Business Action | December 2019 / January 2020

usiness
ACTION
north enterprise
devon
growth
innovation
news & views
Small Business Saturday
Saturday 7 December and every day
#10to1m campaign
Spend more with local businesses
North Devon made
Manufacturing expertise in action
Business in 2020
Future success is in your hands
business-action.co.uk | December 2019 / January 2020 | @businessactionm

CONTENTS
Web site | business-action.co.uk
Online version | business-action.uk
Vol 1 Issue 6 – Dec 2019 / Jan 2020 – distribution 2,500
Future success is in your hands................................................................... 1
Workforce diversity attracts purple pounds............................................ 2
Protection from cybercrime............................................................................ 2
Multi-trade building group’s new offices.................................................. 3
Small Business Saturday................................................................................. 4
Support small and local businesses all year round............................. 4
No nonsense health & safety......................................................................... 4
Refill store offers natural products for a healthy life........................... 5
Marketing fix for small businesses.............................................................. 5
A competitive edge for independents......................................................... 6
Open all year in Lynmouth............................................................................... 7
In the hot seat: Helen Pedlar of Pedlars Home Hardware................. 8
Saving you time to spend on running your business.......................... 9
BBxpo 2019............................................................................................................ 10
New web site for North Devon Show........................................................... 13
Manufacturer always moving forward........................................................ 14
Manufacturing apprentices celebrate success...................................... 15
Engineering firm continues to invest in apprentices........................... 15
New regional technology institute gets green light.............................. 16
Success in manufacturing awards............................................................... 16
From the Punjab via Exmoor across the world...................................... 17
People....................................................................................................................... 18
Business directory – find products and services ................................ 19
New technical service for dairy farmers.................................................... 20
Support for improving health services...................................................... 20
Business Action advertising plans.............................................................. 21
From £10 to £1 million #10to1m.................................................................... 22
© 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.
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business action | December 2019 / January 2020 | business-action.co.uk

ENTERPRISE
business
ACTION
Future success is in your hands
Can we do it? Yes, we have!
From Alan Williams’ idea to
hold a business exhibition came
BBxpo in October 2018.
From that first BBxpo event
came the drive to publish the
first issue of Business Action,
in February this year, after
Robert Zarywacz had been
thinking about it.
Here we are a year later,
having held the second, more
successful BBxpo and having
published our first year’s worth
of magazines.
Did we have a plan? Sort of,
but, more importantly, we had
a vision and the determination
to achieve it.
We have adapted our plan,
so that we started out with big
ideas for North Devon Enterprise
Day, but diverted our
energies when selected as one
of Small Business Saturday’s
#SmallBiz100 from businesses
ADVERTISING
Alan Williams
Advertising, Distribution & Publisher
t: 07970 671192
e: alan@business-action.co.uk
across the UK. It’s essential to
be flexible in business so that
you can adapt to changing
circumstances and take up
unexpected opportunities.
Can you do it? Yes, you can!
How about your business? Is
it doing well or do you need
EDITORIAL
Robert Zarywacz
Editor, Designer & Publisher
t: 07971 176044
e: robertz@business-action.co.uk
@robertz
to work on it to achieve your
goals? Actually, everyone needs
to work on their business.
If we can make a success of
BBxpo and Business Action,
we believe anyone can succeed
when they put their mind to it
and we are pleased to support
North Devon entrepreneurs.
Use all available resources
There are many initiatives and
sources of help for your business
– use them all:
➤➤Small Business Saturday
➤ ➤£10 to £1 million
➤➤Support agencies
➤➤Networking
➤➤And more . . .
Running a business in uncertain
times requires us to be
vigilant and positive.
Remember that every other
business is experiencing the
same uncertainty as you and
none of us is alone.
North Devon is a business
powerhouse and Business
Action is here to shout about it.
We believe 2020 will bring
many opportunities, so let’s
prepare to take these up and
make a success of them.
FOCUS ON
MANUFACTURING
Small Business Saturday is
the national campaign to build
support for small businesses –
this year on 7 December.
Register to join for free at
smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
Business Action has been
selected as a #SmallBiz100 –
one of 100 UK businesses – and
will represent North Devon at a
House of Lords reception.
In this issue we celebrate
small businesses across North
Devon. We will also be active
on social media on the day and
running a competition with
a prize of free PR advice for
businesses – follow us on social
media for a chance to win.
>>> PAGES 4 – 9
BBxpo is North Devon’s
biggest business-to-business
exhibition and networking
event and opened its doors
to visitors on Thursday 24
October 2019.
Read about the businesses
who exhibited, visited,
attended the free presentations
and training, and enjoyed
networking over the biggest
free lunch in North Devon.
BBxpo returns for its third
year on Thursday 29 October
2020. Past exhibitors are
already keen to rebook their
stands, so contact us now
to ensure your place – book
stands online at bbxpo.uk.
>>> PAGES 10 – 13
Manufacturing is a key sector
contributing substantially to
the success of the North Devon
economy, but it is sometimes
forgotten because much of
this activity takes place hidden
from view in large buildings
tucked away on business parks.
It has always been Business
Action’s intention to give
manufacturers the publicity
they deserve and in this issue
we make several site visits to
learn about their achievements.
If you are a manufacturer
and would welcome a site visit
and interview for a future
article, please contact us. We’ll
be pleased to visit.
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 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!
>>> PAGES 14 – 17 >>> PAGE 22
@businessactionm | December 2019 / January 2020 | business action 1

NEWS
Workforce diversity attracts purple pounds
A new support service
aims to help businesses tap
into £249 billion a year of
spending power, which many
are ignoring. That’s the value of
annual purchases by disabled
people and their families, which
they are more likely to spend
with businesses who employ a
more diverse workforce.
The aim of the Be Ready
Employer Hub is to support
Devon-based businesses,
charities and social enterprises
who can provide meaningful
employment opportunities for
people with a disability or longterm
health condition.
It is a two-year pilot project
jointly funded by Devon County
Council (Learn Devon) and
the Department for Work and
Pensions (DWP). The aim is to
create a central hub of specialist
knowledge and information,
supported by employers, service
providers and Jobcentre Plus,
with contributions from individuals
with ‘lived experience’
of working with a disability or
long-term health condition.
Help and advice
The Be Ready Employer Hub
will provide practical assistance
and knowledge through:
➤➤An online knowledge
resource hub providing all
the information and links
for employers who are ready
to take the next step but not
sure where to start.
➤➤Training – either delivered
on-site (for larger organisations)
or as a group bringing
together smaller businesses,
covering topics such as the
Access to Work scheme,
the Equality Act 2010
(Disability as a Protected
Characteristic), what
‘reasonable adjustments’ are
and how easy and low cost
they can be to implement.
➤➤A telephone helpline (callback
service) for specific
Cyber security is a growing
concern for many businesses
and was the topic of a recent
workshop organised by the
South West Police Regional
Cyber Crime Unit (SW
ROCU) and Lineal Software
Solutions Ltd.
30 business people from
across the South West took
part in Lego-based group
exercises highlighting key
concepts in cybersecurity,
as they sought to protect a
fictional utilities company
from a common real-world
cyber crime attack. This was
followed by a short Q&A
including advice for businesses
on related topics such
as network best practice, password
policy, physical security,
and the Government’s new
Cyber Essentials certification.
Designed to raise awareness
of coordinated digital threats,
the workshop is part of a new
educational initiative being
run by the Police in the region.
The winning team defended
their company by spending
their budget on the correct
countermeasures at each stage
of the exercise and strategically
limiting the damage from
questions about any aspect
of inclusive recruitment for
people with a disability.
➤➤Peer networking groups for
employers to share experience,
ideas and have open
and honest conversations
about employing individuals
with a disability.
➤➤Opportunities to achieve
the different levels of
the Disability Confident
scheme, which is often seen
as a ‘badge of honour’ by
many disabled people when
making buying decisions.
Good business sense
One of the project’s key objectives
is to show employers that
it makes good business sense
to work with a more diverse
workforce, such as attracting
some of the £249 billion a year
spend. Having people working
in the business who think
Protection from cybercrime
any breaches in security.
Supported by five Police
forces, SW ROCU delivers
specialist capabilities to target
and disrupt serious and organised
crime.
Lineal’s head of technical
services, Matt Norris, said:
“We were to delighted to be
able to organise the Cyber
Crime Unit to run this very
special workshop for local
companies. Many businesses
struggle to grapple with cybersecurity
but help and expertise
are accessible.”
differently, have developed
their skills by overcoming
adversity and have ‘lived experience’
of the disabled ‘target
market’ is a major competitive
advantage.
By focusing on ability and
talent, rather than the disability
or health condition, employers
will see the business benefits of
valuing difference and diversity.
The Be Ready Employer
Hub goes live in February 2020
and while in set-up phase, the
project team are hosting focus
groups around the county to
get the opinions of businesses
as to what the service should
cover. The North Devon focus
group was held in December,
but the team still want to hear
from more businesses.
For more details on how
to become involved in the Be
Ready Employer Hub, contact
project manager Debbie Stafford
(debbie.stafford@devon.
gov.uk) or project co-ordinator
Sue Windley (susan.windley@
devon.gov.uk).
■■Details readydevon.org.uk
Protect officer Samantha
Parsons from the SW Regional
Cyber Crime Unit explained:
“The overwhelming majority
of businesses are reliant on
online services, which exposes
them to cyber security risks.
Despite 43% of businesses
reporting breaches or attacks
in 2018, only 27% had a formal
policy or policies covering
cyber security risks. It was
great to see so many organisations
attend the workshop,
wanting to understand more
about cyber security and how
they can protect themselves.”
■■Details 01271 375999 or
lineal.co.uk
2 business action | December 2019 / January 2020 | business-action.co.uk

NEWS
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
Boden Group managing
director Steve Boden
and former local MP Peter
Heaton-Jones officially
opened the company’s newly
refurbished offices in Barnstaple
in November. Peter
also discussed the company’s
significant growth across the
South West over the past 10
years with the Boden team.
Established in 2009, the
Boden Group has achieved
rapid expansion to become a
regional leader in providing
multi-trade building services
to commercial, governmental
and residential clients. The
group has established itself
as a trusted partner working
(from left) former North Devon MP Peter Heaton-Jones with the Boden Group team at its newly refurbished office
Multi-trade building
group’s new offices
within the Ministry of Defence
(MOD), health, education,
local government and leisure
sectors across Southern and
South West England as well as
providing services for largescale
contracts across the UK.
The group has three core
divisions – Boden Facilities
Management, Boden Fire &
Security and Boden Construction
– and is the only company
in the region to hold such
an extensive range of supply,
installation and maintenance
services under one roof.
The newly refurbished
offices offer all staff a kitchen
seating area for their lunches,
new storage facilities and
increased office space with
more desks to support the
company’s expansion.
Boden Group has also
created a purpose-built
office and storage area for its
sponsored charity Chemohero,
which enables it to create and
pack boxes of kindness given
to chemotherapy patients
across North Devon.
Peter Heaton-Jones,
former MP, said that Boden
was “another example of a
hidden gem in North Devon’s
economy: an important local
employer providing a vital
service across the region”.
Steve Boden said, “Our
plans going forward are ambitious
and we aim to continue
our story of success through
further growth across the
South West and nationwide.”
■■Details 0845 646 0112 or
bodengroup.co.uk
The Fox at Fremington
Bar, café, pub
Sunday Carvery £10.95
(£14.95 including desert)
Booking advisable
01271 344161
Church Hill, Fremington, Barnstaple, EX31 2NT
facebook.com/thefoxfremington
@businessactionm | December 2019 / January 2020 | business action 3

SMALL BUSINESS
Register your business No nonsense health & safety
As a #SmallBiz100 – one
of 100 businesses in the UK
selected to promote Small
Business Saturday on 7
December – Business Action
urges all small businesses in
North Devon to join the campaign
and for all consumers to
support their small businesses.
If you miss it for 2019,
register for 2020 – small businesses
need support 365 days
of the year.
Registering enables your
business to be featured on
the Small Business Saturday
map to promote you, as
well as giving you access to
marketing materials including
a downloadable poster you
can print out. There is also a
Small Business Saturday app
and you can send details of
any special events you plan
for Small Business Saturday to
the campaign to be shared on
social media.
You might even want to
consider applying for the
#SmallBiz100 yourself in 2020
– we are the only business
selected in Devon and we need
more businesses to represent
the county in future years.
Social media
We’ll be tweeting from
@businessactionm before
and on the day and you can
follow @SmallBizSatUK and
use hashtag #SmallBizSatUK.
We’ll also post on Facebook,
Instagram and LinkedIn.
■■Register your business and
benefit from the campaign at
smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
Health and safety doesn’t have
to be so complicated that it
limits businesses in what they
do, according to health and
safety consultant Jane Bass.
Jane, who moved to Combe
Martin from the Midlands,
has considerable experience
of delivering health and safety
consultancy and training, and
has enjoyed roles with a further
education college, a printing
equipment supplier and with a
national consultancy. Now she
has started her own business:
JI Health & Safety Consultancy.
Jane believes health and
safety need not be a burden
for businesses and applies a
common sense approach. She
aims to build trust with clients
so that she can offer informal,
friendly advice. Her qualifications
include the NEBOSH
National Diploma in Occupational
Health and Safety and
Small Business Saturday is
a valuable initiative and to
maintain support for small
and local businesses all year
round, we’ve launched the
‘£10 to £1 million’ campaign
to encourage buyers to switch
spending to local providers.
Anyone can join in for free
– all you have to do is post on
social media channels whenever
you buy local and add the
hashtag #10to1m.
See details on the back
cover, which you can also
use to display as a poster or
National General Certificate,
and she has delivered training
herself on topics including
manual handling, working at
height, fire warden and fire
safety, accident reporting and
investigation. With a particular
interest in training director and
senior management teams in
legal compliance, she has also
delivered the Institution of
Occupational Safety and Health
(IOSH) Managing Safely course.
Now aiming to focus on
delivering services locally in
North Devon and the South
West, Jane says: “I would like
to expand my business and can
offer a wide range of services
including health and safety
audits, assistance with implementing
tailored management
systems, including the provision
of documentation, and
training and assistance with the
Contractors Health and Safety
Assessment Scheme (CHAS)
and Safety Schemes In Procurement
(SSIP) accreditations.”
While getting to grips with
health and safety may feel
daunting, Jane assures that
“taking a sensible step-by-step
approach will help employers
to fulfil their legal duty to
protect staff.”
■■Details 07732 328222
Support small and local
businesses all year round
download one from the web
site at 10to1m.co.uk
MicroBizMatters Day
Another day that celebrates
and supports small businesses
employing 0–9 people
is #MicroBizMatters Day on
Friday 11 January 2020.
Organised by micro business
champion Tony Robinson
OBE and Tina Boden, this
year’s event takes place in
Hull, but any business can join
in anywhere.
■■Visit microbizmatters.co.uk
4 business action | December 2019 / January 2020 | business-action.co.uk

With the trend for eliminating
unnecessary packaging
growing fast, Chris and Gill
Darling have brought the
concept to Ilfracombe High
Street by opening Darlings
Natural Health.
“My background is in the
health business,” says Gill.
“I owned a health clinic
from 2000, then managed a
health food store in Buckinghamshire.
I have completed
many courses covering the
use and recommendation of
vitamins and minerals. My
qualifications include diet and
nutrition, counselling and
aromatherapy, and I became a
Reiki Healer in 2004, qualifying
as a Master in 2018.
“Both Chris and I have
family in Ilfracombe and I
used to live in Bideford and
then Fremington in the 1980s
before moving to Buckinghamshire.
We always planned
to return to Devon and finally
decided the time was right for
a new challenge.
“We are both passionate
about looking after ourselves
and the planet. Like most
people we are horrified
with the damage to our
planet with the overuse of
single-use plastic. We want a
better environment for our
grandchildren.
“Our aim is to encourage
people to stop using singleuse
plastic, to look after their
health, and stop or reduce the
reliance on pharmaceutical
drugs and antibiotics. We all
need to look after our planet,
sea and air.”
The ethos of Darlings
Natural Health is to encourage
and help customers to do this.
It stocks a range of organic
SMALL BUSINESS
Refill store offers natural
products for a healthy life
Chris Darling of Darlings Natural Health in Ilfracombe
oats, nuts, seeds, pulses,
pasta and dried fruits, and
encourages customers to bring
their own containers and
refill them. Household refills
include washing-up liquid,
laundry liquid, softener,
toilet cleaner, multi-purpose
cleaner and sanitiser. Again,
customers can bring their own
containers to refill.
The personal range
comprises mainly Faith in
Nature shampoo, conditioner,
body wash and hand wash.
Marketing fix for small businesses
North Devon’s community
attracts many people to start
their own business here. After
spotting a gap in the market,
Kerrie Anson has launched her
new business: Marketing Fix.
“Growing up in Ilfracombe
and starting out working for
the local theatres, I have always
been drawn to immersing
myself in the local community
with projects such as connecting
the theatres to local schools,”
says Kerrie. “Getting back to
what I love and working in the
community again was important
to me and I noticed that
there are plenty of wonderful
local businesses, but that some
lack the ability to fully market
themselves. At Marketing Fix I
love working with sole traders
looking to raise their business
profile with digital marketing.
This could be social media,
email marketing, web site
creation or content creation,
all of which are my areas of
strength, having worked in the
industry for nine years.
“My aim for 2020 is to work
with more businesses who need
a Marketing Fix. There are not
enough hours in the day when
running a business on your own
or with a small team. Marketing
Fix can be that helping hand.”
■■Details 07814 338170 or
getmarketingfix.co.uk
The focus is on products
that are cruelty-free and
100% natural with no SLS
or parabens. The pre-packed
range Just Natural uses plasticfree
packaging that is plant
based and officially certified
compostable.
The store’s range continues
to grow and plans include
installing at least 10 more
refill units, a Reiki room and
a free healing centre.
Chris and Gill say the
business has received a good
response in their first month
and is growing gradually as
people get used to having a
refill shop in the high street.
They are currently developing
their web site and are looking
to offer a local retail / wholesale
delivery service. They
already sell on eBay but will
also open their own online
store as well.
Gill adds: “We love local
produce and would like to
increase our range. At present
we have Ilfracombe honey and
Woolacombe organic eggs.
We are also looking to start
in-store demonstrations from
our suppliers.”
■■Details 07484 747068 or
darlingsnaturalhealth.com
Call 01271 326694.
info@boomboomedia.co.uk
visit www.boomboommedia.co.uk
@businessactionm | December 2019 / January 2020 | business action 5

SMALL BUSINESS
Finding Jobs for People and People for Jobs
Temporary & Permanent recruitment solutions throughout North Devon!
01237 439500
Britain’s largest dealerowned
supplier for independently
owned hardware and
DIY stores, based in Barnstaple,
held its 2019 annual
general meeting, conference
and trade show over a weekend
at the Woolacombe Bay Hotel.
Home Hardware, founded in
North Devon by local independent
retailers in the mid-1960s,
now has more than 400
independent hardware retailers,
housewares shops, cook shops,
ironmongers and garden
centres as its members across
the UK. The Woolacombe event
attracted member retailers
from across the country to
www.simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk
network, attend sessions
discussing industry topics and
talk to the 50 suppliers exhibiting
their products.
Home Hardware chief executive
Martin Elliott explained
that the group was established
to support independent retailers
following the appearance of the
first supermarkets. As a result of
fast growth it acquired its first
warehouse in Bideford before
moving to its present premises
in Barnstaple. Together
with its second warehouse in
Bedford, this gives the group a
nationwide reach, delivering to
member retailers from the Isles
of Scilly to Northumberland.
No nonsense approach to health and safety
H&S
JI Health & Safety Consultancy
H&S Audit
H&S Training
Tailored H&S Management Systems
Assistance with SSIPs Accreditations
Risk Assessment / Risk Management
Jane Bass 07732 328222
DipNEBOSH jinnes2@sky.com
“We buy product in bulk
so that independent members
can compete with multiples,”
said Martin. “Everyone buys at
the same price and enjoys the
same service with a delivery
once a week.”
Home Hardware membership
gives retailers access to
20,000 products from 300
named brands stocked in its
warehouses, with even more
available direct from suppliers.
More importantly, it can help
support a new retailer as
they establish their business,
reducing the start-up risk. This
includes helping with business
plans and other advice.
Follow us:
A competitive edge for independents
Home Hardware’s Barnstaple warehouse
Best stand winner: (from left) Chris Adams (national sales manager,
Price’s Candles), David Adams (chairman of Home Hardware)
and Michael Hollings (sales agent, Price’s Candles)
“Retailing can be a lonely
business, so this weekend is a
good networking opportunity
to share ideas,” Martin added.
Home Hardware’s success is
demonstrated by winning the
title of Britain’s Best Wholesaler
in the Housewares Innovation
Awards for three years running
in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Now employing 80+
employees in Barnstaple and a
further 30+ in Bedford, Home
Hardware enables independent
retailers to survive and thrive
in today’s challenging high
street environment.
■■Details 01271 337479 or
homehardware.co.uk
HOME HARDWARE INDEPENDENT RETAILERS
Bideford – Blanchards Home Hardware, 51 Mill Street
Bradworthy – Martin & Co, The Square
Braunton – Slees Home Hardware, 11-12 The Square
Crediton – Adams Home Hardware, 119-121 High Street
Great Torrington – Duffys Home Hardware, 3 High Street
Ilfracombe – Chas N Pedlar & Son, 27 High Street
Okehampton – DIY Supplies Home Hardware, 17 St James Street
South Molton – Exmoor Hardware, 135 East Street
Tiverton – Heard & Sendell Ltd, The Old Saw Mills, Leat Street
6 business action | December 2019 / January 2020 | business-action.co.uk

John Loveless first worked
at Caravel in Lynmouth as
a summer job at the age of
16, but his family had been
involved with the store even
before that.
“It was almost a calling,”
says John. “My sister had
worked there for the previous
two years and my mother had
worked there, as a bookkeeper,
for the previous owner.
“My job was selling ice
cream, candy floss and fudge.
It wasn’t a career choice; I
was studying for extra O
levels and later electronics,
mechanics and photography,
so the seasonal position fitted
in well.”
As well as confectionery,
the shop also sold off-licence
products, basketware, jumpers
and kitchen stoneware.
“Even then, I had recognised
that Caravel is in an
excellent position with an
entrance on both Riverside
Road and Lynmouth Street.
The shop has the appearance
of two knocked into one, but
in fact the front was a back
storeroom until after the
Lynmouth flood in 1952.
“It has interior supporting
walls which create a meandering
throughway, an
advantage because it slows the
customer, giving them time to
see everything. The drawback
is that it attracts class A rates
at both entrances.”
After experiencing city life
as a student, John decided he
preferred rural life and started
a photography business,
publishing postcards and
books which he sells around
Exmoor and Dartmoor. He
had returned to Caravel in
his holidays and became
permanent when one of the
managers stepped back. In
time, John and the other
manager bought out the
owners, with John eventually
buying the business outright.
“We flourished in the
90s and started opening all
year. Winter trade boosted
the turnover and I kept my
photography business running
as well.
“A new format was
working; the confectionery
and off licence remained on
one side, but we’d changed to
ladies evening wear and home
gifts on the other. Trade was
still very seasonally weighted
but the winters were slowly
becoming busier.
“The recession changed
our customer base so I had
to change the stock again.
Evening wear and home gifts
were sold off and I started
stocking a few traditional
wooden toys and games and
children’s clothes, keeping the
confectionery and off licence.
“The toys were popular so I
increased the range but kept to
products in the birth to eightyears-old
region. I found I had
to ‘cherry pick’ from many
different companies to achieve
the look I wanted.”
SMALL BUSINESS
John Loveless of Caravel in Lynmouth
Open all year
in Lynmouth
A well-established shop in Lynmouth, owner John Loveless
talks about how Caravel has adapted to changing tastes and
circumstances to continue delighting residents and visitors alike
John keeps plastics to a
minimum and concentrates
on sustainable wooden toys,
which are very tactile.
“I like them to have some
educational value and the
books must encourage the
child to pick it up in the first
place. In the new season I will
be stocking organic children’s
clothes from a company in
Dorset.”
Wherever possible, John
aims to use local producers for
ciders, beers and gins as well
as for confectionery. Caravel
stocks more than 35 flavours
of loose fudge and traditional
confectionery displayed in
glass stopper jars.
John acknowledges the
challenges of the retail sector
as well as the frustrations.
“You have to be different;
find products that are not
widely available but have a
general theme, accurately
assess your customer demographic
and cater for it.”
To supplement the retail
business, John renovated the
flat above in 2014 as a holiday
let. This is a useful addition,
especially when in winter
footfall falls by 95%. Even
so, Caravel remains open,
although for reduced hours.
“I wish more shops would
remain open through the
winter. You may think it’s a
bonus to have a monopoly, but
it does the town no favours.
If tourists only see one or two
shops open in a town, they are
less likely to stop – they need
something that makes it worth
getting out of their car on
cold, wet January days.”
John puts a sign on the
door showing the shorter
opening hours.
“That’s what you have to do
so people know if it’s worth
waiting. A Lynmouth business
needs to be super-efficient
in the winter. You won’t take
anything if you’re shut.
“I even opened during the
snow falls in March 2018. The
two-mile walk from home
included negotiating a fivemetre
high snowdrift! I had
posted on social media that we
would be open and residents
and visitors who were snowedin
in Lynmouth made the day
worth the effort.”
Caravel’s web site gives a
taster of what it offers, but the
only way to appreciate its large
range is to visit. John posts
regularly on social media
and receives a good response,
affectionately referring to
customers as ‘Caravellians’.
Although not his original
career choice, John enjoys
running Caravel.
“I like teasing the
customers and reps. I love the
look of excitement on children’s
faces when they come in
the toy shop, and the look on
adults’ faces when they find an
alcohol section, like an oasis,
in the middle of it.
“It all enables me to live
where I want and I enjoy the
freedom to sell what I want. It
may not be the fastest selling
stock, but I have confidence
in the products and I can
make a difference.”
■■Details 01598 752369 or
caravellynmouth.co.uk
@businessactionm | December 2019 / January 2020 | business action 7

IN THE HOT SEAT
Helen Pedlar of Pedlars, Ilfracombe
1. What was your first job?
From about the age of five
my Dad had me in the shop
dusting and re-filling shelves!
But my very first paid job – at
£1.10 an hour! – was dressing
up as Bubbles the Bear at
Watermouth Castle theme park
meeting and greeting the visitors
at the entrance.
2. What is the best
business advice you’ve
ever received?
Always keep your staff happy.
They are the frontline of the
business and if they are happy
and content, then it shows
through to the customers
and the staff will always work
harder for you if you show
them you genuinely care.
Customer service is paramount.
If you go the extra
mile for the customer, the rest
will fall into place. Customers
always remember how much
you’ve helped them and return
business follows.
3. What do you enjoy most
about business?
Every single day is different
in here. Every day has its
own challenges and I learn
something new. I love the
shop being such a big part of
the community and seeing
so many generations pass
through. It’s a privilege.
4. What essential
technology could your
business never be without?
Pen and paper! We are old
school and still write lots of
lists and do paper orders. We
still hand write all our ledgers,
although the accountant tells
me we have to computerise
Each issue we put a North Devon business personality in the hot
seat and ask them 10 questions. This issue we asked Helen Pedlar of
Pedlars Home Hardware in Ilfracombe
very soon. We have all our
handwritten ledgers since
1860. Imagine if they had been
on floppy disk – we would
have no way of looking back at
our history.
5. Describe your business
management / style
Friendly and open. I like to
think that staff and customers
can come to me with anything.
I would never ask the staff
to do anything I wouldn’t do
Right Way HR Services
Safeguard your business
• Advice on all aspects of employment law
• Contracts of employment
• Staff handbook • HR policies
• Letters, templates and documents
Call Richard on 07825 090782
e-mail: richard@rwhrs.com
myself. I still mop the doorways
and the pavement every
morning with the staff, as we
all work together.
6. How do you go about
personal development?
I encourage learning through
the workplace. I like to include
the staff in meeting reps,
visiting trade shows and having
A deceptively small department
store, this shop is a
positive cornucopia of useful,
interesting, beautiful and
essential items.
Hardware, electricals,
china, gifts, gardening,
camping, outdoor leisure,
menswear and school
uniforms are all sold here.
The family business, dating
back 150 years and now in its
sixth generation, is part of the
fabric of the history of Ilfracombe.
Nowadays, the friendly
and helpful staff are still happy
to be of assistance and always
an input on the products we
sell. I like to see the staff get
excited about a new product.
Enthusiasm sells!
7. Is there anything about
yourself that you would like
to change?
My time management. There
never seems to be enough
hours in the day.
8. Social media: yes or no?
Preferred network?
Yes. We use Facebook and
Instagram to promote the shop.
We have found that this is really
helping us to put us out there
and show people who haven’t
shopped with us before the
wide variety of goods we stock.
9. How do you wind down
when not working?
To be honest, I never stop. My
shop is always on my mind, that
and an active seven-year-old.
I do like to make sure I take
at least one family holiday a
year abroad as I love travel and
the heat. It also makes sure I
can’t be called on.
I love gardening with my
son, Ollie. He loves the spring
when we can plant the veggies
and he’s in charge of making
sure we have a good crop.
10. Do you have a motto or
favourite quotation?
I don’t get tired of my work
because you can’t get tired of
something you love and enjoy.
You can never go wrong
when you have a great team to
work with.
Anyone for coffee?
ABOUT PEDLARS HOME HARDWARE
prepared to go that extra mile
to ensure satisfaction with all
customers’ purchases.
As a proud member of the
national Home Hardware
group – named Britain’s Best
Wholesaler in 2017, 2018 and
2019 – prices remain competitive
compared with the large
national retailers.
From traditional to quirky
and modern, Pedlars is well
worth a visit for anyone living
in or visiting Ilfracombe.
■ ■ Details 01271 863509 or
facebook.com/pedlarshomehardware
8 business action | December 2019 / January 2020 | business-action.co.uk

After 32 years of working in
administration and finance,
Vanessa Glover retains her
enthusiasm for making businesses
run smoothly, which
she now achieves through her
own business, Exmoorfern.
VA and audio transcription
Exmoorfern provides a range
of virtual assistance services,
from email newsletter set-up
and maintenance to CRM
management, creation and
re-purposing of marketing
material, task analysis and
office manual creation. Along
with these, Vanessa specialises
in audio transcription. While
her introduction to this was
through her doing the actual
dictating when working in
the finance department of
Portsmouth City Council,
Vanessa started transcribing
after moving to Devon in roles
as a doctors’ receptionist and
as a legal secretary.
Vanessa says, “I contentedly
spent every day connected to
my headphones and foot pedal
– pretty much as I do today
when transcribing dictated
formal reports for architects,
conservators and other professionals,
which typically run to
75 pages.”
Now also transcribing
for surveyors, engineers and
medical consultants, Vanessa
is particularly keen to work
with creative and culinary
artisans, caterers, photographers,
florists and milliners,
as she takes a keen interest in
these professions.
Following a career break
after the birth of her son,
Vanessa took on the role of
PA, bookkeeper and office
manager to a preeminent
timber conservator doing
everything he didn’t want,
SMALL BUSINESS
Saving you time to spend
on running your business
or have time, to do. This
shaped her role as a VA, as she
realises first-hand the benefit
of her services for high-value
professionals and sole traders
working under pressure, who
never seem to have enough
hours in the day to get everything
done.
Productivity and profits
Vanessa approaches her work
with a passionate commitment
to standardising processes
to bring increased efficiency,
productivity and profits for
her clients.
“My services mean clients
can delegate their mundane
admin and accomplish things
on their ‘to do’ list rather than
neglecting them or decisively
and proactively implement
their next project.
“It thrills me that technology
enables me to work
remotely, which also represents
a salary saving to my clients.”
RNLI ambassador
In addition to office administration,
Vanessa is a passionate
RNLI ambassador as a result
of her spectacular rescue by
the RNLI from the flooded
River Taw in Umberleigh on 23
December 2012 – see the video
on her web site. She supports
the cause on behalf of her volunteer
rescuers who received
RNLI Bronze Medals for Gallantry
and the Pride of Britain
999 Emergency Services Award
for saving her life.
■■Details 01598 740210 or
exmoorfern.co.uk
NEW YEAR
NEW DREAMS
NEW ADVENTURES
NEW CAREERS
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
NEW CHALLENGES
NEW START
@businessactionm | December 2019 / January 2020 | business action 9

BBxpo
Clarity Copiers North Devon has supported both BBxpo events
(from left) organisers Alan Williams and Robert Zarywacz at BBxpo
On Thursday 24 October, organisers Alan Williams and Robert
Zarywacz welcomed exhibitors and visitors from North Devon
and far afield to the second Bideford Business Expo at Devon Hall,
Bideford College.
BBxpo was Alan’s idea and the pair organised the first event in
2018 to favourable response and were determined to make this
year’s event bigger and better.
“We’re grateful to exhibitors like Paul O’Brien of Clarity
Copiers, who was the first exhibitor in 2018 to book his stand for
this year and promoted it widely at networking events,” says Alan.
This year’s event featured a business exhibition, presentations
and the famous free networking buffet – the largest free lunch in
North Devon.
“We’d like to thank Bideford College for their warm welcome
and excellent facilities and we look forward to BBxpo returning in
2020,” says Robert.
Book for 2020 and enjoy earlybird prices
If you missed out this year – BBxpo will return on Thursday 29
October 2020 and stand space is available to book now.
Book and pay for a small stand for £75 or a large stand for £125
before 30 April 2020 to enjoy earlybird prices, at the same level as
this year’s. Stand prices will increase to £85 and £145 from 1 May.
Book for 2020 at bbxpo.uk
The team from Marsdens Devon Cottages brighten up the event
The team from Petroc offered advice on apprenticeships
10 business action | December 2019 / January 2020 | business-action.co.uk

BBxpo
Finance providers network at BBxpo
Bringing businesses together through networking
One of the main aims of BBxpo is to provide opportunities for
networking and to build new relationships.
Co-organiser Alan Williams was delighted to be able to introduce
a number of finance providers from across the South West.
SWIG Finance was an exhibitor at the show, while Jeannie Cain
from ASC had travelled from Truro, and Emily Gibson and Mary
MacMillan of Leasing Programmes had travelled from Wellington.
“Mary and I found BBxpo very beneficial,” says Emily. “We
were instantly welcomed by Alan and introduced to people we
could connect with. There was a good mix of businesses exhibiting,
and all were friendly and approachable. The seminars were well
thought out and the ones we attended worthwhile and helpful to
our business. We would love to a part of next year’s.”
Jeannie says: “I found it very worthwhile. I caught up with a few
old contacts and developed some great new connections too. I was
particularly impressed with the diverse businesses in attendance,
and the incredible amount of energy and engagement from all
the exhibitors. ASC Finance for Business are very much looking
forward to securing more finance for businesses in North Devon.”
Advice on all aspects of business
Finding business advice can be a challenge in North Devon and
a number of support agencies and business consultancies were
present to discuss help and support available.
From Petroc discussing how apprenticeships can help businesses
to the Heart of the South West Growth Hub showcasing
the range of support available across the region, there were many
opportunities for businesses to find the advice they needed.
Jobcentre Plus attended for a second year to raise awareness of
the Disability Confident programme that helps businesses discover
the pool of untapped talent that disabled people offer as employees.
And consultancies such as Fitzgerald HR showcased how they
help employers manage, develop and retain their people.
Deep in conversation at the SWIG Finance stand
Fitzgerald HR was on hand to discuss managing and developing people
The Heart of the South West Growth Hub promoted business support on offer
Jobcentre Plus offered advice on the Disability Confident programme
@businessactionm | December 2019 / January 2020 | business action 11

BBxpo
The Sign Maker returned to BBxpo with its stand packed with the many
varieties of signs it manufactures in North Devon
Safety Supplies Direct exhibited a small sample of all the products
available from its Pottington store and through its web site
Robin Glover of Towergate discussed its range of business insurance
services including cyber insurance
Free online training: (from left) Alan Williams with Google Digital Garage
trainer Silvia Paloschi and Robert Zarywacz
Plumbing supplies for trade and homeowners from Barnstaple and Ilfracombe
Steve Bearman started Bearman’s Plumbing Centre at Mullacott when, as a plumber, he had to drive to Barnstaple every time he wanted a
specific item. He exhibited at BBxpo to promote both the branches he operates, having also opened up in Brannam Crescent, Barnstaple.
Customers are mostly plumbers and heating engineers, although more DIYers are buying from the stores and Steve is looking to
increase this trade. He finds his experience and knowledge as an ex-plumber a great advantage in that plumbers and DIYers feel confident
in asking him for advice about products. Product knowledge is essential in this business.
Bearman’s specialises in stocking or obtaining items that most plumbers merchants do not. As well as the products most customers
expect, it carries more unusual items, such as tap cartridges, shower spares and a greater variety of fittings, and it has the ability to source
almost everything plumbing and heating related.
12 business action | December 2019 / January 2020 | business-action.co.uk

BBxpo
Thank you
Alan and Robert would like to thank Andy Francis at Tarkatography
for capturing the day’s activities in the photos featured on
these pages – find more details of Andy’s photographic services at
tarkatography.co.uk.
We would also to thank Paulo Symons for recording and
editing the BBxpo video, which is now available on the BBxpo web
site, YouTube and other sites – find more details of Paulo’s video
marketing services at panotion.co.uk.
Thank you too to Marley Comms for supplying wifi for the
event – find out details of Marley Comms at marleycomms.co.uk.
And, finally, thank you to all our exhibitors, presenters and visitors
– we hope to see you all again next year at BBxpo 2020.
Book for 2020 at bbxpo.uk
The Peak Online team ran a champagne prize draw at BBxpo
Sponsorship deal: (from left) Andrew Bowers of Peak Online
with Theresa Soanes, show secretary for the North Devon Show
New web site for North Devon Show
BBxpo exhibitor Peak Online
has partnered with the North
Devon Show with a five-year
web site sponsorship deal.
The web site is a pivotal
marketing tool for the show
and with continued mobile
use increasing, it was time to
act in time for the 2020 show.
Show secretary Theresa
Soanes says: “The North
Devon Show continues to
invest in improvements to the
show and we are delighted to
work with Andrew from Peak
Online, and thank them for
their valued sponsorship and
support.”
Andrew Bowers of Peak
Online says: “Peak Online is
excited to announce the fiveyear
web site sponsorship deal
with the North Devon Show.
“It works out to be a
great deal for both parties.
They were in need of a web
site upgrade and in return
it’s great exposure for Peak
Online to the North Devon
community.
“The deal includes a new
responsive web site and
ongoing support to maintain
its presence for years to come.
“I am very much looking
forward to meeting everyone
involved with the show at the
AGM in February next year.”
BBxpo experience
Commenting on BBxpo,
Andrew says: “This was Peak
Online’s first BBxpo and we
will definitely return for 2020.
Everyone involved was very
friendly and welcoming. It
gave us the platform to reach
out to North Devon businesses
and discuss how we can help
them with their web sites and
digital marketing strategies.
“We have already began
working with a few new
clients because of our stand
and hopefully a few more will
follow. I would like to thank
Robert and Alan for putting
on a fantastic show.”
■■Details 01237 721256 or
northdevon.peak-online.uk.com
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!
@businessactionm | December 2019 / January 2020 | business action 13

graphics design teams produce
fully functional prototypes so
that each design can be tested
to ensure that shapes, folds,
assembly and visual appearance
combine to provide the best
possible product for the client.
The importance of people
Complementing this investment
in equipment and technology,
Jason emphasises the
importance of all the people
working in the business.
“We have a very loyal
workforce,” says Jason. “Many
people have been with us for
over 20 years.”
While it’s a challenge to
keep everyone happy, Jason
adds that the company aims to
demonstrate its appreciation
for everyone’s hard work. This
includes providing an impressive
range of benefits including
MANUFACTURING
Manufacturer always moving forward
Atlas Packaging, like many
manufacturers, operates a
sophisticated, modern business
hidden away on a business park.
As a result, few people in North
Devon may realise that, as an
independent corrugated cardboard
packaging specialist, Atlas
Packaging supplies packaging
to household brands including
Riverford Organics, St Austell
Brewery, Adidas, Asda, Baileys
and Johnnie Walker.
Inside the Atlas Packaging
plant at Roundswell, Barnstaple,
a team of 150 works to
design, print and manufacture
a range of packaging that is
shipped to customers across
the country. The company’s
success has enabled the team to
grow from 130 two years ago,
while continued investment has
increased its capabilities and
capacity. In 2012, it invested
£2.5 million in new machinery
with further investments of
£500,000 in 2014 and £1.75m
in 2016. Planned investment
in 2020 will increase capacity
even more.
Technology in packaging
Managing director Jason
Sharman acknowledges that
there is never certainty in
business and that all businesses
need to be prepared to respond
to changing circumstances,
whatever they may be: “We
are always looking at the next
requirement. Our approach
to business is always to try to
move forward.”
Atlas Packaging approaches
this in a number of ways. In
addition to investing in efficient
machines that print, cut and
fold cardboard into packaging
that looks like a work of art,
Atlas has a fully equipped
structural design studio which
uses CAD technology to push
cardboard engineering innovation
to its limits. This enables it
to develop tailored designs for
individual packaging products
optimised for transportation,
storage, assembly and display.
Alongside this, the graphics
design team uses proprietary
and specialist design software to
ensure that packaging looks as
good as it functions. Working
together, the structural and
Manufacturers play a vital role in the North Devon economy, but
because many don’t supply consumers their success is not always
visible. As part of Business Action’s mission to cover all areas of
business, editor Robert Zarywacz met Jason Sharman, managing
director of Atlas Packaging, to find out more about the company
The Atlas Packaging team in Barnstaple
free gym membership, cycleto-work
scheme, free fruit
and childcare vouchers. It also
provides extensive performance
data on the company so
that everyone can understand
the importance of working
well as a team to maintain high
standards and productivity in
a very competitive marketplace.
As a growing business,
Atlas Packaging invests in
its people and continues to
employ apprentices to learn
and develop valuable workplace
skills on the job. Recognising
the common challenge of
attracting new talent to
manufacturing, it plays an
active part in the community
and has partnered with local
charity Chemohero for 2020. It
also sponsors the ‘Our School
Orchard’ project to support
Philip Sweetland (second left) and Jason Sharman (to his right) receiving
Atlas Packaging’s Careers Excellence Award from the Gatsby Foundation
primary school students in
planting and maintaining
small school orchards and is
sponsor of the Annual Bideford
Cardboard Boat Regatta. As
well as supplying free cardboard
to teams constructing
vessels, in 2019 Atlas Packaging
enabled three students – Fahren
Woollacott, Callum Rippon
and Joe Passmore, all aged 15
– to develop their concept and
design it with CAD software
before building it as part of
their work experience. Their
boat still sank!
The company has also
aligned with Ilfracombe
Academy and recently participated
in its Year 7 roadshow
to demonstrate the breadth of
manufacturing careers available,
from accounts and drivers to
machine operators, designers
and IT. As a result of this
commitment to future manufacturers,
it was recently awarded
the Small Employer of the Year
Award at the Careers Excellence
Awards 2019 in London run
by the Careers & Enterprise
Company in partnership with
the Gatsby Foundation.
Environmental care
Jason adds that Atlas Packaging
is fully aware of its environmental
responsibilities as a
packaging manufacturer. While
corrugated cardboard is one
of the most environmentally
friendly materials, there is
no complacency. As well as
holding both ISO 9001-2015
and BRC – 2015 Certification
accreditation for quality
control, the company has
achieved ISO14001 environmental
management system
certification. In addition, its
FSC® Chain of Custody certification
ensures checks at every
stage of the supply chain so that
customers can be confident
they are purchasing genuine
FSC-certified goods.
With this commitment
to the environment and its
approach to investing in technology
and its people, Atlas
Packaging maintains its readiness
to meet the challenges that
future manufacturers will face.
■■Details 01271 344055 or
atlaspackaging.co.uk
14 business action | December 2019 / January 2020 | business-action.co.uk

Engineering firm continues to invest in apprentices
(from left) Lilley Precision Engineering’s Suzanne Lilley, Jacob Bartynski
with his apprenticeship award and managing director Darrian Lilley
Jacob Bartynski, one of two
apprentices at Lilley Precision
Engineering in Barnstaple,
was recently awarded Group
Training & Development’s
Apprentice of the Year Award –
3rd Year Mechanical.
Lilley Precision has been
working with Group Training
& Development since 2011 and
has provided opportunities for
four apprentices to date.
“The apprenticeships work
really well and we feel proud to
be able to provide them with
Manufacturing apprenticeship
specialist Group Training &
Development recently held its
annual awards event, attended
by more than 100 employers,
apprentices and family
members, to celebrate the
successes of all its engineering
apprenticeship completions
and award winners.
Guest speaker Tim Puttick,
manufacturing director of
TDK Lambda, Ilfracombe,
gave an inspirational speech
to students just starting out in
their careers in engineering.
Sponsored and supported
by local engineering companies,
the event reaffirmed the
important role GTD plays in
providing quality apprenticeship
training to engineering
companies across the North
Devon area.
2019 awards winners
1st Year Electrical/Electronic
Nathan Sinclair – NDE
1st Year Mechanical
Victoria Morton – Whiteland
Engineering
2nd Year Electrical/Electronic
Lara Brett – TT Electronics
2nd Year Mechanical
Karl Moore – TDK Lambda
the ability to learn a variety of
skills at the start of their career
path,” says administration and
quality manager Suzanne Lilley.
“Being a small business, our
team all work closely together
and we do feel like a family.
“It is always sad to see our
apprentices move on but we
love that they always keep in
touch with us.”
Steve Killner, training
officer with Group Training
& Development Ltd, adds:
“Lilley Precision and Group
Winning manufacturing apprentices at Group Training & Development’s annual awards celebration
Manufacturing apprentices celebrate success
3rd Year Electrical/Electronic
Charlie White – Eurofins
3rd Year Mechanical
Jacob Bartynski – Lilley
Precision Engineering
4th Year Electrical/Electronic
Lewis Burton – SEA Ltd
4th Year Mechanical
Jamie Witherington – SEA Ltd
Special Achievement Award
Thomas Maslen – Brimar
Technique
About GTD
GTD was established more
than 40 years ago by a number
of like-minded North Devon
Training & Development have
worked closely together for
many years training, mentoring
and supporting engineering
apprentices with their learning
to enable them to obtain
engineering skills and qualifications
that will stay with them
throughout their career. We
look forward to continuing to
work alongside Lilley Precision
to train more apprentices
which will help to strengthen
their business and increase the
pool of engineering talent in
North Devon.”
manufacturing companies
to promote and advance the
provision of apprenticeships,
primarily within engineering,
and to provide apprenticeship
training support to local
employers and their trainees.
GTD continues to work
closely with local businesses
in a multitude of engineering
and manufacturing disciplines
by supporting them in the
selection of apprentices and
by tailoring apprenticeships to
meet the individual training
needs of each of their trainees.
■■Details 07805 696783 or
gtdev.co.uk
Lilley Precision is also
committed to working with
local schools including the
Park, Pilton, South Molton,
Ilfracombe and Torrington to
provide work experience placements
for students.
“We’ve provided work
experience every year for the
past 10 years and it works
well,” adds Darrian. “One of
our previous apprentices was
as a result of one of our work
experience placements.”
■■Details 01271 370601 or
lilleyprecisionengineering.co.uk
Looking for independent financial advice?
Call us on 01237 426450
for a free initial consultation
contact@dscottfinancial.co.uk
https://dscottfinancial.co.uk
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
@businessactionm | December 2019 / January 2020 | business action 15

Universities, colleges and
employers across the South
West have signed a partnership
agreement signalling a
multi-million-pound investment
in the region. The South
West Institute of Technology
(SWIOT) will train thousands
of students in technical
subjects across the region,
bringing unparalleled skills
development and career opportunities.
The government has
plans for 12 new IOTs to equip
the British workforce with
skills across key sectors.
The SWIOT is a unique
collaboration between a
number of partner organisations,
including Petroc, the
University of Exeter, University
of Plymouth, Bridgwater &
Taunton College, City College
Plymouth, Exeter College and
Truro & Penwith College. Each
will invest in the development
of state-of-the-art facilities for
training in technical subjects to
create Britain’s next generation
of highly skilled technicians
and engineers.
The SWIOT also draws
on expertise from a group of
‘anchor employers’ who will
lead its strategic direction
and ensure focus on the latest
industry skills. These include
TDK Lambda in Ilfracombe,
Oxygen House and the Met
Office in Exeter, and Babcock
in Plymouth. Investment will
be provided through the Local
Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs)
for the Heart of the South
Barnstaple-based SEA Ltd
has triumphed in the regional
heats of a major national manufacturing
awards programme
organised by Make UK, the
manufacturers’ organisation.
The Future Manufacturing
Awards recognise manufacturing
excellence in six
categories as well as in two
apprentice categories. The
awards were presented at the
South annual dinner of Make
UK, sponsored by Japanese IT
solutions provider Hulft and
Menzies LLP.
Innovation award win
SEA Ltd, a world-leading
electronic systems provider
to the defence, transport and
offshore energy market, was
announced regional winner
in the Innovation category
sponsored by HVM Catapult.
The judges commented:
“This company sought to
develop a miniaturised
underwater acoustic sensing
solution, reducing the size
dramatically so it could be
deployed from much smaller
vessels, opening up a wider
range of potential applications
in UK and export markets.
Whilst the project overcame
technical and supply chain
challenges, to deliver a prototype
as swiftly as they did was
quite remarkable.”
MANUFACTURING
New regional technology institute gets green light
NEWS IN BRIEF
Gradsouthwest has launched
its South West Graduate
Scheme Directory, which
provides a guide to graduate
schemes, graduate programmes
and graduate traineeships
available across the region.
The Graduate Scheme
Directory aims to help graduates
wanting to work in the
South West find graduate
employment. The directory has
three sections – a full listing
of employers offering schemes
with a graduate web address,
and then listings by county
area and by sector.
Student interest
Gradsouthwest has produced
the directory in response to
student requests for more
information about what is
available in the region. Its aim
is to provide a quick, easy-toread
guide for students and
graduates that helps them
find schemes in the region. It
does not guarantee that every
graduate scheme is included.
In addition, Gradsouthwest
continues to advertise
hundreds of graduate job
vacancies throughout the
year, both graduate schemes
and single job vacancies.
Entries are free to recruiting
employers – they just have to
run a scheme offering job roles
in South West England.
■■Details gradsouthwest.com
West and Cornwall and the
Isles of Scilly.
Catering for up to 2,500
students in apprenticeship and
full-time courses, from post-16
to Master’s degree level, the
SWIOT’s combined facilities
will match the best available in
the UK and help put the South
West region at the forefront
of digital and engineering
education. Facilities will
include virtual and augmented
reality environments, digital
learning laboratories, artificial
intelligence arenas, new clean
workspaces, workshops, emergent
manufacturing spaces
with industry level equipment,
and shared learning spaces.
Speaking about the multimillion-pound
partnership
Success in manufacturing awards
Triple finalist
HepcoMotion, in Tiverton,
was runner-up in three categories.
Maurice Porter, group
training manager, was named
runner-up in the Leadership
award and Andrew Crew, a
final year engineering apprentice,
also received recognition.
The third award placed HepcoMotion
as runner-up in the
Developing Future Talent category,
with judges commenting:
“HepcoMotion’s approach to
talent development gives back
to the community by taking
unemployed people, training
them and injecting a huge
level of enthusiasm”.
Caroline Milton, partner
and manufacturing specialist
at Menzies, says: “UK manufacturing
is a great British
success story. A healthy sector
is instrumental in driving
economic growth and plays a
critical role in rebalancing the
economy. The Future Manufacturing
awards recognise the
importance of manufacturers
and apprentices across Britain,
reminding us of their contribution
and the hard work,
dedication and ambition going
on in every part of this vibrant
sector. We congratulate all
winners for their achievements
and wish them the best
of luck at the national finals.”
Dick Elsy CBE, chief execu-
deal for South West Institute
of Technology, Paul Swan,
financial director at TDK-
Lambda UK, says: “As a design
and manufacturing enterprise
based in North Devon, some
distance from large cities and
universities, attracting and
retaining sufficient engineering
talent can often be
difficult.
“The South West Institute
of Technology partnership
fosters the growth of and
augments the collaboration
within the region. We are
delighted to be involved and
excited about the new opportunities
it will bring to young
people in the South West.”
■■Details 01271 856600 or
emea.lambda.tdk.com/uk
tive of the High Value Manufacturing
Catapult, added:
“Innovation is the beating
heart of a thriving company.
Mastering its rhythm is key
to developing great products,
achieving outstanding productivity
and putting a business
ahead of the pack. Innovators
are the drivers of opportunity.
They create robust, sustainable
growth, whatever the
economic outlook, and deserve
our recognition and praise.”
Russell Kirby, senior
director, Business Development
EMEA at Hulf, said:
“Britain is one of the world’s
biggest manufacturing nations,
and it is a great privilege to
be working with Make UK to
help support and champion
UK manufacturing. The sector
is facing significant change,
as a result of what is being
referred to as the 4th industrial
revolution, and it is important
that businesses are given the
right opportunities to properly
position themselves for the
future. We are looking forward
to getting out to meet Make
UK’s members and being part
of such an important and credible
awards programme.”
As a winner, SEA Ltd will
go forward to the national
finals to be judged in London
in December.
■■Details makeuk.org
16 business action | December 2019 / January 2020 | business-action.co.uk

MANUFACTURING
The Aramis digital scrum machine developed and manufactured in North Devon
A family business: (from left) Roshni, Ryan and Vic Mahajan
From the Punjab via Exmoor across the world
When it comes to rugby
equipment, all roads lead to
South Molton where, just off
the A361, Aramis Rugby has its
global headquarters.
A family business established
in India in 1927, it first
manufactured hockey sticks
for the Olympics team before
making cricket bats.
The present company is one
of the world’s leading manufacturers
of rugby equipment,
supplying 3,000 rugby clubs,
rugby schools and universities
in 23 countries across the world.
Husband and wife team Vic
and Roshni Mahajan head the
business, operating their own
factories in India and the UK.
Vic has travelled extensively,
taking his Master’s in International
Business in Germany
and initially settling in France
to expand the business into
the European market, which
led to naming Aramis after
the famous musketeer. It was
through Australian connections
established by Vic’s
brother, Ajay, that the business
moved into rugby equipment
and started manufacturing in
the UK.
Vic moved to Devon in 2003
and, following an arranged
marriage in India, which
surprised some people here,
Roshni joined him in South
Molton. After the birth of their
son Ryan, Roshni became fully
involved in the business.
“South Molton is home now.
We all feel part of the community
and our son goes to the
local school,” says Roshni. “It’s
a very beautiful place to live.”
Building the Aramis brand
A major step Vic and Roshni
took in 2012 was to stop
manufacturing for other brands
to concentrate on establishing
Aramis itself as a major, high
quality, international brand.
Another step was the development
and manufacture of its
own scrum machines in South
Molton. The company already
produced rugby balls, training
equipment and high performance
kit and clothing – being
official supplier to many UK
and worldwide rugby premiership
teams – when it developed
its scrum machines in 2013.
“Scrum machines have existed,
in one form or another, for
a while now,” says Vic. “But
we wanted to take the scrum
machine on to the next phase, a
‘next generation’, and the incentive
to do that has come from
people within the game.”
Digital scrum machines
In 2015, ex-England International
and British Lion Nigel
Horton joined Aramis as an
adviser, while Ajay was keen to
use the latest technology.
Nigel used his experience
of the game to identify
what rugby players wanted.
Roshni adds that he suggested
developing a scrum machine
that would “not only measure
weight and force but record
and analyse figures”.
Vic’s inventive skills brought
together Nigel’s knowledge of
the game, Ajay’s engineering
input and Roshni’s AutoCad
abilities, enabling Aramis to
launch a model that displays
the forces exerted, records
them digitally and preserves a
timeline for further analysis.
Following an approach by
sponsors of the Six Nations and
Scottish Rugby Union for fanfriendly
models, Aramis scrum
machines have been featured
at Murrayfield, the Hong Kong
Sevens tournament in 2018
and the Premiership Final at
Twickenham in 2018 and 2019.
With input from global corporations
including Airbus and
the European Space Agency,
Aramis’ scrum machines are
now leaders in the field.
Record breakers
Vic and Roshni are keen that the
business supports the community,
both in terms of grassroots
rugby and the local economy. To
achieve this they are pursuing
initiatives such as manufacturing
the world’s biggest rugby
ball, which recently put South
Molton under the international
media spotlight.
They are also keen to invest
in local skills through apprenticeships
and create local
employment so that Aramis
has the technical, engineering
and manufacturing capabilities
to develop the full potential
of manufacturing scrum
machines in North Devon both
for the UK and export markets.
■■Details 01769 550284 or
aramisrugby.co.uk
@businessactionm | December 2019 / January 2020 | business action 17

Glover Stanbury will be saying
a fond farewell to senior
manager Paul Dean at Christmas
this year when he retires
after no less than 41 years with
the firm and its predecessors.
Paul has always been based
in the chartered accountants’
Bideford Office in Bridgeland
Street, stretching all the way
back to 1978.
Glover Stanbury is also
very pleased to welcome Toby
Vanstone, who joins them as
a manager from another local
firm. Toby will be taking over
Paul’s clients from January.
Slee Blackwell has welcomed
Andrew Wood to its Clinical
Negligence department to add
his many years of experience of
pursuing compensation claims
for people who have suffered
medical accidents.
Andrew began his career
working in central London
before moving in the late 1990s
to a firm in Kent to specialise
in personal injury and clinical
negligence law. He was chair
of the management committee
of his local Headway branch,
a charity that supports victims
of traumatic head and brain
injury. Andrew has dealt with
a large number and variety
of cases since then, many of
which have involved claimants
who have suffered life-changing
injuries, recovering significant
sums of compensation in the
process. He has successfully
pursued negligence claims
against GPs, dentists, and
specialist medical practitioners,
and is looking to build upon
that success with Slee Blackwell
in North Devon.
Oliver Thorne, head of the
firm’s Clinical Negligence team
said, “On the back of another
PEOPLE
All change: (from left) Paul Dean and Toby Vanstone outside
Glover Stanbury Chartered Accountants in Bridgeland Street, Bideford
The first of new appointments at Slee Blackwell: (from left) Andrew Wood
has joined the firm’s Clinical Negligence department
while Cathy O’Grady has joined its Family Law team
busy year, we’ve had an influx
of people asking for our help.
We’ve therefore been looking
for someone with experience
in this specialised area of law
who is empathetic and understanding
to our clients’ needs.
Andrew is a great addition to
the team and brings a wealth of
experience with him.”
Another new face is Cathy
O’Grady, who has joined the
Family Law team in Barnstaple.
Cathy specialises in domestic
abuse cases and children law,
including care proceedings.
Senior partner Steve Pearce
comments: “A number of us
have worked with Paul for
almost all of those 41 years
and are amazed how quickly
time has flown. Everyone
at Glover Stanbury wishes
Paul a very long and happy
retirement, including one of
his sons, Stephen Dean, who
followed in his father’s footsteps
as a chartered accountant
based in our Barnstaple
office. We will all miss Paul
and, personally, my turn to
follow him is, rather disturbingly,
not too far away.”
The law is Cathy’s second
career and follows 20 years
spent in the non-profit sector
designing and managing
projects for children affected by
war. She has travelled widely,
living in Africa, Asia, Eastern
Europe and the former Soviet
Union.
Partner Paul Jordan, who
heads up Slee Blackwell’s
Family Law department,
welcomed Cathy to the team,
commenting, “We are thrilled
that Cathy has joined our team
of specialist family lawyers. She
is a very talented individual
who brings with her many
years of professional experience
devoted to the needs and
interests of children globally.
Cathy is now applying that
valuable experience for the
benefit of children and parents
at our offices across Devon and
Somerset.”
This expansion of the firm’s
operation in North Devon
reflects the success the practice
has enjoyed recently and
the partners are planning to
announce further staff acquisitions
in key areas during the
firm’s centenary year.
18 business action | December 2019 / January 2020 | business-action.co.uk

DIRECTORY
ACCOUNTANTS
Glover Stanbury
Barnstaple & Bideford
t: 01271 375271 / 01237 471881
w: gloverstanbury.co.uk
ADMINISTRATIVe SERVICES
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
HealTh & SAFETY
JI Health & Safety Consultancy
Combe Martin
t: 07732 328222
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
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
BUSINESS LISTINGS
Photography
Tarkatography
Westward Ho!
t: 07977 414798
w: tarkatography.co.uk
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
Friendly, Reliable, Affordable
• Accounts
• Bookkeeping
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mail@garethpollardaccountancyservices.com
T: 01409 254817 M: 07811 164428
The Old Orchard | Holsworthy | Devon | EX22 6LT
TRAVEL AGENT
Clare Flint – Travel Counsellors
North Devon & UK
t: 01271 828990
w: travelcounsellors.co.uk/clare.flint
Web SITES & DIGITAL
Itseeze North Devon
North Devon
Tel: 07890 633458
Web: itseeze-northdevon.co.uk
Peak Online
Bideford
t: 01237 721256
w: northdevon.peak-online.uk.com
Welding & Sandblasting
Nott’s Welding
Ilfracombe & North Devon
t: 07706 595955
Wills
Wills at Home
West Yelland
t: 01271 860105
w: wills-athome.co.uk
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@businessactionm | December 2019 / January 2020 | business action 19

Chartered accountants and
business advisers Thomas
Westcott has launched a new
technical service for dairy
farmers. The service gives
farmers in-depth analysis of
their milk data and provides
technical advice on how yield
can be increased and operations
made more efficient.
The Thomas Westcott team
reports on a farm’s milk yield
and uses the data to identify
how to improve performance
and profitability. Each month,
a report analyses areas such as
milk production and feeding
efficiencies, milk quality and
energy requirements, somatic
cell count and fertility.
The team began developing
the Dairy Technical Service in
October 2018. Now that it has
been tested and developed for
optimum use, they are offering
it to clients across the region.
Peter Brown, director of
Thomas Westcott’s Agricultural
Consultancy Service, says: “We
launched the Dairy Technical
Service to enable a quick
response to the milk data that
is collected every month.
“There is so much data when
it comes to milk recording,
which can be confusing. Our
programme analyses the data
and produces a report with key
action points.
“The level of interest from
clients has been high, with
people asking that our regular
visits coincide with the production
of the latest reports.”
Farms using the service
include Battledown Farm, near
HEADER NEWS
New technical service
for dairy farmers
Battledown Farm: (from left) Thomas Westcott’s Peter Brown with Kate Dymond
Shebbear. Peter Brown and
colleague Nikki Smale have
been working closely with Kate
Dymond and her family on the
farm for the past three years.
Yields are increasing monthly
and feed utilisation improving.
Reporting has been a big factor
in these improvements.
The farm has 250 cows, as
well as 100 young stock, and
farms more than 145 hectares
– 39 of which are owned by
the family. It supplies Crediton
Dairy with milk, with 80% of
its income from milk sales.
Kate says: “Working with
the Agricultural Consultancy
Service has driven us forward,
made us more sustainable and
given me more confidence.
“Thomas Westcott provide
us with a rounded service.
Other consultancy firms would
simply come in and give us
information, then leave us to it.
Peter, on the other hand, will
be constantly available, helping
us to assess what we have done
and advising us on what we
plan to do next.
“Peter has pushed us to
focus on improving cow
comfort, which has led to
much improved cow welfare
including reduced cases
of lameness, mastitis and
metabolic diseases. We have
also seen much higher levels
of milk yield per cow and
reduced calving index, which
is something that milk buyers
and consumers now focus
more on.”
■■Details 01409 253297 or
thomaswestcott.co.uk
Virtual Business Partners
Support for improving health services
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(from left) Healthwatch champion Sam Scott with Slee Blackwell’s Oliver Thorne
Slee Blackwell has been
working with Healthwatch
Devon since 2016 to help
improve local health services
in Devon.
Healthwatch Devon is the
independent champion for
people using health and care
services. It listens to what
people like about services
and what improvements they
suggest and shares these views
with those with the power to
make change happen.
Slee Blackwell partner
Oliver Thorne says, “We are
proud to have strong links
with Healthwatch Devon and
feel we are suitably placed to
help them with their goal of
improving patient services.”
Sam Scott, Healthwatch
champion for North Devon,
added, “Healthwatch champions
listen to people’s experience
of health and social care
and help support clients to
have voices heard.”
■■For more information visit
healthwatchdevon.co.uk
20 business action | December 2019 / January 2020 | business-action.co.uk

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@businessactionm | December 2019 / January 2020 | business action 21

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