February / March 2021 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news on business and enterprise in the area. This issue features our Business Activists answering your business questions plus full details of the Business Action North Devon Business Awards 2021 and how you can enter them. And there's news of businesses of every size and sector from the communities across North Devon.
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
© Need it Find it 2021. 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.
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
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Call 01271 879100
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ii
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
DIRECTORY
INTERNATIONAL TRADE SUPPORT
International Trade Matters Ltd
Bampton
t: 01398 332881
w: internationaltradematters.com
IT & TELECOMS
Integra
North Devon
t: 01271 555 666
w: integra.im
JOINERY & CARPENTRY
Bespoke Timber Joinery &
Carpentry
Barnstaple
t: 01271 603411
w: bespoketimberjc.co.uk
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
MASSAGE & BEAUTY
Essential Bodyworkx
South Molton
t: 01769 574474
w: essentialbodyworkx.co.uk
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
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.
PACKAGING
Atlas Packaging
Barnstaple
t: 01271 344055
w: atlaspackaging.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tarkatography
Westward Ho!
t: 07977 414798
w: tarkatography.co.uk
PRINTING
Jamaica Press
Buckland Brewer
t: 01237 452333
w: jamaicapress.co.uk
RECRUITMENT
Cooper Golding
Barnstaple
t: 01271 349745
w: coopergolding.co.uk
Simple Recruitment
Bideford
t: 01237 439500
w: simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk
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
Doubleuprint
Barnstaple
t: 01271 268 041 / 07866 420436
w: doubleuprint.co.uk
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
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 | February / March 2021 | business action 5
FEEL ELECTRIC
TRADE UP, PLUG IN
AT BLIGHTS MOTORS
A passion for health and
beautyhasledDeeBrendto
openherownsalon,Essential
Bodyworkx,inBroadStreet,
SouthMolton.
Deeretrainedafterthe
birthofhersonandpractised
fromhomeorasamobile
practitionereversince,along
withjobsinspasandin
physiotherapy.Itwasin2019
thatDenisedecidedtoachieve
herfullpotential,drawingon
allhertraining,qualifications
andexperiencetolaunch
EssentialBodyworkxasanew
businessinDecember.The
salonoffershigh-quality
bespokebeautytreatments
andarangeoftherapeutic
holisticmassagetreatments.
“Iwasgettingreallybusy
workingfromhomeand
wantedtogrowmybusiness,”
saysDee.“Istartedtolook
around,foundashopandhave
neverlookedback.”
Relaxing and welcoming
Threeothertherapistsworkat
thesalonandtogetherthey
offerawiderangeofhealth
andbeautyservices,from
aromatherapy
anddeeptissue
massageand
reflexologyto
facials,
manicuresand
pedicures,and
pamperpackages.
Thefulllistis
providedonthe
website.
Deeisa
massage
therapist,beauty
andnailtechand
TempleSpa
Lifestyle
consultant;
SamanthaLuscombeisanail
techandbeautytherapist;
HelenGreenidgeisamassage
therapist,LookFabulous
ForeverMake-upconsultant
andFushiWellnessadvisor/
consultant;andChristine
Barnesisamassageand
beautytherapist.
“Weallworktogetherand
lookaftereachother.Thesalon
islikemyhome–Iloveit.”
SOUTH CONSTRUCTION MOLTON
FAMILY RUN FOR 88 YEARS
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
SALES
SERVICE
PARTS
PARTS
RENTAL
TRADE UP...PLUG IN...WITH MG ELECTRIC
TEST DRIVE AN MG NOW!
Keeping the community healthy
Dee Brend, owner of Essential Bodyworkx in South Molton
Deehasworkedtocreate
theatmosphereofaspainthe
salonandisdelightedbythe
verypositivecommunity
responsethatEssential
Bodyworkxhasreceived.
“It’srelaxingfromthe
momentclientsstepthrough
thedoor.Alotofpeopleare
sayingthatit’sjustwhatthe
townneedsandpeopletravel
tocomehere.”
Bideford
HANDY CROSS, CLOVELLY ROAD, BIDEFORD, EX39 3ET
01237 472282
www.blightsmotors.co.uk
Deeisverymuchinvolved
withbusinessesinthetown
andalsosponsorsaSouth
MoltonRugbyClubplayer.
Supporting clients
WhileEssentialBodyworkx
hasbeenextremelybusyfor
muchofitsfirstyear,itispart
ofasectorthathashadto
closeitsdoorsduring
lockdowns.However,justas
clientsarecontinuingto
supportthesalon,Deetriesto
supportclientsinlockdown
throughsocialmedia.
Sheaddsthatchangesin
workingpractices,withmore
workerssettingupofficeat
home,meanthatmanyare
experiencingdiscomfortasa
resultofworkingwithout
suitabledesksandfurniture,
whilethepressuresfrom
lockdownsarecreatingmore
stress.Anumberofclients
havecometothesalonin
searchofremediesforthisand,
havingexperiencedrelaxation
therapies,arereturning.
Deefindsitgratifyingthat
thesalonisabletohelppeople
inthisway.
“I’vebeen
doingitfor19
yearsandstillfeel
likeIdidonthe
veryfirstday.I
feelI’vefoundthe
jobthatIwantto
do.
“Thejoythatit
bringstoclients–
it’ssuchalovely
feelingtogive
thatfeelingto
them.”
■ Details01769
574474or
essential
bodyworkx.co.uk
6 business action | February / March 2021 | business-action.co.uk
TECHNOLOGY HEADER
Painless technology support without the jargon
Enforced changestotheway
weworkisleadingmany
businessestoreviewtheirIT
andcommunicationsneeds.
Workingfromhome,
communicatingwithcolleagues
andcustomersremotelyand
switchingtodifferent
technologytoolscanrequire
neworunfamiliarequipment
andsystems.Thiscanbeashock
forbusinessesusedtoworking
inacertainway,butIlfracombebasedIntegracommitstoensure
changesareintroduced
smoothlytoenablebusinessesto
continuetooperatewith
minimumdisruption.
Integrawasestablishedin
Essex10yearsagobyStuart
Hintonandhasbuilta
reputationforproviding
personalised,reliableand
jargon-freetechnicalsupportto
clientsinLondonandthe
SouthEast.The
business
continuesto
operateinthe
SouthEast
under
managingdirectorCharlieFord
aswellasfromitsSouthWest
office,establishedbyStuartin
2020afterhemovedtoNorth
Devontosupportfamily
members.Thetwooffices
enableround-the-clock
telephonysupportforclients
wherevertheyarebased.
Integra’saimhasalways
beentoensureatrouble-free
experienceforclients,along
withitsjargon-freeadvice,and
Stuartisenjoyingachievingthis
forNorthDevonclients,who
alreadyincludecouncils,
manufacturers,tradespeople,
retailersandaccountants.
“Weworkmainlywithsmall
andmediumsized
businesses,
suchasestate
agents,
accountants
andsolicitors,puttingtheright
toolsandsupportinplaceto
helpthemgrow,”saysStuart.
Integraoffersa
comprehensiverangeof
services,fromtelecoms,
includinghostedVoIP
telephonyenablingcallstobe
madeovertheinternet,to
broadbandconnections,IT
supportandcloudsolutions.
Thecompanyexplainsall
aspectsofitsservicestoclients
inclearlanguagesothatthey
understandfullywhateachcan
doforthemandhowtouse
themeffectively.
Asmorebusinessesembrace
‘workfromhome’practices,
Integra’sHomeWorkingGuide
onitswebsitehelpsthemto
understandhowservicessuch
ascloud-basedVoIPtelephony
canenablethemtotakehomea
deskphoneanduseitover
theirhomeinternet
connection.Italsocovers
remotedesktops,enablingusers
toaccesstheirworkPCfroma
laptopathome,andvirtual
privatenetworks,whichcan
provideaccesstodatastoredon
abusiness’sownservers.
“We’realwayspleasedto
discussclients’requirements
andofferthemalltheITand
communicationsservicesthey
needunderoneroof.”
■ Details01271555666or
integra.im
RGB Building Supplieshas
donated£500toExmoor
Search&RescueTeam’s
vehicleappeal.
Thevolunteer-runcharity,
whichassiststhepolicein
locatingpeoplewhoarelostor
missingandrecoveringthose
whoareinjuredorillon
ExmoorNationalPark,is
fundraisingforanewincident
controlvehicle.Thiswillactas
abaseforliaisonbetween
organisations,beingequipped
withIT,communicationsand
specialistrescueequipment.
JamesTaylorShort,
ExmoorSearch&Rescueteam
leader,said:“ExmoorNational
Parkcovers267squaremiles
acrossNorthDevonand
Somerset.Ourincident
controlvehicleistherefore
Builders merchant supports
Search & Rescue appeal
vitalinhelpingustodoour
job,andourcurrentvehicle
hasfallenintodisrepair.
“Wehaveraised£70,000of
ourtarget,butduetothe
Covid-19pandemic,we’vehad
toreallocatesomeofourfunds
tothepurchaseofessential
equipmentsuchasPPEand
decontaminationproducts.
Thismeansweareshortof
£5,000whichisneededtohelp
withthespecialistkitout.The
currentsituationhasalso
impactedournormalsources
offundraising,sowe’vesetup
acrowdfundingpage.
“Wewouldliketosaya
hugethankyoutoRGB
BuildingSupplies,who
supportourteaminmany
ways,includingthisgenerous
donation.”
KevinFenlon,chief
executiveofRGB,added:“The
ExmoorSearch&Rescue
Teamdoesavitaljobin
helpingouremergency
servicesprotectlocalpeople
andvisitorstoourregion,and
we’redelightedtobeableto
helpthecharitywithits
fundraisingappeal.”
■ Youcanmakeadonationat
crowdfunder.co.uk/exmoorsearch-rescue-team-vehicleappeal
@businessactionm | February / March 2021 | business action 7
north
devon
businessACTIVISTS
Q Bookkeeper?
Accountant?
Financial
adviser? I’m
confused!
A Itcanbeverydifficultto
knowwhatservicesyouare
beingofferedandwhichyoudo
anddon’tneed.
It’sagoodideatogoto
someonewithaprofessional
qualificationbutagainwhat
leveldoyouneed?
Abookkeeperwilltakeyour
paperworkandorganiseitfor
you,possiblyevenputtingit
intosoftware.Ifyouareover
theVATthreshold(currently
£85,000)youneedtobeableto
produceyourreturnsin
softwarethatcanthen
communicateitdirectto
HMRCwithoutexternal
changes.ThisMakingTax
Digital(MTD)requirementis
beingrolledoutoverthenext
fewyearssoincreasinglyyou
willneedtolooktousethis.
TheAssociationOfAccounting
Technicians(AAT),Instituteof
CertifiedBookkeepers(ICB)
andInternationalAssociation
ofBookkeepers(IAB)alloffer
certificationtogiveyou
confidenceinyour
bookkeeper’sability.
Anaccountantwilltake
basicbookkeepingtothenext
levelforyou.Thiscanbeas
simpleascompletingyourtax
return,producingsimple
accountsforyoursoletrader
businessorpartnershiporthe
morecomplexlimitedcompany
QHow can I
promote my
business on a
reduced budget?
A Itisvitaltocontinue
promotingyourbusiness,
evenwhenyouhavelittle
marketingbudget.First,can
youcontinuewhatalready
worksonasmallerbudget,eg
reducingsizeofadverts?
ACCOUNTANCY
MARKETING
Barbara Harris
Director
Cranford Business Services
t: 01237 488077
w: accountsindevon.co.uk
accountsandcorporationtax
return.Theyoftenoffer
additionalservicessuchas
payroll,VATreturnsand
managementaccounts.
Again,therearedifferent
qualificationsavailableanditis
reassuringtohavealicensed
accountantwithaprofessional
bodyoverseeingthem.AAT
(MemberorFellow),Institute
ofChartedAccountants
England&Wales(ICAEW),
CharteredInstituteof
ManagementAccounts(CIMA)
allofferthis.Thereisalsothe
AssociationofTaxation
Technicians(ATT)wheretax
complianceservicesareneeded.
Afinancialadviseristhere
foryourinvestmentsand
savings,pensions,retirement
planningandinheritance
advice.Sometimesthisis
offeredbylargeraccountancy
firms,butoftenbyan
independentfinancialadviser
workingforthemselvesorin
practicewithothers.DipFAis
theminimumqualificationto
beapprovedbytheFinancial
ConductAuthority(FCA).
Next,arethereactionsyou
haveneglected?Asimplestart
wouldbetomakecontactwith
clientsorprospectsyouhave
notspokentoforawhile.Even
acasualcontactcanremind
themthattheyintendedto
purchasefromyou.
Itisimportanttoremind
yourmarketthatyourbusiness
isthere,readytohelpthem
withwhattheyneed.Youcan
achievethiswithasignonyour
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS
QCan preparing
a budget
revive
enthusiasm in our
business after
being closed due to
Coronavirus?
A Thisisadreadfultimefor
everyone,butespeciallyfor
businesseswhoarerelianton
customerfootfallfortheirsales.
Sometimesitfeelslikethe
pandemicmightneverend.But
itwillend,andthisisathe
perfecttimetomakeplansfor
whatyouwantyourbusinessto
looklikewhenitdoes.
Intheshortterm,it’svital
thatyoukeepontopofbills
thataredueandmakesureyou
haveenoughmoneyinthe
bank.Abudgetisagreattool
forthatforwardplanningand
givesyoutheinformationyou
needtomakeproactive
decisionsandhaveup-front
discussionswithlandlordsand
supplierssoyoustayincontrol.
There’smoretoitthough;
creatingabudgetandplanning
avisionforthefuturecanbe
uplifting.Ittakesyourattention
awayfromcurrentproblems
Susie Kevern
Chartered Management Accountant
PoundLane
t: 07801 199671
w: poundlane.co.uk
andfocusesyouonthefuture.
Whileyou’reclosed,you
haveanopportunitytothink
aboutwhatyoureallywant
fromyourbusiness.Iswhat
you’vegotnowthebusiness
thatyoudreamtof?Wouldyou
makechanges?Whatwouldit
taketomakethishappen?
Thefuturemayseemalong
wayoffrightnow,butthisisa
perfecttimetoplan.
Ask the Activists
Send business questions you have by email to
Robert Zarywacz
Partner
Zarywacz
t: 01271 879100
w: z2z.com
ask@business-action.co.uk
carasyoudrivearound,social
mediapostsorshortblogson
yourwebsite.Manybusinesses
aresohiddenthatfrequentyet
surprisinglysmallactionscan
makeyoustandout.
Whatstoriescanyoutell?
Askclientsifyoucanusethem
inacasestudyforyourweb
siteorapressreleaseforthe
media.Couldyoumakeshort
videosonyourphone?Start
usingallthisvaluablematerial
alreadyatyourfingertips
withoutspendingafortune.
8 business action | February / March 2021 | business-action.co.uk
Q&A ~ your business questions answered
north enterprise
growth
devon
news
innovation
& views
QI run a
business and
am many years
from retiring. Is it
too soon to think
about a pension?
BUSINESS FINANCE
Philip Milton
Managing Director
Philip J Milton & Company plc
t: 01271 344300
w: miltonpj.net
Anotherpointwitha
pensionisthattheearlieryou
start,thegreaterthecompound
growthyoushouldachieveona
sensibleportfolioofassetsin
yourplan.Sothelateryouleave
it,themoreyou’llhaveto
contributetoaccumulatea
meaningfulsum.
Whenyounear57,youcan
affordtoputmoremoneyinto
theplan(uptothelimits),
becauseyouknowthatifpush
comestoshove,youcantakeit
outagain.Youdon’tneedloads
ofcashforemergencies,asyou
canputitintoyourpension
andtakethetaxman’sbonus.
Anuntouchedpensionisalsoa
formoffreelifeinsuranceand,
indeed,youcansave
inheritancetaxtooifyoudie
withouthavingdrawnitallout.
Formanysuccessfulbusiness
people,theycanhopetohave
asmuchaspossibleina
pensionplanandthennot
touchitatall,spendingless
attractiveassetsfirstand
leavingallthepensiontotheir
familiesfreeoftax.
Finally,selectagood
independentfinancialadviser
withasolidpension‘product’
whichitcanmanagewithyou,
sothatyoucanseeeasilywhat
itisdoingandhowitcanadapt
toyouandyourcircumstances.
Who can
you ask?
Business owners are not ‘born’
and must learn how to run a
always clear who to ask when we
A Apensionisdesignedto
provideflexibilitywhenit
have questions about what to do.
comestoretirement.Themore
youhave,thebiggerthepot,
thegreatertheincomeitcan
generateandthemorecapital
Thank you to our Business
Activists for offering their time
youcanaccesstoo.Remember,
and expertise to answer your
a‘pension’issimplya earnenough).Soifyouarea
questions.
receptacletoholdmoney–you 40%taxpayer,yousave40%on
candirectwhereitisinvested. allyourpaymentsandthepot
We publish their contact details,
Isapensionjustfor thengrowsfreeofalltax.You
retirement?It’sagreatsavings don’thavethatbonuswithany
as they are also happy to talk
plan,whichisaccessibletoyou
fromtheageof57(55today!).
otherinvestmentandit’sbestto
doasmuchasyoucannow,as
through general enquiries and
offer guidance, although will
However,justbecauseyoucan itislikelythereliefwillbecut.
charge when you require them to
accessitthen,itisprobably Itmaysoundcontroversial,
give specific professional advice.
NOTtherightthingtotouchit butconsidernotpayingoff
tillyoudesperatelyneedto. debtsyet–there’snoreliefon
IMPORTANT: The answers on
Apensionisveryattractive thosecapitalrepaymentsand
these pages are intended as
forsavings,becausethetaxman loaninterestcostsaresolow
addstaxreliefatyourhighest
marginalrateoftaxtoevery
poundyousubscribe(youcan
thesedays.Remember,when
youare57,ifyouneedto,you
canaccessyourpensionplan
general information. You should
seek specific professional advice
before taking any action in
evenreceivetaxreliefifyou forthetax-freecashtorepay
aren’tworking(uptoage75)or thedebtandenjoytaxreliefon
relation to your own business.
ifyoupaynotax,asyoudon’t allinterestcostsmeantime.
learn ► grow ► excel
business as they go along. It’s not
Ifatfirstyoudon’tsucceed,
rescheduleyourbusiness
workshoponanewdate.
That’swhatwearedoingfor
our learn ► grow ► excel
workshopsafterhavingto
cancelthefirstoneinJanuary
duetothelockdown.
Fromourexperienceof
hostingBBxpo,thebiggest
business-to-businesseventin
NorthDevon,andpublishing
BusinessActionmagazine,we
havelearntthatsomany
NorthDevonbusinesses
cannotfindtheadviceand
supporttheyneed.
Affordable workshops
Thatiswhywedeveloped
learn ► grow ► excelasa
Practical business training and advice
programmeofaffordable
businesssupportwewilltake
outtocommunitiesacross
NorthDevon.
Theseworkshopscombine
practicaltrainingandadvice–
SevenStepstoResilienceand
Excellence–tohelpbusinesses
thriveandincludemembership
ofourexclusiveonlineprivate
supportgroupwherewe
discussactualbusinessissues,
andshareproblemsand
solutionswitheachother.
Thecostoftheseinitial
workshopshasbeensetat£30
tobeaffordableforall,
especiallybusinessesoperating
SEVEN STEPS TO RESILIENCE AND EXCELLENCE
VISIBILITY ►Ensurecustomersfindyourbusinesswhenthey
arelookingtobuy UNDERSTANDING ►Explainyouroffering
clearlysocustomersknowwhatitis OPPORTUNITY ►Tapinto
marketsyoumightbemissing EFFICIENCY ►Optimiseyour
businessbycuttingoutunnecessaryexpenses COMMUNITY ►
Developyoursocialvalueonline MOTIVATION ►Buildyour
resiliencesoyoumoveyourbusinessforward,evenonbaddays
SUPPORT ►Findsupportinourexclusiveprivateonlinegroup
underseverelimitationsdue
tothepressurescreatedby
Coronavirusandlockdowns.
■ Toregisteryourinterestin
attendingworkshop(s)when
weannouncefuturedates,
pleaseemailask@businessaction.co.ukorwatchourfor
announcementsat
northdevonevents.co.uk
@businessactionm | February / March 2021 | business action 9
LYNTON NEWS
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The Covid crisishasforced
manybusinessestoswitchto
onlineretailandhome
deliveryastheirrouteto
marketandthismaywell
continuebeyondthecurrent
pandemic.Butwiththe
growingexpectationfrom
shoppersthatproducts
shouldn’tcomewrappedin
lotsofplastic,thenbusinesses
arehavingtofindwaysof
packaginginamore
acceptablemanner.
Corrugatedcardboardis
onetypeofpackagingmaterial
thathasresonatedwith
consumers.It’ssturdyenough
tocopewithhomedelivery
anddoesn’tneedanotherbox
fortransportation.StAustell
BreweryinCornwallmadethe
movefromtrayandshrink
wraptoFullyEnclosedcases
andShelfReadyPackagingin
2013andhasn’tlookedback
accordingtoproduction
managerRobOrton:
“Thecardboardboxis
reallyimportanttous;thecase
iswhatwe’redeliveringthe
bottlestoourcustomersinso
it’simportantthatit’sstrong
andlooksreallyappealingto
thecustomer.Inconjunction
withNorthDevon’sAtlas
Packagingourboxesarereally
welldesignedandtheylook
fantastic.Therecycling
Corrugated cardboard’s many
benefits for product packaging
elementissuperimportant
andasweknowit’sonlygoing
oneway.”
Theadvantagethat
cardboardhasovermanyother
packagingmaterialsisthatit
doesn’tbecomeaproblemfor
theenduser.Consumerscan
collapsetheboxesandplace
themoutforkerbsiderecycling
collections.Manylocal
authoritiesintheUKwillonly
acceptclearorwhiteplastic
andnotplasticwrapping.
ThemakerofTributeand
ProperJobsourcesitsboxes
fromAtlasPackaging.Thebox
companytakesinFSCcertified
sheetboardbeforeprinting,
diecutting,foldingandgluing
allonthesamesitein
Barnstaple.Salesdirector
MarkLevertonbelievesthat
morebrewerieswillmove
awayfromshrinkwrapwhen
thetimecomestochangetheir
wrappingmachinery:
“Smalltomedium-sized
breweriesmaywellhave
investedaconsiderablesumin
recentyearsonshrinkwrap
machinery.Butasconsumer
expectationshavechanged,
thenbrewerieswillneedto
balancehowlongtheycan
continuetouseplasticagainst
thepublic’scriticalviewofthe
material.Sowhentheythink
aboutchangingtheplastic
wrapmachinethatwouldbea
goodtimetoinvestigate
movingtoprintedcorrugated.”
Andit’snotonlybreweries
whomaythinkthatthetime
hascometomovefromplastic
wrappingtoacardboardbox.
AsMarkexplains,printed
wraparoundcardboardboxes
arenowbecomingincreasingly
popularfortheirlightweight
anddurability.
“Onsmallerrunsofupto
1,000wraparoundswefind
thatourdigitalprintisvery
costeffective.Forlarger
productionrunsourrangeof
Flexoprintingmachines
deliveranoutstandingprint
directontothecorrugated
box.Havingalighterboxcan
reducecarriagecoststoo.”
Withcleverdesignwork
corrugatedboxescanbe
producedwithcardboard
internaldividersbuiltinfor
protectionduringtransitto
greatlyreducethenumberof
breakagesaswellasincreasing
thespeedofpacking.It’s
anticipatedthatnational
supplyissuesforpaper
experiencedinJanuarythis
yearwilleasethroughoutQ1
in2021.”
■ Details01271344055or
atlaspackaging.co.uk
10 business action | February / March 2021 | business-action.co.uk
NEGLIGENCE MOTORING
Driving the future of motoring
A Bideford garageestablished
in1933isadaptingtotherapid
changesinthemotoring
industrytoembracethearrival
ofelectriccars.
Trulyafamilybusiness,
BlightsMotorswasstartedby
JackBlight,ablacksmithin
Monkleigh,whoadaptedfrom
shoeinghorsestoservicingthe
growingnumberofmotorcars
aftertheSecondWorldWar.
Jack’ssons,FredandJeff,joined
thebusinessandnowJeff’sson,
Nick,managesitsService
operation.Formanyyears,
Nick’suncle,Dave,wasgeneral
manager.Jeffstillworksparttimeandhiswife,Theresa,
managesitsSparstore,while
TimBlight,Nick’suncle,runs
theSalesoperation.
Thebusinesshasoccupied
severalsites,butmovedtoits
presentlocationinClovelly
Roadinthe1960s.Today,as
wellasbeingtheNorthDevon
MGmaindealer,Blights
providesnewandusedcarsales
andservicing,BPfuelsalesand
rapidelectriccarcharging
points,andalargeSpar
conveniencestore.
Going electric
Blightshasalwayslookedtothe
futureandwiththemotor
Blights’ large Spar convenience store supports
many local residents
industryundergoing
fundamentalchange,Nickhas
takenafreshlookatthe
businesstobringallpartsofits
operationsuptodate.
Aswellassupplyingnew
petrolMGmodels,Blightsis
steadilydevelopingsalesofthe
marque’selectriccars.To
supportthis,ithasinvested
significantlyinupgradingits
workshopfacilitiesandisnow
anapprovedElectricService
andRepairCentre,soaswellas
servicingandMOTsfor
petrolanddieselcars,it
canserviceanymakeof
electriccar.
Theforecourtalso
offersmotoristsrapid
charging,asmore
switchtoelectric.
Nicksaysinterestin
electriccarsisgrowing
andthatcustomersare
impressedatthevalue
offeredbyMGs,
includingtheirseven-year
warranty.Blightsoffersarange
offinanceoptionsandalso
participatesintheMotability
scheme.
Evenwithlockdowns,sales
haveremainedstrongand
Blightsalmostsoldoutof
vehiclesbytheendof2020.
Serving the community
Providinggoodserviceand
peaceofmindnotonlydrives
Blights’motorsalesand
servicing,butalsoits
store.Recent
investmentofsome
£30,000hasenabled
remodellingofthe
1,200sq.ft.shopto
enhancecustomers’
shoppingexperience.
Thishasincludedan
upgradeofthetill
systemtoprovidemore
detailedanalysisof
salesandtheaddition
ofnewproductranges,
includinghotfoodandquality
preparedfrozenmealsand
wines.Nicksaystheshophas
beenverybusyduring
lockdowns,withcustomersable
tokeepstockedupwithfood
easilywhenrestrictionshave
discouragedtravel.
Focus on the customer
Fromitsbeginningsinthe
horse-drawnera,Blightshas
developedintoabusiness
operatingwiththelatestvehicle
technology,employingateam
of28peopleacrossallits
activities.Keepingupwith
developmentsisessentialand
thishasenabledittokeeppace
withchangesandachievethe
successivetransformations
fromhorsetopetroltoelectric.
Inadditiontoits
engineeringandtechnical
expertise,Blightsmaintainsa
strongfocusoncustomer
experienceandisamemberof
TradingStandards’BuyWith
ConfidenceSchemeandthe
RetailMotorIndustry
Federation.Itaimsforevery
customertoenjoyafantastic
experience,frominitialenquiry
totestdrives,vehicle
purchasingandaftercare.
■ Details01237472282or
blightsmotors.co.uk
Blights supplies new petrol and electric MG
cars as well as a wide range of used vehicles
@businessactionm | February / March 2021 | business action 11
TORRINGTON
Traders join commons support scheme
Businesses in Torringtonare
supportingthepreservation
andmanagementof
TorringtonCommonsby
joiningaschemeoffering
discountsandbenefitsto
shoppers.36businesseshave
nowsigneduptothe365
SupportersGrouplaunchedby
GreatTorringtonCommons
Conservators.
TorringtonCommons
comprise365acresofland
surroundingTorrington,
exceptonitseasternside.The
landwasgiventothepeopleof
thetowninthe12 th century
andtransferredtoanelected
committeeofconservatorsin
the19 th century.Theunspoilt
countrysideisfreelyaccessible
toallandvisitorscanwalkthe
20milesoffootpaths,from
GreatTorringtonGolfCourse
inthenorththroughancient
woodandwildflower
meadowsinthewestand
droppingdowntotheRiver
Torridgevalleytothesouth.
Thereisalsopedestrianaccess
fromtheTarkaTrail.
365 Supporters Group
TheConservatorsareanonprofitmakingcharitywhich
reliesondonationsfromthe
The 365 acres of Torrington Commons are accessible free to the public
publicandlocalbusinesses,
grantsandfundraisingin
ordertopreserveand
maintainthecommons.Thisis
thereasonforthelaunchof
the365MembershipGroup.
Alreadysome150
individualshavesignedupto
pay£2(ormore)permonthin
support.Inreturntheyreceive
benefitsincludingafreecopy
ofthetrailmapand
invitationstoguidedwalks
andspecialevents.Theyalso
receiveamembershipcard
whichentitlesthemto
discountsorspecialoffers
fromspecificbusinessesin
Torrington.TheConservators
hopethataswellassupporting
itsmanagementofthe
Commons,businesseswill
experienceincreasedtrade.
AndrewGiles,vicechairmanoftheConservators,
explainsthatthecardscheme
issimilartoonerunfor
HampsteadHeathinLondon
andthattheHeath&
HampsteadSocietyhad
offeredhelpfuladviceon
settingupTorrington’s
scheme.36businesseshave
signeduptotheschemeto
dateandAndrewinvitesmore
businessestojointhese.
Allparticipatingbusinesses
arelistedontheConservators’
websitewithclickablelinks
throughtotheirownwebsites.
Arandomsampleofcurrent
memberbusinessesincludes
AHJCurtisBuilders,
Collectability,Dartington
Crystal,EverestIndian
Takeaway,ThePuffingBilly,R
&SWareButchers,Squires
Electrical,SteveGladwin
FamilyButchersand
TorringtonGolfClub.
Memberbusinessesoffera
widevarietyofproductsand
servicesavailablelocally.
Torringtonremainsoneof
NorthDevon’streasuresand
the365SupportersGroup
servesbothtopreservethe
Commonsandsupportthe
localeconomy.
■ Anyonecansignupto
supportTorrington
Commons,wherevertheylive,
andbusinessesareinvitedto
jointheschemebyofferinga
discounttomembers.See
detailsandjoinonlineat
torringtoncommons.org
12 business action | February / March 2021 | business-action.co.uk
START-UP ADVICE
We started a new business. So can you
Why start a business?When
doyoustartit?Andhowdo
youstart?
Thefirstquestionalways
fascinatesmeandwhenI
interviewbusinessowners,itis
theonethatusuallyprovides
themostilluminatingand
entertaininganswers.
AlanWilliamsandIhave
runourownindividual
businessesforyears–Alan
runsWillsAtHome,providing
willsandprobateservices,
whileIrunZarywacz,a
partnershipwithmybrother
Simon,providingcopywriting
andcommunicationsservices
forbusinesses.Howdidwe
startabusinessmagazine?
Why start a business?
Wehaveknowneachotherfor
someyearsandAlanwantedto
publishalocaladvertising
leafletonwhichwestartedto
collaborate.Hehasadeepand
detailedknowledgeofthe
NorthDevonbusiness
community,developedover
decades,andsawtheneed.
Throughpublishingthe
leafletwealsosawtheneedfor
professionallyorganised
businesseventsandthisledus
todeveloptheannualBBxpo
businessexhibitions(sadly,
cancelledin2020dueto
Coronavirus).
Frommyownexperienceas
abusinessjournalistinthe
area,Isawthenational
broadcastandprintmedia
companieswithdrawingfrom
NorthDevon,leadingtoalack
ofbusinessreporting.Thisled
ustopublishingthefirstissue
ofBusinessActionin2019to
fillthegap.
Everythingwehavedoneis
focusedonsatisfyingamarket
needwehaveidentified.
TIP:Beforeyoustartyourown
business,ensurethereisa
needinthemarketplacefor
yourproductorservice.This
isnotalwaysstraightforward.
ThinkoftheiPhoneandhow
Applecreatedtheneedfora
devicethathadnotpreviously
existed.Howdidpeopleknow
theyneededone?Itis
importanttoensurethatyou
makeyourcustomersaware
thattheyneedyourproduct.
Business Action magazine is now in its third year. It launched after
co-publishers Alan Williams (left) and Robert Zarywacz identified the
opportunity and drew on their experience, knowledge and skills to
make it happen. Below Robert Zarywacz shares their experience and
offers advice on starting your own business
Howevergooditis,youneed
tosellittothemtosucceed.
What motivates you?
Startingabusinessrequires
greatenergyanddetermination.
Nothinghappensuntilyou
makeithappen.Youneeda
strongreasontoattemptthis.
AlanandIsharea
commitmenttohelpand
supportbusinesses,especially
smallbusinesses.Thisdroveus
tostartandfuelsourpersistence
toovercomeobstacles.
TIP:Identifyyourmotivation
andrecognisetheburning
desirethatmakesyoujump
outofbedeachdaytomake
yourbusinesswork.
When do you start?
WestartedBusinessAction
immediately,ascertainaspects
oftheoperationhadbeenin
ourmindsforyearsandall
NOW IN OUR 3 rd YEAR
13 ISSUES PUBLISHED
260+ BUSINESSES IN ARTICLES & ADVERTS
000s OF ONLINE & SOCIAL MEDIA VIEWS
SELECTED AS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
#SMALLBIZ100 in 2019
100+ AWARDS ENTRIES IN 2020
UNINTERRUPTED OPERATION IN 2020
fittedtogetherinstantly.When
discussingit,itwasclearthat
thetimewasright,sowe
launchedwithinfourmonths.
Aswehaveourexisting
businesses,wewereableto
launchquickly,fundingthe
magazineourselveswithlittle
risk.Givingupfull-time
employmenttostartabusiness
canbeamajorriskandmany
experiencedentrepreneurs
recommendstartingsmallor
part-timetotestit.Thereare
manyelementsyouneedtoget
right,sotestingitinasmall
waycanhelpironoutproblems
beforeyourfulllaunch.
TIP:Onceyou’veidentifieda
marketneedandhavea
definiteideaofhowyouwill
runyourbusiness,move
quicklysoasnottomissany
opportunities.Waitingtoo
longcansapyouryour
motivationandenergy.
TIP:Remembertotestyour
businessideaonasmallscale
sothatyoucanseewhatworks
andwhatdoesn’tworksoyou
canfinetuneyouroperation.
TIP:Fundityourselfsoyou
don’tborrowmoney.
How to start?
Together,AlanandIhadthe
businessknowledgeweneeded
tomovefast.Weestablished
thestructureofthebusiness,
developedthemagazineformat
andcalculatedapricing
structurethatwasattractiveto
customersandviableforus.
Muchofthiswepickedup
fromourownexperienceand
fromtalkingtootherbusiness
owners,butwedidn’tknow
everythingandwecontinueto
finetunethemagazine.
TIP:Nooneknowseverything
aboutrunningabusinessso
seekadviceandaskother
businessowners.Findpeople
youcantrustwhohavereal
experienceofrunningtheir
ownbusinessandwhose
adviceyourespect.
More support
AlanandIarealwayspleased
tosupportbusinessesandyou
canfindmoreusefultipsfrom
ourBusinessActivistsonpages
8&9,aswellasdetailsof
workshopsweareplanning.
@businessactionm | February / March 2021 | business action 13
CHARITY
General & specialist auctions
Online & at our Bideford auction house
House clearance
Valuations & probates service
01237 471 955
torridgeauctions.co.uk
Children’s Hospice South
West(CHSW)haslaunched
theCHSWBusinessClub.The
charityencouragesSouthWest
businessestosupportitswork
withlocalchildrenand
familiesinitsmilestone30th
anniversaryyearbyjoining
theclub.
14businesseshavealready
joined,includingWestern
CountiesRoofingatYelland
Quay.TheCHSWBusiness
Clubaimstorecruit100
businesses,eachpaying£300,
whichwouldraise£30,000.
Directoroffundraisingfor
CHSWPaulCourtneysays:
“We’reurgingcompaniesto
Children’s hospice business club
standwithlocalchildrenand
familiesandhelpraise£30,000,
whichcouldpayfor1,500
hoursofcare.Whetheritbe
providinghomevisits,virtual
therapysessions,orend-of-life
careinoneofourhospices,
you’llbehelpingtomakea
differencetofamilieswhoneed
usnowmorethanever.”
Membershipbenefits
includebuildingconnections,
raisingawarenessofyour
businessandhelpinglocal
childrenwithlife-limiting
illnesses.
LesleyWhiteofWestern
CountiesRoofingsays:“Itis
ourprivilegetooffersome
smallsupportfortheamazing
peoplethatmakesucha
differencetochildren’slives.”
CHSWhasthreechildren’s
hospices:LittleBridgeHouse
inNorthDevon,Charlton
FarminSomersetandLittle
HarbourinCornwall.The
hospiceprovidescarefor500+
childrenwithlife-limiting
illnessesandoffersmuchneededsupporttofamilies.
■ Details01275866600or
chsw.org.uk/businessclub
We’re ready when you are
Business networking
Meetings & events
Training seminars
Team building
Dining
01271 862446
stay@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk
ilfracombecarlton.co.uk
14 business action | February / March 2021 | business-action.co.uk
ECONOMY
Looking to the future of trade
Whatever you wanted,we
havelefttheEU.Wealsohavea
dealand,forusinbusinessand
ourprivatelives,itisuptousto
maketheverybestofthe
situation.
Idon’tsaythatin
resignationtoanything,butour
mindsetwillaffecthowwecan
benefitfromthenew
environment:anindependent
UnitedKingdom,freefrom
manyoftheshackleswhich
manyfeltwereholdingusback.
Ithink,insimpleterms,
manypeoplewerefedupwith
whatappearedtobeanevergrowingpoliticalexperiment
whichhadswampedthe
mutualbenefitsofcollective
tradeandsoon,buttimewill
tell.Therewillbeunexpected
problemsandalsounexpected
bonusesandbenefits.
Thereislikelytobemore
paperworkforimportingand
exportingand,asindividuals,
therewillbemorehassleswhen
itcomestotravelandthings
likethat.However,Ishouldlike
tofeeltoothatsomeoftherafts
ofEUlegislationcanberolled
backaswell,sothatourprivate
andbusinessliveswillbecome
easierandwecanconcentrate
onwhatisimportantandnot
whatislessrelevant.
Therearemanywho
demandincessantlythe‘list’of
benefits,asifthereweretwo
schedulesofplussesand
minuses.It’snotthatsimple,
but,yes,therearebenefitsfrom
beingoutsideandnot‘just’the
significantmulti-billionannual
netpaymentstothe‘system’. In
fact,Iamsurprisedthatthere
werenotsomeformsof
‘payments’obligatedaspartof
thedealtocoverthecosts,but
Isupposetheywillbemutual
goingforwards.
Wemustalsonotconfuse
risingorfallingcostswith
‘Brexit’alone.Currenciesmove
upanddowntooand,for
example,theUSdollarisdown
19%sinceitsMarchhighand
thatsavingtousonsomany
baseproducts,suchas
foodstuffstradedindollars,is
betterthanallcollectivetariffs
whichcouldhaveapplied.I
suspecttheeurowillfallagainst
Business Action aims to focus purely on actual business matters and
has not reported on the political manoeuvrings around Brexit over
the past four years. With Brexit now complete, changes are now
starting to impact businesses. For a view on how these changes
could shape the future of trade, we asked Philip Milton, managing
director of Philip J Milton and Company Plc, which manages funds
worth some £160 million
Philip Milton, managing director of Philip J Milton & Company plc
sterlingnow,afterhavingrisen
by23%sinceJuly2015,andthat
reversalwouldcutimportcosts
ongoodsfromtheEU.Of
course,thatmeansourexports
todollareconomiesare19%
moreexpensiveandthesame
wouldhappentothosetothe
EU(thoughinactualgoodswe
suckinfarmorethanweexport
atthemoment).
Ibelieveahealthyformof
nationalpridewillbeginto
reappeartoo–that’snot
isolationnorhatredofthings
foreign–asfirmswillbeableto
advertise‘madeintheUnited
Kingdom’againperhaps.This
willbolsterhometrade,
increasingdemandand
reducingimports.
Therearesomanyfood
productsweimport
unnecessarilywhenwehave
world-qualityoptionsmadein
theUKalreadyandoften
whichweexport.Isn’tit
greenertootocutdownon
foodmilesbybuyingnationally
whenwecan?
Thepandemichasdistracted
usall(nottrivialisingitsawful
impacts)andglobaleconomies
havebeenhurthard.However,
ourshashadtheuncertainties
of‘Brexit’hoveringoveruslike
acloudaswell.However,Brexit
isanewdawnandthiswill
meanthatwehavecertainty
instead–somebad,somegood
–andconsequentlyour
economyislikelytorebound
betterandfasterthanothersas
thecloudhasbeenlifted.
Weallhateuncertainty
morethananythingelse.Our
financialmarketsarelikelyto
outperformotherglobal
marketslikewiseandIsee
sterlingcontinuingtorise
againstthedollarandto
reboundsignificantlyagainst
theeuro,whichisoverstretchedonsomany
measuresanyway.
Whataretheindividual
businessopportunities?
Suddenly,weshallbe
responsibleforconnections
withcountrieswhichstopped
seeingusasanindividual
nationanymore.
Weshallwelcomemore
productstoourshoresfrom
‘new’partsoftheglobeandthe
dynamicwilllooktoseehow
wecancreatenewbusiness
openings.Therewillbenew
serviceopportunitiestoointhe
wholeinternationaltradearena.
Iamveryoptimisticforthe
Cityandallaspectsofthe
financialservices’sector
generallytoo–includingFree
Portsandperhapsevenan
onshoretaxhaventoattract
tradewhichotherwiseendsup
insomeofthelesssalubrious
partsoftheworld.Iamnot
talking‘illegal’herenorevasion
(theUKleadstheworldon
anti-moneylaundering,evasion
andaggressivetaxavoidance)
butgeographicallyaccessible,
wheretheinternationalwealthy
needsuchplacesandcanrely
upononeofthemostadvanced
financialsystemsintheworld,
thegreatestofsecurity,capable
employeesandlegalcapabilities
andthelanguageofcommerce.
SoIampositiveaboutthe
futureforournationandthat
theopportunitieswillpercolate
outforallinbusiness.
Don’tletnegativityforthe
inevitableholdyouback,but,
yes,adaptifyourbusiness
modelhastochangetobenefit
andtocounteranyconsequences.
■ Details01271344300or
miltonpj.net
@businessactionm | February / March 2021 | business action 15
HEADER
16 business action | February / March 2021 | business-action.co.uk
AWARDS
business
ACTION AWARDS
2021
North Devon’s independent business awards
If ever there were a needto
celebratebusinesses,itisnow.
Overthepastyear,theNorth
Devonbusinesscommunityhas
faceddifficultiesofproportions
notexperiencedforgenerations.
Businesses’responsehas
beenmagnificentwithsomuch
energyandimaginationapplied
toadaptingtotherapidly
changingevents.
Keeping life going
EverysingleresidentofNorth
Devonhasdependedon
businessesforfood,shelter,
energy,warmthandessential
servicesduringaperiodwhen
therewasgreatuncertainty
overessentialsupplies.Our
BusinessActionAwards2021
aimtopaytributetobusinesses
forensuringthatsomany
aspectsoflifehavebeenableto
continuewithoutserious
shortages.
Sadly,somebusinesseshave
notsurvived,throughnofault
oftheirown,andwealsoseek
toacknowledgethosewehave
lostoverthepast12monthsas
muchastocelebratethosewho
surviveandeventhrive.
Reinvention and innovation
Manybusinesseshavereinventedthemselves,having
beenforcedtoclosein
lockdownsorpreventedfrom
operatingastheyhadbeendue
tosocialdistancingregulations.
Somehaveseencustomfall,
somehaveenterednewmarkets
andbuiltanentirelynew
customerbaseandothershave
experiencedrecordlevelsof
business.Thishasdependedon
boththearbitraryimpositionof
restrictions–withhospitality,
retailandpersonalservices
experiencingsomeofthe
severestrestrictions–andthe
energy,flexibilityand
ENTER NOW!
ENTRIES OPEN UNTIL MONDAY 15 MARCH 2021
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
ENTER YOUR BUSINESS OR NOMINATE ANOTHER
innovationofbusinessesin
adaptingfast.
Thisyear’sawardswill
recognisethesebusinesses.
Choice of 12 categories
Businessescanchoosefrom12
categoriestoenter–listed
above–andyoucanenteryour
businessinasmanycategories
asyouwant.
Nominate a business
Aswellasenteringyourown
business,youcannominate
otherbusinessesyoubelieve
deservetowinanaward.
Whichofyourcustomers,
suppliersorassociates
impressesyousomuchthat
theydeserveanaward?Please
nominatethemsothatthey
receiverecognition.
Recognising exporters
Wearedelightedtolaunchour
newestawardscategory–our
InternationalTradeAward–to
recognisetheachievementsof
businessesthatexportgoodsor
servicesinternationally.
Exportsareofvital
importancetothelocaland
nationaleconomyandwewant
torecogniseexportersatevery
level,whetheryouarean
establishedexporterorhave
juststartedexporting.
Weareverygratefulto
InternationalTradeMattersfor
suggestingthisawardand
sponsoringit.
BUSINESS-ACTION.CO.UK/AWARDS
Who can enter?
Itcanbeeasyforbusiness
ownersanddirectorstothink
thatthepastyearhasbeenone
ofstrugglingjusttostandstill
andthatthiscountsforlittle.
Wedisagree.Copingwith
everythingthrownatusand
stillstandingisanincredible
achievement.
Somebusinessownersalso
thinkthattheirbusinessistoo
neworsmallforanaward.
Again,wedisagree.Starting
abusinessisabigachievement.
Sohoweverneworoldyour
business,whateverthesector,
whetherit’sbigorsmall,you
couldwinanaward.
Why you need to enter
➤ Bringyourbusinesstothe
attentionofthismagazine
andourindependentjudges
➤ Receivefreepromotionfor
yourbusinessasanentrant
➤ Entrytoourdrawforall
entrantstowina£150
advertisingpackage
➤ Winnersreceivepublic
recognitionatawardsevent
and/orinonlinevideos
➤ Winnersreceiveadvertising
prizesandeditorialcoverage
inthismagazine
Announcing winners
Wewillhostanawardseventat
theearliestpossibleopportunity,
althoughmayannounce
winnersonlinetoavoidtoolong
await.
Wheneverannouncethe
winner,wewanttocelebrateas
manyNorthDevonbusinesses
aspossiblein2021,sodon’t
delay,enteryourbusinessor
nominateotherstoday.The
deadlineisMonday15March.
Goodluck!
■ business-action.co.uk/awards
@businessactionm | February / March 2021 | business action 17
AWARDS
The North Devon Business of
the Year Award 2021isonce
againsponsoredbyPhilipJ
Milton&CompanyPlc.
Thewinnerwillbeselected
bytheawardsjudgesfromthe
winnersofthe12awards
categories–businessescannot
enterthemselves.
Philip J Milton & Company plc
Wearedelightedandproudto
offerafullyindependent
financialandinvestment
planningserviceandweadvise
uponallaspectsofclients’
financialaffairs.Thecompany
continuestoexpandits
operationsandalsooffersan
AccountancyandTaxation
servicealongwithaWill
Writing,Trusts,Estatesand
ProbateDepartment.
TheCompanyisauthorised
andregulatedbytheFinancial
ConductAuthority(FCA)and
isoneofthelargestandlongest
North Devon
Business of the Year
establishedIndependent
FinancialAdvisersinNorth
Devon.Weareregulatedatone
ofthehighestavailable
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
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