of a
national network of CDFIS
(Community Development
Finance Institutions) and is the
only one lending to businesses
in the South West. This means
it is our mission to provide
finance where it is most needed
to support local businesses that
have the potential to create and
secure jobs for the benefit of
the communities in which they
are based.
■■Details 01872 223883 or
swigfinance.co.uk
VISIT STAND AT BBXPO
The story of Business Action began
with Need it Find it, a sales leaflet
developed for distribution around
Bideford. Soon it became clear that
there was a need for dedicated business
news coverage of North Devon
businesses and Business Action was
born. Need it Find it publishes Business
Action and organises BBxpo.
It is now developing an online
directory to complement advertisements
and listings in Business
Action magazine. Any advertiser
purchasing a Business Action Plan
will receive a listing on the directory.
■■Visit at needitfindit.uk
@businessactionm | August / September 2019 | business action
17
Reducing the disability employment
gap in North Devon
is the aim of an Untapped
Talent recruitment event at
the Park Hotel, Barnstaple on
Wednesday 6 November.
Instead of attracting
jobseekers to meet employers,
this event invites employers
to come in to meet and talk
to a group of talented individuals
with a wide range of
skills. Employers will receive
anonymised profiles of the
candidates in advance to
showcase the skills and abilities
on offer before the event. On
the day, facilitators will help
introduce employers to whichever
candidates they would like
to speak to, and also ensure
everyone is fully involved.
The aim is to help start
or continue the jobseeker’s
journey within the world
of work by offering jobs,
interviews, work trials,
observations, taster days, work
NEWS
Reversing roles at Untapped Talent recruitment event
Listening to clients’ needs
A couple who pooled their
considerable corporate
experience to start their own
business have moved to North
Devon where they continue to
service clients remotely.
Clive Struver was born
in Devon and has worked in
the technology and telecoms
industries in the UK and
Europe at board level, while
Jane Struver’s experience
includes roles with the Bank
of England and as business
analyst with a global
IT company. Clive and Jane
started Virtual Business
Partners to provide a range of
business support services
They describe Virtual Business
Partners as “more than an
assistant, more hands-on and
practical than a consultant,
filling in the gaps and getting
things done.”
Jane has extensive experience
in social media
campaigns and content
management, web design,
CRM and sales support, while
Clive provides business and
personal coaching, business
strategy and planning support.
They always get to know a
business first, so that, along
with the business owner, they
can establish exactly what
services are required.
■■Details 01271 603078 or
virtualbusinesspartners.co.uk
VISIT STAND AT BBXPO
experience, or any other corporate
programmes available.
The event has been organised
by the Northern Devon
Employment and Skills
Board in conjunction with
the Department of Work
and Pensions, Pluss, Petroc,
Empowering Enterprise, Young
Devon, Project Search and
Next Steps Development.
The organisers are keen to
speak to employers who would
like to find out more about
Imaginary Space is a web
design studio formed by Harry
Roper and Luke James to help
local businesses grow.
Harry started a games studio
at the age of 15, organising
people around the world, and
while at Petroc did a lot of
work online for companies in
America, including a project
for Universal Studios at the age
of 19. He went to university
in London, although helped
develop a VR game there for
start-up Tengio and left his
studies to take up a full-time
role with the company. Harry
decided he liked the business
side more than programming
and returned to North Devon
where he founded Imaginary
supporting disabled people into
work. Contact Tony George,
employer advisor (DWP) tony.
george@dwp.gov.uk on 01271
395401 or Nicola Williams,
Northern Devon Employment
and Skills Board coordinator
nicola.williams@petroc.ac.uk
on 01271 852428 for details.
Harness your web site data
Space to build better web sites
for local businesses.
For Harry, success is more
than the look of a web site and
he thinks many businesses don’t
realise that they are losing out
by not making use of their data.
“I think most businesses
don’t understand what their
data is telling them or what
they can do with it,” says Harry.
“We operate a three-month
catch-up where I call our client
and explain to them in layman’s
terms what their data is telling
me and what they could potentially
do based on it.”
■■Details 07544 666457 or
imaginaryspace.co.uk
VISIT STAND AT BBXPO
Imaginary Space: (from left) Harry Roper and Luke James
Call 01271 326694.
info@boomboomedia.co.uk
visit www.boomboommedia.co.uk
18 business action | October / November 2019 | business-action.co.uk
ADMINISTRATIVe & BookKeeping
Exmoorfern
South Molton
t: 01598 740210
w: exmoorfern.co.uk
ARCHITECTS
Sam Nolan RIBA Architect
North Devon & UK
t: 01271 325 236
w: northdevonarchitects.com
BrewERY
GT Ales
Chivenor
t: 01271 267420
w: gtales.co.uk
BuSINESS Advisor
Susie Kevern
North Devon
t: 07801 199671
w: poundlane.co.uk
Commercial PropERTY
James Doble Commercial
North Devon
t: 01237 424053
w: jd-commercial.co.uk
CopIERS & Printers
Clarity Copiers North Devon
Barnstaple & North Devon
t: 01237 374061
w: claritynorthdevon.co.uk
CopywRITINg & communications
Zarywacz
North Devon & UK
t: 01271 879100
w: z2z.com
Counselling & Psychotherapy
North Devon Counselling
Barnstaple
t: 07872 501606
w: northdevoncounselling.co.uk
Hotels
The Carlton
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 862446
w: ilfracombecarlton.co.uk
Human RESOurces
Fitzgerald HR
Barnstaple, Exeter, London &
Wellington
t: 01271 859267
w: fitzgeraldhr.co.uk
Right Way HR Services
Highampton
t: 07825 090782
HypNOTHERApy
New Life Hypnotherapy
South Molton
t: 01769 57471
w: newlifehypnotherapy.org
Insurance
Towergate
Bideford
t: 01237 429978
w: towergate.com/locations/bideford
Together Insurance Solutions
Barnstaple
t: 01271 347147
w: togetherinsurancesolutions.co.uk
Landscaping
CW Landscaping
Bideford & North Devon
t: 01237 474335
m: 07960 930974
LockSMITHS
MJS Locksmith
Bideford
t: 07532 139388
w: northdevonlocksmith.co.uk
SW Locksmiths
Holsworthy / Bude
t: 01409 255533
w: swlocksmiths.com
Networking groups
Business Networking in Barnstaple
Barnstaple
t: 0843 289 1339
w: bnibarnstaple.co.uk
Devon Partnerships
Devon
t: 07393 149855
w: devonpartnerships.co.uk
North Devon Networking Group
Barnstaple
w: northdevonnetworking.co.uk
Rise
Barnstaple
e: martin@duchyifa.co.uk
Torridge Business Network
Westward Ho!
w: torridgebusinessnetwork.co.uk
Office Supplies
South West Office Supplies
North Devon
t: 01271 889337
w: swofficesupplies.co.uk
PhotograpHY
Tarkatography
Westward Ho!
t: 07977 414798
DIRECTORY
BUSINESS LISTINGS
Printing
Jamaica Press
Buckland Brewer
t: 01237 452333
w: jamaicapress.co.uk
Recruitment
Cooper Golding
Barnstaple
t: 01271 349745
w: coopergolding.co.uk
Simple Recruitment
Bideford
t: 01237 439500
w: simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk
REMOVAls
HLH Removals
North Devon & UK
t: 07593 234194
fb page: HLH Removals -
Horshams Light Haulage
Telecom Services
Marley Comms
Bideford & UK
t: 01237 423455
w: marleycomms.co.uk
TRAVEL AGENT
Clare Flint – Travel Counsellors
North Devon & UK
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West Yelland
t: 01271 860105
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@businessactionm | October / November 2019 | business action 19
IN THE HEADER HOT SEAT
Mike Matthews of Lineal Software
1. What was your first job?
When I was five, my first job
was stacking pinions, ready for
assembly in my father’s small
factory which made motors
and precision gearboxes. It
kept me out of mischief, and
I got given two pence. It’s still
a point of argument that my
sister got a shilling!
2. What is the best
business advice you’ve
ever received?
Two lessons have stuck with
me: If you want something,
save up for it – don’t go
completely mad with credit
because it’s not really a
shortcut. Most importantly, do
everything you can to make
sure your customers succeed:
their fate is tied to yours and if
they’re winning, so will you.
3. What do you enjoy most
about business?
The joys have changed since
the start. From the beginning
it was simply the moments of
seeing a valued client succeed
that were always the most
heartening, because you know
you’ve made a real contribution
beyond just your own business.
After 35 years, the same applies
to seeing your own staff make
progress and develop as people.
4. What essential
technology could your
business never be without?
A MacBook – but really any
computer! Lineal is a sophisticated
technology business
now, but I bought my first
Apple ‘Personal Computer’ in
1982. From that I learned to
program robotics, learnt stock
management, and accounting,
Each issue we put a North Devon business personality in the hot seat
and ask them 10 questions. This issue we asked Mike Matthews of
Lineal Software
and then built the first version
of our SQLWorks business
management software, and on
and on and on. We owe everything
to the tool that makes
learning and skills development
possible.
5. Describe your business
management / style
Give the staff the ability to do it
for themselves on your behalf.
As you go forward your role in
leading a business isn’t to do
acrobatics anymore, it’s simply
to stand underneath with a
big safety net (and enjoy the
applause!).
6. How do you go about
personal development?
Read and read and read. I’ve
found too that you need to
encourage a culture of testing
and experimentation and wait
for the ‘lightbulb’ moment of
inspiration when it comes.
Unfortunately, the more
advanced in years you become,
the rarer those moments are,
so you increasingly need to
practise cultivating good ideas
from others.
7. Is there anything about
yourself that you would like
to change?
Although caution is wise, I
wish I’d been a little more
ambitious earlier! Pick the
right team and your firm can
be something entirely different
Lineal Software Solutions is a
multi-disciplinary IT solutions
provider based in Barnstaple.
We exist to be your trusted
technology partner. Every day,
our team provide accessible
expertise, solve emerging business
challenges, and deliver
exceptional IT solutions.
We offer business to
business (B2B) IT support,
hardware, technical upgrades
and repairs, network infrastructure,
cybersecurity,
cloud-based and telephony
five or ten years from now, in a
way that would surprise you. I
wish I had the perfect foresight
to see a person’s full potential,
because that’s what will drive
the future success of a business.
8. Social media: yes or no?
Preferred network?
Yes – I find LinkedIn helpful
for work, but each platform
is useful in its own way.
Facebook feels more fun for
photography because it pulls in
the wider community. There’s
no substitute for real-world
interaction in my opinion, but
these networks are an important
part of many people’s
lives now – so when Lineal
publishes educational content,
like cybersecurity guidance, it’s
great to see people engaging
with it voluntarily. Communicate
with people via a medium
they enjoy and they’ll come
back for more.
9. How do you wind down
when not working?
Reading and photography
(including for Barnstaple Gig
Pilot Gig Club.) Gardening too
because it’s ‘off the grid’ – nontechnology
time is important!
10. Do you have a motto or
favourite quotation?
Several really: “You snooze,
you lose” and “If our clients
succeed, we succeed” are
common refrains in our offices,
but my favourite is Isaac
Asimov’s “Violence is the last
resort of the incompetent” –
one for the computing buffs
out there! Oh, and “Mind the
paint!” of course.
ABOUT LINEAL SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS
services, in addition to
software development – to a
diverse range of public and
private sector clients.
With over 30 years in the
industry, and as one of Devon’s
only certified Microsoft Gold
Partners, our priority is to
provide specialist IT support,
ERP software development,
and technology services with
an honest, professional and
approachable manner.
■■Details 01271 375999 or
www.lineal.co.uk
20 business action | October / November 2019 | business-action.co.uk
NEWS
From vine to bottle in Devon
It was at the North Devon
Show that I found Torview
Wines. We had been on the
Business Action stand all day
when I realised I hadn’t seen
many other exhibitors, so I
headed for the food tent where
I met Tim Gowan. Delighted
to have discovered a local wine
producer, Tim booked me
on to a tour of his vineyard
at Sheepwash to see how the
vines are grown, harvested
and processed to produce Torview’s
range of award-winning
English red wines.
Originally, Tim studied
leisure management and
became interested in farm
Lots of people have ideas for
businesses and products, but
turning ideas into reality can be
very difficult. Denise Anstey of
Heartfelt Products has considerable
experience of business
and product development. She
designed her first product,
the Slik Stik walking stick, in
2006, for which she was named
‘British Female Inventor and
Innovator 2009’. The Slik Stik
is a walking stick which used
‘wind-up’ technology and was
developed after Denise was
injured in a car crash.
Drinking wine was once a headache for Business Action editor
Robert Zarywacz, but after discovering English wine made with
fewer chemicals, his head cleared. This summer he visited Torview
Wines’ vineyard at Sheepwash to see how wine is produced
diversity, which fired his
interest in wine-making. After
a two-year search for a suitable
site, Tim and his family moved
into Beara Farm and began
planting vines. They added a
second field in 2010 and now
have some 7,000 vines with
four grape varieties: Pinot
Noir, Dornfelder, Rondo and
Acolon. These help to produce
characteristics in the wines
including subtlety, softness,
fruitiness, easy drinking style
and hedgerow fruits flavours.
Now Denise has launched
Heartfelt Products, which
produces products to aid
people in their daily lives. These
include the ICE Alert Wallet
to alert hospital staff to your
medical records should you be
taken ill, and Memory Mats
to help stimulate the minds of
those suffering with dementia
and eco-friendly bags.
Denise commits to achieving
the highest standards and
Heartfelt Products has obtained
Trading Standards’ Trusted
Trader status with five stars and
was a Twitter #WOW Business
Winner of the Week selected by
Jacqueline Gold CBE.
Denise believes it’s important
to “keep a sense of what’s
real, appreciating input, understanding
what the customer
really wants and knowing that
These are also helped by the
slower South West ripening
conditions, with harvesting
sometimes extending into
mid-November. All Torview
wines are produced exclusively
from its own grapes.
Unlike large producers
required by major retailers to
sterile-filter their wines, which
loses much of the character,
colour, fruit and tannin,
Torview only lightly filters
its wines to maintain their
character and style. While
the vineyard is not organic,
Tim aims to keep production
as natural as possible. Living
on site helps to identify any
disease early so intervention
can be minimised.
Torview sells 80% of its
wines in Devon and supplies
a number of local restaurants.
You can often catch Tim
selling wine at markets or,
even better, book yourself on
to a vineyard tour and tasting,
which run between April and
October, and learn more about
how the wines are made. You
can also buy from the web site.
■■Details 07977 408829 or
torview.co.uk
Bringing business ideas to life
if I can make the difference
to just one person then I have
achieved what I set out to do”.
“It’s about changing a
person’s life for the better,
supporting Britain’s economy
whilst looking at environmental
impact.”
Denise will be part of the
Enterprise Panel discussion at
BBxpo and exhibiting Heartfelt
Products at the event.
■■Details 01237 476005 or
heartfelt-products.com
VISIT STAND AT BBXPO
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
@businessactionm | October / November 2019 | business action 21
• NORTH DEVON’S BIGGEST BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS EVENT •
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PRESENTATIONS
• FREE PARKING • FREE ENTRY • FREE PRESENTATIONS • FREE LUNCH •
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BIDEFORD • BUSINESS • EXPO
Thursday 24 October
10am–3pm | Devon Hall, Bideford College
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