Business Action | April / May 2020

BRATTON FLEMING
Exmoor Zoo
Exmoor Zoo is a collection of
rare and endangered species
from around the world. It
specialises in small and often
little-known animals and it has
a collection of 11 species of cat.
Exmoor Zoo works closely
with other zoos, nationally, in
Europe and worldwide to help
save the endangered animals of
the world while maintaining a
diverse collection. The present
owners took over from the
previous Exmoor Bird Gardens
and have increased visitors from
10,000 to 50,000. A full-time
crew of 26 staff operate the
zoo with seasonal help during
the main season. It is a family
business, with three generations
helping, and two grandchildren
in the next generation waiting
in the wings.
■■exmoorzoo.co.uk
COMBE MARTIN
Manleigh Park
Manleigh Park is a small
holiday park made up of 24
mixed letting units. It has
BARNSTAPLE
Tommy Gilroy
Advanced Scaffolding
Having worked at a number of
scaffolding businesses, Tommy
joined Advanced Scaffolding
in September 2018, holding a
basic Trainee CISRS card.
Tommy has integrated
himself well and has become
a valued part of the Advanced
Scaffolding team. He has shown
good reliability and punctuality
and a desire to learn.
Tommy is currently working
towards the CITB Part 2 Scaffolder
qualification and travels
to London up to three times a
year for two weeks at a time.
With Advanced Scaffolding’s
support and his own focus on
his apprenticeship, Tommy is
on track for a great future.
■■advancedscaffoldingltd.co.uk
BARNSTAPLE
Rosie Hayton
Turquoise Thinking
Rosie joined Turquoise
Thinking to begin her Petroc
apprenticeship back in March
2019. Nearly 12 months on,
AWARDS FINALISTS
business
ACTION AWARDS
2020
Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism
a mix of chalets, log cabins
and caravans, as well as a
bungalow for guests who have
mobility issues. The park is
also dog friendly.
The current owners
purchased Manleigh Park
in 2017 and employ two
permanent members of staff,
two seasonal wardens and a
number of local contractors.
On average, the park hosts
approximately 3,000 guests
per year.
■■manleighparkdevon.co.uk
sponsored by
VISIT MARSDENS.CO.UK
ILFRACOMBE
WHICH HOSPITALITY FINALIST WILL WIN?
sponsored by
VISIT ATLASPACKAGING.CO.UK
ILFRACOMBE
she has gained a breadth of
new skills, knowledge and
experience and she has thrown
herself into various tasks and
projects within all areas of the
business from sales, marketing,
project management,
analysis and reporting.
Rosie commutes every day
from Lynton to Roundswell.
This takes her 1.5 hours on
two buses. Never has she
complained. This is testament
to her character and attitude.
■■thinkturquoise.com
The Earlsdale
The Earlsdale is a modern bed
and breakfast in Ilfracombe
with seven en-suite bedrooms,
along with an honesty bar and
large breakfast room.
The present owners took
over the property in early
2019 and run the business
themselves. They updated
and modernised the property
and business before opening
business
ACTION AWARDS
2020
Highest Achieving Learner
Thomas Maslen
Brimar Technique
Thomas was employed by
Brimar Technique in 2017 to
initially help with production
demands of the business and to
learn basic machine setting and
operating skills. After working
for the company for a short time
Thomas was offered the chance
to complete an Advanced
Apprenticeship in Mechanical
WHICH FINALIST WILL WIN LEARNER AWARD?
in April 2019. In 2019 the
Earlsdale welcomed more than
1,600 guests.
■■theearlsdale.co.uk
APPLEDORE
The Royal George
Dating back to the late 1700s,
the Royal George is a Grade
2 listed pub, located on the seawall
with stunning views over
the Taw and Torridge Estuary.
The building was completely
rebuilt and refurbished in 2017
into a contemporary pub /
restaurant over two floors, with
four en-suite letting rooms,
including two family rooms
and two double rooms. Two
rooms are dog friendly.
The restaurant can serve
more than 80 people at one
sitting and there is a firstfloor
terrace overlooking the
estuary for al fresco dining in
good weather.
The business employs
25+ people and is constantly
growing by expanding into
new markets including
mobile catering, events and
private dining.
■■trgpub.co.uk
Manufacturing Engineering
specialising in CNC setting,
programming and machining.
■■Facebook @Brimartechnique
ILFRACOMBE
Taylor Phelps
Terrace Tapas
& Wine Bar
Taylor has worked at the business
for two and a half years.
She is now bar manager,
having developed and grown
over the last few years. She has
just completed her level three
hospitality supervisor apprenticeship
and was awarded a
‘distinction’. This grade is not
given out lightly and she has
just been interviewed as a case
study to help other learners.
She now manages junior
staff with confidence and
runs the bar like clockwork.
Her business confidence has
increased along with her
authority and poise. She has
a new aura about her which
is amazing to see. This has
contributed considerably to
the business and she continues
to be a true asset.
■■terracetapasbar.co.uk
@businessactionm | April / May 2020 | business action 23