December 2020 / January 2021 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news about business and enterprise in the area. This issue features our Business Activists answering your business questions plus news from businesses across the area.
usiness
ACTION
north enterprise
devon
growth
innovation
news & views
Supporting all North Devon businesses
TORVIEW WINES – BEAWORTHY
THE PET’S HAIR PANTRY LOUNGE – COMBE – BARNSTAPLE MARTIN
THE ROYAL GEORGE – APPLEDORE
COLLECTABILITY – TORRINGTON
NUMBER SIX TAXIS – BIDEFORD
FOOT CANDY – ILFRACOMBE
THE HAIR LOUNGE – BARNSTAPLE CHURCHILL HOUSE – LYNTON GT ALES – CHIVENOR
#ndevonXMAS – More businesses inside . . .
business-action.co.uk | December 2020 / January 2021 | @businessactionm
CONTENTS HEADER
Web site | business-action.co.uk
Online version | business-action.uk
Vol 2 Issue 6 – December 2020 / January 2021 – distribution 2,000
Turn Off. Tune Out. Drop In............................................................................ 1
learn ► grow ► excel – book your workshop....................................... 1
Book your CITB catch-up for construction training support.......... 2
8 January is #MicroBizMatters Day............................................................ 2
Free online disability training........................................................................ 2
Discover Torrington’s treasure store......................................................... 3
Pet store aims to bring a smile to customers’ faces........................... 3
Loyal customers support caring hairdresser......................................... 4
Selection of North Devon commercial property available now...... 4
Business directory – find products and services................................ 5
Fashionable ladies footwear store opens................................................ 6
Eager to start in business............................................................................... 6
Bideford cab firm is back out on road....................................................... 7
Office supplies company introduces antimicrobial labels .............. 8
Homeware gifts available online.................................................................. 8
Cyber Resilience Centre to protect businesses................................... 8
Manufacturer invests for the future............................................................ 9
Manufacturer and apprentice recognised by awards......................... 9
IT developer releases new manufacturing software........................... 9
Café brings lockdown cheer to Ilfracombe............................................. 10
Changing with the times.................................................................................. 10
Business Action North Devon Business Awards 2021...................... 11
Business Activists: Your business questions answered.................. 12
Lynton stores adapt to challenges.............................................................. 14
In the Hot Seat: Garth Hughes of the Royal George........................... 15
More awards wins and hampers from the Royal George.................. 15
Builders merchant giving away £6,500 to customers......................... 16
North Devon scenes in 2021 Air Ambulance calendar...................... 16
Gerry Giraffe keeps kids’ hands clean...................................................... 16
Celebrating 30 years of finance support.................................................. 16
Support our local drinks producers:
Torview sparkles................................................................................................. 17
Gift packs from GT Ales................................................................................... 17
Combe’s Ruby Sunset...................................................................................... 17
Cake in a Box supports retailers.................................................................. 17
© Need it Find it 2020. All information in this magazine is published in good faith.
Any views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, Need it Find it.
Readers are strongly recommended to seek advice from an appropriate professional
before taking any action on any topic discussed in the magazine and to check full
terms and conditions of any products or services promoted in advertisements.
CELEBRATING OUR
2 nd ANNIVERSARY
12 ISSUES
250+ BUSINESSES IN
ARTICLES & ADVERTS
000s OF ONLINE
& SOCIAL MEDIA VIEWS
100+ AWARDS ENTRIES
ii
business action | December 2020 / January 2021 | business-action.co.uk
THIS HEADER ISSUE
business
ACTION
Turn Off. Tune Out. Drop In.
Welcometoour12thissueof
BusinessAction,celebrating
twoyearsofpublishing
businessnewsfromacross
NorthDevon.
Thisissuewehavemanaged
toclawbackthemonthwelost
backintheMarchlockdown
andarenowpublishingon
scheduleagain.
Wehavenotmissedone
issueduetoCoronavirusand
wethankallouradvertisers
andsupportersforenablingus
toachievethis.
However,twoyearsinand
wehavenotimetorelaxand
celebrate.Morethanever
before,NorthDevonbusinesses
needsupportandthisissuewe
haverelaxedourusualeditorial
planstoopenlypromoteas
manybusinessesaspossible
acrossthearea.Wehave
reachedfromLyntonto
Bideford,fromCombeMartin
ADVERTISING
Alan Williams
Advertising, Distribution &
Publisher
t: 07970 671192
e: alan@business-action.co.uk
toBeaworthyandpackedinas
manyarticlesaboutasmany
businessesaspossible.
Turn Off
AbusinessownerinTorrington
toldushowpeoplesaytheyhad
passedalongthemainroadfor
years,notknowingthetown
centrewasthere.Weneedto
learn ► grow ► excel
EDITORIAL
Robert Zarywacz
Editor, Designer & Publisher
t: 07971 176044
e: robertz@business-action.co.uk
@robertz
turnoffthemainroadstocities
andmeanderaroundourown
townsandvillagestosupport
businessesinourcommunities.
Tune Out
We’reinthetimeofBlack
FridayandCyberMonday
whenmillionsofshoppers
spendenormousamountsof
moneywithbigonlineretailers.
BUTweneedtoremember
thateverydayisLocalDayto
supportourownbusinesses.
Likinglocalbusinessesisnot
enough:wehavetobuyfrom
them.Tuneoutofglobaland
lockinonlocal.
Drop In
Withlockdownending,many
businessescanopenupagain.
Manysmallbusinesseshave
investedheavilyinsafety
measurestoprotectagainst
Coronavirusand,withmostof
themlimitingthenumberof
customersadmittedatany
time,feelsaferthangigantic
storesatout-of-townsites.
Nowisthetimetodropin
tolocalindependentbusinesses
tosupportthem.You’lloften
receivebetterproductsand
definitelybetterservice.
NeeditFindit,publisherof
BusinessAction,hasbuilta
reputationforhostingBBxpo,
thebiggestbusiness-tobusinesseventinNorthDevon
andwewerealsoduetohost
thebiggestnetworkingevent
intheareaatour2020
BusinessActionAwardsevent.
Affordable workshops
AsCoronavirusprevented
boththeseeventsin2020,we
havebeenplanningface-tofaceeventsallyear,waiting
untilwecouldholdthem.
Wearenowlaunchingthe
firstofthesearea-wideevents:
learn ► grow ► excel,a
programmeofaffordable
workshopsheldinvenues
acrossNorthDevon.
Theseworkshopsprovide
Book your workshop now for practical
training and advice for your business
practicaltrainingandadvice–
SevenStepstoResilienceand
Excellence–tohelpbusinesses
thriveandincludemembership
ofourexclusiveonlineprivate
supportgroupwherewe
discussactualbusinessissues,
andshareproblemsand
solutionswitheachother.
Ourfirstworkshopis
scheduledfor10amto3pm
(withextratimefordiscussion
forthosewantingtostay
longer)onMonday11January
2021inBarnstaple–subjectto
Covidrestrictions.Further
datesandlocationswillbe
announcedshortly.
SEVEN STEPS TO EXCELLENCE RESILIENCE AND EXCELLENCE
RESILIENCE
VISIBILITY ►Ensurecustomersfindyourbusinesswhenthey
arelookingtobuy UNDERSTANDING ►Explainyouroffering
clearlysocustomersknowwhatitis OPPORTUNITY ►Tapinto
marketsyoumightbemissing EFFICIENCY ►Optimiseyour
businessbycuttingoutunnecessaryexpenses COMMUNITY ►
Developyoursocialvalueonline MOTIVATION ►Buildyour
resiliencesoyoumoveyourbusinessforward,evenonbaddays
SUPPORT ►Findsupportinourexclusiveprivateonlinegroup
Workshopswillberunin
accordancewithcurrent
healthregulationsandlimited
to12participants,bothfor
healthreasonsandtoensure
individualsreceivethebestinclassattention.
Thecostoftheseinitial
workshopshasbeensetat£30
tobeaffordableforall.
■ Bookyourworkshopnowat
northdevonevents.co.uk
@businessactionm | December 2020 / January 2021 | business action 1
NEWS
Book your CITB catch-up for
construction training support
CITBprovidessupportforthe
constructionindustryacross
theUK.
RoyImeson,CITBAdvisor
forDevon,isnowofferingoneto-onecatch-upmeetingsfor
businessestofindoutwhat
supporttheycanaccessandto
askforanyhelpandadviceon
specificissues.
Possibletopicsformeetings
caninclude:
➤ AnoverviewofCITB
➤ HowCITBsupportsthe
industry
8 January is #MicroBizMatters Day
#MicroBizMatters Dayisan
annualdayofrecognition,
actionandlearningformicro
businessowners.95%ofall
businessesintheUKaremicro
businesses(0-9employeeswith
under£2millionturnover).
StartedbyTonyRobinson
OBEandTinaBoden,itisa
socialmediadaywhenmore
thanonemillionbusiness
ownersgivetimetosupport
eachother.
Recognitionisbyuseofthe
#MicroBizMattershashtag.All
actionsupportsmajor
➤ Howitsupportsemployers
andwhatsupporttheycan
access
➤ AnoverviewoftheLevy
➤ Anintroductionto
apprenticeshipsandgrants
Whateveryouwanttodiscuss,
Royinvitesyoutobookyour
meetingat catch-up-withroy.eventbrite.co.uk
campaignstoimprovelifefor
independentbusinessowners,
including#PayIn30Dayswhich
TonyRobinsonstarted.
Learningisprovidedthrough
aneventlivestreamedon
FacebookandYouTube,
featuringfamousand
successfulbusinessowners
givingtipsforsuccess.
AllUKmicrobusinessescan
takepart,eitheronlineorby
offeringhelptofellowmicro
businessowners.
■ Detailstonyrobinsonobe.com/
microbizmatters-day/
Free online disability training
The Be Ready Employer Hub
Spring2021scheduleforthe
DisabilityAwarenessinthe
Workplaceprogrammeisnow
availabletobook.
Threecoursesareavailable,
freetoDevon-based
employersandstart-ups–all
aredeliveredliveonline:
Disability and Employment
Thisisafour-partseriesfor
managersandthoseinHR
rolestofindoutmoreabout
howtorecruit,employand
retainthebesttalentforyour
business.Topicsinclude
‘UnderstandingReasonable
Adjustments’,‘JobCarving’
andhowtoapplyforthe
AccesstoWorkgrant(worth
upto£60,700).
Language & Communication
Apracticalworkshop
supportingdelegatesto
overcomelanguageor
communicationbarriersthey
mayexperiencewhenworking
withdisabledcolleaguesor
customers,andhowtoinitiate
amore‘comfortable’
conversation.
Accessibility for Websites
Designedforbusinessowners
andmanagers,thiscourse
providesanon-technical
insightintowhyandhowa
websitecanbemade
accessible,howtoovercome
thebarrierstoaccessibility
andwhyitmakesgood
commercialsensetohavean
accessiblewebsite.
Course details
BoththeLanguage&
Communicationand
AccessibilityforWebsites
onlinecoursescanbebooked
eitherasstand-alone
workshopsorasfollow-on
sessionstothefour-part
DisabilityandEmployment
series.
Numbersarelimitedtoa
maximumof15percourseto
giveparticipantstheoptimum
trainer-time.Eachinteractive
workshoptypicallylaststwo
hoursandincludesgroup
discussions,learningactivities
andrefreshmentbreaks.
Onlinedeliveryisviathe
Zoomplatform,butBeReady
canalsodelivercoursesusing
MicrosoftTeamsorSkypefor
Business.
Fullcoursecontents,dates
andtimesareavailableonthe
BeReadywebsitealongwith
anonlinebookingfacility.
■ Details01392241124or
readydevon.org.uk/events/
2 business action | December 2020 / January 2021 | business-action.co.uk
HEADER NEWS
Discover Torrington’s treasure store
Turn off New Streetandhead
downtotheHighStreetand
Squaretodiscoveracollection
ofinterestingshopsand
businessesinTorrington.
TheseincludeCollectability,
offeringaneclecticmixof
antiques,collectablesand
reusables,runbyFelicity
Bright.Felicityopened
Collectabilitytwoyearsago,but
herinterestinantiquesgoes
backtoherchildhood.
“MyMumwasalwaysinto
antiques,”saysFelicity.“Asa
child,wewerealwaysgoing
roundauctionsandIevendid
somebuyingandsellingwhenI
workedineducation.”
Whenseekingpremises,
Felicitywasattractedbythe
parquetfloorinthestorewhere
shenowtrades.Theatmosphereofthestorereflects
Felicity’sethosofreusing
everythingpossibleand,while
itdoeshaveacardmachine,it
hastheoriginalwoodentill
fromthevillageshopin
BeafordwhereFelicitygrewup.
“Whentheowner,Roy
Seaman,gotanewtillinthe
1960s,hegavemetheoldone.”
MrSeamanisnowaregular
visitorandevenbringsinused
carrierbags,asCollectability
Pet’s PantryinCombeMartin
hasbeensupportinglocal
ownersandtheirpets
throughoutlockdown.
OwnersAndyandJan
BarnesfirstcametoCombe
Martintostaywithfriendsfor
theHuntingoftheEarlof
Ronein1990.Theyfellinlove
withthevillageandeventually
decidedtobuythepetshop17
yearsago.Althoughthecouple
hadnoexperienceofretail,
theyhaveneverlookedback
andnowemploytwostaff.
“Wecameinastotal
novicesand,althoughwehad
alwayshadpets,itwasone
heckofalearningcurve,”says
Andy.“Thereissomuchyou
needtoknowaboutanimals,
stockandbusiness.”
Havingmasteredallthis
successfully,AndyandJanare
gratefultotheirmanyvery
loyalcustomers:“Wehavea
fantasticpooloffriends,to
whomweextendourthanks.”
TV appearance: (from left) Antiques Road Trip’s Roo Irvine and Felicity Bright
doesliterallyreuseeverything.
Otherpeoplealsosupplybags
andpurchasesarewrapped
withnewspaperortissuepaper.
Havingcelebratedher
secondanniversaryinOctober,
Felicitythankscustomersfor
their“brilliantsupport”.
Pet store aims to bring a
smile to its customers’ faces
Thestorestocksfoodfora
rangeofanimals,fromcats
anddogstohamstersand
gerbilsaswellasreptiles.The
coupledoalotofresearchinto
productsandofferfoodfor
differentdietaryrequirements,
suchaswheatorgluten-free
foodfordogs.Theyalsostock
animalcollars,harnesses,toys
Pet’s Pantry owners Andy and Jan Barnes
andotheraccessories.
Manycustomersfeedwild
birdsandPet’sPantryoffersa
widerangeofbirdfood.Andy
saystheysetfriendlychallenges
onwhatbirdspeoplesee
visitingtheirgardens.
Duringlockdown,Pet’s
Pantryhasbeenverybusy,
bothwithexistingcustomers
Collectabilityhasalsoattracted
attentionfromfurtherafield
andwasfeaturedinanepisode
ofBBCTV’sAntiquesRoad
Tripin2019whenRooIrvine
visitedwithacameracrew.
Althoughclosedduring
lockdown,Felicitycontinuesto
tradethroughCollectability’s
Facebookpageandoffersa
weekly‘shopandcollect’
service,wherecustomerscan
payforitemsandcollectthem
attheshopentrance.
Collectabilitycanalsoassess
itemsforpeople,offeringafair
priceorhelpingthemplace
itemsinauctions.Andif
customersarelookingfora
particularitem,Collectability
canhelpsourceitforthem.
Felicityisveryawareofthe
valuethatindependentretailers
addtocommunitiesandiskeen
toattractmorevisitorsoffthe
mainroadandintoTorrington’s
delightfulcentre.Collectability
hasalsosigneduptothe365
SupporterCardschemein
whichmembersoftheGreat
TorringtonCommonssupport
groupreceivediscountswhen
shoppingatparticipatingstores.
■ Details01805625757or
@collectabilitygreattorrington
onFacebook
andnewonesdiscoveringthe
storeontheirdoorstep.
“Peoplesaid‘we’resoglad
you’rehere’,”saysAndy.
Telephoneordersincreased
considerablyasdiddeliveries
tocustomers,especiallythose
whowereshielding.Somewho
originallyphonedthrough
ordersarenowcominginto
theshop.
Andythinkspeopleare
rediscoveringtheimpactof
smallindependenthighstreet
shopsandthesocialvaluethey
providetothecommunity.
Somecustomersdropin
severaltimesaweekandAndy
believeslocalbusinesses
provideahiddenservice,
especiallyforpeoplewhoneed
areasontogoout.Hesmiles
wheneverhehearslaughterin
theshop.
“Whenpeopleleavethe
shoplaughingorsmiling,that
makesmyday.”
■ Details01271882807
@businessactionm | December 2020 / January 2021 | business action 3
NEWS
Hairdressershavefacedbig
challengesduringlockdown
anddependonthehighest
qualityofcustomerserviceto
maintaintheirclients’loyalty.
Althoughclosedagain
duringthesecondlockdown,
ToriKiffisgratefultoher
clientsattheHairLoungein
BJ’sValueHouse,Barnstaple
fortheirsupportthisyear.
ToriopenedtheHair
Loungein2014attheageof22.
Shehadalwayslikedtheideaof
runningherownsalon,butit
seemedoutofhergrasp.When
herMumwasdiagnosedwith
terminalcancer,shetookthe
opportunitytotakeonthe
salonsothatherMumcould
seehersucceedinbusiness.
Nowinitsseventhyear,the
HairLoungeiswellestablished
andemploysasecondparttimestylist.
Atschool,Toriwasvery
interestedinbiologyand
chemistry,whicharebothvery
usefulforunderstandingthe
scienceandmathsbehind
hairdressingproducts.Shealso
likedhairdressingfromanearly
ageanddecidedtotakeher
apprenticeshipatalocalsalon,
Loyal clients support
caring hairdresser
Selection of North Devon commercial property available now
SouthcliffeB&BinLynton
comprises7/8refurbishedensuitelettingbedroomsplus
ownersaccommodationofthe
samehighstandard.Generating
aprofitabletradebetween
MarchandOctober,property
andbusinessareavailablefrom
aquotingpriceof£589,950.
Tori Kiff, owner of the Hair Lounge in Barnstaple, pictured attending to a
client before the introduction of Covid restrictions
achievedheradvancedLevel3
qualificationinladies
hairdressingandisastateregisteredhairdresser.
Aswellasherprofessional
qualifications,Toriiskeento
maintainanintimate
environmentinthesalon,as
sherecogniseshowimportant
wellbeingistoclientsandthe
rolehairdressersplay.
“Peopleopenupwithyou,”
It is a time of change for many businesses, with some consolidating
or selling for retirement, while the area is attracting new people who
are looking to run a business in a rural area. Below are some of the
commercial properties currently available through JD Commercial.
Details 01237 424053 or jd-commercial.co.uk
After34yearswiththesame
familyowners,NorthMolton
villageshopandPostOffice,
(including4-bedfamilyhome),
isnowavailablefromaquoting
priceof£495,000freehold.
DevonshireHouse,a3-storey
officepremisesona1.5-acre
prominentsiteinBarnstaple,is
nowavailablefromaquoting
priceof£1,100,000forthe
premisesandsite.
saysTori.“Youcansupport
themthroughhardtimesand
goodtimes.Alotofclients
havefollowedmefor10years
andIhaveseentheirchildren
growupandgetmarried.”
Thiscaringattitudehasled
Toritokeepintouchwith
clientsduringlockdown.She
hascreatedtutorialstohelp
peoplelookaftertheirownhair
duringlockdownandsupplied
professionalproductsfor
peopletokeeptheirhair
healthy.Thisattentiontoclients’
needsledtotheHairLounge’s
selectionasafinalistinthe
BusinessActionConsumer
ServiceExcellenceAward2020.
Duringlockdown,Toriis
workingondevelopingher
business.Alreadyofferingafull
rangeofladies,gentsand
children’sservices,sheis
buildingherexpertiseasacurly
hairspecialist.With
Coronavirusdictatingtheuse
ofmoredisposableproducts,
sheisalsosourcing
environmentallyfriendly
productsandhasjoinedthe
GreenSalonCollective.
■ Details01271267177or
hairloungebarnstaple.co.uk
WillowsTearoominthesoughtafterlocationofLandkeyisan
idealcouple/familyenterprise
including3-bedfamilyowners
accommodation.Having
undergoneconsiderable
refurbishment,thepropertyand
businessareavailablethrough
JDCommercialataquoting
priceof£325,000.
4 business action | December 2020 / January 2021 | business-action.co.uk
DIRECTORY
ACCOUNTANTS
Cranford Business Services
Bideford
t: 07896 204857
w: accountsindevon.co.uk
Gareth Pollard Accountancy Services
Holsworthy
t: 01409 254817
w: garethpollardaccountancy
services.com
ANTIQUE MAPS & CHARTS
Old Folding Maps
South Molton
t: 01769 573935
w: foldingmaps.co.uk
ARCHITECTS
Sam Nolan RIBA Architect
North Devon & UK
t: 01271 325 236
w: northdevonarchitects.com
AUCTIONEERS
Torridge Auctions
Bideford
t: 01237 471955
w: torridgeauctions.co.uk
BRANDING & DESIGN
BrandLanterns
Barnstaple
t: 01271 372620
w: brandlanterns.co.uk
BREWERY
Combe Brewing Company
Ilfracombe
t: 07973 488409
w: facebook.com/
CombeBrewingCompany
GT Ales
Chivenor
t: 01271 267420
w: gtales.co.uk
BUILDING SUPPLIES
Heritage Cob and Lime
Bideford
t: 01237 477431
w: heritagecobandlime.com
RGB Building Supplies
Branches in Barnstaple, Bideford,
Hatherleigh, Holsworthy,
Ilfracombe, Okehampton, South
Molton, Tiverton
w: rgbltd.co.uk
BUSINESS ADVISORS
Susie Kevern
North Devon
t: 07801 199671
w: poundlane.co.uk
BUSINESS SUPPORT
Be Ready Employer Hub
Devon
t: 01392 241124
w: readydevon.org.uk
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
James Doble Commercial
North Devon
t: 01237 424053
w: jd-commercial.co.uk
CONSTRUCTION
Advanced Scaffolding
Barnstaple
t: 01271 321100
w: advancedscaffoldingltd.co.uk
COPIERS & PRINTERS
Clarity Copiers North Devon
Barnstaple & North Devon
t: 01271 374061
w: claritynorthdevon.co.uk
COPYWRITING & MARKETING
Zarywacz
North Devon & UK
t: 01271 879100
w: z2z.com
COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
North Devon Counselling
Barnstaple
t: 07872 501606
w: northdevoncounselling.co.uk
DINING
Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 863482
w: terracetapasbar.co.uk
The Royal George
Appledore
t: 01237 424 138
w: trgpub.co.uk
FINANCIAL ADVISERS
D Scott Financial
Bideford
t: 01237 426450
w: dscottfinancial.co.uk
Philip J Milton & Co Plc
Barnstaple
t: 01271 344300
w: miltonpj.net
GARDENING & LANDSCAPING
AB SEA Services
Torrington
t: 07799 478318
w: abseaservices.com
HEALTH & FITNESS
Kula Fitness Studio
Ilfracombe High Street
t: 07923 142457
w: kulafitness.co.uk
HEALTH & SAFETY
Safety Supplies Direct
Barnstaple
t: 01271 377558
w: safetysuppliesdirect.co.uk
HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Marsdens Devon Cottages
North Devon
t: 01271 813777
w: marsdens.co.uk
HOTELS
The Carlton
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 862446
w: ilfracombecarlton.co.uk
HUMAN RESOURCES
Fitzgerald HR
Barnstaple, Exeter, London &
Wellington
t: 01271 859267
w: fitzgeraldhr.co.uk
HYPNOTHERAPY
New Life Hypnotherapy
South Molton
t: 01769 57471
w: newlifehypnotherapy.org
INSURANCE
Together Insurance Solutions
Barnstaple
t: 01271 347147
w: togetherinsurancesolutions.co.uk
INTERNATIONAL TRADE SUPPORT
International Trade Matters Ltd
Bampton
t: 01398 332881
w: internationaltradematters.com
LOCKSMITHS
MJS Locksmith
Bideford
t: 07532 139388
w: northdevonlocksmith.co.uk
SW Locksmiths
Holsworthy / Bude
t: 01409 255533
w: swlocksmiths.com
MANUFACTURERS
The Clovelly Soap Company
Clovelly
t: 01237 432280
w: theclovellysoapcompany.com
NETWORKING GROUPS
Business Networking in Barnstaple
Barnstaple
t: 0843 289 1339
w: bnibarnstaple.co.uk
Devon Partnerships
Devon
t: 07393 149855
w: devonpartnerships.co.uk
North Devon Networking Group
Barnstaple
w: northdevonnetworking.co.uk
Rise
Barnstaple
e: martin@duchyifa.co.uk
Torridge Business Network
Westward Ho!
w: torridgebusinessnetwork.co.uk
OFFICE SUPPLIES
South West Office Supplies
North Devon
t: 01271 889337
w: swofficesupplies.co.uk
PACKAGING
Atlas Packaging
Barnstaple
t: 01271 344055
w: atlaspackaging.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tarkatography
Westward Ho!
t: 07977 414798
w: tarkatography.co.uk
PRINTING
Doubleuprint
Barnstaple
t: 01271 268 041 / 07866 420436
w: doubleuprint.co.uk
Jamaica Press
Buckland Brewer
t: 01237 452333
w: jamaicapress.co.uk
BOOK YOUR £30 LISTING NOW AT needitfindit.uk
➤ Listinginsixissuesof
magazinewithbusiness
nameandcategory,phone
number,websiteandtown.
➤ 12-monthonlinelistingat
needitfindit.ukNorth
DevonBusinessDirectory
withbusinessnameand
category,logo,phone
number,address,linksto
websiteandsocialmedia,
descriptionandlogo.
➤ 6issuesofmagazinemailed
directtoyourUKaddress.
RECRUITMENT
Cooper Golding
Barnstaple
t: 01271 349745
w: coopergolding.co.uk
Simple Recruitment
Bideford
t: 01237 439500
w: simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk
RETAILERS
Darlings Natural Health
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 867775
w: darlingsnaturalhealth.com
Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 867193
w: ilfracombechocolateemporium.co.uk
SHEDS
SHEDS 4 you
Bideford
t: 01237 459193
w: sheds4you.co.uk
SIGNS
The Sign Maker
High Bickington
t: 01769 561355
w: sign-maker.net
SOLICITORS
Slee Blackwell Solicitors
Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton,
South Molton
t: 0808 139 1606
w: sleeblackwell.co.uk
SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Aramis Rugby
South Molton
t: 01769 550284
w: aramisrugby.co.uk
TELECOMS
Zero7
Barnstaple
t: 01271 370707
w: zr7.co
TRAVEL AGENTS
Clare Flint – Travel Counsellors
North Devon & UK
t: 01271 828990
w: travelcounsellors.co.uk/clare.flint
WEB SITES
Peak Online
Bideford
t: 01237 721256
w: northdevon.peak-online.uk.com
WILLS
Wills at Home
West Yelland
t: 01271 860105
w: wills-athome.co.uk
@businessactionm | December 2020 / January 2021 | business action 5
CONSTRUCTION
NEW BUSINESS
Fashionable ladies footwear store opens
When is the best timetostart
anewbusiness?Somesayina
recession.Whetherornotthis
iscorrect,therecertainlyare
lotsofnewindependent
businessesspringingupin
highstreetsacrossNorth
Devon.OneofthemisFoot
CandyinIlfracombe.
OwnerSharonMason
explainswhysheopenedher
store:“Ihavealwaysloved
shoesandboots.Buyingthem
hasbeenaslightaddictionof
mine.Foranumberofyears
thelackofsomewherein
Ilfracombeinwhichto
purchaseapairofshoes,that
arefashionable,goodquality
andaffordablehasannoyed
An industrial feel to Ilfracombe’s new shoe store
me.EvengoingtoBarnstaple
doesn’tprovideagreatrange.
Soafterthinkingaboutitfora
numberofyears,Ifinallytook
theplungeanddecidedto
openmyownshoeshop.
“Mypartner,Paul,wasvery
helpfultomeintheplanning
ofmystoreasIwantedittobe
veryindustrial.Wedidquitea
fewfactfindingexpeditionsto
getthelookIwantedto
achieveandIamverypleased
withtheinternallookofmy
shop.Myeldestdaughter,
Alyssia,hasalsobeenagreat
helptomewithgettingthe
shopupandrunning.
“Mytargetaudienceis
women.However,Ihave
Opening night: Sharon Mason (2 nd left) celebrates with partner Paul,
daughter Alyssia and store assistant Katie
startedtosellarangeof
children’sshoes.Thisis
somethingImayexpandas
timegoeson.
“Theresponsehasbeen
fantastic.Lotsofpeoplehave
beenintotheshopand
appreciatethatIlfracombehas
beencryingoutforadecent
woman’sshoeshop.Theyare
delightedattherangeonoffer
andtheaffordability.Ihave
workedhardtoensuremy
stockisgoodqualityand
affordable,sothisisagreat
achievementforme.
“Duringlockdown,Ihave
offeredaclickandcollect
serviceandevenoffered
delivery.Paymentscanbe
madebycashorcard.Most
communicationisthroughour
FacebookpageandItryto
showanewpairofbootsor
shoeseveryfewdays.”
WithChristmas
approaching,FootCandy’sgift
vouchersmakeanexcellent
giftforladiesandSharonhas
produceddecorativecards
withnopresetvaluesothat
customerscanspecifythe
amounttheywanttospend.
“Wealsosellarangeof
slippers,socks,tights,purses
andscarvesandtheseitems
wouldmakeexcellentstocking
fillers,”addsSharon.
■ Details01271879614or
facebook.com/FootCandyUK/
Asmentionedonpage1,we
canturnoff,tuneoutand
dropintolocalbusinessto
supportthem.
Whileshoppinginperson
deliversthebestexperience,
onlineshoppinghasitsplace
andwecanfindonlinestores
basedlocallybysearchingthe
hashtags#ndevon,
#northdevonand–over
Christmas–#ndevonXMAS.
Howeveryouchooseto
shop,dosupportlocal
businesseswheneveryoucan.
Eager to start in business
Editor Robert Zarywacz
spottedKye’sOddJobsinthe
FacebookNorthDevongroup.
14-year-oldKyeWoodsstarted
hisbusinessearlierthisyear
andisactivelypromotingit.
BusinessActioninterviewed
Kyetofindoutmore.
Kyehasbeeninterestedin
runninghisownbusinessfrom
averyearlyageandexplains:“I
reallywantedtoearnmyown
moneytoshowpeopleanyone
canmakemoneyandwantedto
helppeopleoverlockdown.I
wouldliketodothisfulltime
whenIleaveschool,butIamon
theroadtofollowmydreamsof
beinganaircraftengineer.”
Kyepromoteshisbusiness
mainlyonFacebook.
“Imademybusinesspage
andposteditonallthe
FacebookgroupsI’min.People
likedandsharedandthat’show
itgotquitealotoflikes.I
startedwithcustomerspaying
whattheywanted,likea
donation,thenImademyown
pricelistgoingbywhatthey
werepaying.
“Theresponsehasbeen
amazingwithmanymore
peoplegettingintouchand
somecustomerspaidwaymore
thantheyneededto.”
Kyeisenjoyingrunninghis
businessandprovidesarange
ofservicesincludingcar,
motorbikeandboatwashes
aroundBarnstaple.
■ DetailsonFacebookat
Kye’sOdd-jobs
6 business action | December 2020 / January 2021 | business-action.co.uk
HEADER TAXIS
Bideford cab firm is back out on the road
Lockdownsthreatenedto
knockdownmanythriving
businessesbuiltupoveryears,
but,inBideford,NumberSix
Taxisisfacingthechallenge
headon.
JulieBeck,whotookonthe
originalbusinesswithher
familyin1996,isonceagain
theproprietorandisworking
torebuilditafterbusinesscame
toastandstillinthespring.
Juliehasalwayshandledthe
administration,buthasnow
takenbackthereins.Sheis
keentorestorethebusinessto
success,especiallyinmemory
ofherparentswhosupported
thebusinessinitsearlyyears.
Julieisachievingthiswitha
hands-onapproach.
“Icomeinandgetonwith
it,”saysJulie.“Ihavemyown
taxibadgesoIcanimprovenot
onlyserviceforourcustomers
butalsoforourdrivers.
“Ileadbyexampleand
wouldn’texpectpeopletodo
whatIwouldn’tdo.”
Afterthespringlockdown,
Juliewasoneofthefirstdrivers
toreturntowork –andwith
thehelpofPaulaMutlu
You’ve never needed to advertise more than you do now
All plans include
➤ 6 adverts (if selected)
➤ 6 magazine listings
➤ online listing
➤ 6 mailed magazines
➤ plus more
The Number Six Taxis Team back on the road: (from left) Brian Day,
Julie Beck, Paula Mutlu, Sandy Eldridge, Tony Garrett and Debbie Freeman
answeringthephonefrom
home–helpedrebuildfares
fromfiveorsixadayto150.
Sheisgratefultoherteam,who
shedescribesasverygoodand
alwayswillingtogotheextra
mile.Thishashelpedthefirm
reboundbyensuringcarswere
outthere.
“Wearegettingourname
ourthereagain.Weareback,”
confirmsJulie.
Manyloyalcustomershave
returnedtothefirm,ranging
fromolderpeopletotheyoung
andalotofvisitorsonholiday
duringthesummermonths.
Themajorityoflocal
journeysarewithin15miles,
butthefirmalsoundertakes
regularlongerjourneysto
airportsandhospitalsinBristol
andExeter,TivertonParkway
railwaystationandother
destinations.Thefirmalsohas
localauthoritycontracts,
supportingschoolanddisabled
customers,aswellasother
commercialaccounts.
Italsoprovidesthetaxi
serviceavailablethroughthe
dedicatedphonesinBideford’s
supermarketsinAldi,Lidl,
MorrisonsandTesco,and
Advertise from just £30 a year with Business Action
Select plan
£30 Business Action Plan – 6 magazine listings
£150 Business Action Plan – 6 business card adverts
£275 Business Action Plan – 6 banner adverts
£400 Business Action Plan – 6 quarter page adverts
£750 Business Action Plan – 6 half page adverts
£1,375 Business Action Plan – 6 full page adverts
acceptsCo-optaxivouchersand
theBridgeTrusttaxivouchers.
Julieiscommittedtomaking
NumberSixTaxisthebest
serviceinthearea.This
includesensuringcarsareclean
andthatalldriverswearmasks.
Itstaximanagementsystem
enablesittotextcustomers
withdetailsofthecarand
drivercomingtopickthemup
andalertsthemtoitsarrival.
Customerscanalsotrackthe
vehiclethemselves.
Julieisbuildingonthefirm’s
renewedsuccessbyinvestingin
newvehiclesandacquired
threenewcarsinthesummer.
NumberSixTaxisisonce
againafamilybusinesswith
Julie’shusbandMarksourcing
cars,sonJackproviding
signwritingthroughhis
businessinWoolsery,JCBeck
SignsandGraphics,andson
Samresponsibleformarketing
andadvertising.
“Iamenjoyingit,”addsJulie.
“Ihaveverygoodstaffaround
me,includingowner/drivers,
drivers,controllersandescorts.”
■ Details01237666666or
number6taxi.co.uk
Payment options
Pay in full or by
12 monthly instalments –
with no extra charges.
Put yourself in front of
North Devon businesses.
Book online at business-action.co.uk/plans or call Alan on 07970 671192
@businessactionm | December 2020 / January 2021 | business action 7
Office supplies company
introduces antimicrobial labels
As well asitscomprehensive
rangeofstationeryandoffice
supplies,CombeMartin-based
SouthWestOfficeSupplies
alsoprovidesmasks,sanitiser,
deskscreensandotherPPE.
Oneofthelatestrangesthe
companyisintroducingis
Averyantimicrobialfilm.This
issuppliedintheformof
adhesivelabelswhichprotect
againstbacteria,microbesand
viruses.Thelabelshavebeen
certifiedbyISO22196
(measurementofantibacterial
activityonplasticsandother
surfaces);ISO21702
(measurementofantiviral
activityonplasticsandother
surfaces);andASTMG21
(fungaldefacementtest).
Antimicrobiallabelsare
suppliedinbothpermanent
andremovableforms.
Permanentlabelsarebest
usedforapplicationswhere
tightlycurvedsurfacesneedto
beprotected(eg,doorhandles
orbuttons).
Businesses in Devoncannow
signupwiththenewSouth
WestCyberResilienceCentre
(SWCRC),establishedtohelp
businessesandcharitiesprotect
themselvesagainstcybercrime.
Thepolice-ledinitiative,in
partnershipwiththeprivate
sectorandacademia,ispartof
anetworkofcentresbeing
establishedacrossEnglandand
Walestoprovidebusinesses
withafreelevelofsupport,and
anaffordablewaytoaccess
morebespokecybersecurity
servicesandconsultancy.
TheSWCRCoffersarange
ofmembershipoptions
dependingonthelevelof
supportthatbusinessesneed.
Coremembership,aimed
specificallyatmicrobusinesses
andSMEs,isfreeandprovides
accesstoarangeofresources
andtoolstohelpthemidentify
theirrisksandvulnerabilities.
CoreMembershipcomeswitha
welcomepackfulloftoolsand
tipsaswellasaccesstonational
cybersecurityguidance,and
regularupdates.
TheSWCRCoffersarange
ofpaidmembershipoptions
whichalsocomewithachoice
Removablelabelsarebest
usedforapplicationswhere
cleanremovabilityis
important(eg,touchscreens).
Theycanalsobeusedto
protectflatandlargesurfaces
(eg,desks,books,notebooks).
Thelabelsprotectagainst
bacteria,microbesandviruses
throughtheiractive,non-toxic
component,whicheradicates
theconditionsthatbacteria
andmicrobecellsneedto
survive,divideandduplicate.
Virusesusebacteriaor
microbesasahostsoby
killingthehostthe
antimicrobiallayeralsostops
spreadofviruses.Theproduct
becomesactiveassoonasitis
appliedandremainseffective
foruptofiveyearswhen
maintainedcorrectly.
SouthWestOfficeSupplies
willhappilyprovidefulldetails
oftheseandallotherproducts
fromitsextensiverange.
■ Details01271889337or
swofficesupplies.co.uk
Mark Moore, director, SWCRC
HEADER NEWS
Cyber Resilience Centre
to protect businesses
ofcybersecurityservices
includingahalf-daystaff
awarenesssessionanda
regionalquarterlybriefingon
currentcyberthreats.
MarkMoore,directorofthe
centre,isasuperintendentwith
DevonandCornwallPolice
withmorethan25years’
experience.Thisincludes
responsibilityformanaging
policeresponsestohigh-risk
andprotractedincidents,
latterlyoverseeingpolicingin
Homeware gifts available online
Poppy-Lea Price discusses The Sign Maker’s new gift range
“Christmas is a busy timeat EnglishPewtercompany.The
TheSignMaker,aslotsof itemsaredivinewithsomething
peopleliketopurchasehouse tosuiteveryone.
signsasgiftsforlovedones. Asateam,wehavereally
Keepinginwiththegifttheme, enjoyedaddingnewproductsto
thisyearwedecidedtoextend ourgiftrangeandhavelovedto
ourrangeandstockmore seewhichitemsflyoftheshelf
handygiftitemsonoursite. first.Everythingcanbeordered
Giftsincludehomeware fromthecomfortofyourhome
itemssuchasbeautifulcastiron throughouronlineshopandbe
bells,doorknockers,smartcoir deliveredtoyourdoor.
doormatsandmore.Pluswe Foranyonelookingforstaff
havealovelyrangeof gifts,wecanofferdiscountsfor
personalisedgifts.Oneofour largerteamorders.”
favouriteadditionsisour ■ Details01769561355or
EnglishPewterrangefromThe sign-maker.net
Ross Brown, head of cyber
and innovation, SWCRC
theareaofExeter,EastandMid
Devon.Markhasalsoworked
asaconsultanttopoliceforces
acrossthecountry,and
managedtheteamwhich
overseesinitialresponseto
everyreportedincidentinthe
DevonandCornwallforcearea.
Marksays:“Iam
enormouslyexcitedtohave
beenaskedtobringthe
SWCRCintobeingandleadon
thisinnovativepartnership
aimedattacklingthehuge
threatthatiscybercrime.We
knowthatanysystemisonlyas
strongasitsweakestlink,and
thatiswhywewanttohelp
improveprotectionfor
networksandsupplychains
acrosstheSouthWest.
“Cybercrimeisarisktoall
business,butwithsomesimple
changes,theycansignificantly
reducetheirchanceoffalling
victimtoit.Itneedn’tbescary,
complexorunmanageable,and
weareheretohelppeople.
“TheSWCRCbrings
togethertheexpertiseoflaw
enforcement,privateindustry
andacademia,working
togethertodeliverfreeand
affordableservicestohelp
businessesmitigatetheircyber
securityrisks.”
MarkisjoinedbyRoss
Brown,adetectiveinspector
appointedasheadofcyberand
innovationfortheCRC.
TheSWCRCisfundedby
theNationalPoliceChiefs’
CouncilCyberCrime
Programme,whichsecured
Governmentfundingto
establishanetworkofCRCs
acrossEnglandandWales.
■ Detailsswcrc.co.uk
8 business action | December 2020 / January 2021 | business-action.co.uk
MANUFACTURING HEADER
Manufacturer invests for the future
All businessescurrentlyface
manychallenges,butwhere
therearechallengesthereare
alsoopportunities.
SmartManufacturing,
basedonClovellyRoad
IndustrialEstate,Bideford,is
respondingtothesechallenges
witha£350,000investment
programmetofullyequipit
forthefuture.Thisincludesa
verticalmillingcentre(VMC)
andCNClatheandbarfeeder
alreadyinstalled,whilethe
largestpowdercoatingfacility
inNorthDevonisscheduled
forinstallationin2021.This
followsaprevious£500K
investmentinCNCprecision
lasercuttingequipmentthree
yearsago.
High quality stainless steel
SmartManufacturingwas
startedbyMartinMurchin
1986.Hehadthepresent
factorybuiltin1989andit
nowcomprisesan800square
metrefacilitywithafurther
400squaremetresrecently
addedasadedicated‘clean’
assemblyfacility.
Manufacturer and apprentice
recognised by awards
HepcoMotion,aworldleader
inmanufacturingautomation
components,hasbeen
recognisedinregionalawards
organisedbyMakeUK,the
manufacturers’organisation.
HepcoMotionwonthegold
awardintheDeveloping
FutureTalentcategory,while
ImadeddinRazzoukEl-
Attrach,20,wasrunner-upin
theEngineeringApprentice:
RisingStarcategory.
Imadeddin,ahigher
engineeringapprenticeatthe
companywaspraisedforhis
supportforlocalcharitiesand
promotinganearlyinterestin
STEMsubjects.
Commentingon
HepcoMotion’saward,the
judgessaid:“Thiscustomerdrivenworkforcefocusedon
aninclusivelearningculture
viaaTrainingAcademyanda
learningmanagementsystem.
“Theyfocusedonoff-thejobtrainingforthe
Shaun McQuillan, production director at Smart Manufacturing,
demonstrates the company’s new CNC Vertical milling centre
Martinalsobuiltthe
company’sreputationfor
manufacturinghighquality
stainlesssteelproductsfor
foodandpharmaceutical
clients,aswellasarchitectural
andindustrialproductssuchas
handrails,balconies,staircases,
HVACandpipework.
SmartManufacturingcan
machineasinglepartorhigh
volumesofunitsforUKand
internationalcustomers.
apprentices,anddevelopedan
ambassadornetworkto
connectwithschoolsand
collegestoimprovethetalent
pipeline.
“Imadeddinisaclear
exampleofthefinesuccess
storytheacademyis
developing.”
JimDavison,region
directorforMakeUKinthe
South,said:“Theseawardsare
atestamenttothedynamic
companiesandindividuals
workingwithinengineering
andmanufacturing.
“Thesectorhasbeenatthe
heartofdeliveringduringthe
crisisandaswere-buildour
economytherewillbeabright
futureforcompaniesand
individualsthatmakethe
mostoftheirtalent.”
HepcoMotionwillprogress
tothenationalfinalsto
competeagainstotherregional
winnersacrosstheUK.
■ Detailshepcomotion.com
ShaunMcQuillan,Martin’s
eldestson,joinedthecompany
13yearsagoandafterahandsonintroductiontoproduction,
movedtobusiness-to-business
salesforfouryearsbefore
returningtothefactoryas
productionmanagerandnow
productiondirector.
Martinsaysthisyearhas
beenverybusyforSmart
Manufacturing,especiallyfor
pharmaceuticalclients.
IT developer releases new
UK manufacturing software
Barnstaple-basedLineal
SoftwareSolutionsLtdhas
launchedanewsoftwaresuite
forthemanufacturingsector.
SQLWorksisaMaterial
RequirementsPlanning(MRP)
platformthatcangaugefuture
demandforproducts,purchase
stockintelligently,andcontrol
theirmanufacturingprocesses.
LinealSoftware,which
servesUKandinternational
customers,hashiredextra
softwaredeveloperstomeet
demandforthenewversion.
MikeMatthews,Lineal’s
managingdirector,comments:
“Thisisaterrificnewleap
forwardforourSQLWorks
software.Thenewreleaseisour
mostadvancedversion,and
introducespowerfulnew
manufacturingandlogistical
controltoourexistingbusiness
managementtools.”
Thesoftwarealsointegrates
withotherpopularbusiness
applications,includingCRM,
Itcurrentlyemploys22staff
directly,whoaresupplemented
byuptoeightcontractorsat
anytime.Aftertheinstallation
ofthepowdercoatingfacility,
Shaunislookingtoincrease
numbersfurtherandalsotake
ononeortwomoreapprentices
in2021.
Aswellasitsinvestmentin
equipment,Smarthasformed
aKnowledgeTransfer
Partnershipwiththe
UniversityofExeter,which
involvesastudentworkingin
thebusinesstoapplyacademic
methodstosolvingbusiness
issues.Thisinvolvestracking
ordersastheyareprocessed
ontheshopfloortoidentify
bottlenecksandthen
developingsolutions.
Thisapproachtoimproving
businessprocessescombined
withitsinvestment
programmestrengthensSmart
Manufacturing’sresilienceina
changingglobalenvironment
andequipsitwiththetoolsto
maintainitssuccess.
■ Details01237471977or
smart-manufacturing.co.uk
accounting,stockand
warehousemanagementand
documentmanagement.
Thesoftwareteambelieves
theabilityforusersto
automaticallycomplete
importantengineeringtasks–
suchasimportingnewlydesignedassemblies(BoMs),
capacityplanning,updating
partcostsandforecastingfuture
production–willbepopular
withBritishmanufacturers.
“Post-lockdown,manyfirms
willbedoingsomeserious
soul-searchingaboutwhether
theirsystemsarereallyupto
scratch.Ifyoucan’tinnovate
thenyou’reatadeadend,and
modernisationwillbean
importantpartoftheUK’s
economicrecovery.
“Smallandmedium-sized
businessesneedaproviderwho
will‘takeownership’oftheir
painpoints,solvethese,and
deliverbetterbusinessresults.”
■ Detailslineal.co.uk
@businessactionm | December 2020 / January 2021 | business action 9
HEADER NEWS
It’snotjustthespiritof
Christmasthat’saliveinNorth
Devon.Withfestiveevents
cancelledandforcedtoclose
inthesecondlockdown,
Ilfracombe’sSwissCottage
Cafétookactiontolift
everyone’sspiritsbyswitching
onitsChristmasdecorations
inNovember.Thecafé,
renownedforitscakes,even
dresseditsworking
mechanicalblacksmiths–
worthavisittothehighstreet
tosee–inChristmashats.
“Thesummerwasverykind
tous,alsoaidedbygoodhigh
streetweather,”saysowner
BradleyBarton.
“Duringthefirstclosure,
Times they are a-changing
andClarityCopiersischanging
withthem.Withitslocaloffice
inBarnstapleandheadofficein
NewtonAbbot,ClarityCopiers
hasbroadeneditsrangeof
productsandservicestomatch
whatcustomersneedtoadapt
andmoveforward.
Clarity’sPaulO’Briensays
flexibilityisthekeytosupport
office,home,mobileandcloudbasedworking,soClarity’snew
offeringsprovideeverythingto
Café brings lockdown
cheer to Ilfracombe
wereassessedeverypartofthe
business.Ihadagoodlookat
thecakes.Wearealwaystrying
tobetterourselvesandIfelt
wecouldupourgame,gothat
oneextrastep,which
hopefullywesucceeded.
“Wealsoexaminedthe
menu,scaledbackandfocused
onthemorepopularlines.We
helpeveryonewhereverthey
areworking.
Space and time at a premium
Withthesmallestfootprint
availableonthemarket,the
newSharpBP-30C25A3colour
MFP(multifunctionprinter)
offersarangeofdeployment
optionsduetoitsmodular
design.Withadaptablefeatures
forconnectedteams,ithas
enhancedsecurity
featuresanditssuperior
functionalityenables
flexibleworkingsothat
groupscancomplete
everydaytasksquickly
andeasily.
alsoalteredouropening
hours.Alotoftrialanderrors,
butallthishasmadeapositive
impactandwearefarmore
efficientnowthanweever
havebeen.
“About70%ofourregular
customershavereturned,and
wehavegainednewones,
whichisverynice.
Changing with the times
WhereonlyA4isneeded,
Clarityisnowabusiness
partnerwithLexmark,giving
customersanevenwiderchoice
ofmorethan20modelstosuit
almostallrequirements,
whetherprintonlyorprint/
copy/scan.
Formobileandcloud-based
applications,mostofthenew
Clarityrangeoffersseamless
integrationforsecure,
productive,functionalworking.
TheproductsinClarity’s
newrangearenotjustprinters,
copiersandscanners,butcan
alsoprovidepowerful
workhubs,offeringusersa
choiceofappstomaximise
theirproductivity.
Maintaining service
Pauladdsthatsomethings
shouldneverchange,whichis
“Duringthesummer,itwas
unclearwhetherCombe
Christmaswouldbeon,sowe
decidedtogobigwiththe
lights.Thefeedbackhasbeen
mostwonderful.
“Re-openinginDecember,
weareplanningournormal
runinwithafestivemenu,
Christmaslunches,Christmas
cakesandmincepies.We
wouldliketodomorebutfeel
restrictionswillbeagainstus.
“Again,thissecond
lockdownhasmadeusthink,
andwehavesomeinteresting
plansfortheNewYear.”
■ Details01271864433or
SwissCottageCafeonFacebook
whyClarityneverlosessight
thatserviceandtechnical
supportarekeyinmaintaining
performance,qualityand
keepingdowntimetoa
minimum.Clarityisproudthat
duringbothlockdownsitsteam
havecontinuedtosupportall
theircustomers.
■ Details01271374061or
claritynorthdevon.co.uk
10 business action | December 2020 / January 2021 | business-action.co.uk
AWARDS HEADER
business
ACTION AWARDS
2021
North Devon’s independent business awards
Recognising your excellence!
In 2019,we–AlanWilliams
andRobertZarywacz–
discussedthepossibilityof
holdingbusinessawardsfor
NorthDevonthatwere
independent,transparentand,
mostimportantly,fair.
In2020,wedidit,managing
tocompletetheawards,evenif
theannouncementofthe
winnerswasonlineratherthan
inperson.
In2021,NorthDevon’s
independentbusinessawards
returntorecognisethe
excellence,ingenuity,
commitmentandresilienceof
thearea’sbrilliantbusinesses.
Dazzling awards event
In2021,wearedeterminedto
hostadazzlingliveawards
eventwherenotonlywillthe
winnersofthe2021awardsbe
announced,butalsothe2020
winnerswillfinallyreceivethe
fullrecognitiontheydeserve.
Wehopewewillbeableto
makethisthebignetworking
eventthatwehadplannedfor
thisyear.
Why enter the awards?
Thepurposeoftheawardsisto
recognisetheachievementsof
businessesacrossNorthDevon
andtopromotethewinners,
finalistsandallbusinessesboth
locallyandtorelevant
audiencesfurtherafield.
Ouronlinemagazines
announcingour2020finalists
andwinnersandourvideo
announcementsreceived
thousandsofviews.
Wecontinuetofeatureour
winnersinissuesofthe
magazine–seepage15for
2020 NORTH DEVON BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS
NorthDevonBusinessoftheYear2020
TheClovellySoapCompany
BestEmployer–TerraceTapas&WineBar
BestRetailer–IlfracombeChocolateEmporium
Business-to-BusinessExcellence–BrandLanterns
ConsumerServiceExcellence–SHEDS4you
Digital&OnlineAchievement–ABSEAServices
ExcellenceinConstruction–AdvancedScaffolding
ExcellenceinHospitality&Tourism–TheRoyalGeorge
HighestAchievingLearner–TaylorPhelps
ofTerrace&TapasWineBar
MadeinNorthDevon–TheClovellySoapCompany
OutstandingNewBusiness–BrandLanterns
YoungEntrepreneur–ThomasBedfordofUKHardwoods
BUSINESS-ACTION.CO.UK/AWARDS
coverageoftheRoyalGeorge,
Appledore,winnerofour
ExcellenceinHospitalityand
TourismAward.
Winnersalsoreceive
advertisingandlistingsinthis
magazineandonline.
Thank you
Wefeelthat,withthe
challengeseveryonehashadto
facein2020,somany
businessesdeservetowinan
awardfortheirresponsetothe
situation,theirachievementsin
verychallengingtrading
conditionsandtheirsupport
forourcommunities.
TheBusinessActionNorth
DevonBusinessAwardsare
heretosaluteyouandsay
‘thankyou’.
Who can enter awards?
Anybusinesslocatedinor
operatinginNorthDevonis
SPONSOR AN AWARDS CATEGORY
TheBusinessActionNorthDevonBusinessAwardswouldnotbe
possiblewithoutourgeneroussponsors,towhomwearevery
grateful.Asasponsor,youreceivemagazineadvertising,listingsin
printandonline,promotiononsocialmedia,editorialcoverage,
andthehonourofannouncingthewinnerofyourcategoryatthe
awardsevent.Tosponsoranaward,pleasecallAlanWilliamson
07970671192oremailadverts@business-action.co.uk
invitedtoentertheawards.
Entrantscanbebusinesses
ofanysize,fromsoletradersto
largebusinesses,andcan
operateinanysector.Wewant
toseeentriesfromeverysize
andtypeofbusiness.
Don’t think you’ll win?
Ifyoudon’tthinkyou’vegota
chanceofwinning,you’re
preciselythebusinesswewant
toenter.
Manyofourwinnerswere
totallysurprisedtowin.Size
doesnotmatter.Sectordoes
notmatter.Whatmattersis
yourentryandyourabilityto
impressourjudges,allofwhom
runindependentbusinesses
andunderstandthechallenges
andtheupsanddownsof
runningabusiness.
Anddon’tworryifyou’ve
neverenteredanawardbefore.
Weprovideresourcesand
adviceonhowtopresentyour
businesstobesteffectinyour
awardsentries.
Watch for awards launch
Withnoprevioustrackrecord,
wewerethrilledtoreceive
morethan100entriesforour
firstawardsin2020andwe’re
lookingforevenmorein2021.
Lookoutforthelaunchof
oursecondawardsinJanuary.
Ourwebsitewillgivefulldetails
ofawardscategories–lookout
fornewones–andcriteria,and
youcanenteronline.
Goodlucktoeveryoneand
welookforwardtoreceivingall
yourentriesandcelebratingthe
excellenceofbusinesses
throughoutNorthDevon.
■ business-action.co.uk/awards
@businessactionm | December 2020 / January 2021 | business action 11
north
devon
businessACTIVISTS
QI have moved
my business
back home,
what insurance
cover do I need?
A Oneofthekeythingsto
keepinmindwhenit
comestoyourhomeinsurance
andworkingfromhomeisthe
natureoftheworkthatyou
carryout.Homeinsurers
usuallybuildcoverintotheir
policytocoverbusiness
equipmentsuchascomputers
andprintersthatareownedby
thehomeownerbutnot,for
example,equipmentprovided
toanemployeetoworkfrom
home.Thisequipmentwould
needtobeinsuredbythe
businessthatownsit.
Ifyoumanufactureathome,
haveanyemployeesand/or
visitorstoyourhomeaspartof
doingbusinessorstore
businessstockathome,you
mayneedtoconsider
additionalcovers.Thesemay
include:
Publicliabilityinsurance–
Publicliabilityinsurancewill
providecoverifyourbusinessis
heldresponsibleforinjuryor
propertydamagecausedtoa
Q
Should
INSURANCE
Kevin Cobbledick
Director
Together Insurance Solutions
t: 01271 347147
w: togetherinsurancesolutions.co.uk
memberofthepublicoraclient.
Professionalindemnity
insurance–thisvaluablecover
forthosewhoprovideadvice,
servicesordesigns,will
typicallycoveryouifyour
businessissuedbyaclientfora
mistakethatyouhavemade.
Employers’liability
insurance–ifyouemployany
staffthenemployers’liability
insuranceisalegalrequirement
intheUK.
Themostimportantthing
todoistocheckyourexisting
homeandbusinesspolicy
coversanddiscussspecific
requirementswithyour
insurer/broker.
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS
I
register for
VAT?
A Ifyoursalescometomore
than£85,000inany12
monthperiodyoumustregister
forVAT.Butifsalesareless
thanthistheanswerisvery
specifictowhatkindof
businessyou'rein:
➤ Whoareyour
customers?Business
customerscanreclaimVAT
ontheirpurchasessoadding
VATtoyoursaleswillnot
makeanydifferenceto
them.Consumersonthe
otherhandcannotreclaim
VATsoitwillincreaseyour
priceby20%.Thisisoften
crucialtoyourprofitability,
Susie Kevern
Chartered Management Accountant
PoundLane
t: 07801 199671
w: poundlane.co.uk
QWhere can I
find
information
about exporting?
A Signupforgov.uk
updates:itisimportant
thatyoureceiveand
understandthemostrelevant
andup-to-dateinformation.
Signuptoreceiveupdatesas
theyareissued.
➤ Recognisethatthereare
differentprovidersof
advice:AswellasDIT,
ChambersofCommerce
andInstituteofExport
thereareanumberof
independentadvisors,like
InternationalTradeMatters
whooffertrainingsupport,
projectdeliveryandadvice.
➤ LookatFundingoptions:
HMRChaveanumberof
companiesthathavebeen
recognisedasprovidersof
trainingthatcanbefully
fundedfortheir
preparationsforBrexit
transitionand
implementation.
➤ Recognisethatyouor
someoneactingforyouwill
especiallyifsomeofyour
competitorsmaynothaveto
chargeVAT.
➤ Whatdoyousell?VATon
essentialitemsischargedat
0%.Soifyousellfoodor
drink(nothotfoodor
alcoholicdrinks),books,
newspapers,childrens'
clothesandsomeother
productsVATwillmakeno
differencetotheprice.
➤ Whatdoyoubuy?Ifyou
alreadypayVATonyour
purchasesyoumaybebetter
offifyoucanreclaimVAT.If
yourcostsaremostlywages
thenyoumaynotbe.
➤ WhatdoIneedtodoifI
register?IfyouthinkVAT
registrationisrightforyour
business,thenyouneedan
accountant’sadvice.Keeping
goodrecordsisessential,
alongwithmakingsureyou
knowthedeadlinesfor
reportingandpayingHMRC.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Linda Middleton-Jones
Founder
International Trade Matters
t: 01398 332881
w: internationaltradematters.com
beneededtoprovide
Customsdeclarationsifyou
export,from1January2021.
➤ ChecktheUKTariffto
understandimporttariffs
toUK,checktheEUtariff
tounderstandthetariffsfor
exportstothe27remaining
countriesoftheEU.
InternationalTradeMattersis
pleasedtoannouncethatit
willbeworkingwithNorth
DevonPlusonidentifyingthe
readinessofcompaniesin
dealingwithEUcustomers
andsuppliersfrom2021.
AsurveyacrossNorth
Devonwillbeissuedon
1December.
Who can
you ask?
Business owners are not ‘born’
and must learn how to run a
business as they go along. It’s not
always clear who to ask when we
have questions about what to do.
Thank you to our Business
Activists for offering their time
and expertise to answer your
questions.
We publish their contact details,
as they are also happy to talk
through general enquiries and
offer guidance, although will
charge when you require them to
give specific professional advice.
IMPORTANT: The answers on
these pages are intended as
general information. You should
seek specific professional advice
before taking any action in
relation to your own business.
12 business action | December 2020 / January 2021 | business-action.co.uk
Q&A ~ your business questions answered
north enterprise
growth
devon
news
innovation
& views
QI‘m in business
but don’t use
an accountant.
Do I need one?
A Theoldadagesaidan
accountantcovershisfees
bythetaxesyou’dsave.
Itisnotalwaystrue–some
‘accountants’onlyseemto‘do
thebooks’anddon’toffer
dynamicplanninghelpingyou
optimiseyourbusinessand
finances;theymayanswer
specificquestionsbutdonot
necessarilymakesuggestionsto
improveyourbusiness
dynamics!
However,manyinbusiness
filetheirownTaxrecords,
thinkingtheysavemoneyasa
result.However,thatisusually
notthecase.Yes,absolutelyyou
shoulddoyourbasicbookkeepingandnotpayan
accountanttotidyyour
paperwork–that’sdifferent!
Forourclients’financial
affairs,weofferconstructive
ideastobolstertheirfinancesto
ensuretheykeepmoreoftheir
hard-earnedmoneyfor
themselves.Forour
accountancyandtaxplanning
services,yes,itmightcostsome
BUSINESS FINANCE
Philip Milton
Managing Director
Philip J Milton & Company plc
t: 01271 344300
w: miltonpj.net
hundredsofpounds(morefor
largerandsophisticatedclients
withmoretogain)butifyou
don’tknowthingslike
allowancesforusingyourhome
foryourbusiness,employing
yourspouseandfunding
pensionsforthem,bank
charges’optimisation,using
financialplanningtoolslike
pensionsforyoursavings,
NationalInsurancenuances,
etc,youcouldbelosing
thousands,nothundreds
annually.Andnoadviser
knowseverything–regardless
ofwhattheythink.
QA number of my staff need to shield or
stay at home due to COVID, but I still
have business deadlines I need to
meet – how can I get around this?
A Firstandforemost,the
wellbeingofyour
permanentstaffisofthe
upmostimportance.With
governmentschemes,your
staffareabletoshieldathome
withlittletonoriskofjobloss.
However,youarestill
runningabusinessandthere
isstillworktobedone.Thisis
whereaflexibletemporary
workforcecanbeofgreat
benefit.Usingtemporarystaff
isafastandefficientwayof
scalingupyourworkforceat
shortnotice. Plus,tempscan
usuallystartworkingwithina
fewdays(oreventhesame
EMPLOYMENT
day!)—avoidinglongnotice
periodsorinterviewprocesses.
Youarealsoatlibertytostart
andendtemporary
assignmentsatyourwill,as
demandseesfit.
Peopletendtothinkoftemp
workaslowerlevel/unskilled
roles,buttherealityis
temporaryworkerspossess
manyskillsandthoselooking
fortemporaryworkaredoing
soformanydifferingreasons
andcomefromallsectors,at
alllevels.Theycanbeagreat
assettoateam,bringingwith
themvaluableskills,new
perspectives,andfreshtalent
Q
Business
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
will be tough in the months
ahead. How can I stay positive and
productive?
A Remainingpositiveand
productiveinthemonths
aheadisgoingtorequirean
increasedawarenessoftwo
keyfactors:resilienceandselfcare,inequalmeasure.
Resilienceincludes:Seeking
outand/orincreasingthe
supportiverelationshipswe
havearoundussothatwecan
askforhelpwhenneeded;
Remainingsolution-focused
inordertogainperspective,
buildstrategies,planandact;
Fosteringtenacitythrough
persistenceandhavinga
realisticoptimism;Being
realisticaboutwhatis
achievablewithingiven
timeframesandpossible
restrictionsandacceptingthat
someareasofyourbusiness
maybeforeverchanged;
Focusingonthepositives–
ratherthankeepinga‘ToDo’
listonyourdesk,keepa‘Done’
listthatyouwriteattheendof
eachday.You’llbesurprisedat
whatyou’veachieved!
Self-careincludes:Taking
regularbreaks,wherewedon’t
thinkaboutorfocusonwork;
Lookingafterourselvesboth
Kelly Smith
Counsellor
Devon Counselling Training
t: 07522 841009
w: devoncounsellingtraining.co.uk
physicallyandmentally–
eatingwell,restingwhen
needed,havingagoodsleep
patternandkeepingactive;
Ensuringthatwedonot
becomeallconsumedwith
work.Nowisagoodtimeto
reassessyourwork/life
balance;Participatingin
activitiesthatbringusjoy–
socialising,exercising,relaxing.
AsConfuciussaid,“Ifyou
arepositive,you’llsee
opportunitiesinsteadof
obstacles”,seethistimeasan
opportunitytochangeforthe
betterandtakegoodcareof
yourselfintheprocess.
Ask the Activists
Send business questions you have by email to
ask@business-action.co.uk
tokeepthingsmoving.For
example,interimmanagersare
oftensoughttofillthegapin
criticalmanagementsituations.
Atempworkforceallows
youtoaddstaffwithout
increasingyourpermanent
headcountandcosts.Hourly
ratesareusedratherthana
salaryandthecostsofbenefits,
companyperksandtraining
willbedramaticallyreduced
—maybeeveneliminated.
Plus,youcanhiremultiple
tempstocoverspikesin
demand/coverofpermanent
staff,withnolong-term
commitment.
Jayla Wilcox
Managing Director
Simple Recruitment
t: 01237 439500
w: simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk
@businessactionm | December 2020 / January 2021 | business action 13
LYNTON NEWS
Click for the affordable professional marketing you need
Z A R Y W A C Z
1 x article
or blog
5 x articles
or blogs
marketing
refresh
£275 * £250 *
£60 * ®
pressme
Press the button at pressme.co.uk
01271 879100
*& VAT
Lynton stores adapt to challenges
Churchill HouseonChurch
Hill,Lyntonisanoutdoorand
lifestyleshoprunbyJulie
Smythsince1995.Forthe
previous25years,Julie’s
parentshadrunitasa
clothingstore.Julienowruns
ChurchillHouseandWillow,a
giftstoreonQueenStreet,
withherdaughterClaire.
Churchill Housespecialisesinsellingand
fittingwalkingboots.Italsostocksalarge
rangeoflifestyleclothing,includingSeasalt,
Joules,Mistral,WeirdFish,LilyandMeand
LazyJacksbrands.Manyuseeco-friendly,
natural,organic,recycledandsustainable
fabricsandshareethicalfairtradevalues.
Willowsellsarangeofgifts,from
Christmasdecorationsandstockingfillersto
quirkygiftsandsocks,cookeryand
children’sbooks,toys,eco-friendlybags,
bottlesandcups,andalotmore.
“Wearesupposedtobeinlockdown
andthankfully,butalittle
overwhelminglyIhaven’tstopped,”
saysJulie.
“Wearespendingourtimebuilding
ourwillow-lynton.co.ukwebsite,
whichhasdonereallywellandour
saleshavebeenconsistent.”
“AtthemomentwearebusywithBlack
Fridaysales.ChurchillandWillowwillbe
opensixdaysaweekupuntilandincluding
ChristmasEve.
“Weobviouslywon’tbeabletohostour
latenightshoppingnightduetoCovid,sowe
areopeningtheshopfrom10amto4.30pm
andhavesaleoffersonourclothingin
ChurchillHouse.”
■ ShopforgiftsonlinewithWillow
atwillow-lynton.co.uk
■ Fordetailsofclothingand
outdoorbrandsavailableat
ChurchillHouse,visit
churchillhouselynton.co.ukorcall
01598752557
14 business action | December 2020 / January 2021 | business-action.co.uk
1. What was your first job?
Inschool,Iworkedinmylocal
pub.Afteruniversity,Iworked
insales.
2. What is the best
business advice you’ve
ever received?
Followyourpassion–itwill
leadtoahappierlife.Havinga
passionandsharingthat
passionwithfellowcolleagues
canbeapowerfulcombination
thatcanleadtogreatsuccess.
3. What do you enjoy most
about business?
Interactingwithmyteamand
customers.
4. What technology could
your business never be
without?
Ourtablemanagement
software–ithelpsminimise
stressandimprovesefficiencies
inthebusiness.
5. Describe your business /
management style
Relaxedandopen.Iamvery
engagingwithourseniorteam
andstriveforexcellenceacross
thebusiness–Ineverreally
switchoff!
INNEGLIGENCE
THE HOT SEAT
Garth Hughes of
the Royal George
Each issue we put a North Devon business personality in the hot seat
and ask them 10 questions. This issue we asked Garth Hughes of the
Royal George, Appledore and winner of Business Action’s Excellence
in Hospitality and Tourism Award 2020
Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism Award Winners:
Garth and Sascha Hughes, owners of the Royal George, Appledore
6. How do you go about
personal development?
We’vehadtolearnonthejobfor
thepastfewyears.Ihavesought
tofillanyknowledgegapsby
approachingmyownnetwork
orotherseasonedindustry
professionalsforadvice.
7. Is there anything about
yourself that you want to
change?
Ihaveatendencytogetexcited
aboutnewprojects–thiscan
begreatasIcanbringlotsof
energy,oralittledistracting
sometimes!
8. Social media: yes or no?
Preferred network?
Definitelyyes–Facebook,
InstagramandTwitter.
9. How do you wind down
when not working?
Ihavebeenknowntoenjoythe
oddglassofwineathome;)
10. Do you have a motto or
favourite quotation?
Keepyoureyeontheprize/
Keeplookingforward.
THE ROYAL GEORGE
Datingbacktothelate1700s,
theRoyalGeorgeisaGrade2
listedpublocatedontheseawall
withstunningviewsoverthe
TawandTorridgeEstuary.
Thebuildingwascompletely
rebuiltandrefurbishedin2017
intoacontemporarypub/
restaurantovertwofloors,with
fouren-suitelettingrooms,
includingtwofamilyrooms
andtwodoublerooms.Twoof
theroomsaredog-friendly.
Therestaurantcanserve
morethan80peopleatone
sittingand,foralfrescodining
ingoodweather,thereisa
gloriousterraceonthefirst
floorthatoverlookstheEstuary.
Therestaurantservesa
modern,Britishàlacarte
seasonalmenuthatchanges
monthly,withdailyspecialsfor
bothlunchanddinner.Weare
allpassionateaboutthe
provenanceandqualityofour
largelylocalingredients.
■ Details01237424138or
trgpub.co.uk
More awards wins and hampers from the Royal George
Like all hospitalitybusinesses,
theRoyalGeorgehashadto
workwithinsevererestrictions
in2020.However,ithas
adapteditsservicesand
achievedcontinuedsuccess.
Aswellaswinning
BusinessAction’sExcellence
inHospitalityandTourism
Award2020,itreceiveda
TasteoftheWestGoldAward
intheDiningPubcategory
for2020/2021.Theaward
judgecommented:“Thiswas
oneofthebestmealsIhave
hadforalongtime.
Exceptionalflavoursand
texturesandtreatedwellby
thekitchentogetthemall
togetherontheplate.”
TheRoyalGeorgehasalso
beenselectedbytheSunday
TimesasoneoftheirBest
PlacestoStayintheUKfor
2020.Itwasamongoneof15
hotelsintheSouthWestand
theonlyoneinNorthDevon.
Thesesuccessesreflectthe
hardworkbyalltheteamand
newproductsandservices
introduced.Thisincludesthe
openingofTheLittleGeorge
at20TheQuay,Appledore,
whichoperatesasatake-out
venueandprovidesatake-out
menudeliveredwithinthe
localarea.
Anotheradditionisthe
RoyalGeorge’sownChristmas
hampersfeaturinganexclusive
selectionofpaté,terrine,
charcuterie,chutneys,nuts,
shortbread,mincepies,
honeycombandmore.Thereis
alsoaCheeseLoveroptionas
wellastheopportunitytoadd
proseccoorwine.
■ Seeregularupdatesat
facebook.com/
littlegeorgeappledore
@businessactionm | December 2020 / January 2021 | business action 15
Builders merchant giving
away £6,500 to customers
RGB Building Suppliesis
supportinglocalindependent
shopsandvoucherswithits
‘SupportLocal’initiative.
Thebuildersmerchantis
givingaway£500worthof
independentshopandvenue
voucherseveryweekuntilthe
endofJanuary.EveryMonday
until25January2021,RGB
willlaunchagiveawaywhere
prizeswillinclude10£50
voucherstospendatan
independenthighstreetstore
tohelpwiththecostof
Christmaspresents,five£100
vouchersforuseonaholiday
cottageintheregion,and10
£50localattractionvouchers.
“Therearemanybusinesses
inourareawhichhavebeen
strugglingtosurvivethisyear,
soit’svitalwedowhatwecan
North Devon scenes in 2021
Air Ambulance calendar
Three North Devon scenes
featureinRGBBuilding
Supplies’‘LoveWhereYouLive’
2021calendar,whichraises
fundsforbothDevonand
Cornwallairambulancetrusts.
AfterRGBaskedSouthWest
residentstosubmitphotographscelebratingtheregion,
photosofHuntshawWoods
andWelcombeMouthBeach
takenbyAndyDavey,and
ValleyoftheRockstakenby
WilliamGreatrexwerethreeof
theentriesselectedforthe
calendar.AndyandWilliam
eachreceiveda£100voucherto
spendattheirlocalRGB
branch.
TracyOwen,fundraising
manageratDevonAir
tosupporteachother,”says
LeeKift,branchmanagerat
RGBBarnstaple.
“Intotal,we’llbe
purchasingandgivingaway
£6,500worthofvoucherstobe
usedatindependentshops,
venuesandattractions.Aswell
ashelpingbusinesses,wehope
ourSupportLocalinitiative
highlightsthefantasticarray
oflocalcompaniesthatareon
ourdoorstep.”
AllRGBcustomerswho
spend£25attheBarnstaple,
Bideford,Holsworthy,
IlfracombeorSouthMolton
brancheshavethechanceto
winavoucher.
■ Termsandconditions,anda
listofthevouchersonoffer
eachweekwillbepublishedat
rgbltd.co.uk
Ambulance,says:“We’re
extremelygratefultoRGBfor
theircontinuedsupport
throughwhathasbeena
challengingyear.We’dalsolike
tothankallwhosubmitted
theirphotosforchoosingto
supportthecalendar.Wehope
ourregularsupporters,aswell
newsupporters,willbe
inspiredtopurchaseacalendar
and,inturn,helptoensurethe
futureourservice.”
■ Thecalendarisavailable
frombothairambulance
charityonlineshops,allRGB’s
branchesandRGB’swebsiteat
rgbltd.co.uk.
Thepriceis£7.50andall
proceedsgodirecttotheair
ambulancecharities.
NEWS
General & specialist auctions
Online & at our Bideford auction house
House clearance
Valuations & probates service
01237 471 955
torridgeauctions.co.uk
Dymond Engineeringin
Barnstaplehasdevelopedandis
manufacturingfreestanding
steelhandsanitiserunits
featuringitsownGerryGiraffe
cartooncharactertoencourage
Gerry Giraffe
keeps kids’
hands clean
Celebrating 30 years of finance support
ConradRobins,directorof
ASC,iscelebrating30yearsof
helpingbusinessesinDevon
raisethefinancetheyneed.
ASCnowhasmorethan20
officesnationallytohelp
businessownersthroughthe
financemazeandremove
hurdlesthrowninthewayby
banksandlenders.
EachASCofficecreatesa
childrentowashtheirhands.
Dymondcansupplyunitsfrom
stockordesigncustomunits
withcustomers’ownbranding.
Theunitsareofarobuststeel
constructionwithaneasy-clean
powdercoatedfinish,arestable
inuseandholdallwidely
availablesanitisers.Theyare
designedforindoorand
outdooruseandaresuitablefor
schools,pre-schools,playareas,
doctors’surgeries,shops,family
pubsandanyareasusedbykids.
Gerryisdesignedspecifically
toencouragechildrento
regularlysanitisetheirhandsby
makingitafunpartoflearning
andplayroutines.
■ Details01271372662or
dymondengineering.co.uk
localpresencebackedupbya
strongnationalbrand.
■ Details01392423600or
asc.co.uk
William Greatrex's photograph of the Valley of the Rocks
16 business action | December 2020 / January 2021 | business-action.co.uk
FOOD & DRINK
Support our local drinks producers
Hello, my name is Robert and I like to drink . . . in moderation. The Christmas and midwinter holidays are a traditional time for celebration,
although this year things are different. Many hospitality providers will not be able to offer their full services, and our food and drinks
producers have fewer opportunities and outlets for selling their products. While we definitely do not advocate excessive drinking, we do urge
everyone to support our fine local producers. Here are just a sample. Cheers!
Torview sparkles
While Torview Wines
atSheepwash,
Beaworthyhas
experienced
disruptiondueto
Coronavirus,the
processofnurturing
itsvines,harvesting
grapesandmaking
newwinescontinues
atthevineyards.
OwnerTim
Gowanexplains:
“Whilsttheharvestis
in,we’remakingthe
mostofthecoldweather,to
disgorgeourfirstbigbatchof
sparklingwine.
“Our‘ROD’isatraditional
methodsparklingwinethat
needstobechilledtobetween
0and2degrees,sowecan
removethesediment,butnot
toomuchofthewine.
“Aswe’rebusyinthe
winery,we’reclosedtovisitors
untilEaster.Sooverthewinter
we’reoffering10%offallour
wineonline(withthecode
“NOV10”,untilwereopen).
Duetothecancellationofso
manyfarmersmarkets,we’re
offeringfreedeliveryto
anyonewithin15milesofthe
vineyards.”
■ Details07977408829or
torview.co.uk
Gift packs from GT Ales
GT AlesatChivenoris
offeringawinter
selectionChristmasgift
packandsixor12packs
ofGTAlesinbottlesand
cans.Thesecaninclude
chosenfavourites,from
itszestyblondetothe
sumptuous10malt
oatmealstout.
■ Details01271267420
orgtales.co.uk
Combe’s Ruby Sunset
Combe Brewing Company
inIlfracombeislaunching
itsRubySunsetwinterbeer
inthesecondweekof
December.Thebrewery
launchedinMarch2020
andisestablishingits
reputationdespitethis
year’schallenges.
■ Details07973488409or
combebrewingcompany.co.uk
Cake in a Box supports retailers
Foxcombe Bakehousein
Lewdownhaslaunchedanew
‘CakeinaBox’postage-ready
linetosupportitsindependent
retailersandtocapturea
marketshareofclick-andcollectandclick-2-order
shoppersathomeorwork.
Theinitialrangeisa
seasonalselectionofcakesand
bakes,includingmincepies,
shortbreadsandtraditional
richicedfruitcakes.Selection
boxescanbeorderedvia
independentretailersorby
mailorderfromFoxcombe.The
CakeinaBoxarrivespackedat
theretailer,readyforcustomers
tocollectormail-onasagift.
Deliveriescanalsobemade
directtocustomers’afternoon
teatablesordesks.
■ Details01837861802or
foxcombebakehouse.co.uk
@businessactionm | December 2020 / January 2021 | business action 17
BUSINESS ACTION
Business listings from £30 per year and
advertising packages from £150 per year
18 business action | December 2020 / January 2021 | business-action.co.uk
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