Business Action | February / March 2021

usiness

ACTION

north enterprise

devon

growth

innovation

news & views

business-action.co.uk | February / March 2021 | @businessactionm

CONTENTS HEADER

Web site | business-action.co.uk

Online version | business-action.uk

Vol 3 Issue 1 – February / March 2021 – distribution 2,000

Lock Down ➡ Free Up ...................................................................................... 1

Covid support update ...................................................................................... 2

New business: Selling globally in under a year ................................... 3

New business: Catering to dogs’ desires in Lyn Valley ................... 3

Holsworthy: Cooking up an outdoor feast ............................................. 4

Business directory – find products and services ............................... 5

South Molton: Keeping the community healthy .................................. 6

Technology: Painless IT support without the jargon ......................... 7

Builders merchant supports Search & Rescue appeal...................... 7

Business Activists: Your business questions answered ................ 8

Manufacturing: Corrugated cardboard’s many benefits .................. 10

Bideford: Driving the future of motoring.................................................. 11

Torrington: Traders join Commons support scheme......................... 12

Start-ups: We started a new business. So can you ........................... 13

Charity: Children’s hospice business club ............................................ 14

Looking to the future of trade....................................................................... 15

Business Action Awards 2021:

Enter now............................................................................................................... 17

12 awards categories........................................................................................ 18

In the Hot Seat: Jeannette Cann

of Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium............................................................ 26

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.

How does your business

set the world on fire?

Wills, Probate & Lasting

Powers of Attorney

Alan Williams

01271 860105 / 07970 671192

wills.athome@yahoo.com

wills-athome.co.uk

Day or evening appointments in

the comfort of your own home

Ignite the creative spark

Call 01271 879100

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W R I T E F O R Y O U : I N S P E E C H , P R I N T & O N L I N E

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business action | February / March 2021 | business-action.co.uk

THIS HEADER ISSUE

business

ACTION

LOCK DOWN ➡ FREE UP

The upheavalbusinessesare

currentlyexperiencingis

massive,asarethechallenges

wefacetoreturntonormality.

Notonlyarewedealingwith

theimpactofCoronavirus,but

alsochangescreatedbyBrexit,

nowthatithashappened.

Whilethereismuchargument

andmyriadpointsofviewon

both,thesedonotaddressthe

immediateissuesfacing

businessesaimingtosurvive

and,hopefully,thriveinyears

ahead.Sales,debts,cashflow,

taxes–allhavetobeaddressed

now,whateverwethinkabout

thestateoftheworld,whois

responsibleforitandwhatwe

wantthemtodo.

The will to succeed

Thisisnotthefirst–andwon’t

bethelast–upheaval.

50yearsago,theUKtackled

decimalisation.In1973,the

globaloilcrisiscausedpower

cuts,rampantinflationanda

three-dayworkingweek.Inthe

1990s,theUKworkedthrough

recessionandin2007entered

theprolongedglobalfinancial

crisis.Thehardships

experiencedgraduallyfadefrom

memory,buttheeffortneeded

torecoverfromsucheventsis

huge.Weneedthateffortnow.

Andweseeitinaction

acrossthearea.

ADVERTISING

Alan Williams

Advertising, Distribution &

Publisher

t: 07970 671192

e: alan@business-action.co.uk

ThisissueofBusinessAction

includesarticlesonindividuals

startingnewbusinessesand

establishedbusinesses

remodellingtheirprocessesto

adapttochangingconditions.

Weseethewilltosucceed

drivingNorthDevonbusiness

ownersforward.

Celebrating enterprise

Wesalutetheseandall

enterprisingbusinessowners

andinvitethemtoenterour

2021BusinessActionAwards,

whichrecognisethe

achievementsofbusinessesnew

andold,largeandsmall,in

everysector.

EDITORIAL

Robert Zarywacz

Editor, Designer & Publisher

t: 07971 176044

e: robertz@business-action.co.uk

@robertz

Whileour2020awardswere

greatfun,webelievethisyear’s

awardsneedtogoevenfurther

toraisethespiritsofallthosein

businesswhoareworkingso

hardinsuchdemandingtimes.

Weemphasisethatnotonly

canyouenteryourown

business,butyoucannominate

asmanyotherbusinessesas

youlikewhoyouthinkdeserve

towinanaward.

Thereare12categoriesto

enter–detailedonpages18to

23–andyoucanenterasmany

asarerelevanttoyou.

Entryisfreeandallentrants

canopttoreceivefreepublicity

aswellasthechancewina£150

BUSINESS-ACTION.CO.UK/AWARDS

annualadvertisingpackage.

Weareespeciallykeento

celebratethosehospitalityand

tourism,retailandconsumer

businessesforcedtoclose

duringlockdowns,aswellas

learners–apprenticesand

trainees–manyofwhose

traininghasbeenseverely

disrupted.

Weaimtohostabigawards

andnetworkingevent,

althoughifnotpossiblewill

celebrateourfinalistsand

winnersonlineandonvideo.

Sendinyourentriesonline

atbusiness-action.co.uk/awards

andpleasenotethenew

deadlineof15March2021.

Our third year

ThisissueofBusinessAction

startsourthirdyearof

publishing.It’sbeenan

interestingjourneyandonpage

17wedescribehowwebrought

ourideaforanindependent

localbusinessmagazinetolife.

Ifwecandoit,socanyou.

Wewanttoencourageeveryone

inNorthDevonwhohasan

ideaforaviablebusinessto

startitupandsucceed.

Throughout2021,wewill

continuetosupportyou

whereveryourbusinessis

basedinNorthDevon.

Afterlockdown,weneedto

freeupenterprise.

@businessactionm | February / March 2021 | business action 1

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Covid support update

While we can't look pastthe

springwithoutacrystalball,it's

importanttoknowwhat

businesssupportlookslikeat

themoment.Thenextbudgetis

duetobeannouncedon3

March,solookoutforchanges

andupdatesthen,butitislikely

thatsupportwillcontinueto

focusontheself-employedand

jobsupportschemes.

The Coronavirus Job

Retention Scheme

TheGovernmenthas

confirmedthattheCoronavirus

JobRetentionScheme(CJRS)

willbeavailableuntil30April

2021.TheCJRShasevolved

manytimessinceitscreation

lastyear,andHMTreasury

issuedtheCoronavirus

DirectionNo.6on25January,

whichconfirmedhowthe

schemewilloperatebetween1

Februaryand30April.Youcan

findextensiveguidanceon

usingtheschemeonthegov.uk

website.

Underthecurrentscheme,

employerscanplacean

employeeonfurloughleave

andclaimagrantfromthe

CJRSfor80%oftheemployee’s

wagesuptoacapof£2,500per

month.Employersareonly

requiredtocontributethe

associatedNationalInsurance

andemployerpension

contributionstowardsfurlough

pay.However,theycantopup

payto100%iftheywishtodo

so.Employeescanbeflexibly

furloughedwithemployers

coveringwagesdueforany

hoursworked.

Animportantpointtonote

isthatsince1December2020,

youarenolongerabletoclaim

thegrantforemployees

servingcontractualor

statutorynoticeperiods.In

additiontothis,inmostcases,

HMRCisnowpublishingdata

onemployerswhoareclaiming

againstthescheme.

Withchangesinrisklevel

andnationalrestrictions,itis

helpfulforemployerstohave

clarityaroundwhichemployees

areeligibletobefurloughed.

Thereareseveraleligibility

requirementsthatneedtobe

Over the past year, the support that the Government is offering

businesses to protect jobs and income has developed as they have

learned what's effective and justifiable. Here Susie Kevern of Pound

Lane Financial Management and Charlotte Pengelly of Fitzgerald HR

look at what support is currently available to businesses

Support for businesses: (from left) Susie Kevern of Pound Lane Financial

Management and Charlotte Pengelly of Fitzgerald HR

mettousethescheme,which

aredetailedatgov.uk.

TheGovernmenthas

confirmedthatclinically

extremelyvulnerable

individualswhoareshielding

canbefurloughedwherethey

areunabletoworkfromhome

andareotherwiseeligibleto

receivethegrantfromthe

CJRS.

Individualswithcaring

responsibilitiesasaresultof

COVID-19canalsobeplaced

onfurlough,whereeligible.

Thisisrelevantforparentsand

carersofchildrenathomedue

tochildcarefacilityandschool

closuresaswellasfor

individualsprovidingcarefora

vulnerableperson.

Inaddition,theGovernment

hasnowprovidedguidanceon

howtousethelookback

methodtocalculatereference

salaryforclaimsrelatingto

MarchandApril,sothat

employersrefertopayin

MarchandApril2019as

opposedtoMarchandApril

2020.Findoutmoreaboutthe

schemeinFitzgeraldHR’s

guidetotheCoronavirusJob

RetentionScheme.

Sick Pay Refunds

Businesseswithfewerthan250

staffcanstillclaimrefundsfor

uptotwoweeksofstatutory

sickpayrelatingto

Coronavirus.Thisneedstobe

claimedseparatelyfrom

payroll,viaaHMRCportal.

Self Employed Income

Support Scheme (SEISS)

Ifthisisanoptionforyou,then

youaremostlikelyalready

usingthescheme.Atpresent,

theChancellorhasconfirmed

thatPhase4willprovidea

paymentthatcoverslost

profitabilityuptotheendof

April2021.

Other support

HMRC Time To Pay for

business taxes

Thepastyearhashadahuge

impactoncashflowandprofit

formanybusinesses,withalot

strugglingtopaytheirtaxes.

HMRChassetupadedicated

teamwhichcansetuppayment

plans,suspenddebtcollection

effortsandcancellatepayment

feesontaxdebts.

2019/20 Self Assessment

Incometaxfor2019/20was

duetobepaidby31January

thisyear.Ifyouhavedifficulty

paying,youcanarrangeto

spreadpaymentoverasmany

as12monthlyinstalments.

Business Interruption

Loans

BoththeBounceBackand

CBILSloansarestillavailable,

currentlyforapplications

receivedbefore31March(this

hasbeenextendedseveral

times).Therearenowmore

lendersofferingCBILSloans

andinterestrateswillbefixed.

BounceBackLoansnowhave

optionsforpaymentholidays

ortermextensionstohelp

smoothcashflowissuesforup

to10years.

Local Authority Grants

Therearestillgrantsavailable

forretailandhospitality

businessesthatarestruggling

orhavebeenforcedtoclose

duringlockdown,basedonthe

rateablevalueofpremises.

CheckouttheNorthDevon

CouncilandTorridgeDistrict

Councilwebsitesfordetails.

5% VAT rate for hospitality

CurrentlytheVATreduction

forhospitalityandtourism

businesseswillendon31

March,althoughsincemanyof

thebusinessesthiswas

designedtohelphavebeen

closedsincethebeginningof

theyear,itmaybeextended.

No further help for

directors

Thereisstillnoincomesupport

availablefordirectorswho

solelytakepaymentfromtheir

businessviadividends.

Directorswhotakeaminimal

salaryhavetheoptiontouse

thefurloughscheme,butthis

requiresthattheydonotwork

inthebusinessbeyondcarrying

outtheirstatutoryduties.

Contact

■ PoundLaneFinancial

Managementon07801199671

orpoundlane.co.uk

■ FitzgeraldHRon0330223

5253orfitzgeraldhr.co.uk

2 business action | February / March 2021 | business-action.co.uk

Commitmenttolookingafter

histhreechildrenduringthe

March2020lockdownledto

JonBondstartinghisown

businessandnowexportingto

asfarawayasAustralia.

Jon’swife,Ali,worksat

NorthDevonHospital,so

whenschoolsclosed,they

decidedthat,asshewasakey

worker,hewouldstayathome

tolookaftertheirchildren.Jon

hadbeenworkingatafactory,

butsoontappedintohis

creativitytodesignhisfirst

products.Theresultwas

ThreadLOXX,arangeof

dreadlockaccessorieswhich

havecapturedtheattentionof

customersacrosstheworld.

Jonisalocticianwhocreates

newdreads,helpsothersto

maintaintheirdreadsandoffers

advicewherehecan.Hehas

beenmaintainingAli’sandhis

sons’dreadsforfouryearsand

theseinspiredhimtotryhis

handatcraftingaccessories.

“FirstImadeahairbead

fromanoldskateboard,turning

thewoodintosomethingI

couldwearinmyhair,”says

Jon.“Imadeabunchmoreand

madesomesalesonEtsy.

“Istartedmakingthemfrom

oak,mahoganyandother

hardwoods.Thenpeople

requestedbiggertogglessothey

couldputtheirhairup.

NEWHEADER

BUSINESSES

Selling globally

in under a year

“Ilookedintosolutions,

drewpictures,madeprototypes

outofcardboardanddeveloped

ToggleLOXX.

“Imadefourandtheysold

onEtsy.Imade10moreand

theysold.Thedreadlocks

communityhaveresponded

overwhelminglypositivelyto

myproductsandinjustoversix

monthsIhavesoldover500

ToggleLOXXallovertheworld

andhavestockistsinAmerica,

Australia,Finlandandherein

theUK.”

EstablishingThreadLOXXin

thedreadlockscommunityhas

beenvitalforJonandheis

activeonInstagramand

Facebook,participatingin

groupsandgivingadviceonall

aspectsofdreadlocks.

HavingmovedtoBarnstaple

withhisfamilysomefiveyears

ago,Jonhadnotpreviously

thoughtaboutstartinghisown

business.Heenjoyeddesign

technologyandwoodworking

atschoolandpickedupthe

designandproductionofhis

productseasily.Thiscanbe

seenintheintricatepatterns

featuredonthetoggles,which

Jonproducesoutofdifferent

hardwoods.

“WhenImadethefirstfew,

itwasfuntoseesomethingI

madeinsomeoneelse’shair.I

neverthoughtitwouldbea

full-timebusiness.Idoenjoy

havingsomethingthatIhave

createdandthefeedbackI’m

gettingfromcustomersisa

gooddriver.”

Aswellassellingto

individuals,Jonisbuildinga

clientbaseofloctitians,and

salonandshopownersto

developwholesaledistribution

ofToggleLOXX.Heisalso

workingonthedevelopmentof

newproducts.Hedoesnotrush

this,ashelikestogetproducts

rightbeforelaunch.

Whileheoriginallystopped

worktocareforhisfamily,

ThreadLOXXhasbecomeJon’s

full-timeoccupationinless

thanayear.

■ Details07546820650or

etsy.com/shop/threadloxx/

Catering to dogs’ desires in the Lyn Valley

Dogs love North Devonand

throughtheirownerscontributesignificantlytothevisitor

economy.SowhenJacquie

DoveandhusbandAndrew

movedtoLynmouth,hesaid

hewouldlovetoseeadog

shopthere.

Previously,Jacquiehad

workedandvolunteeredfor

animalcharitiesandtheyhave

providedfostercarefordogs.

ThishasallledtoJacquie

launchingTheLynValleyDog

House.Jacquie’sintentionisto

openalocalshopfordogs,

althoughlockdownshave

postponedthis,someanwhile

shehaslaunchedanumberof

productsonline.

On14November,Deli

DelightsandSnazzySausages

werelaunchedandnowtreat

boxesareavailable,containing

naturaldogtreatsand

Dexter and Dobbie testing Lyn Valley Dog House’s subscription boxes

gourmetsausagesmadewith

thebestqualityBritishmeats.

Thesehavebeenresearched

overseveralyearsbyteam

membersDexter(chieftaster)

andDobbie(qualitycontrol),

picturedabove.Thisresearch

ensuresthetreatsaremade

fromnaturalproductsandare

ofthebestquality.Jacquiealso

workshardtosupportBritish

farmersandsmallbusinesses.

Jacquieisexpandingthe

onlineproductrangesteadily,

recentlyaddingtoys,allof

whichcanbemailedacrossthe

UK,withlocaldeliveryalso

available.Thenewestaddition

isasubscriptionservice

enablingownerstosignupfor

theirdogs’favouritetreatbox,

orabespokebox,delivered

monthlyfor10monthswith

an11 th boxprovidedfree.

Jacquieisalsoplanninga

conciergeservicefordog

ownersonholidayinthearea

afterestablishingthat78%of

holidayaccommodation

providerswelcomedogs.

AsJacquieworksonmore

ideas,dogsandtheirowners

mustbewaitingin

anticipationforTheLyn

ValleyDogHousetoopenits

shopofferingeverythingadog

couldwant.

Allthemorereasonfor

dogstoloveNorthDevon.

■ Details07989108186or

thelynvalleydoghouse.com

@businessactionm | February / March 2021 | business action 3

HOLSWORTHY NEWS

Cooking up an outdoor feast

February may not seemthe

idealtimetothinkabout

diningoutside,butHeart

Smoke&SoalofHolsworthy

aimstochangethat.

StartedbyZowieBrookes

andpartnerGarethRees,the

businessspecialisesincreative

outdoorliving,offering

premiumcooking,entertaining

andlivingproducts.Zowieand

Garethhavealreadybuilt

GRPHSouthWest,aspecialist

heatinginstallerworkingwith

gas,oilandrenewables,and

theirnewventureaimsto

capitaliseontheirloveof

outdoordining.

“We’vealwaysbeeninto

outdoorcooking,”saysZowie.

“Myfirstjobfromschoolwas

cookingabarbecueforseveral

hundredpeople.Ilovedthe

smell,tasteandatmosphere.

Barbecuingbecameapersonal

passionofours,andit’snot

uncommonforustobeoutin

allweatherscookingup

somethingoverhotembers.”

Withtheirexpertisein

plumbingandheatinghelping

inthecreativedesignofspaces

andinstallationofequipment,

Zowiebelievesthat,having

spentmoretimeathomethan

previously,peoplearemore

interestedinenjoyingtheir

outdoorspacestothefull,

whichincludescookingand

diningoutside.

Thebusinesshasformed

relationshipswithluxury

equipmentbrands,including

FireMagic,which

manufactureshighquality

barbecuesinpremiumstainless

steel;AlfaForni,whichsupplies

practical,elegantandstylish

pizzaovensproducedinItaly;

andLapa,whichcreates

thatchedgazebosandcedar

shinglegardenbuildings.

Ifthiswhetsyourappetite,

youwillsoonbeabletoview

theseandothercollectionsin

HeartSmoke&Soal’s

showroomcurrentlyunder

constructioninHolsworthy.

Zowiesaysavisittothe

showroomorasitevisitarethe

bestwaystostartthe

conversationtodevelopthe

conceptanddesignofan

outdoorlivingspace.

Aswellasworkingwith

homeowners,Zowieislooking

tohelprestaurants,cafés,pubs

andaccommodationproviders

developtheirluxuryoutdoor

diningspaces,especially

importantwhensocial

distancingisnecessary.

■ Details01409251357or

heartsmokesoal.co.uk

4 business action | February / March 2021 | business-action.co.uk

ACCOUNTANTS

Cranford Business Services

Bideford

t: 01237 488077

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

Pound Lane Financial Management

North Devon

t: 07801 199671

w: poundlane.co.uk

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Be Ready Employer Hub

Devon

t: 01392 241124

w: readydevon.org.uk

CAR SALES & SERVICING

Blights Motors

Bideford

t: 01237 472282

w: blightsmotors.co.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 & 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

INSURANCE

Together Insurance Solutions

Barnstaple

t: 01271 347147

w: togetherinsurancesolutions.co.uk

sponsored by

categories,beingoneofavery

fewauthorisedtoundertake

discretionaryinvestment

managementandtoholdclient

money.Consequently,weare

requiredtomaintainsizeable

andverystrictfinancial

resourcesatalltimes.The

Company’saccountsaresubject

tothoroughindependentaudit

andfullaccountsarepublished

andsubmittedtotheFCA

regularly.Also,theFinancial

OmbudsmanServiceand

FinancialServices’

CompensationSchemeapplyto

enhanceinvestorprotection

againstfinancialloss.

Withwelloverthreedecades

ofexperience,wealsoboast

someofthehighestfinancial

services’qualificationsinthe

country.Staffareencouraged

andsponsoredtoachieve

qualificationsbeyondthe

industrystandardtoensure

thatwecontinuetodeliveran

excellentservicetoclients.

■ Details01271344300or

miltonpj.net

The Best Employer Award

seekstorecogniseemployers

basedoroperatinginNorth

Devonwhoarecommittedto

providingafulfilling

environmentinwhichtheir

employeesthrive.

Highest standards

Manyofusspendalarge

proportionofourtimeat

workandworkinginan

environmentwhichissafe,

healthyandwherewefeel

happyisveryimportant.The

BestEmployerAwardseeksto

recogniseemployerswho

realisethisandwhoachieve

thehigheststandardsofcare

fortheiremployees.

Best Employer Award

Exceptional care

2020hasbeenverydifficultfor

manyemployerswhohave

workedveryhardtoretain

theirstaff.ThisyeartheBest

EmployerAwardalso

recognisesemployerswho

havehadtomaketough

decisionswhiledemonstrating

exceptionalcarefortheir

employeesasindividuals,as

wellasemployerswhohave

adaptedtheirworking

environmentsandpractices

duetoCovidrestrictionsto

helptheiremployees.

Criteria

Thejudgesarelookingfor

evidenceofoneormoreof:

➤ Openapproachtoemploying

adiverseworkforce

➤ Developsthepotentialofall

employeesasindividuals

➤ Supportsprofessional

developmentwith

appropriatetraining

➤ Enablesemployeesto

achievework/lifebalance

➤ Rewardsemployees

appropriatelyfortheir

contributiontothebusiness

➤ Activeinnurturinglocal

skillsandtalent

➤ Createsandpromotesan

enjoyableandpositivework

environment

➤ Supportsstaffandmakes

everyonefeelpartofteam

➤ Opentonewideas/feedback

➤ Createssenseofcommunity

withintheworkplace

➤ Adaptingworking

environmentsandpractices

tohelpemployeesasa

resultofCovidrestrictions

Fromabuilderemployingone

apprenticetoamanufacturer

employinghundredsofstaff,

theBestEmployerAward

highlightsemployersinNorth

Devonwhotakebestcareof

theirpeople.

The Best Retailer Award

recognisesNorthDevon

retailerswhoprovidethebest

shoppingexperienceand

serviceinthearea.

Shopsarethelifebloodof

ourtownsandvillages,yet

manyretailershavebeenforced

tocloseduringlockdowns.This

year’sawardacknowledgesthe

challengesshopkeepersface.

Wecelebratethosestoreswho

strivetoaddresstheneedsof

theircustomersinsuchdifficult

circumstances,especially

independentshopsfocusingon

deliveringthebestpersonal

service,workingtooffer

Best Retailer Award

preciselywhatcustomerswant

andprovidinginvaluable

supporttotheircommunities.

Fromvillagestoresonwhich

residentsdependforessentials

tospecialistretailersoffering

eclecticrangesofhigh-quality

goods,theBestRetailerAward

highlightsretailerswhomake

theshoppingexperiencein

NorthDevonamongthebestin

thecountry.

Criteria

Thejudgesarelookingfor

evidenceofoneormoreof:

➤ Storesofferingthewarmest

welcometocustomers

➤ Shopkeeperswhogothe

extramiletoobtainthe

goodscustomersaskfor

➤ Auniqueofferingthatadds

valuetoatownorvillageas

aplacetoliveorasaretail

orvisitordestination

BUSINESS-ACTION.CO.UK/AWARDS

➤ Storeswhosellbothonthe

highstreetandonline

➤ Innovativeuseofthe

internettoattractcustomers

instore

➤ Pillarsofthecommunity

wholookaftertheir

customerslikefamily

➤ Adaptingbusinessprocesses

toCovidrestrictions

Who can enter?

TheBestRetailerAwardisopen

toanyretailerinNorthDevon.

Owners,directors,managersand

employeescanenterthebusiness

theyworkin.Storescanalsobe

enteredbycustomers,suppliers

orexternaladvisers.

18 business action | February / March 2021 | business-action.co.uk

AWARDS

Business-to-Business

Excellence Award

The Business-to-Business

Excellence Awardrecognises

NorthDevonbusinesseswho

provideimportantB2B

servicestootherbusinesses.

Everybusinessneedsa

numberofessentialbusiness

servicestooperate

successfully.Whileitcanbe

easytoconsideraccountancy,

legalorotherB2Bservices

solelyascosts,effective

accountantsandlawyersadd

valuetoimprovethe

productivity,salesand

profitabilityoftheirclients.

Criteria

Thejudgesarelookingfor

evidenceofoneormoreof:

➤ B2Bservicesthatare

outstandingintheirsector

➤ Supportingclientsasan

essentialandtrusted

partner

➤ Participationinclients’

developmentandexpansion

➤ Reputationasadependable

andhighqualityB2B

provider

➤ Evidenceofinvestmentin

skillsandservices

➤ Innovativeapproachto

providingB2Bservices

➤ Adaptingworking

environmentandpractices

duetoCovidrestrictions

Who can enter?

Thisawardisopentoany

businessinNorthDevon

providingB2Bservicesto

otherbusinesses,suchas

accountancy,administrative,

advertising,finance,

healthcare,healthandsafety,

insurance,law,marketing,

sales,training,aswellas

adviceoneverythingfrom

employmenttooutsourcing.

Owners,directors,

managersandemployeescan

enterthebusinesstheyworkin

andbusinessescanalsobe

enteredbycustomers,

suppliersorexternaladvisers.

Consumer Service

Excellence Award

The Consumer Service

Excellence Awardrecognises

NorthDevonbusinesseswho

provideservicesdirectto

residentsandthepublic.

Fromentertainmentto

sport,leisure,healthcareand

beauty,theawardhighlights

businesseswhosupport

consumersandthecommunity.

Thissectorhasfaced

extremedifficultiesin2020

withmanybusinessesclosed

duringlockdowns.Thisyearthe

ConsumerServiceExcellence

Awardalsorecognisesthe

achievementsofbusinesseswho

haveworkedtoadapttoCovid

restrictionsandcontinue

servingthecommunity.

Criteria

Thejudgesarelookingfor

evidenceofoneormoreof:

➤ Consumerservicesthatare

outstandingintheirsector

➤ Providingreliableservices

thatcustomersdependon

➤ Goingtheextramileto

provideapersonalservice

➤ Innovatingtodevelop

uniqueservices

➤ Evidenceofinvestmentin

skillsandequipment

➤ Enrichingthelivesof

individualsandcommunity

➤ Adaptingworking

environmentandpractices

duetoCovidrestrictions

Who can enter?

TheConsumerService

ExcellenceAwardisopento

anybusinessinNorthDevon

providingservicesto

consumers,includingbarbers,

hairdressers,beautyservices,

cleaners,gardeners,healthand

fitness,personalfinanceand

entertainment.Owners,

directors,managersand

employeescanenterthe

businesstheyworkinand

businessescanalsobeentered

bycustomers,suppliersor

externaladvisers.

Est. 1983

Sustainable Corrugated Cardboard

Packaging with the environment at heart.

Packaging

Solutions for

our Planet.

Also passionate about our Community and

supporting our Charity of the Year 2021.

Roundswell Business Park,

Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 3TT.

+44(0)1271

344 055

sales@atlaspackaging.co.uk

www.atlaspackaging.co.uk

@businessactionm | February / March 2021 | business action 19

The Digital and Online

Achievement Award

recognisesNorthDevon

businesseswhoaredeveloping

thefullpotentialofferedby

onlineanddigitaltechnologies

andtheinternet,eitherasa

creatororuser.Thisincludes

buildingwebsites,creating

contentandusingsocialmedia

formarketingandselling,as

wellasintegratingcloud

technologyorotheronline

systemsintobusinessprocesses

toimproveefficiencyand

customerexperience.

Fromasoletraderusinga

websitetosellproductsonthe

internettoanagency

programmingsoftwareto

transferacompany’s

administrationtotheCloud,

thisawardhighlightsNorth

Devonbusinessestakingfull

advantageoftheopportunities

offeredbydigitaltechnology.

WithCovidrestrictions

forcingmanybusinessesto

increaseuseofdigitaland

onlinetechnologies,theDigital

andOnlineAchievementAward

recognisesinnovative

businessesdevelopingnew

servicessuchas‘clickand

The Excellence in Hospitality

and Tourism Award

recognisesbusinesseswho

attractvisitorstoNorth

Devon,offerthewarmest

welcomeandprovide

experiencestolastalifetime.

Fromhotels,holidayparks

andattractionstorestaurants,

pubs,cafésandtakeaways,

thesebusinessesshowNorth

Devonatitsbest

TheNorthDevonlandscape

issobeautifulandoffersso

manyactivitiesand

experiencestovisitorsthatitis

anaturalholidaydestination.

collect’,onlineorderingorother

imaginativeapplications.

Criteria

Thejudgesarelookingfor

evidenceofoneormoreof:

➤ Advancedunderstanding

anduseofdigitaltechnology

AWARDS

Digital & Online

Achievement Award

sponsored by

Integraiscommittedtoprovidingtheverybestcommunication,

internetandITsupportforbusinessesfromitsofficesinNorth

DevonandEssex,includingmanagedITsupportandhosted

telecomsviaourownVoIPsystem.

Since2010,we’vebuiltareputationforpersonal,friendlyand

professionalservicethatdoesn’tcosttheearthandhaveworked

withawiderangeofbusinesses,puttingtherighttoolsand

supportinplacetohelpthemgrow.

Withover50years’combinedexperienceinourexpertteam–

andapromisetoalwaystreatyouasanindividual–youcanbe

surethattheadvicewegiveistherightadviceforyourbusiness.

■ Visitintegra.im

➤ Innovativeapplicationof

digitalproductsorservices

➤ Marketingviawebsites,

socialmediaorother

technologies

➤ Useofcloudtechnologyand

othersystemsinbusinesses

Excellence in Hospitality

& Tourism Award

Theexperiencesvisitorshave

heredeterminewhattheytell

theirfamilyandfriendsand

whethertheywillreturnagain.

Thatiswhybusinessesinour

hospitalityandtourismsector

areofvitalimportanceto

NorthDevon’sreputationasa

visitordestination.

Fromakioskselling

homemadeicecreamtoa

hotelofferingluxurious

accommodation,thisaward

highlightsthebestvisitor

servicesandexperiencesin

NorthDevon.

Thehospitalityandtourism

sectorhasexperiencedextreme

difficultiesin2020.Many

businesseshaveapplied

superhumanefforttoadapt

andmaintainhighstandardsof

serviceundersuchchallenging

conditions.Thisyearthe

ExcellenceinHospitalityand

TourismAwardrecognisesand

saluteseveryoneworkingin

hospitalityandtourismin

NorthDevon.

Criteria

Thejudgesarelookingfor

evidenceofoneormoreof:

➤ Effectivepromotionofyour

businessandNorthDevon

intheUKand/orabroad

➤ Successinattracting

visitorsfromdifferent

➤ Automationofbusiness

processesforbetter

productivity,profitability

andcustomerservice

➤ Improvedinternalor

customercommunication

throughtechnology

➤ Adaptingworking

environmentandpractices

duetoCovidrestrictions

Who can enter?

TheDigitalandOnline

AchievementAwardisopento

anybusinessinNorthDevon

workingwithdigitaland

internettechnology,eitherasa

creatororuser.Thiscanrange

fromworkingwithcomplex

specialisttechnologiestousing

widelyavailabletechnologyto

developasimplebuteffective

businessprocess.

Businessescanenter

themselvesornominateother

businesses.

(Businessesdeveloping

technologyproductssuchas

softwareasaproducttosell

(e.g.awordprocessingor

databasepackage)mayfindit

moreappropriatetoenterthese

productsintheMadeinDevon

Awardinstead.)

groupsorlocations

➤ Investmentinfacilities

demonstratingquality,

visionandflair

➤ Well-trainedteamoffering

awarmwelcomeand

exceptionalcustomer

service

➤ Standoutexperienceor

servicethatshowcasesthe

bestofNorthDevon

➤ Excellentreviewsand

customercompliments

➤ Adaptingworking

environmentandpractices

duetoCovidrestrictions

➤ Introducingnewproducts

andservices

Who can enter?

TheExcellenceinHospitality

andTourismAwardisopento

anybusinessoperatingin

NorthDevonthatworksto

attractvisitorsorprovides

hospitalityservices,from

accommodationtodining,

takeawayfood,leisure

activitiesandtraveltoboth

visitorsandresidents.

Businessescanenter

themselvesornominateother

businessesfortheaward.

20 business action | February / March 2021 | business-action.co.uk

The Excellence in

Construction Awardaimsto

recogniseexcellence

throughouttheNorthDevon

buildingandconstruction

sector.Ithighlights

exceptionalstandardsofbuilt

environments,whichprovide

highqualityoflifeforwork,

home,andplay.

Fromanindividualhandcraftedwoodenstaircasetoa

completehousing

development,theaward

highlightsthebestofNorth

Devonconstruction.

2020hasbeenachallenging

yearfortheconstructionsector

andthisyeartheExcellencein

ConstructionAwardalso

recognisesbusinesseswho

haveadaptedtothechallenges

createdbyCovidrestrictionsto

continueoperations.

Criteria

Thejudgesarelookingfor

evidenceofoneormoreof:

➤ Highstandardsofskilland

craft

AWARDS

Excellence in

Construction Award

sponsored by

Weareoneoftheleadingindependentbuildersmerchantsinthe

SouthWestoperatingoutof20locationsacrossDevon,Cornwall

andSomerset.Atourbranchesyou’llfindawidearrayofhigh

qualityproductsinstock,includinglandscaping,plumbingand

heating,heavysideandlightside,decorating,andgeneralbuilding

materials,aswellasdedicatedkitchen,bathroomandbedroom

showroomsinmanylocations.

Ourbranchteamsarehighlyknowledgeableandareonhandto

offernecessarytechnicalassistance,recommendproductsfromour

extensivestock,andassistwithanyprojectsyou’reundertaking.

Whetherit’sourknowledgeableandreliablestaff,orourgreat

rangeofproducts,weaimtogothatextramilewhetheryou’re

building,maintaining,renovatingorrepairing.

We’redelightedtobeinvolvedinrecognisingalocalherointhe

constructionindustry,asectorveryrelevanttoourbusiness.

■ Visitrgbltd.co.uk

➤ Outstandingachievements

inconstruction

➤ Innovationindesignand/or

practice

➤ Investmentintrainingand

development

➤ Attentiontosafeworking

andbestpractice

➤ Exceptionallevelsof

customersatisfaction

➤ Adaptingworking

environmentandpractices

duetoCovidrestrictions

Who can enter?

TheExcellencein

Constructionawardisopento

allbusinessesinthesector

basedorworkinginNorth

Devon.Fromsoletradersand

SMEstolargecompanies,this

includestradessuchas

building,decorating,

carpentry,electricity,

plumbing,heating,and

landscaping.

Businessescanenter

themselvesortheycanbe

nominatedbycustomers,

suppliersorotherbusinesses.

Outstanding New

Business Award

TheOutstandingNewBusiness

Awardrecognisesthesuccessof

newNorthDevonbusinesses.

Newbusinessesareessential

tothesuccessoftheNorth

Devoneconomyasnew

technologycausessomeolder

industriestodisappearandthe

naturalcycleleadsto

experiencedbusinesspeople

retiring.Newbusinessesneed

toreplaceoldonesandto

developtheeconomyforthe

future.Duetoitsremoteness,

runningabusinessinNorth

Devonisabigchallengeand

maintainingabusinesshereisa

majorachievement.

Frombuyingandselling

goodsatamarketto

establishingaspecialist

consultancy,thisaward

highlightsentrepreneurswho

puttheirplansintoactionto

buildasuccessfulbusiness.

Criteria

Thejudgesarelookingfor

evidenceofoneormoreof:

➤ Businessesstartedinspare

time,afterleaving

employmentwithown

investment,orestablished

businessestransformedby

newowners

➤ Investmentintrainingto

developbusinessskills

➤ Originalbusinessideasora

freshtakeonanexisting

typeofbusiness

➤ Persistenceindrivinga

businessfromscratchto

success

➤ Successsuchasemploying

stafforexporting

➤ Driveandcommitmentto

transformavisioninto

reality

➤ Businessstartedinresponse

tochangedcircumstances

causedbyCovid

Who can enter?

TheOutstandingNewBusiness

Awardisopentoanybusinessin

NorthDevonstartedonorafter

1January2019.Thisincludes

businessesacquiredbyand

transformedbynewowners.

BUSINESS-ACTION.CO.UK/AWARDS

Young Entrepreneur Award

The Young Entrepreneur

Awardrecognisessuccessful

NorthDevonbusinessowners

anddirectorsaged30orunder.

Thebusinessworldis

changingsofast,makingit

difficultforyoungpeopleto

predicthowtheircareerscan

develop.Thesmallpopulation

inalargegeographicalarea

alsolimitsthenumberof

opportunitiesavailableto

youngpeople.Thisaward

recognisestheachievementsof

youngpeoplewhostarttheir

ownbusinessorwhoprogress

throughexistingjobrolesto

ownorleadabusiness.

Fromstartingapart-time

businessatschooltomanaging

anestablishedcompany,the

YoungEntrepreneurAward

highlightsyoungentrepreneurs

whoembodythespiritof

NorthDevonenterprise.

2020hasbeenverydifficult

formanybusinesseswhohave

hadtoadapttogovernment

restrictionsduringlockdown

andtheawardalsorecognises

individualswhohaveadapted

workingenvironmentsand

practicestocontinueoperating.

Criteria

Thejudgesarelookingfor

evidenceofoneormoreof:

➤ Launchoracquisitionof

ownbusiness

➤ Fastprogressioninan

existingbusinesstodirector

level

➤ Evidenceofbusiness

successandachievements

➤ Commitmenttoacquiring

skillsorqualifications

➤ Abilitytolearnfrom

setbackstoachievestronger

futureperformance

➤ Long-termvisionto

establishathrivingbusiness

➤ Adaptingworking

environmentandpractices

duetoCovidrestrictions

Who can enter?

TheYoungEnterpriseAward

isopentoanyNorthDevon

businessownerordirector

aged30yearsorunderon31

March2021.

Entrepreneurscanenter

themselvesorbenominatedby

otherbusinesspeople.

@businessactionm | February / March 2021 | business action 21

The International Trade

Award isnewfor2021and

recognisesNorthDevon

businessesthatarestartingor

growinginternationaltrade

relationships.Itwassuggested

byInternationalTradeMatters,

whoarekindlysponsoringit.

International relationships

Inourfast-changingworld,

newtradeopportunitiesare

alwaysappearingforthose

businesseswhoarepreparedto

embracethem.

Exportsrangefromphysical

productsmanufacturedby

businessestofoodanddrink,

digitalproductsandservices.

TheInternationalTrade

Awardisopentoanybusiness

basedoroperatingfromNorth

Devonthatexportsproductsor

servicesinternationally,both

newandestablishedexporters.

The Made in North Devon

AwardrecognisesNorth

Devonmanufacturersand

producerswhoseproductsare

enjoyedlocallyandexported

acrosstheUKand

internationally.

Manufacturing history

NorthDevonhasalong

historyofmanufacturingand

production.Itsmanufacturing

rangesfromtraditionalgoods

andproductstohi-tech

equipmentandmaterialsused

inaviation,medicineandother

sectors.Itsfoodanddrink

productsrangefrommeatand

fishtospecialityciders,wines,

beersandmarmalades.

Fromalonemetalwork

craftspersonorartisanfood

producertoalarge

manufacturerofcomposite

materials,theMadeinNorth

DevonAwardhighlights

businessesmaintainingNorth

Devon’slongtraditionof

manufacturingandtakingit

intothefuture.

2020hasbeenverydifficult

formanybusinesseswhohave

workedveryhardtoadaptto

governmentrestrictionsduring

lockdownandthisyearthe

AWARDS

International Trade

Award

Criteria

Thejudgesarelookingfor

sponsored by

FoundedbymanagingdirectorLindaMiddleton-Jones,

InternationalTradeMattersLtdprovidesindependenttailored

supporttoSMEsandmicrobusinesses.

Levelsofengagementcanincludeatelephone-basedExport

Responsesupportservice,helpandadvicewithexport

documentationandaccreditations,orafully-embeddedExport

Managertooperateortrainyourexportdepartment.

■ Visitinternationaltradematters.com

evidenceofoneormoreofthe

followingcriteria:

Made in North Devon

Award

sponsored by

TheSignMakermanufactureshighqualitysignsandmemorialsto

suitallbudgets,offeringahugechoiceinmaterials,fontsand

images.Italsoprovidesamassiverangeofstandardsafetysigns,

postersandequipment.

Wemakesomanydifferentsignsjustthewayyouwantthem–

housesigns,homesignsandnameplates,doornumbers,memorial

plaques,businesssignsandwheelcovers.Ifyouneedadvicewith

anyofthesigns,plaques,businesssignage,memorialsorgiftsdo

callus01769561355.

OurmainworkshopsarebasedinNorthDevon,butwesendour

signsallovertheworld.Weknowweareluckytobesituatedinthe

countryandourwebsiteshowshowwecareforourcountryside.

Visitourwebsitetoseethehugevarietyofsignageweoffer.You

canplaceordersbyphone,emailorviaouronlineshop.

■ Visitsign-maker.net

MadeinNorthDevonAward

alsorecognisesbusinesseswho

haveadaptedworking

environmentsandpracticesto

continueoperating.

Criteria

Thejudgesarelookingfor

evidenceofoneormoreof:

➤ Skillandexpertiseinthe

manufactureofproducts

➤ Identificationand

developmentof

internationaltrade

opportunities

➤ Overcomingbarriersto

exportingsuccessfully

➤ Establishingnewbusiness

processesthathave

increasedexport

competitiveness

➤ Newentrantstoexporting

➤ Growthofestablished

exportbusiness

➤ FlyingtheflagforNorth

DevonandBritain

Who can enter?

TheInternationalTradeAward

isopentoanybusinessbasedin

oroperatingfromNorthDevon

thatexportsproductsorservices

internationally.Entrantscanbe

anysizeandinanysector.

Businessescanenterthemselves

ornominateotherbusinesses.

➤ Innovationinthedesign

andmanufactureofhighqualityproducts

➤ Investmentintrainingand

skillsandinmanufacturing

equipment

➤ Transferofskillsand

knowledgefromone

generationtoanother

➤ Adoptionofnew

manufacturingtechnology

andpractices

➤ Exportsuccessbothacross

theUKandinternationally

➤ Adaptingworking

environmentandpractices

duetoCovidrestrictions

Who can enter?

TheMadeinNorthDevon

AwardisopentoNorthDevon

manufacturersorproducersof

physicalproducts,including

materials,equipment,food

anddrink.

Businessesdeveloping

technologyproductssuchas

softwaresoldasaproduct(e.g.

awordprocessingordatabase

system)canalsoenter.

(Businessescreatingdigital

contentsuchaswebsites

shouldconsiderenteringthese

intheDigitalandOnline

AchievementAward.)

Web site

business-action.co.uk/awards

linkedin.com/company/businessaction

Group: linkedin.com/groups/2494210/

FOLLOW AWARDS ONLINE

Instagram

@businessactionuk

Twitter

@businessactionmag

Facebook

@businessactionmag

Group: facebook.com/groups/ndevon

YouTube

Business Action channel

22 business action | February / March 2021 | business-action.co.uk

The Highest Achieving

Learner Awardrecognisesthe

achievementsofindividuals

workinginbusinessesinNorth

Devonwhoarecurrentlyinor

haverecentlycompleted

trainingorskillsdevelopment.

Learningandskillsare

essentialbothtodeveloping

thefullpotentialof

individualssotheyenjoy

satisfyingcareersandto

creatingaskilledand

productiveworkforcefor

NorthDevon’sbusinesses.

Fromaworkplacementto

testsuitabilityforaroleto

qualifyingasaspecialistina

profession,thisaward

celebratesthehighlevelof

skillsandlearningbeing

developedinNorthDevon.

2020hasbeenanespecially

toughyearforapprentices,

trainees,studentsandother

employeesworkinghardto

developtheirskillsduetothe

unprecedenteddisruption.This

yeartheHighestAchieving

LearnerAwardalsorecognises

howlearnershaveadaptedto

difficultcircumstancesto

continuetheirlearning.

AWARDS

Highest Achieving

Learner Award

Criteria

Thejudgesarelookingfor

evidenceofoneormoreof:

sponsored by

AtlasPackagingistheUK’sleadingindependentcardboardbox

company.Ourmainaimistoprovideourcustomerswiththebest

bespokecorrugatedpackagingandtodothiswehaveour

owndesignandproductionservice.Ateverystepoftheprocessit’s

conductedaccuratelywhilstkeepingourpriceshighlycompetitive.

Weunderstandthatlongwaitingtimes,costsandpoorquality

canharmtheimpressionofyourbusinesses.ButhereatAtlas

Packagingwehavetheadvantageofhousingbothdesign

andmanufacturingfacilitiesonsitewhichallowsustofasttrack

theprocessofmakingyourcorrugatedpackaging.Wekeepour

pricesfairandcompetitivetoensurethatthehighestquality

standardsaremaintainedthroughouttheprocess.Andwith

constantreinvestmentandconsultationweareabletoofferstateof

theartprintingandmanufacturingservicestomaintainqualityat

itsverybesteverystepoftheway.

■ Visitatlaspackaging.co.uk

➤ Significantemployee

developmentthrough

training

➤ Outstandingacademicor

practicalresults

➤ Exceptionalcommitmentto

acourseortraining

➤ Overcomingpersonalor

otherbarrierstolearning

➤ Transformationasaresult

ofworkexperience,

placement,internshipor

secondment

➤ Increasedcontributionto

thebusinessasaresultof

training

➤ Adaptingworkand

learningpracticesasa

resultofCovidrestrictions

Who can enter?

TheHighestAchievingLearner

Awardisopentonominations

ofindividualsofanyageor

backgroundinNorthDevon

currentlytakingorwho

recentlycompletedworkrelatedtraining.Thisincludes

coursestoimprovenumeracy

andliteracy,traineeships,

apprenticeships,graduate

courses,vocationalcourses

andspecialistqualifications.

Anemployer,manager,

supervisor,externaltraineror

customercannominatea

learnerforthisaward.

Embedded global

trade expertise for

your business

Export

Manager

Export Manager Service is a great way to bring

expert skills and experience into your company and

can be delivered from as little as one day per month

by an international trade specialist

INTERNATIONAL

TRADE MATTERS

Unlock your Export Potential

internationaltradematters.com

Overseas Business Development | Compliance | Training & Support

@businessactionm | February / March 2021 | business action 23

1. What was your first job?

Workingatmyparents’nursery

andgardencentreinSurrey,

fromtheageof10yearsold,

andhelpingoutatthelocalvet’s

house,whichhadmany

interestinganimals,birdsand

petscominghomefornursing

andrecovery.

2. What is the best

business advice you’ve

ever received?

Reinvestinyourbusiness,

neverborrow,andtrustyour

owninstinct.

3. What do you enjoy most

about business?

Everydayisdifferent...fun

creatingquality,delicious

chocolatesandcraftingnew

ranges.Thislastyearwewere

veryluckytohavewonaGold

awardforourdeliciousRum&

RaisinDarkChocolatebar,

whichthenwentontowin

TasteofTheWest’s

ChampionshipAward.Very

pleasedasitissuitablefor

vegans,gluten/wheatfreeand

dairyfreetoo.Wehavewon

someawardsforourshopand

servicetoo,whichisvery

rewarding.Ilovemeeting

peopleandbuildingfriendships

withoursupercustomers.

4. What technology could

your business never be

without?

Chocolatetemperingtank,the

keytohandmadechocolates.

5. Describe your business /

management style

Everythinghasaplace,

everythingkeptcleanand

hygienic,newideasarealways

welcome.Customersarethe

reasonwearehere,soalways

giveagenuine,happywelcome.

Ialsoaskstafftotrythevarious

chocolateranges,sothatwhen

servingtheycanspeakabout

theonestheylike,thetasteand

texturedifferencesandhave

favourites!

IN THE HOT SEAT

Jeannette Cann

of Ilfracombe

Chocolate Emporium

Each issue we put a North Devon business personality in the hot seat

and ask them 10 questions. This issue we asked Jeannette Cann of

Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium, winner of Business Action’s Best

Retailer Award 2020

6. How do you go about

personal development?

Wehaveafabulousongoing

trainingprogrammewith

Callebaut.

Best Retailer Award winner 2020:

Jeannette Cann of Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium

Everyyearwegototheirstateof-the-artkitchenstolearn

moreskillsandexperiencenew

productsthatareavailablefor

ourartisanbusiness.

Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium’s Deluxe Dark Chocolate Rum & Raisin Bar

won Champion Chocolate in the Taste of the West Awards 2020

7. Is there anything about

yourself that you want to

change?

Iboughtthechocolateshop

neverhavingbeento

Ilfracombe,anditwasabig

learningcurvefrommysmall

kitchenbusinessinHampshire,

butIhavelovedeveryminute

andembracechangesasthey

needtohappen.

8. Social media: yes or no?

Preferred network?

IlfracombeChocolate

Emporiumisavailableon

Facebook,Instagramand

Twitter.IlikeFacebookand

Instagram,andweaddmoreof

ourproductsontoourown

websiteeachweek.

9. How do you wind down

when not working?

Ilovewalking,andfeellucky

livinginsuchabeautifularea.

It’sawonderfulwaytomeet

people,andtheareaisrichinits

varietyofwalksfromopen

Exmoorcountryside,thegorges

ofLyntonandLynmouth,breath

takingviewsasyouwalkalong

thehillsofthecoastalpaths,to

walkingsomeofthebestsurfing

beachesinthecountry.

10. Do you have a motto or

favourite quotation?

Ifyoucanbeanythinginlife..

.bekind.

ILFRACOMBE

CHOCOLATE EMPORIUM

IlfracombeChocolate

Emporiumisaprettylittle

seasidechocolateshopand

museum,offeringhandmade

chocolatesmadeonsite.

Visitorscantastesamples,

andoftenseechocolatesbeing

madeastheywanderthe

museum,thentheycanselect

fromawiderangeofbarsand

individualchocolates.The

shopcatersforawiderangeof

dietaryneedsincludingvegan,

glutenandwheatfree.

Theshophaswonanumber

ofawardsandmostrecentlyits

DeluxeDarkChocolateRum&

RaisinBarwastheonlyNorth

DevonchampionintheTaste

oftheWestAwards2020.

Theshopplaysanactiverole

inthetownandalsooffers

chocolate-makingworkshops.

■ Details01271867193or

ilfracombechocolateemporium

.co.uk

24 business action | February / March 2021 | business-action.co.uk

HEADER

@businessactionm | February / March 2021 | business action 25

usiness

ACTION AWARDS

2021

North Devon’s independent business awards

Which awards categories

are you entering?

★ Best Employer ★ Best Retailer ★ Business-to-Business Excellence ★

★ Consumer Service Excellence ★ Digital & Online Achievement ★

★ Excellence in Construction ★ Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism ★

★ Highest Achieving Learner ★ International Trade ★ Made in North Devon ★

★ Outstanding New Business ★ Young Entrepreneur ★

All category winners progress to

★ North Devon Business of the Year 2021 ★

Who can enter?

Any North Devon business. Any size. Any sector.

Entry is free – deadline Monday 15 March 2021.

Enter your own business or nominate others.

Full details inside – pages 17–23.

We’re waiting for your entries – Good luck!

BUSINESS-ACTION.CO.UK/AWARDS

Business Action | February / March 2021

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