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Business Action | Midsummer 2020

Midsummer 2020 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news about business and enterprise in the area. This issue includes the winners of the 11 categories of the Business Action Awards 2020 and the North Devon Business of the Year. The area covered includes Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton, Chulmleigh, Combe Martin, Holsworthy, Ilfracombe, Lynmouth, Lynton, South Molton, Torrington, Woolacombe and more.

Midsummer 2020 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news about business and enterprise in the area.

This issue includes the winners of the 11 categories of the Business Action Awards 2020 and the North Devon Business of the Year.

The area covered includes Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton, Chulmleigh, Combe Martin, Holsworthy, Ilfracombe, Lynmouth, Lynton, South Molton, Torrington, Woolacombe and more.

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usiness<br />

ACTION<br />

north enterprise<br />

devon<br />

growth<br />

innovation<br />

news & views<br />

business-action.co.uk | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | @businessactionm


CONTENTS HEADER<br />

Web site | business-action.co.uk<br />

Online version | business-action.uk<br />

Vol 2 Issue 3 – <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> – distribution 2,000<br />

Restart. Rebuild. Revive ................................................................................. 1<br />

Join the online North Devon business community ............................ 1<br />

Advertise your business for £30 a year ................................................... 1<br />

<strong>Business</strong>es start reopening .......................................................................... 2<br />

Pool firm wins people’s choice ................................................................... 2<br />

Bideford auction house moves..................................................................... 2<br />

Hotel embraces change to maintain superb service.......................... 3<br />

New division for building group .................................................................. 3<br />

Government business support for your business............................... 4<br />

<strong>Business</strong> directory – find products and services................................ 5<br />

CASH COUNTS – Manage it well to keep your business healthy.. 6<br />

Leadership and export training ................................................................... 6<br />

Stop turning web buyers away..................................................................... 7<br />

Rugby fan’s dream supports charities ..................................................... 8<br />

£10,000 fund for Devon rugby clubs.......................................................... 8<br />

Foodservice supports community.............................................................. 9<br />

Support for Air Ambulance............................................................................ 9<br />

Flexibility is key for manufacturer............................................................... 10<br />

Sneak-a-peek at innovative new business ............................................. 11<br />

Still ready to help ............................................................................................... 11<br />

In the Hot Seat: Vanessa Spain of Zero7.................................................. 12<br />

Employer and learner winners...................................................................... 13<br />

<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Awards: ............................................................................... 14<br />

<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Awards: Winners ............................................................ 15<br />

© Need it Find it <strong>2020</strong>. All information in this magazine is published in good faith.<br />

Any views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, Need it Find it.<br />

Readers are strongly recommended to seek advice from an appropriate professional<br />

before taking any action on any topic discussed in the magazine and to check full<br />

terms and conditions of any products or services promoted in advertisements.<br />

ii<br />

business action | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business-action.co.uk


ENTERPRISE HEADER<br />

business<br />

ACTION<br />

Restart. Rebuild. Revive.<br />

<strong>Business</strong>es need to restart.<br />

Aswellasfeaturingnewsof<br />

NorthDevonbusinesses,this<br />

issueof<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong><br />

focusesonthepracticalaspects<br />

ofrestarting,rebuildingand<br />

revivingtheeconomy.<br />

WithGloverStanbury<br />

outliningofficialsupport<br />

schemes(page4),SusieKevern<br />

advisesonmanagingyour<br />

cashflow(page6)andRobert<br />

Zarywaczsharestipson<br />

makingyourwebsitemore<br />

productive(page7).<br />

We must make it happen<br />

Nothinghappensbyitself–we<br />

havetoinitiateeverything<br />

ourselves–andfast.<br />

Isolatedactionsrarely<br />

produceinstantresults,but<br />

takingmanysmallactions<br />

establishesmomentumsothat<br />

westartseeingresultsand<br />

moveforward.<br />

Raising awarenessofyour<br />

businessisessentialatall<br />

times,especiallynow.<br />

Since2004wehavebeen<br />

buildinganextensiveand<br />

activelocalandnational<br />

onlinebusinessnetwork<br />

includinggroupsthat<br />

businessescanjoinforfree.<br />

Pleasetakeadvantageof<br />

theseresourcestopromote<br />

yourbusiness,findcustomers<br />

andsuppliers,andgiveand<br />

receivebusinesssupport.<br />

Facebook group<br />

ConnectwithusonFacebook<br />

at @businessactionmagand<br />

jointheNorthDevon<br />

Facebookgroup–runningfor<br />

10yearsandwith1,400+<br />

members–at facebook.com/<br />

groups/ndevon<br />

LinkedIn group<br />

ConnectwithusonLinkedIn<br />

at linkedin.com/company/<br />

businessactionandjointhe<br />

NorthDevongroup–running<br />

for11yearswithalmost500<br />

members–at linkedin.com/<br />

groups/2494210/<br />

Instagram<br />

ConnectwithusonInstagram<br />

at @businessactionuk<br />

Twitter<br />

ConnectwithusonTwitterat<br />

@businessactionmag<br />

YouTube<br />

FollowourYouTube <strong>Business</strong><br />

<strong>Action</strong>channel.<br />

See you online<br />

Welookforwardtoconnecting.<br />

JOIN THE NORTH DEVON ONLINE COMMUNITY ON<br />

LINKEDIN, FACEBOOK, TWITTER & INSTAGRAM<br />

LOCKDOWN STYLE – THE NEW NORMAL<br />

Alan Williams<br />

Advertising, Distribution &<br />

Publisher<br />

t: 07970 671192<br />

e: alan@business-action.co.uk<br />

Share the challenges<br />

Weareundernoillusionthat<br />

thechallengesaheadaretough.<br />

That’swhyitisvitaltosharethe<br />

burdenandsupporteachother.<br />

Whetherbusinesseshave<br />

continuedtooperateorhadto<br />

close,businessownerscanfeel<br />

scared,worried,exhaustedand<br />

Join online North Devon business community<br />

Robert Zarywacz<br />

Editor, Designer & Publisher<br />

t: 07971 176044<br />

e: robertz@business-action.co.uk<br />

@robertz<br />

evenexcitedbyopportunities.<br />

It’simportanttoknowthat<br />

you’renotaloneandthatothers<br />

sharehowyoufeel.<br />

Throughthelockdownwe<br />

havebeensupporting<br />

businessesonsocialmedia –<br />

seebelowhowyoucantapinto<br />

thecommunityforsupport.<br />

Our aim hasalwaysbeento<br />

providecommunications<br />

channelsthatareaccessibleto<br />

allNorthDevonbusinesses,<br />

regardlessofsizeandsector.<br />

Whileeditorialinclusionis<br />

free,weensurethatadvertising<br />

isalwaysaffordable.<br />

Withbusinessesneedingto<br />

promotethemselvesactively<br />

andcontrolcosts,wehave<br />

launchedour£30<strong>Business</strong><br />

<strong>Action</strong>Plantoprovidea12-<br />

monthlistingonour North<br />

Devon <strong>Business</strong> Directoryat<br />

needitfindit.uk<br />

Everyone’s a winner<br />

Wehavealsobeencelebrating<br />

thefinalistsandwinnersinour<br />

first<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>Awards.<br />

Congratulations!<br />

Ithasbeenbeengratifying<br />

topublishgoodnewswhenthe<br />

worldhasfeltgrim.Wetoo<br />

havefoundinspirationnotonly<br />

fromthe11winners–featured<br />

onpages15-21–butalsothe<br />

44finalistsandall104entrants,<br />

whodemonstratewhatis<br />

possiblewhenwetakeaction.<br />

Our<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>Awards<br />

willreturninearly2021,but<br />

fortherestof<strong>2020</strong>our<br />

attentionwillbeonworkingto<br />

ensureeveryNorthDevon<br />

businesshasthebestchanceof<br />

winningthedemandingbattles<br />

torestart,rebuildandrevive.<br />

Thisincludesaprogramme<br />

ofbusinesseventswewillhost<br />

acrossNorthDevon.<br />

Let’swinthiswartogether!<br />

Need it<br />

Find it<br />

Advertise your business for £30 a year<br />

The£30<strong>Business</strong>Planincludes:<br />

➤ 12-monthonlinelistingwith<br />

logoandclickablelinksto<br />

yourwebsiteandsocial<br />

mediaprofiles.<br />

➤ Listingintheclassified<br />

directoryofsixbi-monthly<br />

issuesof<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>–<br />

see50+listingsonpage5.<br />

➤ Sixcopiesof<strong>Business</strong><br />

<strong>Action</strong>maileddirectlyto<br />

youraddress.<br />

Yourlistingwillbeseenby<br />

thousandsofbusinesses.<br />

BUY YOUR £30 ANNUAL BUSINESS LISTING AT<br />

NEEDITFINDIT.UK<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business action 1


NEWS<br />

<strong>Business</strong>es start reopening<br />

Many North Devon businesses<br />

areembracingtheopportunity<br />

toreopeninaccordancewith<br />

governmentguidelines.<br />

Whiletherearestillmany<br />

sectorswithrestrictionsin<br />

place,thereturnofmany<br />

businessesiscreatingamuchneededboostforthelocal<br />

economy.Thetrickleof<br />

businessesreopeningis<br />

buildingintoasteadystream<br />

andherewelistasampleof<br />

thosewhohaveadvisedthat<br />

theyarenowopenorintendto<br />

reopensoon.<br />

Barnstaple<br />

TheHairLoungeinBJ’sValue<br />

House (hairloungebarnstaple.co.uk)<br />

isnowofferinghairdressing<br />

appointmentswithmorning<br />

appointmentstovulnerable<br />

customers.<br />

Bideford<br />

Family-runLittlePebbles<br />

FinancialSolutions<br />

(littlepebbles.co.uk)has<br />

reopened,whileColorseum<br />

Golden Coasthaswonthe<br />

People’sChoiceAwardfor<br />

SouthandSouthWestFamily<br />

<strong>Business</strong>oftheYear<strong>2020</strong>,<br />

followinganopenonlinevote.<br />

Thecategorywaspartofthe<br />

annualFamily<strong>Business</strong>ofthe<br />

YearAwards<strong>2020</strong>,organisedby<br />

Family<strong>Business</strong>United.<br />

GoldenCoastwas<br />

establishedbyDavidAdamsin<br />

1977,originallyasapool,spa<br />

andsaunainstallationbusiness.<br />

IthasgrownintotheUK’s<br />

largestindependentdistributor<br />

tothewetleisureindustryand<br />

isnowrunbyDavid’ssons<br />

hairandbeauty<br />

(colorseum.co.uk)inMill<br />

Streetisnowofferingbooked<br />

appointments–nowalk-in<br />

appointmentsareavailable.<br />

SimpleRecruitment<br />

(simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk),<br />

whichhadmothballedits<br />

Bidefordofficeandrunservices<br />

centrallyfromitsheadoffice,<br />

willbereopeninginQueen<br />

StreetinJuly.<br />

Georgeham<br />

PickwellManor’sself-catering<br />

holidayapartmentsareopento<br />

visitors(pickwellmanor.co.uk)<br />

anditislaunchingitsnew<br />

familytreehousewithitsown<br />

four-personhottub.<br />

Ilfracombe<br />

IlfracombeChocolate<br />

EmporiumintheHighStreet<br />

(ilfracombechocolateemporium<br />

.co.uk)isoperatingalimited<br />

Pool firm wins people’s choice<br />

Due to fast-changing circumstances, please check with any business<br />

in advance to ensure they are open and can provide the goods or<br />

services you require – web sites are listed for this purpose<br />

Jamie,ShaunandDominic.<br />

Theyleadateamof32staffat<br />

theirpremisesinBarnstaple.<br />

TodayGoldenCoast<br />

suppliesproductsfor<br />

swimmingpools,hottubs,<br />

saunasandspasthroughoutthe<br />

UKandbeyond.<br />

“AllofusatGoldenCoast<br />

areverypleasedtohavewon<br />

thePeople’sChoiceAwardfor<br />

SouthandSouthWestFamily<br />

<strong>Business</strong>oftheYear,”saidJamie<br />

Adams,managingdirectorof<br />

GoldenCoast.<br />

■ Details01271378100or<br />

goldenc.com<br />

openingforitsrangeof<br />

handmadechocolateand<br />

confectionery.<br />

TrimstoneManorCountry<br />

HouseHotelandHoliday<br />

Cottages(trimstone.co.uk)is<br />

acceptingguestsoncemore,<br />

althoughinlinewith<br />

regulationsmanyfacilitieswill<br />

notbeavailable.<br />

Lynton<br />

Independentoutdoorand<br />

lifestyleclothingstore<br />

ChurchillHouse<br />

(churchillhouselynton.co.uk)<br />

onChurchHillhasopenedits<br />

doorsagain,ashaseco-friendly<br />

shopGingerNut(gingernut.co.uk)inLeeRoad,withits<br />

refillstationforcleaningand<br />

personalproducts.<br />

Torrington<br />

OfficeGems(officegems.co.uk),<br />

whichnormallyvisitsclientsin<br />

TorridgeAuctionshasmoved<br />

tonewpremisesatUnit7<br />

PlantationCourtonClovelly<br />

RoadIndustrialEstate,<br />

Bidefordandisnowopento<br />

acceptitemsforfuturesales.<br />

Althoughbuyersarenotyet<br />

abletoviewitemsorattend<br />

auctionsinpersondueto<br />

Coronavirusrestrictions,they<br />

canbrowseauctioncatalogues<br />

onTorridgeAuction’swebsite.<br />

Theycanalsoplacebids<br />

duringitsThursdaylivestreamedauctionsvia<br />

easyliveauction.com.The<br />

businessalsouses<br />

person,isnowprovidingits<br />

virtualassistantadministration<br />

servicesforbusinessonline.<br />

Aswellassupplyingshops,<br />

StapletonDairy<br />

(stapletonfarm.co.uk)is<br />

runningadoorstepdelivery<br />

serviceinDevonforitsyogurt,<br />

icecream,creamandmilk,<br />

withClickandCollectavailable<br />

forthosenearLangtree.<br />

Westward Ho!<br />

CabanaWestwardHo<br />

(facebook.com/cabanawwho)is<br />

providingatakeawayand<br />

mobilecoffeevanservice.<br />

Share and support<br />

Follow<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>onour<br />

socialmediachannelssothat<br />

wecanshareyourreopening<br />

announcementsandplease<br />

shareotherbusinesses’<br />

announcements.<br />

Andifyouhavean<br />

interestingstoryabouthow<br />

yourbusinesseshasadapted,<br />

pleaseemailRobertat<br />

robertz@business-action.co.uk<br />

Bideford auction house moves<br />

lotzone.co.uktoenablebuyers<br />

toregistersearchesusing<br />

keywordssothattheycan<br />

receiveemailnotificationsof<br />

lotsmatchingtheirinterests.<br />

Inadditiontoauctioning<br />

specificlots,Torridge<br />

Auctionsoffershouse<br />

clearanceandavaluationsand<br />

probatesservice.<br />

VisitTorridgeAuctions’<br />

websiteforauctiondetails,<br />

timesandcataloguesandfor<br />

fulldetailsofallitsservices.<br />

■ Details01237471955/<br />

07726526748or<br />

torridgeauctions.co.uk<br />

2 business action | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business-action.co.uk


HEADER NEWS<br />

General & specialist auctions<br />

Online & at our Bideford auction house<br />

House clearance<br />

Valuations & probates service<br />

01237 471 955<br />

torridgeauctions.co.uk<br />

Ilfracombe’s Carlton Hotel<br />

hasbuiltareputationforhigh<br />

quality,bothasaresultofits<br />

£1.7millionrefurbishment<br />

anditsfinediningexperience.<br />

Likeallotherhospitality<br />

businesses,theCarltonfaces<br />

changedoperatingconditions<br />

andithasadaptedtomaintain<br />

thehighlevelsofservicefor<br />

whichitisknownwhile<br />

ensuringthesafetyofboth<br />

guestsandemployees.<br />

Responding to lockdown<br />

Co-ownerEliotSeabourn-<br />

Wrenadvisesthatthehotel<br />

closedtoguestsasquicklyas<br />

possiblewhenlockdownbegan.<br />

Fromthen,itmanaged<br />

bookingstodealwith<br />

enquiries,alterationsand<br />

refunds.Manyofthestaffwere<br />

furloughedwithagreement<br />

fromeachindividual.During<br />

thistimetheteamhavebeen<br />

abletocontinuetheirtraining<br />

throughtheCarlton’sonline<br />

portalandallemployeeshave<br />

completedinfectioncontrol<br />

(includingCovid-19)training.<br />

Weeklycontactwas<br />

establishedwithteam<br />

memberstokeepeveryone<br />

informedofdevelopments.<br />

Maintaining service<br />

Whilethehotelwasclosedto<br />

guests,itstartedaweekend<br />

delideliveryservicewithin<br />

Boden Groupisprogressingits<br />

ambitiousgrowthplanswith<br />

thelaunchofitsMechanical&<br />

Electricaldivision.<br />

Thenewdivisionadds<br />

design,installationand<br />

decommissioningtoitsexisting<br />

maintenanceandcompliance<br />

testingservicespreviously<br />

deliveredthroughitsFacilities<br />

Managementdivision.<br />

BodenMechanical&<br />

Electricalwillworkonnew<br />

Hotel embraces change<br />

to offer superb service<br />

NorthDevon,usinganonline<br />

platformcalledKeepItLocal<br />

Marketplace,developedbya<br />

localagency,whichhandles<br />

thewholesalesprocess.<br />

Opening up<br />

TheCarltonHotelreopened<br />

on6Julyfollowingextensive<br />

preparationstoadhereto<br />

governmentregulationsand<br />

ensurethesafetyofguestsand<br />

employees.<br />

General measures<br />

Inadditiontothoroughrisk<br />

assessmentsandthe<br />

developmentofnewguidance<br />

andprocedures,measures<br />

includedincreasedcleaning<br />

frequencywithmorefocuson<br />

busierareasandtouchpoints,<br />

useoffacecoveringswhere<br />

appropriate,sanitisestations<br />

atentry,exitandotherpoints,<br />

protectiveguest/deskscreens,<br />

nobuffetservicesandsigned<br />

customerflowinthehotel.<br />

Food and drink<br />

Foodanddrinkmeasures<br />

includebookabledining<br />

times,staggeredtimestoeat,<br />

reducedtable/seating<br />

densityinhouse,continued<br />

homedeliveryandcollection<br />

ofmeals,outsideseasonal<br />

seating,tapandgofor<br />

payments,andanordering<br />

appforfoodanddrink.<br />

Hotel guests<br />

Measuresforhotelguests<br />

includereducedoccupancy<br />

levels,publicationofguest<br />

etiquette,breakfastbags<br />

deliveredtorooms,welltrainedhousekeepingstaff,<br />

isolatedguestroomcleaning,<br />

optionalin-roomdiningand<br />

aphoneapptohandleguest<br />

requirementsandneeds.<br />

New division for building group<br />

buildsaswellasrestoration<br />

andrefurbishmentprojects.<br />

BodenGroupinvests<br />

heavilyintrainingand<br />

certificationtoensurethatit<br />

isfullycompliantwithcurrent<br />

accreditationsfromleading<br />

industrybodies.Asamember<br />

ofNICEIC,Boden<br />

Mechanical&Electricalcan<br />

caterforallclients’electrical<br />

needsincludingplanned<br />

preventativemaintenanceand<br />

reactivemaintenancethrough<br />

its24/7on-callteam.<br />

BodenGroupisoneofonly<br />

afewprovidersofferinga<br />

combinationoffacilities<br />

management,fire,security,<br />

home/businessautomation<br />

andconstructionacrossthe<br />

SouthWestandSouth.<br />

Ready and prepared<br />

WhiletheCarltonHotel<br />

retainsmanyofthestriking<br />

featuresofitsoriginal<br />

Victorianbuilding,itsfouryearrefurbishmenthas<br />

createdmorethan30brand<br />

newguestbedroomstogether<br />

withgenerouspublicareasto<br />

relaxin.<br />

Eachbedroomhasbeen<br />

individuallyredesignedand<br />

completelyrebuiltwithallnew<br />

servicesandfeatures.Finally,<br />

theyhavebeencarefullyfitted<br />

outtoadeluxe,four-star<br />

standard.<br />

Itisasignofthe<br />

thoroughnessofowners<br />

MichaelRebeiroandEliot<br />

Seabourn-Wrenthatthe<br />

refurbishmentalready<br />

providednow-essential<br />

modern,hygienicfinishesand<br />

featuresinguestbedrooms<br />

andpublicareas.These<br />

includefullytiledbathrooms<br />

andpublicwashroomswith<br />

touchlesstapsandhanddriers.<br />

Addtothismorethan300m2<br />

ofbright,airyandspacious<br />

reception,lounge,barand<br />

brasseriefloorareasanditis<br />

easytoseewhytheCarlton<br />

Hotelhasbuiltareputationfor<br />

thehighqualityofits<br />

accommodation,diningand<br />

hospitality.<br />

■ Details01271862446or<br />

ilfracombecarlton.co.uk<br />

SteveBoden,founderofthe<br />

BodenGroup,says:“Thisisa<br />

naturalevolutionfromour<br />

existingdivisionsandservices.<br />

Ournewdivisionwillallowus<br />

tofurthersupportbothexisting<br />

andnewcustomerswith<br />

professionallydelivered<br />

mechanicalandelectrical<br />

servicesandBoden’srenowned<br />

customerservice.”<br />

■ Details08456460112or<br />

bodengroup.co.uk<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business action 3


Government <strong>Business</strong> Support web site<br />

Dedicated web site detailing government business support<br />

businesssupport.gov.uk<br />

Government Guidance for businesses<br />

Government updates on its support for business<br />

gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-andbusinesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses<br />

Coronavirus <strong>Business</strong> Information Loan Scheme<br />

The British <strong>Business</strong> Bank web site includes a link to the Coronavirus<br />

<strong>Business</strong> Information Loan Scheme (CBILS), which will temporarily<br />

replace the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG)<br />

british-business-bank.co.uk/our partners/supporting-business-loansenterprise-finance-guarantee/<br />

SUPPORT NEWS<br />

Due to the fast-changing circumstances, government support available for businesses is subject to change and further developments may<br />

have occurred since these articles were published. Please check government sources or qualified advisers to confirm up-to-date details<br />

Government business support for your business<br />

There are many waysthe<br />

Governmentisproviding<br />

supportforyouandyour<br />

businessduringthistimeof<br />

uncertainty.<br />

Coronavirus Job Retention<br />

Scheme<br />

TheCoronavirusJobRetention<br />

Schemehasnowbeenupand<br />

runningsince20March<br />

coveringtheperiodsince1<br />

Marchand,currently,will<br />

continueuntiltheendof<br />

October<strong>2020</strong>.<br />

TheGovernmentisplanning<br />

ontheemployercontributing<br />

totheschemeduringAugustto<br />

October.Employerscan<br />

furloughemployeesandthe<br />

governmentwillpay80%of<br />

employees’wages,uptoa<br />

maximumof£2,500permonth<br />

perfurloughedemployee.<br />

Tobeeligibleforthegrant<br />

employersmustconfirmin<br />

writingtotheiremployeethat<br />

theyhavebeenfurloughed.If<br />

thisisdoneinawaythatis<br />

consistentwithemployment<br />

law,thatconsentisvalidforthe<br />

purposeofclaimingthrough<br />

thescheme.Collective<br />

agreementreachedbetweenan<br />

employerandatradeunionis<br />

alsoacceptableforthepurpose<br />

oftheclaim.Thereneedstobe<br />

awrittenrecord,butthe<br />

employeedoesnothaveto<br />

providewrittenresponse.A<br />

recordofthiscommunication<br />

mustbekeptforfiveyears.<br />

Employeesmustbe<br />

furloughedforaminimumof<br />

threeweeks.Duringthistime<br />

theemployeecannotdoany<br />

workfortheemployerthathas<br />

furloughedthem.<br />

Chartered accountants Glover Stanbury offer a round up of current<br />

Government business support available<br />

Theemployeemusthave<br />

beenemployedon19March<br />

<strong>2020</strong>andbeenonyourPAYE<br />

payrollonorbefore19March<br />

<strong>2020</strong>meaninganRTI<br />

submissionmusthavebeen<br />

madetoHMRC.Ifemployees<br />

havebeenmaderedundantor<br />

theyhavestoppedworkingfor<br />

youafter28February<strong>2020</strong>,you<br />

canre-employthemandplace<br />

themonfurloughaslongasthe<br />

employeewasonthepayrollon<br />

orbefore28February<strong>2020</strong>.<br />

Also,ifemployeesweremade<br />

redundantorstoppedworking<br />

fortheemployerafter19March<br />

<strong>2020</strong>,theycanbere-employed<br />

andplacedonfurlough,aslong<br />

astheywereemployedon19<br />

March<strong>2020</strong>andwereonthe<br />

payrollonorbefore19March<br />

<strong>2020</strong>.AnRTIsubmissionmust<br />

havebeenmadeonorbefore<br />

19March<strong>2020</strong>.<br />

Theschemechangeson<br />

1July<strong>2020</strong>toallowfurloughed<br />

employeestocomebackto<br />

workpart-timeandthe<br />

employerwillpaytheirwages<br />

forthehoursworked.From<br />

August<strong>2020</strong>thelevelofthe<br />

governmentgrantwillbe<br />

slowlytaperedtoreflect<br />

employeesreturningtowork.<br />

Self Employment Income<br />

Support Scheme<br />

TheSelfEmploymentIncome<br />

SupportSchemeisnowlive.<br />

Theschemewillallowyouto<br />

claimataxablegrantof80%of<br />

youraveragemonthlytrading<br />

profits,paidoutinasingle<br />

instalmentcoveringthree<br />

months,andcappedat£7,500<br />

altogetherthismustbeclaimed<br />

by13July<strong>2020</strong>.<br />

Yourtradingprofitsmustbe<br />

nomorethan£50,000andat<br />

leastequaltoyournon-trading<br />

income.Thisisatemporary<br />

schemewhichhasnowbeen<br />

extendedandyouwillbeable<br />

tomakeaclaimforasecond<br />

andfinalgrantinAugust<strong>2020</strong>,<br />

whichwillbeataxablegrant<br />

worth70%ofyouraverage<br />

monthlytradingprofits,capped<br />

at£6,570.<br />

Checkonlineifyouare<br />

eligibleattax.service.gov.uk/<br />

self-employment-support/<br />

enter-unique-taxpayerreference<br />

Ifyoureceivethegrant,you<br />

cancontinuetowork,starta<br />

newtradeortakeonother<br />

employmentincluding<br />

voluntarywork.<br />

Thegrantdoesnotneedto<br />

berepaid,butitwillbesubject<br />

toIncomeTaxandselfemployedNationalInsurance.<br />

HMRCwillworkoutifyouare<br />

eligibleandhowmuchgrant<br />

youmayget.<br />

Youmustkeepacopyofthe<br />

amountclaimed,theclaim<br />

referencenumberandevidence<br />

thatyourbusinesshasbeen<br />

adverselyaffectedbythe<br />

coronavirus.Youwillneedto<br />

reporttheclaimonyourselfassessmenttaxreturn.Ifyou<br />

claimtaxcredits,youwillneed<br />

tostatethatyouareworking16<br />

hoursaweek.<br />

HMRChavedeferredthe<br />

31Julypaymentsonaccountso<br />

thatself-employedtaxpayers<br />

<strong>Business</strong> support web sites<br />

arenotrequiredtomaketheir<br />

2019/20paymentuntil<br />

31January2021togetherwith<br />

thebalancingpaymentfor<br />

2019/20. Noapplicationis<br />

requiredandthoseaffectedwill<br />

notincurpenaltiesorinterest<br />

onthosepayments.<br />

<strong>Business</strong> support grants<br />

<strong>Business</strong>supportgrantsare<br />

availabletoapplyforthrough<br />

yourlocalcouncilwebsites.<br />

<strong>Business</strong>ratepayerswith<br />

rateablevalueoflessthan<br />

£15,000,currentlyreceiving<br />

smallbusinessratesreliefare<br />

entitledtoa£10,000grantand<br />

thoseintheretail,hospitality<br />

andleisurecategorywith<br />

rateablevaluebetween£15,000-<br />

£51,000willget£25,000.<br />

Bounce back loans<br />

Thebouncebackloansscheme<br />

helpssmallandmedium-sized<br />

businesstoborrowbetween<br />

£2,000andupto25%oftheir<br />

turnover.Themaximumloanis<br />

£50,000.TheGovernment<br />

guarantees100%oftheloan<br />

andtherearenofeestopay.<br />

Therearenocapitalrepayments<br />

dueforthefirstyear(ofa6year<br />

term)andtheGovernment<br />

paystheinterestforthefirst12<br />

months.Theinterestratewill<br />

be2.5%ayear.Youcanapplyif<br />

youareUKbased,trading<br />

before1March<strong>2020</strong>andhave<br />

beenadverselyaffectedbythe<br />

coronavirus. Thereare<br />

currently11lendersinvolvedin<br />

thescheme,manyofthem<br />

beingthemainretailbanks.<br />

■ Details01271375271/<br />

01237471881or<br />

gloverstanbury.co.uk<br />

Devon County Council<br />

The Devon County Council Coronavirus business support pages<br />

devon.gov.uk/document/coronavirus-advice-in-devon/<br />

Heart of the South West Growth Hub<br />

<strong>Business</strong>-focused information for businesses in Devon and Somerset<br />

devon.gov.uk/document/coronavirus-advice-in-devon/<br />

North Devon Council<br />

North Devon Council Coronavirus business support pages<br />

northdevon.gov.uk/business/business-support-and-grants/<br />

coronavirus-support-for-businesses/<br />

Torridge District Council<br />

Torridge Devon Council Coronavirus business support pages<br />

torridge.gov.uk/businesshelp<br />

4 business action | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business-action.co.uk


ACCOUNTANTS<br />

Cranford <strong>Business</strong> Services<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 07896 204857<br />

w: accountsindevon.co.uk<br />

Gareth Pollard Accountancy Services<br />

Holsworthy<br />

t: 01409 254817<br />

w: garethpollardaccountancy<br />

services.com<br />

Glover Stanbury<br />

Barnstaple & Bideford<br />

t: 01271 375271 / 01237 471881<br />

w: gloverstanbury.co.uk<br />

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES<br />

Exmoorfern<br />

South Molton<br />

t: 01598 740210<br />

w: exmoorfern.co.uk<br />

ARCHITECTS<br />

Sam Nolan RIBA Architect<br />

North Devon & UK<br />

t: 01271 325 236<br />

w: northdevonarchitects.com<br />

BRANDING & DESIGN<br />

BrandLanterns<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 372620<br />

w: brandlanterns.co.uk<br />

BREWERY<br />

GT Ales<br />

Chivenor<br />

t: 01271 267420<br />

w: gtales.co.uk<br />

BUILDING SUPPLIES<br />

RGB Building Supplies<br />

Branches in Barnstaple, Bideford,<br />

Hatherleigh, Holsworthy,<br />

Ilfracombe, Okehampton, South<br />

Molton, Tiverton<br />

w: rgbltd.co.uk<br />

BUSINESS ADVISORS<br />

Susie Kevern<br />

North Devon<br />

t: 07801 199671<br />

w: poundlane.co.uk<br />

BUSINESS SUPPORT<br />

Be Ready Employer Hub<br />

Devon<br />

t: 01392 241124<br />

w: readydevon.org.uk<br />

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY<br />

James Doble Commercial<br />

North Devon<br />

t: 01237 424053<br />

w: jd-commercial.co.uk<br />

CONSTRUCTION<br />

Advanced Scaffolding<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 321100<br />

w: advancedscaffoldingltd.co.uk<br />

COPIERS & PRINTERS<br />

Clarity Copiers North Devon<br />

Barnstaple & North Devon<br />

t: 01237 374061<br />

w: claritynorthdevon.co.uk<br />

COPYWRITING &<br />

COMMUNICATIONS<br />

Zarywacz<br />

North Devon & UK<br />

t: 01271 879100<br />

w: z2z.com<br />

COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY<br />

North Devon Counselling<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 07872 501606<br />

w: northdevoncounselling.co.uk<br />

DIRECTORY<br />

Listings £30 for 12 months<br />

DINING<br />

Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar<br />

Ilfracombe<br />

t: 01271 863482<br />

w: terracetapasbar.co.uk<br />

The Royal George<br />

Appledore<br />

t: 01237 424 138<br />

w: trgpub.co.uk<br />

FINANCIAL ADVISERS<br />

D Scott Financial<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 01237 426450<br />

w: dscottfinancial.co.uk<br />

Philip J Milton & Co Plc<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 344300<br />

w: miltonpj.net<br />

GARDENING & LANDSCAPING<br />

AB SEA Services<br />

Torrington<br />

t: 07799 478318<br />

w: abseaservices.com<br />

HEALTH & FITNESS<br />

Kula Fitness Studio<br />

Ilfracombe High Street<br />

t: 07923 142457<br />

w: kulafitness.co.uk<br />

HEALTH & SAFETY<br />

Safety Supplies Direct<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 377558<br />

w: safetysuppliesdirect.co.uk<br />

HOLIDAY COTTAGES<br />

Marsdens Devon Cottages<br />

North Devon<br />

t: 01271 813777<br />

w: marsdens.co.uk<br />

HOTELS<br />

The Carlton<br />

Ilfracombe<br />

t: 01271 862446<br />

w: ilfracombecarlton.co.uk<br />

HUMAN RESOURCES<br />

Fitzgerald HR<br />

Barnstaple, Exeter, London &<br />

Wellington<br />

t: 01271 859267<br />

w: fitzgeraldhr.co.uk<br />

HYPNOTHERAPY<br />

New Life Hypnotherapy<br />

South Molton<br />

t: 01769 57471<br />

w: newlifehypnotherapy.org<br />

INSURANCE<br />

Together Insurance Solutions<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 347147<br />

w: togetherinsurancesolutions.co.uk<br />

INTERNATIONAL TRADE SUPPORT<br />

International Trade Matters Ltd<br />

Bampton<br />

t: 01398 332881<br />

w: internationaltradematters.com<br />

LOCKSMITHS<br />

MJS Locksmith<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 07532 139388<br />

w: northdevonlocksmith.co.uk<br />

SW Locksmiths<br />

Holsworthy / Bude<br />

t: 01409 255533<br />

w: swlocksmiths.com<br />

MANUFACTURERS<br />

The Clovelly Soap Company<br />

Clovelly<br />

t: 01237 432280<br />

w: theclovellysoapcompany.com<br />

NETWORKING GROUPS<br />

<strong>Business</strong> Networking in Barnstaple<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 0843 289 1339<br />

w: bnibarnstaple.co.uk<br />

Devon Partnerships<br />

Devon<br />

t: 07393 149855<br />

w: devonpartnerships.co.uk<br />

North Devon Networking Group<br />

Barnstaple<br />

w: northdevonnetworking.co.uk<br />

Rise<br />

Barnstaple<br />

e: martin@duchyifa.co.uk<br />

Torridge <strong>Business</strong> Network<br />

Westward Ho!<br />

w: torridgebusinessnetwork.co.uk<br />

OFFICE SUPPLIES<br />

South West Office Supplies<br />

North Devon<br />

t: 01271 889337<br />

w: swofficesupplies.co.uk<br />

BOOK YOUR £30 LISTING NOW AT needitfindit.uk<br />

➤ Listinginsixissuesof<br />

magazinewithbusiness<br />

nameandcategory,phone<br />

number,websiteandtown.<br />

➤ 12-monthonlinelistingat<br />

needitfindit.ukNorth<br />

Devon<strong>Business</strong>Directory<br />

withbusinessnameand<br />

category,logo,phone<br />

number,address,linksto<br />

websiteandsocialmedia,<br />

descriptionandlogo.<br />

➤ 6issuesofmagazinemailed<br />

directtoyourUKaddress.<br />

Need it<br />

Find it<br />

PACKAGING<br />

Atlas Packaging<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 344055<br />

w: atlaspackaging.co.uk<br />

PHOTOGRAPHY<br />

Tarkatography<br />

Westward Ho!<br />

t: 07977 414798<br />

w: tarkatography.co.uk<br />

PRINTING<br />

Jamaica Press<br />

Buckland Brewer<br />

t: 01237 452333<br />

w: jamaicapress.co.uk<br />

RECRUITMENT<br />

Cooper Golding<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 349745<br />

w: coopergolding.co.uk<br />

Simple Recruitment<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 01237 439500<br />

w: simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk<br />

RETAILERS<br />

Darlings Natural Health<br />

Ilfracombe<br />

t: 01271 867775<br />

w: darlingsnaturalhealth.com<br />

Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium<br />

Ilfracombe<br />

t: 01271 867193<br />

w: ilfracombechocolateemporium.co.uk<br />

SHEDS<br />

SHEDS 4 you<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 01237 459193<br />

w: sheds4you.co.uk<br />

SIGNS<br />

The Sign Maker<br />

High Bickington<br />

t: 01769 561355<br />

w: sign-maker.net<br />

SOLICITORS<br />

Slee Blackwell Solicitors<br />

Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton,<br />

South Molton<br />

t: 0808 139 1606<br />

w: sleeblackwell.co.uk<br />

TELECOMS<br />

Zero7<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 370707<br />

w: zr7.co<br />

TRAVEL AGENTS<br />

Clare Flint – Travel Counsellors<br />

North Devon & UK<br />

t: 01271 828990<br />

w: travelcounsellors.co.uk/clare.flint<br />

WEB SITES & DIGITAL<br />

Itseeze North Devon<br />

North Devon<br />

t: 07890 633458<br />

w: itseeze-northdevon.co.uk<br />

Peak Online<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 01237 721256<br />

w: northdevon.peak-online.uk.com<br />

WELDING & SANDBLASTING<br />

Nott’s Welding<br />

Ilfracombe & North Devon<br />

t: 07706 595955<br />

WILLS<br />

Wills at Home<br />

West Yelland<br />

t: 01271 860105<br />

w: wills-athome.co.uk<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business action 5


CASHFLOW<br />

HEADER<br />

I have more cash now than I<br />

thought I would – why?<br />

Probablyyou’vetakenouta<br />

loanorusedtheVATdeferral<br />

offer(orboth)andyou’vecut<br />

backspendingtoaminimum<br />

butevenso,whathappens<br />

withcashflowisthatifyou<br />

holdstockorgiveyour<br />

customerscreditthen<br />

stoppingsellingandrunning<br />

downstockactuallymeans<br />

thatyouseeyourbankbalance<br />

improving.<br />

Surely the Covid crisis can't<br />

be good for business?<br />

Intheshorttermit’sprobably<br />

helpedyourbankbalance,but<br />

theproblemcomeswhen<br />

customersstartbuyingagain:<br />

tomeetnewdemandyouneed<br />

tobuynewstockorprovide<br />

servicesthatwon’tbepaidfor<br />

foranothermonth(atleast).<br />

Thismeansthatrightatthe<br />

pointwhereyou’veusedall<br />

yourcashkeepingafloatand<br />

yourbankbalancehasrun<br />

rightdownyou’llneedto<br />

investmoreinyourbusiness.<br />

Inadditiontothisyoumay<br />

wellneedtopayCorporation<br />

Tax,SelfAssessmenttax,the<br />

VATthatwasdeferredfrom<br />

Marchandnewloan<br />

repaymentsallduebeforethis<br />

timenextyear.Formost,ifnot<br />

allbusinesses2021couldend<br />

upbeingtougherthan<strong>2020</strong>.<br />

What can I do?<br />

Aplanforthefutureisvital,<br />

whichmeanssomesortof<br />

cashflowforecast–evenifit’s<br />

Leadership and export training<br />

Petrocisofferingafully<br />

fundedonlinecourseaimedat<br />

leadersandmanagers.<br />

Thecourseisaseriesoffour<br />

two-hourinteractivetutorials<br />

designedtoexploretoolsand<br />

techniquesthatsupport:<br />

Leadership(22July);<br />

TeamDevelopment(29July);<br />

ProblemSolving(5August);<br />

and<strong>Business</strong>Improvement<br />

(12August).<br />

■ Detailsprojects@petroc.ac.uk<br />

CASH COUNTS<br />

Manage it well to keep<br />

your business healthy<br />

Every business has been affected by Coronavirus in some way and<br />

for many <strong>2020</strong> profits are taking a hammering. But survival isn’t<br />

about being profitable – it’s about CASH. Susie Kevern of Pound Lane<br />

Financial Management looks at some of the pressing questions that<br />

she is discussing with clients<br />

International Trade Matters<br />

providesadviceandsupportto<br />

businessesexportingorlooking<br />

toexport.Currentlythereis<br />

governmentfundingofupto<br />

£2,250pertraineetocover<br />

customsdeclarationcourses.<br />

<strong>Business</strong>esmusteithercomplete<br />

customsdeclarations(orintend<br />

tointhefuture)andmustimport<br />

fromorexporttotheEU.<br />

■ Detailsinternationaltrade<br />

matters.com<br />

justaroughestimate‘backof<br />

envelope’style.Thiswillallow<br />

youtoseeif/whenyou’llbe<br />

underpressureandgiveyou<br />

timetoputaplaninplace.<br />

Lookatexpensesinterms<br />

ofhowmuchcashyou’re<br />

spendingonthem;sodon't<br />

justlookatthecostsinyour<br />

Profit&Loss,thinkabout<br />

existingloanandHP<br />

paymentsaswell.<br />

It’sdifficulttopredictwhat<br />

tradingconditionswillbelike<br />

whentheeconomyre-opens.<br />

Yourcustomersandsuppliers<br />

willlikelybeinthesame<br />

situationandrunningshortof<br />

cash;negotiatingdiscountsin<br />

exchangeforfasterpayments<br />

maybeavitaltoolinkeeping<br />

yourbusinessafloat.<br />

What should I tell my staff?<br />

Yourstaff(andsuppliersfor<br />

thatmatter)arefullyawareof<br />

what’sgoingonintheworld,<br />

sothere’snopointintryingto<br />

assurethemeverythingisfine.<br />

Trynottoscarethembut<br />

behonestaboutthedecisions<br />

thatyou’retakingandhowyou<br />

expectthelandscapetolook<br />

whenthebusinessrestarts.<br />

You'llneedtheirsupportwhen<br />

thetimecomes.Youshouldbe<br />

keepingintouchwithanystaff<br />

whoarefurloughedatthe<br />

moment,eventhoughthey<br />

can’twork.<br />

Things are looking really bad,<br />

I'm worried because I have<br />

personally guaranteed loans<br />

in the past<br />

Ifyouareworriedaboutyour<br />

circumstances,itisworth<br />

takingadvicenow;compareit<br />

toyourhealth–ifyouare<br />

worrieditisbettertoseea<br />

doctorandgetqualifiedadvice<br />

onwhetheryoursymptoms<br />

arenormalorifyouneedto<br />

takeaction.<br />

TheGovernmenthasmade<br />

emergencychangestothelaw<br />

toprotectbusinessesthathave<br />

beenbadlyaffectedbythis<br />

crisissoyoushouldspeakto<br />

anaccountantorinsolvency<br />

practitioner.Youcandothis<br />

withoutfearoflosingcontrol<br />

ofthesituation;indeedasking<br />

foradvicenowshowsthatyou<br />

aremanagingyourbusiness<br />

carefullyandallowsyouto<br />

makeappropriatedecisions.<br />

<strong>Business</strong>esgetintotrouble<br />

whentheyrunoutofcash;<br />

havinggoodinformationto<br />

handnowallowsyoutoplan<br />

forthefutureandtakeaction<br />

tosetyourcourseforsuccess.<br />

■ Details07801199671or<br />

poundlane.co.uk<br />

6 business action | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business-action.co.uk


WEBHEADER<br />

SITE SALES<br />

Stop turning web buyers away<br />

Many businessesturnedto<br />

onlinesellingwhenthe<br />

lockdownpreventedface-tofacesales.Yetforallthestylish<br />

designandtechnicalwizardry<br />

available,buyingonline<br />

remainsasriskyasbuyinga<br />

second-handmotorfroma<br />

dodgygeezerdownthepub.<br />

It’sverylikelythattheweb<br />

sitesyouhavenotboughtfrom<br />

considerablyoutnumberthe<br />

websitesyouhaveboughtfrom.<br />

Areyoumissingoutonsales<br />

becauseyourwebsitedoesnot<br />

givepeoplethebasicdetails<br />

theyneedtoestablishatrusted<br />

buyer-supplierrelationship<br />

withyou?<br />

Can I trust you?<br />

Agoodquestiontoaskabout<br />

yourwebsiteis:wouldyou<br />

trustitifyouwereacustomer?<br />

Doesittellpeoplewhoyou<br />

areandwhatyoudo?Doesit<br />

assurethemthatyouarean<br />

establishedortrustworthy<br />

professional?Doesitconvince<br />

themthatyourbusiness–<br />

aboveallothers–istheone<br />

theyshouldbuyfrom?<br />

Thesearequestionsbest<br />

addressedbeforeyoustartany<br />

websitedesignorcoding.<br />

Inthecourseofcompleting<br />

projectsforclients,editingthis<br />

magazineandpurchasingitems<br />

formyself,Iremainfrustrated<br />

bythelargenumberof<br />

businesseswithholdingbasic<br />

informationfrombuyerson<br />

theirwebsites.<br />

It’salmostasiftheyare<br />

willingthemselvestolosesales.<br />

Ifyourwebsitedoesanyof<br />

thethingsbelow,takeaction<br />

nowtogiveyourselfabetter<br />

chanceofclinchingmoresales.<br />

Who are you?<br />

The‘Aboutus’pageisoneof<br />

themostimportantonanyweb<br />

site,yetsomanysitesdon’t<br />

haveoneorretainthedefault<br />

textprovidedasaplaceholder.<br />

Whyisitimportant?<br />

Becauseyouneedtoconvince<br />

buyersreadytospendmoney<br />

withyouthatyou’regenuine.<br />

Whywouldagoodbusiness<br />

hideitselfandnotwantto<br />

revealthepeoplerunningit?<br />

Lettingpeopleseeyou<br />

reassuresbuyersthatyoutake<br />

<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> editor Robert Zarywacz has worked with digital<br />

technologies since 1985, both in corporate roles and in his Zarywacz<br />

communications partnership with brother Simon. While each new<br />

design or technical development enables web sites to look and<br />

function better, the Z brothers find common sense practices remain<br />

as important as ever in achieving sales<br />

Robert Zarywacz believes establishing trust increases web site sales<br />

prideinwhatyoudoandthat<br />

theycanrelyonyou.<br />

Ablandstatement,suchas<br />

‘weareanestablishedteamof<br />

expertsinourfield’,tells<br />

customersnothingaboutwho<br />

youare.<br />

Whatcouldyousay?<br />

➤ Giveyourname(s)<br />

➤ Addphotosofyou(and<br />

yourteam)–avoidstock<br />

photosofanonymous<br />

beautifulpeopleatanycost!<br />

➤ Describeyourselfandyour<br />

experience.Don’tclaimfalse<br />

modesty–isn’tyour<br />

businessaimtosell?<br />

➤ Tellthestoryofyour<br />

business,whyyoustartedit<br />

andwhyyoulovehelping<br />

yourcustomers<br />

➤ Stateyourqualifications,<br />

accreditationsandexpertise<br />

Showthatyou(andyourteam)<br />

aregreattoworkwithanddo<br />

yourutmosttosatisfyyour<br />

customers’requirements.What<br />

morecouldacustomerwant?<br />

Dothisbylettingyourvoice<br />

speakthroughyourwebsite<br />

text.Perhapsyourindustryhas<br />

astuffyimage,butyour<br />

businessisfriendlyand<br />

approachable?Perhapspeople<br />

arealittlefrightenedand<br />

desperatelywanttofinda<br />

businesswitha‘human’face?<br />

Your‘written’voicecanassure<br />

buyersthatyouareboth<br />

approachableandprofessional.<br />

Where are you?<br />

Youcouldbeanywhereinthe<br />

world.Usinga.ukdomain<br />

doesn’tguaranteethatyouarea<br />

UKbusiness.<br />

Many.ukwebsitesarebased<br />

overseasandcustomersmight<br />

notfeelconfidenthandingtheir<br />

creditcarddetailstoavendor<br />

thousandsofmilesawaywho<br />

won’trespondifsomething<br />

goeswrong.<br />

Tellyourcustomerswhere<br />

youare.<br />

Selling locally<br />

Ifyourtargetmarketislocal,<br />

giveyourlocationsobuyers<br />

knowyouarelocaltothem.I<br />

haveseenbusinessesdescribe<br />

themselvesaslocalwithoutany<br />

referencetolocation.Don’t<br />

wastepeople’stimeby<br />

attractingenquiriesfrom<br />

hundredsofmilesawaythat<br />

youcannotfulfill.<br />

Ifyoudon’twant(orneed)<br />

topublishyourfulladdress,<br />

justnameyourtownorvillage<br />

ortheareayouserve.<br />

Selling nationally or globally<br />

Ifyourtargetmarketiswider,<br />

revealingyourlocation<br />

establishestrust.Makeitclear<br />

thatyouservenationalor<br />

internationalcustomersand<br />

cansupplytothemortravelto<br />

themtodeliveryourservice.<br />

Thisshowsyouareconfident<br />

andflexible:someonetheycan<br />

dobusinesswith.<br />

Is there anyone there?<br />

Itdoesn’tseemtomatter<br />

whetherbusinessesarebigor<br />

small,itcanbeanightmare<br />

tryingtofindouthowto<br />

contactsomeofthem.<br />

Sometrytobehelpfulby<br />

anticipating buyers’questions<br />

andprovidinganswersontheir<br />

websitetostopyouhavingto<br />

callthem,butinvariablythese<br />

answereveryquestionexcept<br />

theoneyouhave.Youendup<br />

goingroundincirclesontheir<br />

websiteandwonderwhyyou<br />

shouldbuyfromthemifthey<br />

can’tbebotheredto<br />

communicatewithyou.<br />

Otherbusinessesdon’teven<br />

giveaphonenumberoran<br />

emailaddress,justacontact<br />

form.Withnoideawhenorif<br />

theywillrespond,itputsyou<br />

offcontactingthemwhen<br />

there’sagoodchanceyoucan<br />

findanotherbusinessthatcares<br />

enoughtorespondtoyoufast.<br />

Asajournalist,Irarely<br />

persistwiththesebusinesses,so<br />

howmuchfreepublicityare<br />

theymissingouton?<br />

Attheveryleast,publisha<br />

phonenumberandemail<br />

address.Youcanalsoaddyour<br />

socialmediaaccountsifyou<br />

usethemformessaging.<br />

Establishing trust<br />

Alltheseactionsmakeiteasier<br />

forcustomerstobuyfromyou<br />

byestablishingtrust.<br />

Whentherearemoreonline<br />

criminalstryingtorobyou<br />

thanhaveeveroperateddoorto-door,trustisvital.<br />

Andonlinecrimeisonly<br />

goingtoincrease,sotrustwill<br />

becomeevenmoreimportant.<br />

Ifyousellagoodproductor<br />

service,havebuiltagood<br />

reputationandlookafteryour<br />

customerswell,makesureyou<br />

tellbuyersabouthis.Youare<br />

yourownbestadvertandwaste<br />

thisresourcebynotusingit.<br />

Itcostsnothing,butcould<br />

increaseyourearnings.<br />

■ Details01271879100<br />

orz2z.com<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business action 7


10-year-old rugby fanRyan<br />

Mahajanishopingtoraise<br />

thousandsofpoundsfor<br />

frontlinehealthcareheroes,<br />

aftercomingupwiththeidea<br />

ofsellingarainbow-design<br />

rugbyshirtandrugbyball,now<br />

onsaletosupportlocal<br />

healthcarecharities.<br />

Ryan’sfamilyrunAramis<br />

RugbyinSouthMolton,which<br />

providesclothingand<br />

equipmenttotherugbyworld.<br />

Thespeciallydesignedrugby<br />

shirtandballareavailableto<br />

buyfromtheAramiswebsite,<br />

with100%ofthepurchase<br />

pricegoingtoNorthDevon<br />

Hospiceaswellasthecharity<br />

forNorthDevonDistrict<br />

Hospital,OverandAbove.<br />

A desire to help<br />

“Ifeltbadthatwhilewearesafe<br />

insideourhomesinlockdown,<br />

thehealthcareworkerswere<br />

workingtosavelives,<br />

sometimesriskingtheirown,”<br />

saidRyan,whoisakeenrugby<br />

playerforBarnstapleRFC<br />

Under-11s.“Iwanttoraisealot<br />

ofmoneyforhealthcare<br />

workersastheydon’t<br />

sometimesgettoseetheir<br />

lovedonesbecauseofworking<br />

inhospitalsandhospices.I<br />

wanttothankthemforhelping<br />

sickpeopleandforhelpingus<br />

duringcoronavirus.”<br />

100% of price donated<br />

ThedesignteamatAramis<br />

Rugbyworkedtocreatearugby<br />

shirtandrugbyballconcept<br />

incorporatingrainbowcolours,<br />

seenasasymbolofhopeanda<br />

signofthankstohealthcare<br />

heroes.Theproductisnowin<br />

productionandcanbeshipped<br />

anywhereintheworld.<br />

Ryan’smum,Roshni<br />

Mahajan,salesandmarketing<br />

directorofAramisRugby,says:<br />

“Thiswholethinghasbeen<br />

Does your accountant...<br />

Listen to you and act on your needs?<br />

Cranford <strong>Business</strong><br />

Services Limited<br />

Explain your accounts in terms you understand?<br />

Arrange meeting at your convenience?<br />

Ryan’sidea,andwe’rejust<br />

helpinghimout.We’reso<br />

proudtobesupportingNorth<br />

DevonHospiceandOverand<br />

Above,somuchsothatAramis<br />

willabsorbthecostofthe<br />

jerseyandtheball,sothat<br />

100%ofthepurchasepricecan<br />

gotothesevitalcharities.<br />

“Itisimportantforusto<br />

supportandpromoteourlocal<br />

community.Lastyear,webroke<br />

theGuinnessWorldRecordfor<br />

thelargestrugbyballever<br />

produced,andthatalsoraised<br />

lotsforcharityandhelpedto<br />

putNorthDevoninthe<br />

spotlight.Asaparent,Iam<br />

reallyproudthatRyanhas<br />

understoodandisworking<br />

towardsourethos,whichisto<br />

investinthecommunityand<br />

thatcommercewillfollow.”<br />

North Devon Hospice<br />

DrHayleyCockroft,medical<br />

officeratNorthDevon<br />

Hospice,saysthisisan<br />

inspiringinitiative,which<br />

wouldbenefitpeoplegoing<br />

www.accountsindevon.co.uk<br />

Old Stone, Cranford, Bideford, Devon, EX39 5QW<br />

07896 204 857<br />

Leaving you free to concentrate on what you do best!<br />

COMMUNITY<br />

Rugby fan’s dream<br />

supports charities<br />

throughthetoughesttimes.<br />

“Hereatthehospicewecare<br />

forthosewithanincurable<br />

illness,andforourpatientsto<br />

havetodealwiththeworryof<br />

coronavirusrestrictionsaswell<br />

isjustunimaginable.<br />

“Wesimplywouldn’tbeable<br />

todothiswithoutamazing<br />

peoplelikeRyanandtheteam<br />

atAramis.Weareblownaway<br />

bytheirgenerosityandthink<br />

thisisareallyimaginativeway<br />

toencouragepeopletoshow<br />

theirsupport.I’dencourage<br />

anyone,rugbyfanornot,togo<br />

andbuyashirtoraball,<br />

becauseitreallywillmakea<br />

differencetosomeone’slife.”<br />

Over and Above<br />

JoshAllanofOverandAbove<br />

says:“Aramishaveahistoryof<br />

deliveringfantasticfundraisers<br />

insupportoftheircommunity<br />

andit’sgreattoseethenext<br />

generationinRyanhavebeen<br />

inspiredtogetcreativeand<br />

raisemoneyforlocalcauses.<br />

Duringsuchuncertainand<br />

Aramis Rugbyisofferingto<br />

supporteveryrugbyclubin<br />

Devonwithafinancialgrant<br />

of£250.<br />

Allclubshavebeenoffered<br />

avouchertospendonbuying<br />

anythingfromtheAramis<br />

rangeoftrainingequipment<br />

andclothing.<br />

DevonRFUchairmanGeoff<br />

Simpsonchairmanhas<br />

challengingtimes,the<br />

generosityandkindnessshown<br />

byourcommunitieshas<br />

continuedtoliftthemoraleof<br />

staffatNorthDevonDistrict<br />

Hospital–itreallydoesmake<br />

suchamassivedifference.”<br />

Thespecial,limitededition<br />

rainbow-colouredrugbyshirts<br />

areonsalefor£45,withthe<br />

rugbyballsat£25.Youcan<br />

evenbuyasetoffourrainbowthemedfacemasksfor£20.<br />

MPforNorthDevon,<br />

SelaineSaxbysays:“Wehave<br />

seenmanycompaniesinNorth<br />

Devondoingtheirpart<br />

supportingtheNHSandtheir<br />

communitiesthroughoutthis<br />

crisis.Iamdelightedtosee<br />

AramisRugbyfromSouth<br />

Moltondoingtheirpartfortwo<br />

localhealthcharities.Theyare<br />

notonlydonatingtheprofits<br />

butalloftheproceedstothese<br />

amazingcauses.Thankyoufor<br />

everythingyouaredoingandI<br />

hopelotsofNorthDevon<br />

residentswillindulgeina<br />

rainbowrugbyballandshirt.”<br />

■ Buyataramisrugby.co.uk<br />

Ryan Mahajan whose idea led to<br />

the idea of the fund-raising<br />

rugby ball and shirt<br />

£10,000 support offer to help<br />

rugby clubs across Devon<br />

welcomedtheinitiative.<br />

Totakeadvantageofthis<br />

offer,thechairpersonor<br />

secretaryofeachDevonrugby<br />

clubcancontactAramiswith<br />

theirwishlistbycalling01769<br />

550284oremailing<br />

sales@aramisrugby.co.uk<br />

Theofferisvaliduntil31<br />

October,<strong>2020</strong>andtherewill<br />

beonlyonevoucherperclub.<br />

8 business action | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business-action.co.uk


COMMUNITY<br />

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Book online at business-action.co.uk/plans or call Alan on 07970 671192<br />

Savona Foodservice, the<br />

Ilfracombefoodwholesaler,has<br />

continuedtooperateduring<br />

lockdowntoensureessential<br />

suppliesreachthecommunity.<br />

Althoughallitshospitality<br />

customershadtoclose,Savona<br />

workedhardtocontinue<br />

supplyingothercustomers,<br />

includinghospitals,care<br />

homes,hospices,schoolsand<br />

otheressentialbusinesses<br />

throughouttheSouthWest.<br />

Noticingthatlocal<br />

communitieswerestrugglingto<br />

purchaseessentialitemsfrom<br />

shops,andalsounabletoleave<br />

theirhomestoshop,Savona<br />

openeditsdoorstothepublic.<br />

Thismeantadaptingitsservices<br />

toofferCallandCollect,Click<br />

andCollectandHomeDelivery<br />

services,viaonlineordering.<br />

Thisinvolvedchanging<br />

manyinternalprocessesand<br />

After raising £3,000for<br />

DevonAirAmbulance(DAA)<br />

overthepast12months,RGB<br />

BuildingSuppliesisdelighted<br />

tocontinueitssupportforthe<br />

charityforafurtheryear.<br />

Themoneywasraised<br />

throughcharitybreakfast<br />

morningsinRGB’sbranches,<br />

itsannualgolfdayandby<br />

individualemployees.This<br />

includedRichardBettswho,<br />

althoughastaunchTottenham<br />

Hotspurfan,agreedtowearan<br />

Arsenalfootballshirtifover<br />

£100wasraisedinaday–it<br />

raised£221.90.<br />

Thecompanyalso<br />

supportedthecharity’sshops<br />

byholdingaChristmasstock<br />

appeal.Thisinvitedthe<br />

communitytodropoffitems<br />

totheirlocalRGBbranch<br />

whichcouldgoontobesold<br />

Foodservice supports community<br />

offeringretail-sizedproducts<br />

moresuitableandaffordable<br />

forfamilies.Italsooffereda<br />

10%discounttoallkey<br />

workersanddeliveredgoodsto<br />

homesorworkplaces.<br />

Withmorethan50%ofits<br />

employeesfurloughed,this<br />

requiredallworkingstaffto<br />

learnnewsystemsandadaptto<br />

theever-changingneedsofthe<br />

communityandbusiness.<br />

Theresponsereceivedfrom<br />

communitieswasinspirational,<br />

andpushedthewholesalerto<br />

doasmuchasitcouldto<br />

improvethenewservices<br />

withinaveryshorttimeframe.<br />

Onecustomersaid:“Thank<br />

yousomuchforopeningyour<br />

doorstothecommunity.I<br />

workfortheNHSandbythe<br />

timeIleaveworkandgettoa<br />

Support for Air Ambulance<br />

inDevonAirAmbulance<br />

stores.<br />

TracyOwen,fundraising<br />

manageratDevonAir<br />

Ambulance,says:“Weare<br />

absolutelythrilledtohaveRGB<br />

onboardwithusforanother<br />

year.Theyareagreatteamand<br />

fullofcreativeideas–weare<br />

verymuchlookingforwardto<br />

seeingsomeinteresting<br />

supermarkettheshelvesare<br />

empty.Thisissomuch<br />

appreciated.”<br />

“Anothercommented:“I<br />

thinkit’shighlyrespectablethat<br />

youhavechosentosupport<br />

yourlocalareathisway.”<br />

Savonahasalsobeen<br />

supportingkeyworkersina<br />

varietyofways.Itlauncheda<br />

‘NominateaCareHome’<br />

campaign,wherepeoplewere<br />

invitedtonominatestaffgoing<br />

aboveandbeyondtocarefor<br />

theirlovedones.Thewinners,<br />

PinehurstCareHomein<br />

Ilfracombe,weresentpamper<br />

fundraisersinthecoming<br />

months.Thesupportof<br />

companieslikeRGBenables<br />

ourcriticalcareteamto<br />

deliverlifesavingtreatmentto<br />

ourpatientsinandaroundour<br />

countyofDevon,whoare<br />

extremelygratefultothem.<br />

LeeKift,branchmanagerat<br />

RGBBarnstaple,adds:“We’d<br />

liketothankallourcustomers,<br />

giftsetsandvouchersforeach<br />

memberofstaffasathankyou,<br />

andcakesweredeliveredtoall<br />

30homeswhoreceived<br />

nominations.Thelatest<br />

campaign,‘NominateaSchool’,<br />

aimstoshowappreciationto<br />

teachersgoingaboveand<br />

beyondthroughthis<br />

unprecedentedtime.<br />

“ManyofSavona’sstaffare<br />

connectedtocarehomesand<br />

schoolspersonally,”explains<br />

groupdigitalmanager,Jenny<br />

Squire,“soit’swonderfultobe<br />

inapositiontoshowour<br />

appreciationforthoseworking<br />

countlesshoursonthefront<br />

line,whilstbalancingtheirown<br />

work/familylives.”<br />

Savonaisnowfocusingon<br />

supportingcustomersthrough<br />

thereturnphase.<br />

■ Details01271862569or<br />

savonasouthwest.co.uk<br />

staffandthecommunityfor<br />

supportingourfundraising<br />

activities.It’sclearDevonAir<br />

Ambulanceisclosetothe<br />

heartsofmanyinourlocal<br />

area.We’redelightedtobe<br />

supportingthecharityfor<br />

anotheryearandwelook<br />

forwardtogettingstartedwith<br />

ourfundraising.”<br />

In2019,DAAassisted985<br />

patients.TheTrusthastwo<br />

CriticalCareCarsandtwo<br />

aircraft,whichoperateuntil<br />

2ameveryday. Carrying<br />

equipmentthatisnotavailable<br />

onlandambulances,DAA's<br />

doctorsandcriticalcare<br />

paramedicsbringanenhanced<br />

leveloftreatmenttotheir<br />

patientswhichotherwise<br />

wouldnotbeavailableuntil<br />

theyreachedthehospital.<br />

■ Detailsrgbltd.co.uk<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business action 9


MANUFACTURING NEWS<br />

Flexibility is key for manufacturer<br />

After the global uncertainty<br />

of2019,Barnstaple-based<br />

DymondEngineeringhadseen<br />

demandpickuplastOctober<br />

and<strong>2020</strong>wasontrackfora<br />

verygoodyear–before<br />

Coronavirusstruck.<br />

Dymondisametalwork<br />

engineerandfabricator<br />

workingmainlyasasubcontractmetalworkerfor<br />

contractors,manufacturers,<br />

joinersanddesignersaswellas<br />

directlywithendcustomers.It<br />

hascontinuedtooperate<br />

throughoutthelockdown,<br />

adheringtogovernmentsafe<br />

distancing,PPEandcleaning<br />

requirements.<br />

Thedisruptioninglobal<br />

marketshasimpactedthe<br />

make-upofDymond’sorders<br />

considerably,withmuchofits<br />

usualworkstoppingand<br />

differentordersbeingreceived.<br />

Onespecificlargevolumeorder<br />

fromanexistinglargecustomer<br />

wasdivertedfroma<br />

manufacturerinChinaand<br />

Dymondcompletedthis<br />

successfully,evenwiththe<br />

restrictionscreatedbysocial<br />

distancingmeasures.<br />

Co-ownerSueRobertsis<br />

pleasedtohavereceivedthe<br />

Manufacturing in North Devon: (from left) Sue Roberts and Mike Garner,<br />

owners of Dymond Engineering<br />

order,whichatonetimewould<br />

typicallyhavebeenproducedin<br />

theUKbeforeoffshoringtook<br />

hold,andhopesthatthisisa<br />

signthatcustomerswillrealise<br />

thebenefitsofmanufacturing<br />

intheUK.<br />

“Therehasbeenalotoftalk<br />

about‘reshoring’overthepast<br />

fewyears,butthegenuinecost<br />

savingsofsourcingoverseas<br />

hasbeentoosignificantand<br />

usuallywinstheargument<br />

whencompaniesare<br />

consideringreshoring,”says<br />

Sue.“Covidmayprovidea<br />

catalystforpolicyandbuying<br />

changestosupportand<br />

incentiviseBuyBritish/Make<br />

UK,butitwillneedleadership<br />

toovercometheeconomicsof<br />

overseassourcing.”<br />

OthernewordersDymond<br />

hasreceivedincludethe<br />

powdercoatingofanurgent<br />

supplyofrespiratorsforNHS<br />

Cornwall,whichwererequired<br />

beforetheusualmanufacturer<br />

couldgetitsstaffbackoff<br />

furlough;metalworkfor<br />

protectivescreensforafood<br />

manufacturerintheSouth<br />

West;andmetalworkforsneeze<br />

screensforsupermarkets.<br />

Dymondhasexperienceda<br />

bigdeparturefromitscore<br />

product/marketofretail<br />

fittings,withthebricks-andmortarretailsectorhitharder<br />

thanmost,andhasachieved<br />

moreorganicsales,oftento<br />

localcompanies,suchas<br />

customerssupplyingtheMoD.<br />

Productsithas<br />

manufacturedrecentlyinclude<br />

metaldeskframesandlegs,<br />

includingcantileverlegs;<br />

schoolandcollegedeskframes<br />

andlibraryshelves;retail<br />

displayfittingsandequipment;<br />

RockandRollbedframesfor<br />

campervanconversions;<br />

domesticdryingracks;metal<br />

framesforprotectivescreens:<br />

andmetalenclosures.<br />

SueaddsthatDymond<br />

Engineering’ssuccessisdueto<br />

thequalityandreliabilityofits<br />

products,serviceand<br />

partnerships,whichareso<br />

importanttoitscustomers.The<br />

companyisworkingto<br />

maintainthissuccessby<br />

continuingtodevelopnew<br />

relationshipswithcustomersin<br />

differentsectorsandtoenter<br />

newmarkets.<br />

■ Details01271372662or<br />

dymondengineering.co.uk<br />

10 business action | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business-action.co.uk


NEW NEGLIGENCE BUSINESS<br />

Sneak-a-peek at an innovative<br />

Many entrepreneursstarta<br />

businessasresultofan<br />

experiencewhichtheyfeelwas<br />

lackinginsomeway.<br />

WhenMariaBirchneededa<br />

pregnancyscanbeforeanNHS<br />

onewasavailable,shedecided<br />

tobookaprivatescan.An<br />

NHSsonographerherselffor<br />

sevenyears,Mariawas<br />

impressedwiththeclinic’s<br />

facilitiesbutfeltthe15-minute<br />

appointmentwasrushed.<br />

Thismadeherthinkabout<br />

herownpatients.Her<br />

pregnancyexperiencegaveher<br />

first-handexperienceand<br />

muchgreaterinsightintoher<br />

ownworkandshebeganto<br />

developanideashealready<br />

hadtoopenherownclinic.<br />

“Irealisedthatopeninga<br />

localclinicwouldnotonly<br />

provideamoreconvenient<br />

optionforlocalwomen,but<br />

thatIwasalsoinaunique<br />

positiontodesignascanthat<br />

gavepregnantwomenlikeme<br />

everythingtheywanted,<br />

regardlessoflocation,”says<br />

Maria.<br />

“Icouldprovideamuch<br />

morepersonal,friendlyand<br />

memorableexperiencethan<br />

anywhereelse.SoIstartedto<br />

planwhattheperfectservice<br />

mightlooklike.Istudied<br />

pregnancyscanningclinics<br />

aroundtheUKandabroad.I<br />

studiedotherbusinesses<br />

famousforprovidingagreat<br />

experience,likeDisneyland<br />

Parks.Igotcarriedawayinthe<br />

excitementofcreatingthebest<br />

scanningexperienceIcould.<br />

As businesses reopen,many<br />

ofthesameoldchallenges<br />

remain,eghowtogetthebest<br />

outofyourstaffandhowto<br />

recruitthebesttalentforyour<br />

business.<br />

Recentunprecedented<br />

eventshavepresentedaunique<br />

situationinwhichemployees<br />

mayhavebeendrivento<br />

discloseadisabilityorhealthconditionforthefirsttime.A<br />

conditionwhichhadnot<br />

impactedontheirabilityto<br />

workpreviously,butnowplaces<br />

themas‘newlyvulnerable’.If<br />

thisishappeninginyour<br />

business,Devon’s‘BeReady’<br />

new business<br />

Sneak-a-peek Ultrasound founder Maria Birch with daughter Mabel<br />

“ButwhenIbegantocreate<br />

abusinessplan,realityhit<br />

home.Openingaclinicmeant<br />

takingabigfinancialrisk.”<br />

Alongwithmakinga<br />

considerableinvestmentin<br />

specialistequipmentand<br />

premises,Mariahadtoweigh<br />

uptheprosandconsofgiving<br />

upthesecurityofherwellpaidposition,whichshe<br />

enjoyed,fortheriskand<br />

uncertaintyofstartingher<br />

ownbusiness.Andshehadto<br />

decidewhethertostarther<br />

businesswhilestillpregnant.<br />

“Althoughbeingpregnant<br />

wouldmakeitmore<br />

challenging,itwasalsoa<br />

strongmotivator,”addsMaria.<br />

“Ifeltasenseof<br />

responsibilitytosupportother<br />

parents-to-be.Andthe<br />

thoughtofcommittingtomy<br />

passionofscanningpregnant<br />

womenwasexciting.<br />

Still ready to help<br />

EmploymentHubishereto<br />

help.Itcontinuestohelplocal<br />

employerswiththe<br />

employmentandrecruitment<br />

ofstaffwhohaveadisabilityor<br />

long-termhealthcondition.<br />

Theserviceoffersguidance<br />

andlinkstospecialistsupport<br />

andfinancialaidviathe<br />

governmentAccesstoWork<br />

grantfundingscheme.This<br />

includesspecificmentalhealth<br />

guidance,whichmaybecome<br />

moreprevalentasthenation’s<br />

‘stayalert’campaigncontinues.<br />

Newonlinedisability<br />

awarenesscoursesarenow<br />

availablefromourwebsite.If<br />

youarelookingtoupskillstaff<br />

duringfurloughorcontinue<br />

stafftrainingsafely,takealook<br />

atwhatisonoffer.<br />

Securingemploymenthas<br />

alwaysbeenasignificant<br />

challengefordisabledpeople.<br />

Thisisnowcompoundedby<br />

thefactthattheymaylosethe<br />

securityofexisting<br />

employmentorfindthemselves<br />

amongstanincreasingly<br />

“That’swhyIdecidedto<br />

takealeapoffaith.”<br />

Mariaopenedthedoorsto<br />

Sneak-a-PeekUltrasoundin<br />

BarnstapleinDecember2019.<br />

ResponsetoMaria’sservice<br />

hasbeenoverwhelmingly<br />

positive,asshownbyclient<br />

reviews,although<strong>2020</strong>has<br />

beenverydemanding.<br />

First,Mariagavebirthto<br />

healthydaughterMabel.<br />

Secondly,Coronavirus<br />

impactedMariaandthe<br />

business,justasithasevery<br />

otherbusinessanditclosedfor<br />

scansinMarch.<br />

However,Mariarealised<br />

thatantenatalsupportduring<br />

thepandemicwaslimited,with<br />

noin-personantenatalclasses,<br />

fewermidwifeappointments<br />

andlittleornopeersupport<br />

forexpectantmothers.As<br />

concernedforothersasmuch<br />

asforherself,Marialauncheda<br />

free,monthlyprintnewsletter<br />

called‘WombToWorld’.<br />

Sneak-a-PeekUltrasoundis<br />

openagain,althoughoffering<br />

arestrictedservice–seeweb<br />

siteandFacebookfordetails.<br />

Reflectingonher<br />

experienceofstartinga<br />

business,Mariaconcludes:<br />

“Thejourneymademeamuch<br />

strongerperson.<br />

“Yes,openingtheclinicwas<br />

arisk,butIwishI'dhadaccess<br />

toSneak-A-PeekUltrasound<br />

whenIwassixweekspregnant<br />

andfeelinganxious,soI’m<br />

delightedwiththeoutcome.”<br />

■ Detailssneak-a-peekultrasound.co.uk<br />

competitivelabourmarket.<br />

Whenyouareready,please<br />

contactussowecanhelpyou<br />

ensureyouarelookingafter<br />

yourstaff,recruitinginclusively<br />

andthinkingaboutthe<br />

thousandsofdisabledpeople,<br />

wholikeeveryoneelse,just<br />

wanttogetbacktowork.<br />

■ Ifyou’dliketofindout<br />

moreabouttheBeReady<br />

EmployerHub,getintouch<br />

viareadydevon.org.ukorcall<br />

01392241124.EmailDebbie<br />

Stafford,ProjectManager<br />

(debbie.stafford<br />

@devon.gov.uk)orSue<br />

Windley,ProjectCo-ordinator<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business action 11


1. What was your first job?<br />

Myfirstjobwasforalovely<br />

family-runbusinessin<br />

Braunton.Iwasabout13when<br />

IstartedaSaturdayjobat<br />

Cawthorne’sFoodmarket.I<br />

workedforawonderfulfamily<br />

andalongsidesomegreat<br />

colleagues.Ittaughtmealot<br />

aboutcustomerservice.<br />

2. What is the best<br />

business advice you’ve<br />

ever received?<br />

Iwasoncetold:“Neverletthe<br />

b*****dsgetyoudown”.In<br />

businessyoucanoftenface<br />

adversity;itisimportantto<br />

remembertokeepfocusedand<br />

carryon,andneverletthe<br />

b*****dsgetyoudown!<br />

3. What do you enjoy most<br />

about business?<br />

Thechallenge.Ilovenothing<br />

morethanhelpingacustomer<br />

whohashadabadexperience<br />

withaprevioussupplier,asthe<br />

challengeisthenonusto<br />

exceedexpectations.Beinga<br />

localserviceprovidermeanswe<br />

canprovidetheextralove,care<br />

andattentiontoourcustomers<br />

andthefeedbackwereceiveon<br />

thismakesitallworthwhile.<br />

4. What technology could<br />

your business never be<br />

without?<br />

Obviously,Iamgoingtosay<br />

phones.Butinallseriousness,<br />

wewouldbelostwithoutour<br />

ITandtelecoms,aswemanage<br />

ourcustomers’systemsso<br />

closely.Weareinconstant<br />

contactwithourcustomers,<br />

helpingwiththeirsystemsor<br />

processingupgrades.Good<br />

communicationsarekeyto<br />

everyindustry,weallneed<br />

reliablephonesandinternet.<br />

5. Describe your business /<br />

management style<br />

IthinkIamsomeonewho<br />

INCONSTRUCTION<br />

THE HOT SEAT<br />

Vanessa Spain<br />

of Zero7<br />

Each issue we put a North Devon business personality in the hot seat<br />

and ask them 10 questions. This issue we asked Vanessa Spain,<br />

managing director of Zero7 in Barnstaple<br />

expectshighstandardsbutat<br />

thesametimeissupportive.It’s<br />

notallaboutworkandthe<br />

teamherearepeopletoo,so<br />

beingflexibleandprovidinga<br />

goodbusinesstocometowork<br />

inisimportant.Everybody<br />

wantstoenjoytheirjobsand<br />

feelvaluedsoifyouputinthe<br />

work,therewardswillfollow.<br />

6. How do you go about<br />

personal development?<br />

Weareacontinuouslychanging<br />

industry,soIencouragethe<br />

teamtofeeltheycanhavetheir<br />

inputintheproductsand<br />

servicesweoffer.Ifsomebody<br />

seesaservicethatwillworkfor<br />

ourcustomers,thenIwantto<br />

hearaboutit.Wehavegreat<br />

supplierswhohavegreat<br />

resourcestohelptheteam<br />

deliverimprovingservicesto<br />

ourcustomers.<br />

7. Is there anything about<br />

yourself that you want to<br />

change?<br />

Ishouldprobablylearntorelax<br />

alittlemore!<br />

8. Social media: yes or no?<br />

Preferred network?<br />

Yes,weuseFacebook,Twitter<br />

andLinkedInandtheyareall<br />

greattoolsinpromotingthe<br />

business.Wearecurrently<br />

developinganewwebsiteand<br />

lookingintoGoogletoleverage<br />

allthosesearchesinthelocal<br />

areafortheservicesweoffer.<br />

9. How do you wind down<br />

when not working?<br />

Ilovetakingourthreedogsfor<br />

longwalksonourbeautiful<br />

beaches.Ienjoyspendingtime<br />

withfriendsandfamily,eating<br />

outorsharingaproseccoortwo.<br />

Oh,andobviouslyspending<br />

timewithmyhusband!<br />

10. Do you have a motto or<br />

favourite quotation?<br />

Notsomuchamotto,butIam<br />

regularlybeingtoldbyavery<br />

closefriendandfellowsmall<br />

businessownerthatitis<br />

importantto‘achieveaworklifebalance’.Unfortunately,I<br />

havebeentoobusytofollow<br />

thisadvicesofar,butIdo<br />

intendtotryatsomepointin<br />

mylife!<br />

ZERO7<br />

Zero7hasbeenproviding<br />

managedtelecomsservicesto<br />

businessesforover12years.<br />

Itstartedoutasamobile<br />

dealer,andovertheyears<br />

changeditsbusinessand<br />

adaptedtomeettheevolving<br />

market.Itnowoffersafull<br />

rangeofservicesfromsingle<br />

phonelinestofull-scale<br />

commercialbuildsand<br />

installations.<br />

Zero7hasmorethan300<br />

customersintheNorthDevon<br />

area,includingsomefurther<br />

afieldacrosstheUK.Ithas<br />

beenlookingafterthemajority<br />

ofitscustomersformanyyears<br />

andsomehavebeenwithus<br />

sincethestart.Customers<br />

rangefromsoletradersand<br />

SMEstolargefirmsand<br />

multinationals.<br />

■ Details01271370707or<br />

zr7.co<br />

12 business action | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business-action.co.uk


APPRENTICES HEADER<br />

Employer and learner winners<br />

The family-run Terrace Tapas<br />

& Wine BarinIlfracombe,<br />

Devonismakingahabitof<br />

winningawards.Aswellas<br />

winninganationalGoodFood<br />

Awardin2019and<strong>2020</strong>,it<br />

wonBestEmployer<strong>2020</strong>in<br />

the<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>Awards.<br />

Proofofitsqualityasa<br />

first-classemployeris<br />

demonstratedbyits21-yearoldapprenticeTaylorPhelps,<br />

whohaswonthe<strong>Business</strong><br />

<strong>Action</strong>HighestAchieving<br />

LearnerAward<strong>2020</strong>aswellas<br />

achievingadistinctionforher<br />

HospitalitySupervisor(Level<br />

3)apprenticeship,specialising<br />

infoodandbeverage.<br />

ThisisatriumphforTaylor,<br />

heremployersDawnMullen<br />

andCliveChilcott,ownersof<br />

TerraceTapas&WineBar,and<br />

apprenticeshipassessment<br />

providerProfessional<br />

AssessmentLtd(PAL).<br />

“Manycongratulationsto<br />

Tayloronanexcellentresult,”<br />

saysPALmanagingdirector<br />

LindaMartin.“Apprentices<br />

needtodemonstrateavery<br />

highlevelofknowledge,skills<br />

andbehaviourstoachievea<br />

distinction.TheEnd-Point<br />

Assessment(EPA)result<br />

provesthatTaylorhasgrasped<br />

theopportunitytoshowcase<br />

hertalents,anddemonstrate<br />

herqualitytohercurrentand<br />

potentialfutureemployers.<br />

“Shehasbeenrobustlyand<br />

rigorouslytestedbyLorraine<br />

Pope,oneofourhighly<br />

experienced,independent<br />

teamofend-pointassessors.<br />

Ourend-pointassessorsare<br />

like‘thedriving-testexaminer’,<br />

butwithadifference.Wego<br />

outofourwaytounderstand<br />

theapprentice’sneedsand<br />

requirementsfully,whilst<br />

meetingtherequirementsof<br />

theassessmentplan.”<br />

How much was Dawn Mullen<br />

involved in preparing Taylor<br />

for the end-point assessment?<br />

“Taylordidmostofitonher<br />

own,”saysDawn.“Ifshe<br />

neededus,wewerehere,but<br />

sheisquiteadetermined<br />

younglady,wantingtoachieve<br />

thisbyherself.Wemadesure<br />

Taylorhadplentyoftimeto<br />

doeverythingsheneeded.<br />

Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar double winners: (from left) Taylor Phelps,<br />

bar manager and winner of the <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Highest Achieving<br />

Learner Award <strong>2020</strong>, with Dawn Mullen, co-owner and winner of the<br />

<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Best Employer Award <strong>2020</strong><br />

“Shehasbeenrewardedfor<br />

thehighamountshedid,plus<br />

shehasworkedforit.Shehas<br />

beenthroughalltheseendpointassessmentmethods.She<br />

hasbeencheckedinlotsof<br />

differentways.Shehascomeup<br />

withherlittleflagwaving,<br />

whichisbrilliant.Ijustthinkit<br />

isgreat!Iamsuper-impressed!”<br />

What impact has Taylor’s<br />

apprenticeship had on Dawn<br />

and Clive’s business?<br />

“Ihavealreadyseenanimpact<br />

onthebusiness,”saysDawn.“I<br />

havenoticedachangein<br />

Taylorinthewayshedeals<br />

withstaff.Herconfidenceis<br />

higher.Thewayshedealswith<br />

peoplealsoismoreconfident<br />

andthathasanaturalimpact<br />

onthebusiness.Ihaveseena<br />

differenceanditisbrilliant.<br />

Sheismakingmanymore<br />

informeddecisionswithout<br />

askingsomeoneforadvice.”<br />

Why did Taylor decide to do an<br />

apprenticeship?<br />

Thehospitalityindustry<br />

traditionallyhasbeenamajor<br />

playerintheNorthDevon<br />

coastaleconomy.Thisled<br />

Taylortotheprofessionata<br />

youngage.Shetriedherhand<br />

ateverythingfromwaitressing<br />

tobeingakitchenporter.<br />

“Idecidedtheindustry<br />

wouldn’tbeabadlong-term<br />

option,”Taylorexplains.<br />

Whenshewas17,Taylor<br />

wentintowhatshethought<br />

wouldprovealong-termjob.<br />

Theproblemwasthatnobody<br />

wouldgivehertheoptionof<br />

havingapaperqualificationto<br />

backupherskillsorgiveher<br />

full-ontraining,savefor<br />

“spoutingafewfactsandafew<br />

thingsthatcouldhelp”.<br />

ThenshejoinedTheTerrace<br />

Tapas&WineBar.The<br />

contrastwasstartlingbecause<br />

DawnandClivegaveheralot<br />

ofresponsibilityearlyon.<br />

“Ireallylikedthisasit<br />

motivatedme,”shesays.“Iwas<br />

verygratefulbecauseIcould<br />

tellDawnandClivetrusted<br />

me.Theybroughtuptheidea<br />

ofapprenticeshipsandI<br />

thought‘whynot?’Imight<br />

knowafewthingsnow,butin<br />

theendIamgoingtolearna<br />

wholelotmore.Itisgoingto<br />

helpmeprogressinmycareer.<br />

Itcangivemetheconfidence<br />

tohelpotherpeople.Having<br />

thepaperqualificationtoback<br />

upmyknowledgeandskills<br />

willmakeallthedifference.<br />

“IamverypleasedtosayI<br />

gotwhatIwantedoutofit.”<br />

Taylor’sdistinctionshows<br />

shesucceededinherobjective.<br />

Was obtaining the<br />

apprenticeship at college ever<br />

an option for Taylor?<br />

Shedidgotocollegebut<br />

quicklyrealiseditwasnotfor<br />

her.“Ihavequitebadanxiety<br />

andafewotherissues,making<br />

ithardtositinaclassroom<br />

andbeexpectedtoeatup<br />

informationinaverysmall<br />

spaceoftime,”saysTaylor.“I<br />

neededsomethingmore<br />

practicalandflexiblewhereI<br />

couldtakemyowntimetodo<br />

it.Apprenticeshipsdohavea<br />

timelimit,butitwasn’tlike<br />

anyonewasonmybackona<br />

certaintimeatacertaindate,<br />

apart,ofcourse,fromthe<br />

assessments.Undoubtedly,<br />

collegeisgoodforafew<br />

people,butnotforme.”<br />

Aneffectiveapprenticeship<br />

requiresagoodworking<br />

relationshipand<br />

understandingbetweenall<br />

parties:theapprentice,<br />

employer,trainingprovider<br />

andend-pointassessor.<br />

LorrainePope,PALend-point<br />

assessor,sayshandoverfrom<br />

trainingproviderHIT<br />

Trainingwasgood:“They<br />

mademeawareofTaylor’s<br />

apprehensiongoingintoendpointassessment,howworried<br />

shewasaboutmeeting<br />

somebodyforthefirsttime.<br />

Thatisoneofthehardest<br />

thingsforanyapprentice–<br />

thatunknownpersoncoming<br />

in.Foranybodyofanervous<br />

disposition,itisquiteabig<br />

fearfactorthatjustaddstoit.”<br />

What did the apprenticeship<br />

and the end-point assessment<br />

involve for Taylor?<br />

Thefourcoreareasofthe<br />

HospitalitySupervisor<br />

standardarebusiness,people,<br />

customers,andleadership<br />

withTaylorchoosingfoodand<br />

beveragesupervisorasher<br />

specialism.<br />

What apprenticeship advice<br />

would Dawn Mullen give other<br />

North Devon hospitality<br />

employers?<br />

“Lookcarefullyatwhoyour<br />

trainingproviderandendpointassessmentorganisation<br />

areand,specifically,how<br />

organisedtheyarewiththe<br />

wholeprocess,”Dawn<br />

suggests.“Thequalityofthe<br />

informationyouaregivenup<br />

frontisalsoimportant,asare<br />

timescalesanddeadlines.All<br />

theseweremetwithTaylor.<br />

“Ihavenotbeenletdown<br />

ononesinglepoint.Ihavebeen<br />

impressedfromstarttofinish.”<br />

■ Details01271863482or<br />

terracetapasbar.co.uk<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business action 13


AWARDS HEADER<br />

business<br />

ACTION AWARDS<br />

<strong>2020</strong><br />

North Devon’s independent business awards<br />

At last, it happened!<br />

Forawhile,weweren’tsure<br />

howwecouldannouncethe<br />

winnersofourfirstNorth<br />

Devon<strong>Business</strong>Awards,but<br />

thankstotheeffortsofour<br />

sponsorsandjudges–manyof<br />

whomhavebeenextremely<br />

busy–wemanagedtoreveal<br />

thenamesinaseriesofvideos<br />

publishedonlineonourweb<br />

siteandonsocialmedia.<br />

Whilewehavenotbeenable<br />

toholdourbigawardsevent,<br />

wewillbeorganisinganevent<br />

foreveryone–winners,<br />

finalists,entrants,sponsors,<br />

judgesandanyonewhowants<br />

tonetwork–tomeetand<br />

celebratethespiritofenterprise<br />

inNorthDevonwhen<br />

restrictionshavebeenlifted.<br />

Team effort<br />

Ithasbeenarollercoasterride<br />

andhardworktoadaptthe<br />

awardshalf-waythrough,but<br />

thankyoutoeveryonewhohas<br />

madethempossible.Wecould<br />

nothavecompletedthem<br />

withoutanyofyou.<br />

Andthankyoutoallour<br />

finalistsandwinnerswho<br />

waitedsopatientlytohearthe<br />

results.Withthejudging<br />

completedinmid-March,ithas<br />

beentoughforustokeepour<br />

lipssealedwhenspeakingto<br />

finalistsandwinnerswithout<br />

givingtheresultsaway.<br />

Much-needed boost<br />

Ithasbeenverygratifyingto<br />

helpliftpeople’sspiritsduring<br />

thelockdown.<br />

Wehopethateveryone–not<br />

justwinnersandfinalists–will<br />

takehopefromtheawardsand<br />

keepinmindtheincredible<br />

achievementsofNorthDevon<br />

businesses.Thiswillbe<br />

essentialincomingmonths<br />

whenconditionsremaintough.<br />

Ifyoufeelatalldown,<br />

rememberallthoseworking<br />

hardintheirbusinessesaround<br />

you–youarenotalone!<br />

2021 awards<br />

Theawardsmaybeoverforthis<br />

year,butwearelooking<br />

forwardtonextyear’sawards.<br />

Ifyoudidn’tenterthisyear,<br />

pleaseenterin2021.Ifyoudid<br />

enter,enteragain.Andifyou<br />

wanttosupporttheawardsasa<br />

sponsor,pleasedogetintouch.<br />

Congratulationstoeveryone!<br />

14 business action | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business-action.co.uk


WINNERS HEADER<br />

WINNER<br />

The Clovelly Soap Company<br />

North Devon <strong>Business</strong> of the Year <strong>2020</strong><br />

CongratulationstoThe<br />

ClovellySoapCompany–not<br />

onlyforwinningtheMadein<br />

NorthDevon<strong>2020</strong>Award,but<br />

forcompetingagainstallthis<br />

year’scategorywinnersand<br />

securingthecovetedtitleof<br />

NorthDevon<strong>Business</strong>ofthe<br />

Year<strong>2020</strong>.<br />

Thiswas,perhaps,the<br />

toughesttitletowin.Allseven<br />

awardsjudgesdebated<br />

vigorouslywhichofthe11<br />

winnerstoselect.Itwastough<br />

becauseeverywinnerhada<br />

goodcase,butwecompelled<br />

themtoreachadecision.<br />

Support manufacturers<br />

<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>isparticularly<br />

pleasedthattheMadein<br />

NorthDevonwinnercameout<br />

top,becausecurrent<br />

circumstancesemphasisethe<br />

vulnerabilityofourreliance<br />

onimportedgoodsandthe<br />

importanceofdevelopingand<br />

maintainingastrong<br />

manufacturingindustry.<br />

NorthDevonisfortunateto<br />

haveastrongmanufacturing<br />

sector,butitneedstobe<br />

stronger.Nodoubt,thesector<br />

willfacethesamestrugglesas<br />

Advertising prize draw winner<br />

Every entrantintheNorth<br />

Devon<strong>Business</strong>Awardswas<br />

automaticallyaddedtoourfree<br />

prizedrawtowinaseriesofsix<br />

advertsin<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>and<br />

a12-monthentryinouronline<br />

directoryatneeditfindit.uk.<br />

Wearedelightedto<br />

announcethatthewinneris<br />

DarlingsNaturalHealthin<br />

Ilfracombe.<br />

Congratulations!<br />

Darlings Natural Health<br />

Darlingsrefillshopislocatedat<br />

41HighStreet,Ilfracombeand<br />

stocksarangeoflocalproduce,<br />

includingIlfracombehoney,<br />

andWoolacombeeggs,aswell<br />

asgluten-free,veganand<br />

vegetarianproducts.<br />

Customerscanbringtheir<br />

owncontainertopurchase<br />

manygoodsloosetoreduce<br />

singleplasticuse.<br />

sponsored by<br />

VISIT MILTONPJ.NET<br />

allsectorsinthemonths<br />

ahead,butitdeservesourtotal<br />

support.Whetherbusinesses<br />

produceconsumergoods,<br />

industrialcomponents,<br />

electronicequipment,hi-tech<br />

materialsorfoodanddrink,it<br />

isvitalthatweappreciate,<br />

supportandthankthem.<br />

Judges’ verdict<br />

Vikas Mahajan:“Alongwith<br />

theotherjudgesIhadatough<br />

timedecidingwhothetrue<br />

winnershouldbe.<br />

“Wedeliberatedlongand<br />

hardoverproductmixes,<br />

brandpositioning,marketing<br />

effortsandahostofother<br />

criteriabeforeweallagreed<br />

thatTheClovellySoap<br />

Companywasatruly<br />

deservingwinner.<br />

“Asabusinessownerand<br />

previouswinnerofnumerous<br />

otherbusinessawards,I<br />

understandthevaluethat<br />

theseawardscanbringtoa<br />

businessandIhopethisisthe<br />

caseforTheClovellySoap<br />

Companyaswell.”<br />

■ VisitTheClovellySoap<br />

Companywebsiteat<br />

theclovellysoapcompany.com<br />

DARLINGS NATURAL HEALTH<br />

REDUCING SINGLE USE PLASTIC<br />

LOCAL PRODUCE<br />

Ilfracombe honey • Woolacombe eggs<br />

Gluten-free, vegetarian & vegan products<br />

REFILL CENTRE<br />

Bring your own container and refill<br />

41 High Street, Ilfracombe, EX34 9DA<br />

Tel: 01271 867775<br />

darlingsnaturalhealth.com<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business action 15


JUDGES<br />

Meet our judges<br />

Oursevenjudgesbrought<br />

broadanddeepexpertiseand<br />

experiencefromboth<br />

manufacturingandservice<br />

sectorsinordertounderstand<br />

andassessthe104entries.<br />

Wethankthemforgiving<br />

theirtimetoensureentries<br />

werejudgedindependently<br />

andtransparently.<br />

Itwasatoughjobwhich<br />

theycompletedfairlyand<br />

efficiently.<br />

MANUFACTURING<br />

Vikas Mahajan<br />

Aramis Rugby<br />

TECHNOLOGY<br />

Mike Matthews<br />

Lineal Software<br />

Solutions<br />

DESIGN<br />

Frank Stone<br />

Clevera<br />

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS<br />

PERSONAL FINANCE<br />

RETAIL<br />

COMMERCIAL FINANCE<br />

Susie Kevern<br />

Pound Lane<br />

Financial Management<br />

Rod Martin<br />

Together Financial<br />

Solutions<br />

Helen Pedlar<br />

Pedlars Home Hardware<br />

Rachael Taylor<br />

SWIG Finance<br />

16 business action | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business-action.co.uk


Continental atmosphere<br />

TheTerraceTapas&WineBar<br />

inIlfracombeservesfreshly<br />

cooked,authenticSpanish<br />

tapas.Theteaminvites<br />

customerstoenjoyitswarmth<br />

ofserviceandunhurried,<br />

relaxedstyleofdining.Itis<br />

familyrunandfamilyfriendly<br />

andwelcomesdogsinthebar.<br />

Judges’ verdict<br />

Susie Kevern:“Thereare14<br />

peopleintheteam,including<br />

sixapprentices.Recruitmentis<br />

focusedonwordofmouth<br />

recommendationsand<br />

overseenbyexistingstaffwho<br />

High street<br />

IlfracombeChocolate<br />

Emporiummakesfresh<br />

chocolatesatitsstorewhere<br />

visitorscanwatchthe<br />

chocolatieratworkoravideo<br />

ofchocolatemaking.Italso<br />

hasafreechocolatemuseum<br />

withtastersavailablefromthe<br />

chocolateflavourwheel.<br />

Judges’ verdict<br />

Rod Martin:“Thiscompany<br />

reallyepitomiseswhatmakes<br />

WINNER<br />

Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar<br />

Best Employer<br />

VISIT COOPERGOLDING.CO.UK<br />

WINNER<br />

Ilfracombe Chocolate<br />

Emporium<br />

agreatretailer.Itwasn’tjust<br />

thefantasticproductthatthey<br />

produce,butalotaboutwhat<br />

theycreateinthecommunity<br />

–thesocialhelp,themanshed<br />

andalsoenvironmental<br />

WINNERS<br />

sponsored by<br />

Best Retailer<br />

factorstheytakeintoaccount<br />

withtheirpackaging.A<br />

wholerangeoffeatures<br />

broughtthemtothetopand<br />

hopefullytheirsupportfor<br />

thecommunitywillhelp<br />

havethefinalsayonhiring<br />

decisions.Theyrunavarietyof<br />

incentivesforgreat<br />

performanceandhave<br />

impressivelylowstaffturnover.”<br />

Rod Martin:“Thepassion<br />

whichtheownershavenotonly<br />

forthebusinessandmakingit<br />

successful,butalsoformaking<br />

thewholeteampartofthe<br />

actualbusinessreallycame<br />

across.Thefocusonlistening,<br />

takingonstaffideas,mentoring<br />

andflexibilityandreallyjust<br />

caringfortheirstaffisquite<br />

uniquetofind.Theyare<br />

certainlyleadingbyexample.”<br />

■ terracetapasbar.co.uk<br />

themgrowinthefuture.”<br />

Susie Kevern:“Judgingwas<br />

sodifficultbecausethe<br />

competitionwassofierce.We<br />

likedthefactthatthe<br />

IlfracombeChocolate<br />

Emporiumdoesmorethan<br />

justsellchocolate.Thatmakes<br />

themalocalhubinthecentre<br />

ofIlfracombe,whichisreally<br />

importantinpreservingour<br />

highstreets.”<br />

■ ilfracombechocolate<br />

emporium.co.uk<br />

Slee Blackwell Solicitors are an award winning,<br />

Legal 500 recommended practice. <strong>2020</strong> is our<br />

centenary year. We have come a long way in the past<br />

one hundred years, but we remain committed to the<br />

principles of our founder Ernest Slee to provide the<br />

highest levels of professional service.<br />

We are proud to have been awarded Lexcel<br />

accreditation, the Law Society’s legal practice quality<br />

mark for excellence in legal practice management<br />

and legal client care.<br />

Our clients therefore have the peace of mind of knowing<br />

that their legal affairs are in safe hands and that their<br />

interests are being looked after by an established,<br />

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dedicated to providing a first class service.<br />

Call 0808 139 1606 or visit<br />

sleeblackwell.co.uk<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business action 17


What do you dowhenyou<br />

haveinvitedaVIPguestto<br />

yourawardseventandithasto<br />

becancelled?<br />

SelaineSaxby,MPforNorth<br />

Devon,whowewerelooking<br />

forwardtowelcomingtoour<br />

bigawardscelebrationinJune,<br />

verygenerouslysavedtheday<br />

byrecordingamessageforour<br />

winnersvideos.<br />

Selainesays:“Iamdelighted<br />

tobewelcomingthefinaliststo<br />

theNorthDevon<strong>Business</strong><br />

Awards.Therehavebeen104<br />

entrantsin11different<br />

categoriesand44finalists<br />

Helping clients succeed<br />

BrandLanternswasstartedby<br />

Sara-JaneWilliamstosupport<br />

hospitalitybusinesses,food<br />

anddrinkproducers,<br />

foodservicewholesalersand<br />

cateringsuppliersbymaking<br />

themmoreprofitable.This<br />

rangesfromworkingwith<br />

cafés,restaurantsandpubsto<br />

increasefootfallandcustomer<br />

spendwhilereducing<br />

overheadstohelpingfood<br />

producersandwholesalersto<br />

growsales.Thisisachieved<br />

througharangeofmarketing,<br />

trainingandmentoring<br />

servicesforallbusinesses.<br />

Happy customer reviews<br />

SHEDS4youstartedbybuying<br />

inoff-the-shelfbuildingsand<br />

providinganinstallation<br />

serviceforcustomers.When<br />

demandtrebled,itstartedto<br />

manufactureitsownbuildings,<br />

shedsandbespokebuildings.<br />

Overthepastthreeyears,<br />

theoperationhasgrownin<br />

reputationandsize,andnow<br />

employseightmembersofstaff<br />

fromthefittingteam,to<br />

manufacturingandofficestaff.<br />

WINNERS<br />

VIP congratulations<br />

acrossahugerangeof<br />

industries.Itreallyreflectsthe<br />

diversityandentrepreneurial<br />

WINNER<br />

BrandLanterns<br />

<strong>Business</strong>-to-<strong>Business</strong> Excellence<br />

sponsored by<br />

VISIT ZR7.CO<br />

WINNER<br />

SHEDS 4 you<br />

Consumer Service Excellence<br />

Judges’ verdict<br />

Susie Kevern:“Themove<br />

fromdouble-glazing<br />

manufacturetosupplyingsheds<br />

showsexactlyhowtheir<br />

consumer-ledapproachworks,<br />

spiritinNorthDevonandI’d<br />

liketowisheachandevery<br />

businesswhohasenteredthe<br />

absolutebestofsuccessinthe<br />

futureaswegothroughthis<br />

difficulttimeandparticular<br />

goodlucktoallthefinalists<br />

today.”<br />

Thankyou,Selaine.<br />

Wedohopewecanarrange<br />

aneventlaterintheyear<br />

providinganopportunityto<br />

celebrateeveryoneinvolvedin<br />

theawards.<br />

listeningtotheircustomersand<br />

supplyingwhattheyaskfor.<br />

“Theygooutoftheirwayto<br />

lookafteralltheircustomers,<br />

oftenhelpingoutwith<br />

additionalservicestomakesure<br />

AWARDS ONLINE<br />

Ifyouhavemissedthethrill<br />

andsuspenseofliveawards<br />

announcementsinthe<br />

presenceofalargeaudience,<br />

wehopeyouwillenjoy<br />

watchingthevideo<br />

announcementsavailable<br />

onlineatourwebsite.<br />

There’savideoforeach<br />

category,includingan<br />

introductiontothefour<br />

finalists,thesponsor<br />

announcingthewinnerand<br />

commentsfromjudges.<br />

■business-action.co.uk/awards<br />

Judges’ verdict<br />

Frank Stone:“Onevery<br />

talentedladyandasmall<br />

freelanceteamofferingavast<br />

arrayofservicestoclientsin<br />

thefoodandhospitality<br />

industry.<br />

“Theservicesonoffermay<br />

notallbeunique,butthe<br />

varietyonofferandtheresults<br />

theyachievedemonstrate<br />

passionandtheabilityto<br />

deliverbusinessexcellence.<br />

“Alsonominatedbyaclient<br />

ofhersforthisaward;tome,<br />

thatfurtherendorsesherand<br />

hercapabilities.”<br />

■ brandlanterns.co.uk<br />

thatthejobisasuccess.There<br />

werescoresofhappycustomer<br />

reviewsincludedwiththeentry.”<br />

Rod Martin:“Theirresumé<br />

reallybroughtacrosstheir<br />

focusontheclientand<br />

producingagreatbespoke<br />

product.Locallysourcing<br />

materialsisanimportantpart<br />

ofbeingbasedinDevon.They<br />

haveareal‘cando’attitude,<br />

workwiththecommunityand<br />

havetheclientatheart.”<br />

■ sheds4you.co.uk<br />

BIDEFORD<br />

SHEDS 4 you<br />

SHEDS4youoriginally<br />

startedbybuyinginoff-theshelfbuildingsandprovided<br />

aninstallationservicefor<br />

thosewhowereunabletodoit<br />

themselves.Whendemand<br />

18 business action | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business-action.co.uk


Digital garden services<br />

AlexandraStapletonandBen<br />

Clisbycombinedtheir<br />

expertisetolaunchABSEA<br />

Services,drawingonBen’s<br />

seven+yearsofgardening<br />

experienceinAscotandWest<br />

LondonandAlexandra’s<br />

creativebackgroundand<br />

naturalflairfordesigning<br />

outsidespaces.<br />

ABSEAServiceshas<br />

launcheditsonlinegarden<br />

servicesquotationservice,<br />

Largest scaffolding firm<br />

AdvancedScaffolding<br />

undertakesalltypesof<br />

scaffolding,fromsmall<br />

domesticworktostreetworks,<br />

temporaryroofs,largehousing<br />

developmentsandbespoke<br />

designworks.<br />

Itcurrentlyemployees47<br />

membersofPAYEstaffandis<br />

thelargestscaffoldingcompany<br />

inthearea.Allstaffarefully<br />

qualifiedandtrained,andhold<br />

CITB/NOCNcertifications.<br />

AswellasworkinginNorth<br />

Devon,thecompanycurrently<br />

hasprojectsacrossDevon,<br />

SomersetandHertfordshire.<br />

whichappearstobetheonly<br />

oneofitskindinthearea.<br />

Thebusinessprovidesa<br />

widerangeofgarden<br />

maintenance,landscapeand<br />

outdoordesignservicesfor<br />

WINNERS<br />

WINNER<br />

AB SEA Services<br />

Digital & Online Achievement<br />

WINNER<br />

bothresidentialand<br />

commercialclients.<br />

Advanced Scaffolding<br />

Excellence in Construction<br />

sponsored by<br />

VISIT RGBLTD.CO.UK<br />

Judges’ verdict<br />

Frank Stone:“WefeltAB<br />

SEA’sofferingwasalittlebit<br />

different.Theyworkina<br />

sectorthatisverytraditionally<br />

manualandofflinesotobe<br />

offeringonlinebookingof<br />

theirservices,onlinequoting,<br />

digitaldesignsandalloftheir<br />

accountingviaemailgives<br />

themacompetitiveadvantage.<br />

Theadditionofanapp,which<br />

theyarecurrentlydeveloping<br />

willobviouslyletthemspend<br />

lesstimeonadminandfar<br />

moretimeinclients’gardens.”<br />

■ abseaservices.com<br />

Judges’ verdict<br />

Vikas Mahajan:“Whatstood<br />

outformewasthatthiswasnot<br />

onlyacompanythatexcelsin<br />

theirfieldbutcontributes<br />

massivelytocommunity<br />

charitiesandlocalclubs.<br />

“Constructiondoesnot<br />

meanjustlayingdownbricks<br />

alone,butalltheancillary<br />

activitiesplayamajorroletoo<br />

andthisiswhereAdvanced<br />

Scaffoldingstoodout.<br />

“They’vehadgradualgrowth<br />

overtheyearsandIhopethis<br />

awardhelpsyouachievegreater<br />

successes.”<br />

■ advancedscaffoldingltd.co.uk<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business action 19


The finest dining<br />

Datingbacktothelate1700s,<br />

theRoyalGeorgeisaGrade2<br />

listedpubinAppledorewith<br />

stunningviewsovertheTaw<br />

andTorridgeEstuary.<br />

Thebuildingwascompletely<br />

rebuiltandrefurbishedin2017<br />

intoacontemporarypub/<br />

restaurantovertwofloors,with<br />

fouren-suitelettingrooms,<br />

includingtwofamilyrooms<br />

andtwodoublerooms.Two<br />

roomsaredogfriendly.<br />

Therestaurantcanserve<br />

morethan80peopleatone<br />

sittingandthereisafirst-floor<br />

terraceoverlookingtheestuary<br />

foralfrescodiningwhenthe<br />

weatherisfine.<br />

Thebusinessemploys25+<br />

peopleandisgrowingby<br />

expandingintonewmarkets<br />

includingmobilecatering,<br />

eventsandprivatedining.<br />

Passing with distinction<br />

Taylorhasworkedatthe<br />

businessfortwoandahalf<br />

years.Sheisnowbarmanager,<br />

havingdevelopedherskills<br />

andconfidence.<br />

Taylorhasjustcompleted<br />

herlevelthreehospitality<br />

supervisorapprenticeshipand<br />

wasawardeda‘distinction’.<br />

Thisgradeisnotgivenout<br />

lightlyandshehasbeen<br />

interviewedasacasestudyto<br />

helpotherlearners.<br />

Taylornowmanagesjunior<br />

staffwithconfidenceandruns<br />

thebarlikeclockwork.Her<br />

businessconfidencehas<br />

increasedalongwithher<br />

authorityandpoise.Shehasa<br />

newauraaboutherwhichis<br />

business<br />

ACTION<br />

WINNERS<br />

WINNER<br />

The Royal George<br />

Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism<br />

Judges’ verdict<br />

Rod Martin:“Whatreallycame<br />

acrosswastheirdedicationto<br />

creatingagreatvenue,arelaxed<br />

atmosphereandtheinvestment<br />

intothesympathetic<br />

sponsored by<br />

VISIT MARSDENS.CO.UK<br />

WINNER<br />

Taylor Phelps<br />

at Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar<br />

Highest Achieving Learner<br />

sponsored by<br />

VISIT ATLASPACKAGING.CO.UK<br />

amazingtosee.Thishas<br />

contributedconsiderablyto<br />

Eachwinnerofthe<strong>Business</strong><br />

<strong>Action</strong>Awardsreceivesprizes<br />

includingafreeadvertand<br />

editorialfeaturesinthe<br />

magazineanda12-monthfree<br />

refurbishmentofanoldvenue<br />

toputitselfonthemap.<br />

“Thetrainingandallthey<br />

aredoingwiththeirstaffcomes<br />

acrossandthereseemsa<br />

genuineinterestinmakingthe<br />

thebusinessandshecontinues<br />

tobeatrueasset.<br />

listingonourNeeditFindit<br />

NorthDevon<strong>Business</strong><br />

Directory.Youcanreadabout<br />

ourwinnersinupcomingissues<br />

of<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>.<br />

businessworkfromallthestaff.<br />

“Also,thequantifiable<br />

sorucingoffood,puttingiton<br />

mileageratherthanjustsaying<br />

itislocallyproduced.”<br />

“Hopefully,whatthey’re<br />

doingforthecommunity,in<br />

termsoftheirsupperclub<br />

nights,willkeepitbusyin<br />

quieterperiodswhenwe’renot<br />

inthetourismseason.”<br />

Susie Kevern:“TheRoyal<br />

GeorgeembodieswhatIseeas<br />

excellenceinhospitalityand<br />

tourisminNorthDevon.<br />

“Themanagementwork<br />

reallyhardtoentertaintheir<br />

customerswhiledelivering<br />

exceptionalcustomerservice<br />

andusingtrulylocalproducts<br />

tocreateexcitingmenus.When<br />

thelockdownrestrictionsare<br />

liftedthiswillbeoneofthefirst<br />

placeswhereIwillbeheading.”<br />

■ trgpub.co.uk<br />

Judges’ verdict<br />

Frank Stone:“Aprettyeasy<br />

choiceforme.<br />

“Taylorsufferedwith<br />

anxietyandmentalhealth<br />

issues,andbattledthroughto<br />

notonlyachieveeducational<br />

successbutalsotoreceivethe<br />

recognitionamongherpeers<br />

atwork.<br />

“Togainpromotiontowhat<br />

isnowaveryresponsible<br />

position,Ithink,saysahuge<br />

amountabouther.<br />

“Havingadaughterwho<br />

sufferswithanxiety,tosee<br />

everythingsheputherself<br />

throughandachieved,Ithink<br />

sheisawinneronmany<br />

levels.”<br />

■ terracetapasbar.co.uk<br />

20 business action | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business-action.co.uk


Natural ingredients<br />

TheClovellySoapCompany<br />

createshandmadesoap,home<br />

fragrance,bathandbodycare<br />

products.<br />

Ithas14employeesandtwo<br />

ownersandoperatesaretail<br />

shopinClovelly,alongwith<br />

Amazonsales,onlinesalesvia<br />

Etsyanditsownwebsite.It<br />

usesInstagramandFacebook<br />

toattractonlinesalesandhas<br />

stockiststhroughouttheUK.<br />

Itsproductshavealwaysbeen<br />

completelynaturalwithout<br />

SodiumLaurylSulfate,<br />

artificialfragrances,coloursor<br />

parabens.<br />

A year of success<br />

BrandLanternswasstartedby<br />

Sara-JaneWilliamsin<br />

September2018tosupport<br />

hospitalitybusinesses,foodand<br />

drinkproducers,foodservice<br />

wholesalersandcatering<br />

suppliers.Sheidentifiedagapin<br />

themarketforspecialist<br />

support,deliveredwithanethos<br />

andmannerthatisnon-typical<br />

formarketingagencies.Partof<br />

thisrelatestodeliveringa<br />

servicethatistrulymore<br />

bespoke,personaland<br />

transparentforcafés,<br />

restaurantsandpubsaswellas<br />

foodproducersandwholesalers.<br />

From college into business<br />

Tomchosenottogoto<br />

universityandpurchasedhis<br />

parents’business,which<br />

importedEuropeanhardwood<br />

boardsforflooring.Tom<br />

stoppedimportingtimberand<br />

buysonlyfromtheUK,from<br />

certifiedmanagedwoodland.<br />

Nowitstimberissawn,<br />

seasoned,kilndriedand<br />

preparedinitsyardinDevon<br />

anditspecialisesinproducing<br />

exceptionalsolidwideboard<br />

WINNERS<br />

WINNER<br />

The Clovelly Soap Company<br />

Made in North Devon<br />

VISIT SIGN-MAKER.NET<br />

WINNER<br />

BrandLanterns<br />

Outstanding New <strong>Business</strong><br />

VISIT SLEEBLACKWELL.CO.UK<br />

flooringwithawidthofupto<br />

400mm,overdoublethatof<br />

mostcommercialsawmills.<br />

Thebusinesshasalso<br />

becomerenownedforthe<br />

traceabilityofitsproducts.<br />

sponsored by<br />

sponsored by<br />

WINNER<br />

Thomas Bedford<br />

of UK Hardwoods Ltd<br />

Young Entrepreneur<br />

Judges’ verdict<br />

Frank Stone:“Ireallyliked<br />

Tom’sstoryandhisjourney<br />

fromleavingcollegeto<br />

choosingtobuyhisparents’<br />

businessatsuchayoungage.<br />

Judges’ verdict<br />

Vikas Mahajan:“Allthe<br />

entrieswereofahighcalibre,<br />

butultimatelyformeitwas<br />

TheClovellySoapCompany<br />

thatstoodoutbecausethey<br />

seemtohavetickedallboxes,<br />

especiallythewaytheychose<br />

thebusinessnameandthe<br />

brand,whichresonateswith<br />

customersassomethingtruly<br />

madeinNorthDevon.<br />

“Plustheeffortsthatthey<br />

haveputintopromotionand<br />

distribution,forme,wasa<br />

verygooddealandIwish<br />

themalltheverybest.”<br />

■ theclovellysoapcompany.com<br />

Judges’ verdict<br />

Vikas Mahajan:“Ilikethe<br />

conceptofthebusinessandthe<br />

passionshownbythebusiness<br />

owner.BrandLanternsnotonly<br />

focusesoncertainintangible<br />

thingslikementoringand<br />

moraleboostingforsalesteams,<br />

forexample,whicharecritical<br />

foranyorganisationofanysize.<br />

Iliketheirconceptoftime<br />

managementandproviding<br />

satisfaction,whichisnotonly<br />

calculatedandmeasuredin<br />

numbersbutalsoininner<br />

satisfactionforthesalesforce<br />

andbusinessowners.”<br />

■ brandlanterns.co.uk<br />

Andthenbuildingittoa<br />

positionwhereitisfully<br />

sustainableanda100%<br />

renewablesite,possiblythe<br />

onlyoneofitskindintheUK,<br />

tomeisveryadmirable.<br />

“Hishardwork,his<br />

dedicationandenthusiasm<br />

coupledwiththatentrepreneurialflairthathehasshown<br />

throughout,tome,iswhatthe<br />

YoungEntrepreneurawardis<br />

allabout.”<br />

■ ukhardwoods.co.uk<br />

Looking for independent financial advice?<br />

Call us on 01237 426450<br />

for a free initial consultation<br />

contact@dscottfinancial.co.uk<br />

https://dscottfinancial.co.uk<br />

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

@businessactionm | <strong>Midsummer</strong> <strong>2020</strong> | business action 21

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