Business Action | February / March 2021
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Business Action | February / March 2021

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.

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.

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usiness<br />

ACTION<br />

north enterprise<br />

devon<br />

growth<br />

innovation<br />

news & views<br />

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

CONTENTS HEADER<br />

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

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

Vol 3 Issue 1 – <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> – distribution 2,000<br />

Lock Down ➡ Free Up ...................................................................................... 1<br />

Covid support update ...................................................................................... 2<br />

New business: Selling globally in under a year ................................... 3<br />

New business: Catering to dogs’ desires in Lyn Valley ................... 3<br />

Holsworthy: Cooking up an outdoor feast ............................................. 4<br />

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

South Molton: Keeping the community healthy .................................. 6<br />

Technology: Painless IT support without the jargon ......................... 7<br />

Builders merchant supports Search & Rescue appeal...................... 7<br />

<strong>Business</strong> Activists: Your business questions answered ................ 8<br />

Manufacturing: Corrugated cardboard’s many benefits .................. 10<br />

Bideford: Driving the future of motoring.................................................. 11<br />

Torrington: Traders join Commons support scheme......................... 12<br />

Start-ups: We started a new business. So can you ........................... 13<br />

Charity: Children’s hospice business club ............................................ 14<br />

Looking to the future of trade....................................................................... 15<br />

<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Awards <strong>2021</strong>:<br />

Enter now............................................................................................................... 17<br />

12 awards categories........................................................................................ 18<br />

In the Hot Seat: Jeannette Cann<br />

of Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium............................................................ 26<br />

© Need it Find it <strong>2021</strong>. All information in this magazine is published in good faith.<br />

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

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

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

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

How does your business<br />

set the world on fire?<br />

Wills, Probate & Lasting<br />

Powers of Attorney<br />

Alan Williams<br />

01271 860105 / 07970 671192<br />

wills.athome@yahoo.com<br />

wills-athome.co.uk<br />

Day or evening appointments in<br />

the comfort of your own home<br />

Ignite the creative spark<br />

Call 01271 879100<br />

Z A R Y W A C Z<br />

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<br />

Z<br />

2 Z<br />

Wills: £75 Single<br />

£110 Joint<br />

ii<br />

business action | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk

THIS HEADER ISSUE<br />

business<br />

ACTION<br />

LOCK DOWN ➡ FREE UP<br />

The upheavalbusinessesare<br />

currentlyexperiencingis<br />

massive,asarethechallenges<br />

wefacetoreturntonormality.<br />

Notonlyarewedealingwith<br />

theimpactofCoronavirus,but<br />

alsochangescreatedbyBrexit,<br />

nowthatithashappened.<br />

Whilethereismuchargument<br />

andmyriadpointsofviewon<br />

both,thesedonotaddressthe<br />

immediateissuesfacing<br />

businessesaimingtosurvive<br />

and,hopefully,thriveinyears<br />

ahead.Sales,debts,cashflow,<br />

taxes–allhavetobeaddressed<br />

now,whateverwethinkabout<br />

thestateoftheworld,whois<br />

responsibleforitandwhatwe<br />

wantthemtodo.<br />

The will to succeed<br />

Thisisnotthefirst–andwon’t<br />

bethelast–upheaval.<br />

50yearsago,theUKtackled<br />

decimalisation.In1973,the<br />

globaloilcrisiscausedpower<br />

cuts,rampantinflationanda<br />

three-dayworkingweek.Inthe<br />

1990s,theUKworkedthrough<br />

recessionandin2007entered<br />

theprolongedglobalfinancial<br />

crisis.Thehardships<br />

experiencedgraduallyfadefrom<br />

memory,buttheeffortneeded<br />

torecoverfromsucheventsis<br />

huge.Weneedthateffortnow.<br />

Andweseeitinaction<br />

acrossthearea.<br />

ADVERTISING<br />

Alan Williams<br />

Advertising, Distribution &<br />

Publisher<br />

t: 07970 671192<br />

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

Thisissueof<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong><br />

includesarticlesonindividuals<br />

startingnewbusinessesand<br />

establishedbusinesses<br />

remodellingtheirprocessesto<br />

adapttochangingconditions.<br />

Weseethewilltosucceed<br />

drivingNorthDevonbusiness<br />

ownersforward.<br />

Celebrating enterprise<br />

Wesalutetheseandall<br />

enterprisingbusinessowners<br />

andinvitethemtoenterour<br />

<strong>2021</strong><strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>Awards,<br />

whichrecognisethe<br />

achievementsofbusinessesnew<br />

andold,largeandsmall,in<br />

everysector.<br />

EDITORIAL<br />

Robert Zarywacz<br />

Editor, Designer & Publisher<br />

t: 07971 176044<br />

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

@robertz<br />

Whileour2020awardswere<br />

greatfun,webelievethisyear’s<br />

awardsneedtogoevenfurther<br />

toraisethespiritsofallthosein<br />

businesswhoareworkingso<br />

hardinsuchdemandingtimes.<br />

Weemphasisethatnotonly<br />

canyouenteryourown<br />

business,butyoucannominate<br />

asmanyotherbusinessesas<br />

youlikewhoyouthinkdeserve<br />

towinanaward.<br />

Thereare12categoriesto<br />

enter–detailedonpages18to<br />

23–andyoucanenterasmany<br />

asarerelevanttoyou.<br />

Entryisfreeandallentrants<br />

canopttoreceivefreepublicity<br />

aswellasthechancewina£150<br />

BUSINESS-ACTION.CO.UK/AWARDS<br />

annualadvertisingpackage.<br />

Weareespeciallykeento<br />

celebratethosehospitalityand<br />

tourism,retailandconsumer<br />

businessesforcedtoclose<br />

duringlockdowns,aswellas<br />

learners–apprenticesand<br />

trainees–manyofwhose<br />

traininghasbeenseverely<br />

disrupted.<br />

Weaimtohostabigawards<br />

andnetworkingevent,<br />

althoughifnotpossiblewill<br />

celebrateourfinalistsand<br />

winnersonlineandonvideo.<br />

Sendinyourentriesonline<br />

atbusiness-action.co.uk/awards<br />

andpleasenotethenew<br />

deadlineof15<strong>March</strong><strong>2021</strong>.<br />

Our third year<br />

Thisissueof<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong><br />

startsourthirdyearof<br />

publishing.It’sbeenan<br />

interestingjourneyandonpage<br />

17wedescribehowwebrought<br />

ourideaforanindependent<br />

localbusinessmagazinetolife.<br />

Ifwecandoit,socanyou.<br />

Wewanttoencourageeveryone<br />

inNorthDevonwhohasan<br />

ideaforaviablebusinessto<br />

startitupandsucceed.<br />

Throughout<strong>2021</strong>,wewill<br />

continuetosupportyou<br />

whereveryourbusinessis<br />

basedinNorthDevon.<br />

Afterlockdown,weneedto<br />

freeupenterprise.<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 1

BUSINESS SUPPORT<br />

Covid support update<br />

While we can't look pastthe<br />

springwithoutacrystalball,it's<br />

importanttoknowwhat<br />

businesssupportlookslikeat<br />

themoment.Thenextbudgetis<br />

duetobeannouncedon3<br />

<strong>March</strong>,solookoutforchanges<br />

andupdatesthen,butitislikely<br />

thatsupportwillcontinueto<br />

focusontheself-employedand<br />

jobsupportschemes.<br />

The Coronavirus Job<br />

Retention Scheme<br />

TheGovernmenthas<br />

confirmedthattheCoronavirus<br />

JobRetentionScheme(CJRS)<br />

willbeavailableuntil30April<br />

<strong>2021</strong>.TheCJRShasevolved<br />

manytimessinceitscreation<br />

lastyear,andHMTreasury<br />

issuedtheCoronavirus<br />

DirectionNo.6on25January,<br />

whichconfirmedhowthe<br />

schemewilloperatebetween1<br />

<strong>February</strong>and30April.Youcan<br />

findextensiveguidanceon<br />

usingtheschemeonthegov.uk<br />

website.<br />

Underthecurrentscheme,<br />

employerscanplacean<br />

employeeonfurloughleave<br />

andclaimagrantfromthe<br />

CJRSfor80%oftheemployee’s<br />

wagesuptoacapof£2,500per<br />

month.Employersareonly<br />

requiredtocontributethe<br />

associatedNationalInsurance<br />

andemployerpension<br />

contributionstowardsfurlough<br />

pay.However,theycantopup<br />

payto100%iftheywishtodo<br />

so.Employeescanbeflexibly<br />

furloughedwithemployers<br />

coveringwagesdueforany<br />

hoursworked.<br />

Animportantpointtonote<br />

isthatsince1December2020,<br />

youarenolongerabletoclaim<br />

thegrantforemployees<br />

servingcontractualor<br />

statutorynoticeperiods.In<br />

additiontothis,inmostcases,<br />

HMRCisnowpublishingdata<br />

onemployerswhoareclaiming<br />

againstthescheme.<br />

Withchangesinrisklevel<br />

andnationalrestrictions,itis<br />

helpfulforemployerstohave<br />

clarityaroundwhichemployees<br />

areeligibletobefurloughed.<br />

Thereareseveraleligibility<br />

requirementsthatneedtobe<br />

Over the past year, the support that the Government is offering<br />

businesses to protect jobs and income has developed as they have<br />

learned what's effective and justifiable. Here Susie Kevern of Pound<br />

Lane Financial Management and Charlotte Pengelly of Fitzgerald HR<br />

look at what support is currently available to businesses<br />

Support for businesses: (from left) Susie Kevern of Pound Lane Financial<br />

Management and Charlotte Pengelly of Fitzgerald HR<br />

mettousethescheme,which<br />

aredetailedatgov.uk.<br />

TheGovernmenthas<br />

confirmedthatclinically<br />

extremelyvulnerable<br />

individualswhoareshielding<br />

canbefurloughedwherethey<br />

areunabletoworkfromhome<br />

andareotherwiseeligibleto<br />

receivethegrantfromthe<br />

CJRS.<br />

Individualswithcaring<br />

responsibilitiesasaresultof<br />

COVID-19canalsobeplaced<br />

onfurlough,whereeligible.<br />

Thisisrelevantforparentsand<br />

carersofchildrenathomedue<br />

tochildcarefacilityandschool<br />

closuresaswellasfor<br />

individualsprovidingcarefora<br />

vulnerableperson.<br />

Inaddition,theGovernment<br />

hasnowprovidedguidanceon<br />

howtousethelookback<br />

methodtocalculatereference<br />

salaryforclaimsrelatingto<br />

<strong>March</strong>andApril,sothat<br />

employersrefertopayin<br />

<strong>March</strong>andApril2019as<br />

opposedto<strong>March</strong>andApril<br />

2020.Findoutmoreaboutthe<br />

schemeinFitzgeraldHR’s<br />

guidetotheCoronavirusJob<br />

RetentionScheme.<br />

Sick Pay Refunds<br />

<strong>Business</strong>eswithfewerthan250<br />

staffcanstillclaimrefundsfor<br />

uptotwoweeksofstatutory<br />

sickpayrelatingto<br />

Coronavirus.Thisneedstobe<br />

claimedseparatelyfrom<br />

payroll,viaaHMRCportal.<br />

Self Employed Income<br />

Support Scheme (SEISS)<br />

Ifthisisanoptionforyou,then<br />

youaremostlikelyalready<br />

usingthescheme.Atpresent,<br />

theChancellorhasconfirmed<br />

thatPhase4willprovidea<br />

paymentthatcoverslost<br />

profitabilityuptotheendof<br />

April<strong>2021</strong>.<br />

Other support<br />

HMRC Time To Pay for<br />

business taxes<br />

Thepastyearhashadahuge<br />

impactoncashflowandprofit<br />

formanybusinesses,withalot<br />

strugglingtopaytheirtaxes.<br />

HMRChassetupadedicated<br />

teamwhichcansetuppayment<br />

plans,suspenddebtcollection<br />

effortsandcancellatepayment<br />

feesontaxdebts.<br />

2019/20 Self Assessment<br />

Incometaxfor2019/20was<br />

duetobepaidby31January<br />

thisyear.Ifyouhavedifficulty<br />

paying,youcanarrangeto<br />

spreadpaymentoverasmany<br />

as12monthlyinstalments.<br />

<strong>Business</strong> Interruption<br />

Loans<br />

BoththeBounceBackand<br />

CBILSloansarestillavailable,<br />

currentlyforapplications<br />

receivedbefore31<strong>March</strong>(this<br />

hasbeenextendedseveral<br />

times).Therearenowmore<br />

lendersofferingCBILSloans<br />

andinterestrateswillbefixed.<br />

BounceBackLoansnowhave<br />

optionsforpaymentholidays<br />

ortermextensionstohelp<br />

smoothcashflowissuesforup<br />

to10years.<br />

Local Authority Grants<br />

Therearestillgrantsavailable<br />

forretailandhospitality<br />

businessesthatarestruggling<br />

orhavebeenforcedtoclose<br />

duringlockdown,basedonthe<br />

rateablevalueofpremises.<br />

CheckouttheNorthDevon<br />

CouncilandTorridgeDistrict<br />

Councilwebsitesfordetails.<br />

5% VAT rate for hospitality<br />

CurrentlytheVATreduction<br />

forhospitalityandtourism<br />

businesseswillendon31<br />

<strong>March</strong>,althoughsincemanyof<br />

thebusinessesthiswas<br />

designedtohelphavebeen<br />

closedsincethebeginningof<br />

theyear,itmaybeextended.<br />

No further help for<br />

directors<br />

Thereisstillnoincomesupport<br />

availablefordirectorswho<br />

solelytakepaymentfromtheir<br />

businessviadividends.<br />

Directorswhotakeaminimal<br />

salaryhavetheoptiontouse<br />

thefurloughscheme,butthis<br />

requiresthattheydonotwork<br />

inthebusinessbeyondcarrying<br />

outtheirstatutoryduties.<br />

Contact<br />

■ PoundLaneFinancial<br />

Managementon07801199671<br />

orpoundlane.co.uk<br />

■ FitzgeraldHRon0330223<br />

5253orfitzgeraldhr.co.uk<br />

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

Commitmenttolookingafter<br />

histhreechildrenduringthe<br />

<strong>March</strong>2020lockdownledto<br />

JonBondstartinghisown<br />

businessandnowexportingto<br />

asfarawayasAustralia.<br />

Jon’swife,Ali,worksat<br />

NorthDevonHospital,so<br />

whenschoolsclosed,they<br />

decidedthat,asshewasakey<br />

worker,hewouldstayathome<br />

tolookaftertheirchildren.Jon<br />

hadbeenworkingatafactory,<br />

butsoontappedintohis<br />

creativitytodesignhisfirst<br />

products.Theresultwas<br />

ThreadLOXX,arangeof<br />

dreadlockaccessorieswhich<br />

havecapturedtheattentionof<br />

customersacrosstheworld.<br />

Jonisalocticianwhocreates<br />

newdreads,helpsothersto<br />

maintaintheirdreadsandoffers<br />

advicewherehecan.Hehas<br />

beenmaintainingAli’sandhis<br />

sons’dreadsforfouryearsand<br />

theseinspiredhimtotryhis<br />

handatcraftingaccessories.<br />

“FirstImadeahairbead<br />

fromanoldskateboard,turning<br />

thewoodintosomethingI<br />

couldwearinmyhair,”says<br />

Jon.“Imadeabunchmoreand<br />

madesomesalesonEtsy.<br />

“Istartedmakingthemfrom<br />

oak,mahoganyandother<br />

hardwoods.Thenpeople<br />

requestedbiggertogglessothey<br />

couldputtheirhairup.<br />

NEWHEADER<br />

BUSINESSES<br />

Selling globally<br />

in under a year<br />

“Ilookedintosolutions,<br />

drewpictures,madeprototypes<br />

outofcardboardanddeveloped<br />

ToggleLOXX.<br />

“Imadefourandtheysold<br />

onEtsy.Imade10moreand<br />

theysold.Thedreadlocks<br />

communityhaveresponded<br />

overwhelminglypositivelyto<br />

myproductsandinjustoversix<br />

monthsIhavesoldover500<br />

ToggleLOXXallovertheworld<br />

andhavestockistsinAmerica,<br />

Australia,Finlandandherein<br />

theUK.”<br />

EstablishingThreadLOXXin<br />

thedreadlockscommunityhas<br />

beenvitalforJonandheis<br />

activeonInstagramand<br />

Facebook,participatingin<br />

groupsandgivingadviceonall<br />

aspectsofdreadlocks.<br />

HavingmovedtoBarnstaple<br />

withhisfamilysomefiveyears<br />

ago,Jonhadnotpreviously<br />

thoughtaboutstartinghisown<br />

business.Heenjoyeddesign<br />

technologyandwoodworking<br />

atschoolandpickedupthe<br />

designandproductionofhis<br />

productseasily.Thiscanbe<br />

seenintheintricatepatterns<br />

featuredonthetoggles,which<br />

Jonproducesoutofdifferent<br />

hardwoods.<br />

“WhenImadethefirstfew,<br />

itwasfuntoseesomethingI<br />

madeinsomeoneelse’shair.I<br />

neverthoughtitwouldbea<br />

full-timebusiness.Idoenjoy<br />

havingsomethingthatIhave<br />

createdandthefeedbackI’m<br />

gettingfromcustomersisa<br />

gooddriver.”<br />

Aswellassellingto<br />

individuals,Jonisbuildinga<br />

clientbaseofloctitians,and<br />

salonandshopownersto<br />

developwholesaledistribution<br />

ofToggleLOXX.Heisalso<br />

workingonthedevelopmentof<br />

newproducts.Hedoesnotrush<br />

this,ashelikestogetproducts<br />

rightbeforelaunch.<br />

Whileheoriginallystopped<br />

worktocareforhisfamily,<br />

ThreadLOXXhasbecomeJon’s<br />

full-timeoccupationinless<br />

thanayear.<br />

■ Details07546820650or<br />

etsy.com/shop/threadloxx/<br />

Catering to dogs’ desires in the Lyn Valley<br />

Dogs love North Devonand<br />

throughtheirownerscontributesignificantlytothevisitor<br />

economy.SowhenJacquie<br />

DoveandhusbandAndrew<br />

movedtoLynmouth,hesaid<br />

hewouldlovetoseeadog<br />

shopthere.<br />

Previously,Jacquiehad<br />

workedandvolunteeredfor<br />

animalcharitiesandtheyhave<br />

providedfostercarefordogs.<br />

ThishasallledtoJacquie<br />

launchingTheLynValleyDog<br />

House.Jacquie’sintentionisto<br />

openalocalshopfordogs,<br />

althoughlockdownshave<br />

postponedthis,someanwhile<br />

shehaslaunchedanumberof<br />

productsonline.<br />

On14November,Deli<br />

DelightsandSnazzySausages<br />

werelaunchedandnowtreat<br />

boxesareavailable,containing<br />

naturaldogtreatsand<br />

Dexter and Dobbie testing Lyn Valley Dog House’s subscription boxes<br />

gourmetsausagesmadewith<br />

thebestqualityBritishmeats.<br />

Thesehavebeenresearched<br />

overseveralyearsbyteam<br />

membersDexter(chieftaster)<br />

andDobbie(qualitycontrol),<br />

picturedabove.Thisresearch<br />

ensuresthetreatsaremade<br />

fromnaturalproductsandare<br />

ofthebestquality.Jacquiealso<br />

workshardtosupportBritish<br />

farmersandsmallbusinesses.<br />

Jacquieisexpandingthe<br />

onlineproductrangesteadily,<br />

recentlyaddingtoys,allof<br />

whichcanbemailedacrossthe<br />

UK,withlocaldeliveryalso<br />

available.Thenewestaddition<br />

isasubscriptionservice<br />

enablingownerstosignupfor<br />

theirdogs’favouritetreatbox,<br />

orabespokebox,delivered<br />

monthlyfor10monthswith<br />

an11 th boxprovidedfree.<br />

Jacquieisalsoplanninga<br />

conciergeservicefordog<br />

ownersonholidayinthearea<br />

afterestablishingthat78%of<br />

holidayaccommodation<br />

providerswelcomedogs.<br />

AsJacquieworksonmore<br />

ideas,dogsandtheirowners<br />

mustbewaitingin<br />

anticipationforTheLyn<br />

ValleyDogHousetoopenits<br />

shopofferingeverythingadog<br />

couldwant.<br />

Allthemorereasonfor<br />

dogstoloveNorthDevon.<br />

■ Details07989108186or<br />

thelynvalleydoghouse.com<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 3

HOLSWORTHY NEWS<br />

Cooking up an outdoor feast<br />

<strong>February</strong> may not seemthe<br />

idealtimetothinkabout<br />

diningoutside,butHeart<br />

Smoke&SoalofHolsworthy<br />

aimstochangethat.<br />

StartedbyZowieBrookes<br />

andpartnerGarethRees,the<br />

businessspecialisesincreative<br />

outdoorliving,offering<br />

premiumcooking,entertaining<br />

andlivingproducts.Zowieand<br />

Garethhavealreadybuilt<br />

GRPHSouthWest,aspecialist<br />

heatinginstallerworkingwith<br />

gas,oilandrenewables,and<br />

theirnewventureaimsto<br />

capitaliseontheirloveof<br />

outdoordining.<br />

“We’vealwaysbeeninto<br />

outdoorcooking,”saysZowie.<br />

“Myfirstjobfromschoolwas<br />

cookingabarbecueforseveral<br />

hundredpeople.Ilovedthe<br />

smell,tasteandatmosphere.<br />

Barbecuingbecameapersonal<br />

passionofours,andit’snot<br />

uncommonforustobeoutin<br />

allweatherscookingup<br />

somethingoverhotembers.”<br />

Withtheirexpertisein<br />

plumbingandheatinghelping<br />

inthecreativedesignofspaces<br />

andinstallationofequipment,<br />

Zowiebelievesthat,having<br />

spentmoretimeathomethan<br />

previously,peoplearemore<br />

interestedinenjoyingtheir<br />

outdoorspacestothefull,<br />

whichincludescookingand<br />

diningoutside.<br />

Thebusinesshasformed<br />

relationshipswithluxury<br />

equipmentbrands,including<br />

FireMagic,which<br />

manufactureshighquality<br />

barbecuesinpremiumstainless<br />

steel;AlfaForni,whichsupplies<br />

practical,elegantandstylish<br />

pizzaovensproducedinItaly;<br />

andLapa,whichcreates<br />

thatchedgazebosandcedar<br />

shinglegardenbuildings.<br />

Ifthiswhetsyourappetite,<br />

youwillsoonbeabletoview<br />

theseandothercollectionsin<br />

HeartSmoke&Soal’s<br />

showroomcurrentlyunder<br />

constructioninHolsworthy.<br />

Zowiesaysavisittothe<br />

showroomorasitevisitarethe<br />

bestwaystostartthe<br />

conversationtodevelopthe<br />

conceptanddesignofan<br />

outdoorlivingspace.<br />

Aswellasworkingwith<br />

homeowners,Zowieislooking<br />

tohelprestaurants,cafés,pubs<br />

andaccommodationproviders<br />

developtheirluxuryoutdoor<br />

diningspaces,especially<br />

importantwhensocial<br />

distancingisnecessary.<br />

■ Details01409251357or<br />

heartsmokesoal.co.uk<br />

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

ACCOUNTANTS<br />

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

Bideford<br />

t: 01237 488077<br />

w: accountsindevon.co.uk<br />

Gareth Pollard Accountancy Services<br />

Holsworthy<br />

t: 01409 254817<br />

w: garethpollardaccountancy<br />

services.com<br />

ANTIQUE MAPS & CHARTS<br />

Old Folding Maps<br />

South Molton<br />

t: 01769 573935<br />

w: foldingmaps.co.uk<br />

ARCHITECTS<br />

Sam Nolan RIBA Architect<br />

North Devon & UK<br />

t: 01271 325 236<br />

w: northdevonarchitects.com<br />

AUCTIONEERS<br />

Torridge Auctions<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 01237 471955<br />

w: torridgeauctions.co.uk<br />

BRANDING & DESIGN<br />

BrandLanterns<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 372620<br />

w: brandlanterns.co.uk<br />

BREWERY<br />

Combe Brewing Company<br />

Ilfracombe<br />

t: 07973 488409<br />

w: facebook.com/<br />

CombeBrewingCompany<br />

GT Ales<br />

Chivenor<br />

t: 01271 267420<br />

w: gtales.co.uk<br />

BUILDING SUPPLIES<br />

Heritage Cob and Lime<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 01237 477431<br />

w: heritagecobandlime.com<br />

RGB Building Supplies<br />

Branches in Barnstaple, Bideford,<br />

Hatherleigh, Holsworthy,<br />

Ilfracombe, Okehampton, South<br />

Molton, Tiverton<br />

w: rgbltd.co.uk<br />

BUSINESS ADVISORS<br />

Pound Lane Financial Management<br />

North Devon<br />

t: 07801 199671<br />

w: poundlane.co.uk<br />

BUSINESS SUPPORT<br />

Be Ready Employer Hub<br />

Devon<br />

t: 01392 241124<br />

w: readydevon.org.uk<br />

CAR SALES & SERVICING<br />

Blights Motors<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 01237 472282<br />

w: blightsmotors.co.uk<br />

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY<br />

James Doble Commercial<br />

North Devon<br />

t: 01237 424053<br />

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

CONSTRUCTION<br />

Advanced Scaffolding<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 321100<br />

w: advancedscaffoldingltd.co.uk<br />

COPIERS & PRINTERS<br />

Clarity Copiers North Devon<br />

Barnstaple & North Devon<br />

t: 01271 374061<br />

w: claritynorthdevon.co.uk<br />

COPYWRITING & MARKETING<br />

Zarywacz<br />

North Devon & UK<br />

t: 01271 879100<br />

w: z2z.com<br />

COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY<br />

North Devon Counselling<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 07872 501606<br />

w: northdevoncounselling.co.uk<br />

DINING<br />

Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar<br />

Ilfracombe<br />

t: 01271 863482<br />

w: terracetapasbar.co.uk<br />

The Royal George<br />

Appledore<br />

t: 01237 424 138<br />

w: trgpub.co.uk<br />

FINANCIAL ADVISERS<br />

D Scott Financial<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 01237 426450<br />

w: dscottfinancial.co.uk<br />

Philip J Milton & Co Plc<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 344300<br />

w: miltonpj.net<br />

GARDENING & LANDSCAPING<br />

AB SEA Services<br />

Torrington<br />

t: 07799 478318<br />

w: abseaservices.com<br />

HEALTH & SAFETY<br />

Safety Supplies Direct<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 377558<br />

w: safetysuppliesdirect.co.uk<br />

HOLIDAY COTTAGES<br />

Marsdens Devon Cottages<br />

North Devon<br />

t: 01271 813777<br />

w: marsdens.co.uk<br />

HOTELS<br />

The Carlton<br />

Ilfracombe<br />

t: 01271 862446<br />

w: ilfracombecarlton.co.uk<br />

HUMAN RESOURCES<br />

Fitzgerald HR<br />

Barnstaple, Exeter, London &<br />

Wellington<br />

t: 01271 859267<br />

w: fitzgeraldhr.co.uk<br />

INSURANCE<br />

Together Insurance Solutions<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 347147<br />

w: togetherinsurancesolutions.co.uk<br />

DIRECTORY<br />

INTERNATIONAL TRADE SUPPORT<br />

International Trade Matters Ltd<br />

Bampton<br />

t: 01398 332881<br />

w: internationaltradematters.com<br />

IT & TELECOMS<br />

Integra<br />

North Devon<br />

t: 01271 555 666<br />

w: integra.im<br />

JOINERY & CARPENTRY<br />

Bespoke Timber Joinery &<br />

Carpentry<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 603411<br />

w: bespoketimberjc.co.uk<br />

LOCKSMITHS<br />

MJS Locksmith<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 07532 139388<br />

w: northdevonlocksmith.co.uk<br />

SW Locksmiths<br />

Holsworthy / Bude<br />

t: 01409 255533<br />

w: swlocksmiths.com<br />

MANUFACTURERS<br />

The Clovelly Soap Company<br />

Clovelly<br />

t: 01237 432280<br />

w: theclovellysoapcompany.com<br />

MASSAGE & BEAUTY<br />

Essential Bodyworkx<br />

South Molton<br />

t: 01769 574474<br />

w: essentialbodyworkx.co.uk<br />

NETWORKING GROUPS<br />

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

Barnstaple<br />

t: 0843 289 1339<br />

w: bnibarnstaple.co.uk<br />

Devon Partnerships<br />

Devon<br />

t: 07393 149855<br />

w: devonpartnerships.co.uk<br />

North Devon Networking Group<br />

Barnstaple<br />

w: northdevonnetworking.co.uk<br />

Rise<br />

Barnstaple<br />

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

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

Westward Ho!<br />

w: torridgebusinessnetwork.co.uk<br />

OFFICE SUPPLIES<br />

South West Office Supplies<br />

North Devon<br />

t: 01271 889337<br />

w: swofficesupplies.co.uk<br />

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

➤ Listinginsixissuesof<br />

magazinewithbusiness<br />

nameandcategory,phone<br />

number,websiteandtown.<br />

➤ 12-monthonlinelistingat<br />

needitfindit.ukNorth<br />

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

withbusinessnameand<br />

category,logo,phone<br />

number,address,linksto<br />

websiteandsocialmedia,<br />

descriptionandlogo<br />

➤ 6issuesofmagazinemailed<br />

directtoyourUKaddress.<br />

PACKAGING<br />

Atlas Packaging<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 344055<br />

w: atlaspackaging.co.uk<br />

PHOTOGRAPHY<br />

Tarkatography<br />

Westward Ho!<br />

t: 07977 414798<br />

w: tarkatography.co.uk<br />

PRINTING<br />

Jamaica Press<br />

Buckland Brewer<br />

t: 01237 452333<br />

w: jamaicapress.co.uk<br />

RECRUITMENT<br />

Cooper Golding<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 349745<br />

w: coopergolding.co.uk<br />

Simple Recruitment<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 01237 439500<br />

w: simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk<br />

RETAILERS<br />

Darlings Natural Health<br />

Ilfracombe<br />

t: 01271 867775<br />

w: darlingsnaturalhealth.com<br />

Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium<br />

Ilfracombe<br />

t: 01271 867193<br />

w: ilfracombechocolateemporium.co.uk<br />

SHEDS<br />

SHEDS 4 you<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 01237 459193<br />

w: sheds4you.co.uk<br />

SIGNS<br />

Doubleuprint<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 268 041 / 07866 420436<br />

w: doubleuprint.co.uk<br />

The Sign Maker<br />

High Bickington<br />

t: 01769 561355<br />

w: sign-maker.net<br />

SOLICITORS<br />

Slee Blackwell Solicitors<br />

Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton,<br />

South Molton<br />

t: 0808 139 1606<br />

w: sleeblackwell.co.uk<br />

SPORTS EQUIPMENT<br />

Aramis Rugby<br />

South Molton<br />

t: 01769 550284<br />

w: aramisrugby.co.uk<br />

TRAVEL AGENTS<br />

Clare Flint – Travel Counsellors<br />

North Devon & UK<br />

t: 01271 828990<br />

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

WEB SITES<br />

Peak Online<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 01237 721256<br />

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

WILLS<br />

Wills at Home<br />

West Yelland<br />

t: 01271 860105<br />

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

@businessactionm | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 5

FEEL ELECTRIC<br />

TRADE UP, PLUG IN<br />

AT BLIGHTS MOTORS<br />

A passion for health and<br />

beautyhasledDeeBrendto<br />

openherownsalon,Essential<br />

Bodyworkx,inBroadStreet,<br />

SouthMolton.<br />

Deeretrainedafterthe<br />

birthofhersonandpractised<br />

fromhomeorasamobile<br />

practitionereversince,along<br />

withjobsinspasandin<br />

physiotherapy.Itwasin2019<br />

thatDenisedecidedtoachieve<br />

herfullpotential,drawingon<br />

allhertraining,qualifications<br />

andexperiencetolaunch<br />

EssentialBodyworkxasanew<br />

businessinDecember.The<br />

salonoffershigh-quality<br />

bespokebeautytreatments<br />

andarangeoftherapeutic<br />

holisticmassagetreatments.<br />

“Iwasgettingreallybusy<br />

workingfromhomeand<br />

wantedtogrowmybusiness,”<br />

saysDee.“Istartedtolook<br />

around,foundashopandhave<br />

neverlookedback.”<br />

Relaxing and welcoming<br />

Threeothertherapistsworkat<br />

thesalonandtogetherthey<br />

offerawiderangeofhealth<br />

andbeautyservices,from<br />

aromatherapy<br />

anddeeptissue<br />

massageand<br />

reflexologyto<br />

facials,<br />

manicuresand<br />

pedicures,and<br />

pamperpackages.<br />

Thefulllistis<br />

providedonthe<br />

website.<br />

Deeisa<br />

massage<br />

therapist,beauty<br />

andnailtechand<br />

TempleSpa<br />

Lifestyle<br />

consultant;<br />

SamanthaLuscombeisanail<br />

techandbeautytherapist;<br />

HelenGreenidgeisamassage<br />

therapist,LookFabulous<br />

ForeverMake-upconsultant<br />

andFushiWellnessadvisor/<br />

consultant;andChristine<br />

Barnesisamassageand<br />

beautytherapist.<br />

“Weallworktogetherand<br />

lookaftereachother.Thesalon<br />

islikemyhome–Iloveit.”<br />

SOUTH CONSTRUCTION MOLTON<br />

FAMILY RUN FOR 88 YEARS<br />

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK<br />

SALES<br />

SERVICE<br />

PARTS<br />

PARTS<br />

RENTAL<br />

TRADE UP...PLUG IN...WITH MG ELECTRIC<br />

TEST DRIVE AN MG NOW!<br />

Keeping the community healthy<br />

Dee Brend, owner of Essential Bodyworkx in South Molton<br />

Deehasworkedtocreate<br />

theatmosphereofaspainthe<br />

salonandisdelightedbythe<br />

verypositivecommunity<br />

responsethatEssential<br />

Bodyworkxhasreceived.<br />

“It’srelaxingfromthe<br />

momentclientsstepthrough<br />

thedoor.Alotofpeopleare<br />

sayingthatit’sjustwhatthe<br />

townneedsandpeopletravel<br />

tocomehere.”<br />

Bideford<br />

HANDY CROSS, CLOVELLY ROAD, BIDEFORD, EX39 3ET<br />

01237 472282<br />

www.blightsmotors.co.uk<br />

Deeisverymuchinvolved<br />

withbusinessesinthetown<br />

andalsosponsorsaSouth<br />

MoltonRugbyClubplayer.<br />

Supporting clients<br />

WhileEssentialBodyworkx<br />

hasbeenextremelybusyfor<br />

muchofitsfirstyear,itispart<br />

ofasectorthathashadto<br />

closeitsdoorsduring<br />

lockdowns.However,justas<br />

clientsarecontinuingto<br />

supportthesalon,Deetriesto<br />

supportclientsinlockdown<br />

throughsocialmedia.<br />

Sheaddsthatchangesin<br />

workingpractices,withmore<br />

workerssettingupofficeat<br />

home,meanthatmanyare<br />

experiencingdiscomfortasa<br />

resultofworkingwithout<br />

suitabledesksandfurniture,<br />

whilethepressuresfrom<br />

lockdownsarecreatingmore<br />

stress.Anumberofclients<br />

havecometothesalonin<br />

searchofremediesforthisand,<br />

havingexperiencedrelaxation<br />

therapies,arereturning.<br />

Deefindsitgratifyingthat<br />

thesalonisabletohelppeople<br />

inthisway.<br />

“I’vebeen<br />

doingitfor19<br />

yearsandstillfeel<br />

likeIdidonthe<br />

veryfirstday.I<br />

feelI’vefoundthe<br />

jobthatIwantto<br />

do.<br />

“Thejoythatit<br />

bringstoclients–<br />

it’ssuchalovely<br />

feelingtogive<br />

thatfeelingto<br />

them.”<br />

■ Details01769<br />

574474or<br />

essential<br />

bodyworkx.co.uk<br />

6 business action | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY HEADER<br />

Painless technology support without the jargon<br />

Enforced changestotheway<br />

weworkisleadingmany<br />

businessestoreviewtheirIT<br />

andcommunicationsneeds.<br />

Workingfromhome,<br />

communicatingwithcolleagues<br />

andcustomersremotelyand<br />

switchingtodifferent<br />

technologytoolscanrequire<br />

neworunfamiliarequipment<br />

andsystems.Thiscanbeashock<br />

forbusinessesusedtoworking<br />

inacertainway,butIlfracombebasedIntegracommitstoensure<br />

changesareintroduced<br />

smoothlytoenablebusinessesto<br />

continuetooperatewith<br />

minimumdisruption.<br />

Integrawasestablishedin<br />

Essex10yearsagobyStuart<br />

Hintonandhasbuilta<br />

reputationforproviding<br />

personalised,reliableand<br />

jargon-freetechnicalsupportto<br />

clientsinLondonandthe<br />

SouthEast.The<br />

business<br />

continuesto<br />

operateinthe<br />

SouthEast<br />

under<br />

managingdirectorCharlieFord<br />

aswellasfromitsSouthWest<br />

office,establishedbyStuartin<br />

2020afterhemovedtoNorth<br />

Devontosupportfamily<br />

members.Thetwooffices<br />

enableround-the-clock<br />

telephonysupportforclients<br />

wherevertheyarebased.<br />

Integra’saimhasalways<br />

beentoensureatrouble-free<br />

experienceforclients,along<br />

withitsjargon-freeadvice,and<br />

Stuartisenjoyingachievingthis<br />

forNorthDevonclients,who<br />

alreadyincludecouncils,<br />

manufacturers,tradespeople,<br />

retailersandaccountants.<br />

“Weworkmainlywithsmall<br />

andmediumsized<br />

businesses,<br />

suchasestate<br />

agents,<br />

accountants<br />

andsolicitors,puttingtheright<br />

toolsandsupportinplaceto<br />

helpthemgrow,”saysStuart.<br />

Integraoffersa<br />

comprehensiverangeof<br />

services,fromtelecoms,<br />

includinghostedVoIP<br />

telephonyenablingcallstobe<br />

madeovertheinternet,to<br />

broadbandconnections,IT<br />

supportandcloudsolutions.<br />

Thecompanyexplainsall<br />

aspectsofitsservicestoclients<br />

inclearlanguagesothatthey<br />

understandfullywhateachcan<br />

doforthemandhowtouse<br />

themeffectively.<br />

Asmorebusinessesembrace<br />

‘workfromhome’practices,<br />

Integra’sHomeWorkingGuide<br />

onitswebsitehelpsthemto<br />

understandhowservicessuch<br />

ascloud-basedVoIPtelephony<br />

canenablethemtotakehomea<br />

deskphoneanduseitover<br />

theirhomeinternet<br />

connection.Italsocovers<br />

remotedesktops,enablingusers<br />

toaccesstheirworkPCfroma<br />

laptopathome,andvirtual<br />

privatenetworks,whichcan<br />

provideaccesstodatastoredon<br />

abusiness’sownservers.<br />

“We’realwayspleasedto<br />

discussclients’requirements<br />

andofferthemalltheITand<br />

communicationsservicesthey<br />

needunderoneroof.”<br />

■ Details01271555666or<br />

integra.im<br />

RGB Building Supplieshas<br />

donated£500toExmoor<br />

Search&RescueTeam’s<br />

vehicleappeal.<br />

Thevolunteer-runcharity,<br />

whichassiststhepolicein<br />

locatingpeoplewhoarelostor<br />

missingandrecoveringthose<br />

whoareinjuredorillon<br />

ExmoorNationalPark,is<br />

fundraisingforanewincident<br />

controlvehicle.Thiswillactas<br />

abaseforliaisonbetween<br />

organisations,beingequipped<br />

withIT,communicationsand<br />

specialistrescueequipment.<br />

JamesTaylorShort,<br />

ExmoorSearch&Rescueteam<br />

leader,said:“ExmoorNational<br />

Parkcovers267squaremiles<br />

acrossNorthDevonand<br />

Somerset.Ourincident<br />

controlvehicleistherefore<br />

Builders merchant supports<br />

Search & Rescue appeal<br />

vitalinhelpingustodoour<br />

job,andourcurrentvehicle<br />

hasfallenintodisrepair.<br />

“Wehaveraised£70,000of<br />

ourtarget,butduetothe<br />

Covid-19pandemic,we’vehad<br />

toreallocatesomeofourfunds<br />

tothepurchaseofessential<br />

equipmentsuchasPPEand<br />

decontaminationproducts.<br />

Thismeansweareshortof<br />

£5,000whichisneededtohelp<br />

withthespecialistkitout.The<br />

currentsituationhasalso<br />

impactedournormalsources<br />

offundraising,sowe’vesetup<br />

acrowdfundingpage.<br />

“Wewouldliketosaya<br />

hugethankyoutoRGB<br />

BuildingSupplies,who<br />

supportourteaminmany<br />

ways,includingthisgenerous<br />

donation.”<br />

KevinFenlon,chief<br />

executiveofRGB,added:“The<br />

ExmoorSearch&Rescue<br />

Teamdoesavitaljobin<br />

helpingouremergency<br />

servicesprotectlocalpeople<br />

andvisitorstoourregion,and<br />

we’redelightedtobeableto<br />

helpthecharitywithits<br />

fundraisingappeal.”<br />

■ Youcanmakeadonationat<br />

crowdfunder.co.uk/exmoorsearch-rescue-team-vehicleappeal<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 7

north<br />

devon<br />

businessACTIVISTS<br />

Q Bookkeeper?<br />

Accountant?<br />

Financial<br />

adviser? I’m<br />

confused!<br />

A Itcanbeverydifficultto<br />

knowwhatservicesyouare<br />

beingofferedandwhichyoudo<br />

anddon’tneed.<br />

It’sagoodideatogoto<br />

someonewithaprofessional<br />

qualificationbutagainwhat<br />

leveldoyouneed?<br />

Abookkeeperwilltakeyour<br />

paperworkandorganiseitfor<br />

you,possiblyevenputtingit<br />

intosoftware.Ifyouareover<br />

theVATthreshold(currently<br />

£85,000)youneedtobeableto<br />

produceyourreturnsin<br />

softwarethatcanthen<br />

communicateitdirectto<br />

HMRCwithoutexternal<br />

changes.ThisMakingTax<br />

Digital(MTD)requirementis<br />

beingrolledoutoverthenext<br />

fewyearssoincreasinglyyou<br />

willneedtolooktousethis.<br />

TheAssociationOfAccounting<br />

Technicians(AAT),Instituteof<br />

CertifiedBookkeepers(ICB)<br />

andInternationalAssociation<br />

ofBookkeepers(IAB)alloffer<br />

certificationtogiveyou<br />

confidenceinyour<br />

bookkeeper’sability.<br />

Anaccountantwilltake<br />

basicbookkeepingtothenext<br />

levelforyou.Thiscanbeas<br />

simpleascompletingyourtax<br />

return,producingsimple<br />

accountsforyoursoletrader<br />

businessorpartnershiporthe<br />

morecomplexlimitedcompany<br />

QHow can I<br />

promote my<br />

business on a<br />

reduced budget?<br />

A Itisvitaltocontinue<br />

promotingyourbusiness,<br />

evenwhenyouhavelittle<br />

marketingbudget.First,can<br />

youcontinuewhatalready<br />

worksonasmallerbudget,eg<br />

reducingsizeofadverts?<br />

ACCOUNTANCY<br />

MARKETING<br />

Barbara Harris<br />

Director<br />

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

t: 01237 488077<br />

w: accountsindevon.co.uk<br />

accountsandcorporationtax<br />

return.Theyoftenoffer<br />

additionalservicessuchas<br />

payroll,VATreturnsand<br />

managementaccounts.<br />

Again,therearedifferent<br />

qualificationsavailableanditis<br />

reassuringtohavealicensed<br />

accountantwithaprofessional<br />

bodyoverseeingthem.AAT<br />

(MemberorFellow),Institute<br />

ofChartedAccountants<br />

England&Wales(ICAEW),<br />

CharteredInstituteof<br />

ManagementAccounts(CIMA)<br />

allofferthis.Thereisalsothe<br />

AssociationofTaxation<br />

Technicians(ATT)wheretax<br />

complianceservicesareneeded.<br />

Afinancialadviseristhere<br />

foryourinvestmentsand<br />

savings,pensions,retirement<br />

planningandinheritance<br />

advice.Sometimesthisis<br />

offeredbylargeraccountancy<br />

firms,butoftenbyan<br />

independentfinancialadviser<br />

workingforthemselvesorin<br />

practicewithothers.DipFAis<br />

theminimumqualificationto<br />

beapprovedbytheFinancial<br />

ConductAuthority(FCA).<br />

Next,arethereactionsyou<br />

haveneglected?Asimplestart<br />

wouldbetomakecontactwith<br />

clientsorprospectsyouhave<br />

notspokentoforawhile.Even<br />

acasualcontactcanremind<br />

themthattheyintendedto<br />

purchasefromyou.<br />

Itisimportanttoremind<br />

yourmarketthatyourbusiness<br />

isthere,readytohelpthem<br />

withwhattheyneed.Youcan<br />

achievethiswithasignonyour<br />

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS<br />

QCan preparing<br />

a budget<br />

revive<br />

enthusiasm in our<br />

business after<br />

being closed due to<br />

Coronavirus?<br />

A Thisisadreadfultimefor<br />

everyone,butespeciallyfor<br />

businesseswhoarerelianton<br />

customerfootfallfortheirsales.<br />

Sometimesitfeelslikethe<br />

pandemicmightneverend.But<br />

itwillend,andthisisathe<br />

perfecttimetomakeplansfor<br />

whatyouwantyourbusinessto<br />

looklikewhenitdoes.<br />

Intheshortterm,it’svital<br />

thatyoukeepontopofbills<br />

thataredueandmakesureyou<br />

haveenoughmoneyinthe<br />

bank.Abudgetisagreattool<br />

forthatforwardplanningand<br />

givesyoutheinformationyou<br />

needtomakeproactive<br />

decisionsandhaveup-front<br />

discussionswithlandlordsand<br />

supplierssoyoustayincontrol.<br />

There’smoretoitthough;<br />

creatingabudgetandplanning<br />

avisionforthefuturecanbe<br />

uplifting.Ittakesyourattention<br />

awayfromcurrentproblems<br />

Susie Kevern<br />

Chartered Management Accountant<br />

PoundLane<br />

t: 07801 199671<br />

w: poundlane.co.uk<br />

andfocusesyouonthefuture.<br />

Whileyou’reclosed,you<br />

haveanopportunitytothink<br />

aboutwhatyoureallywant<br />

fromyourbusiness.Iswhat<br />

you’vegotnowthebusiness<br />

thatyoudreamtof?Wouldyou<br />

makechanges?Whatwouldit<br />

taketomakethishappen?<br />

Thefuturemayseemalong<br />

wayoffrightnow,butthisisa<br />

perfecttimetoplan.<br />

Ask the Activists<br />

Send business questions you have by email to<br />

Robert Zarywacz<br />

Partner<br />

Zarywacz<br />

t: 01271 879100<br />

w: z2z.com<br />

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

carasyoudrivearound,social<br />

mediapostsorshortblogson<br />

yourwebsite.Manybusinesses<br />

aresohiddenthatfrequentyet<br />

surprisinglysmallactionscan<br />

makeyoustandout.<br />

Whatstoriescanyoutell?<br />

Askclientsifyoucanusethem<br />

inacasestudyforyourweb<br />

siteorapressreleaseforthe<br />

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videosonyourphone?Start<br />

usingallthisvaluablematerial<br />

alreadyatyourfingertips<br />

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8 business action | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk

Q&A ~ your business questions answered<br />

north enterprise<br />

growth<br />

devon<br />

news<br />

innovation<br />

& views<br />

QI run a<br />

business and<br />

am many years<br />

from retiring. Is it<br />

too soon to think<br />

about a pension?<br />

BUSINESS FINANCE<br />

Philip Milton<br />

Managing Director<br />

Philip J Milton & Company plc<br />

t: 01271 344300<br />

w: miltonpj.net<br />

Anotherpointwitha<br />

pensionisthattheearlieryou<br />

start,thegreaterthecompound<br />

growthyoushouldachieveona<br />

sensibleportfolioofassetsin<br />

yourplan.Sothelateryouleave<br />

it,themoreyou’llhaveto<br />

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Whenyounear57,youcan<br />

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theplan(uptothelimits),<br />

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Anuntouchedpensionisalsoa<br />

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Formanysuccessfulbusiness<br />

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asmuchaspossibleina<br />

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Finally,selectagood<br />

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Who can<br />

you ask?<br />

<strong>Business</strong> owners are not ‘born’<br />

and must learn how to run a<br />

always clear who to ask when we<br />

A Apensionisdesignedto<br />

provideflexibilitywhenit<br />

have questions about what to do.<br />

comestoretirement.Themore<br />

youhave,thebiggerthepot,<br />

thegreatertheincomeitcan<br />

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Thank you to our <strong>Business</strong><br />

Activists for offering their time<br />

youcanaccesstoo.Remember,<br />

and expertise to answer your<br />

a‘pension’issimplya earnenough).Soifyouarea<br />

questions.<br />

receptacletoholdmoney–you 40%taxpayer,yousave40%on<br />

candirectwhereitisinvested. allyourpaymentsandthepot<br />

We publish their contact details,<br />

Isapensionjustfor thengrowsfreeofalltax.You<br />

retirement?It’sagreatsavings don’thavethatbonuswithany<br />

as they are also happy to talk<br />

plan,whichisaccessibletoyou<br />

fromtheageof57(55today!).<br />

otherinvestmentandit’sbestto<br />

doasmuchasyoucannow,as<br />

through general enquiries and<br />

offer guidance, although will<br />

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charge when you require them to<br />

accessitthen,itisprobably Itmaysoundcontroversial,<br />

give specific professional advice.<br />

NOTtherightthingtotouchit butconsidernotpayingoff<br />

tillyoudesperatelyneedto. debtsyet–there’snoreliefon<br />

IMPORTANT: The answers on<br />

Apensionisveryattractive thosecapitalrepaymentsand<br />

these pages are intended as<br />

forsavings,becausethetaxman loaninterestcostsaresolow<br />

addstaxreliefatyourhighest<br />

marginalrateoftaxtoevery<br />

poundyousubscribe(youcan<br />

thesedays.Remember,when<br />

youare57,ifyouneedto,you<br />

canaccessyourpensionplan<br />

general information. You should<br />

seek specific professional advice<br />

before taking any action in<br />

evenreceivetaxreliefifyou forthetax-freecashtorepay<br />

aren’tworking(uptoage75)or thedebtandenjoytaxreliefon<br />

relation to your own business.<br />

ifyoupaynotax,asyoudon’t allinterestcostsmeantime.<br />

learn ► grow ► excel<br />

business as they go along. It’s not<br />

Ifatfirstyoudon’tsucceed,<br />

rescheduleyourbusiness<br />

workshoponanewdate.<br />

That’swhatwearedoingfor<br />

our learn ► grow ► excel<br />

workshopsafterhavingto<br />

cancelthefirstoneinJanuary<br />

duetothelockdown.<br />

Fromourexperienceof<br />

hostingBBxpo,thebiggest<br />

business-to-businesseventin<br />

NorthDevon,andpublishing<br />

<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>magazine,we<br />

havelearntthatsomany<br />

NorthDevonbusinesses<br />

cannotfindtheadviceand<br />

supporttheyneed.<br />

Affordable workshops<br />

Thatiswhywedeveloped<br />

learn ► grow ► excelasa<br />

Practical business training and advice<br />

programmeofaffordable<br />

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outtocommunitiesacross<br />

NorthDevon.<br />

Theseworkshopscombine<br />

practicaltrainingandadvice–<br />

SevenStepstoResilienceand<br />

Excellence–tohelpbusinesses<br />

thriveandincludemembership<br />

ofourexclusiveonlineprivate<br />

supportgroupwherewe<br />

discussactualbusinessissues,<br />

andshareproblemsand<br />

solutionswitheachother.<br />

Thecostoftheseinitial<br />

workshopshasbeensetat£30<br />

tobeaffordableforall,<br />

especiallybusinessesoperating<br />

SEVEN STEPS TO RESILIENCE AND EXCELLENCE<br />

VISIBILITY ►Ensurecustomersfindyourbusinesswhenthey<br />

arelookingtobuy UNDERSTANDING ►Explainyouroffering<br />

clearlysocustomersknowwhatitis OPPORTUNITY ►Tapinto<br />

marketsyoumightbemissing EFFICIENCY ►Optimiseyour<br />

businessbycuttingoutunnecessaryexpenses COMMUNITY ►<br />

Developyoursocialvalueonline MOTIVATION ►Buildyour<br />

resiliencesoyoumoveyourbusinessforward,evenonbaddays<br />

SUPPORT ►Findsupportinourexclusiveprivateonlinegroup<br />

underseverelimitationsdue<br />

tothepressurescreatedby<br />

Coronavirusandlockdowns.<br />

■ Toregisteryourinterestin<br />

attendingworkshop(s)when<br />

weannouncefuturedates,<br />

pleaseemailask@businessaction.co.ukorwatchourfor<br />

announcementsat<br />

northdevonevents.co.uk<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 9

LYNTON NEWS<br />

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The Covid crisishasforced<br />

manybusinessestoswitchto<br />

onlineretailandhome<br />

deliveryastheirrouteto<br />

marketandthismaywell<br />

continuebeyondthecurrent<br />

pandemic.Butwiththe<br />

growingexpectationfrom<br />

shoppersthatproducts<br />

shouldn’tcomewrappedin<br />

lotsofplastic,thenbusinesses<br />

arehavingtofindwaysof<br />

packaginginamore<br />

acceptablemanner.<br />

Corrugatedcardboardis<br />

onetypeofpackagingmaterial<br />

thathasresonatedwith<br />

consumers.It’ssturdyenough<br />

tocopewithhomedelivery<br />

anddoesn’tneedanotherbox<br />

fortransportation.StAustell<br />

BreweryinCornwallmadethe<br />

movefromtrayandshrink<br />

wraptoFullyEnclosedcases<br />

andShelfReadyPackagingin<br />

2013andhasn’tlookedback<br />

accordingtoproduction<br />

managerRobOrton:<br />

“Thecardboardboxis<br />

reallyimportanttous;thecase<br />

iswhatwe’redeliveringthe<br />

bottlestoourcustomersinso<br />

it’simportantthatit’sstrong<br />

andlooksreallyappealingto<br />

thecustomer.Inconjunction<br />

withNorthDevon’sAtlas<br />

Packagingourboxesarereally<br />

welldesignedandtheylook<br />

fantastic.Therecycling<br />

Corrugated cardboard’s many<br />

benefits for product packaging<br />

elementissuperimportant<br />

andasweknowit’sonlygoing<br />

oneway.”<br />

Theadvantagethat<br />

cardboardhasovermanyother<br />

packagingmaterialsisthatit<br />

doesn’tbecomeaproblemfor<br />

theenduser.Consumerscan<br />

collapsetheboxesandplace<br />

themoutforkerbsiderecycling<br />

collections.Manylocal<br />

authoritiesintheUKwillonly<br />

acceptclearorwhiteplastic<br />

andnotplasticwrapping.<br />

ThemakerofTributeand<br />

ProperJobsourcesitsboxes<br />

fromAtlasPackaging.Thebox<br />

companytakesinFSCcertified<br />

sheetboardbeforeprinting,<br />

diecutting,foldingandgluing<br />

allonthesamesitein<br />

Barnstaple.Salesdirector<br />

MarkLevertonbelievesthat<br />

morebrewerieswillmove<br />

awayfromshrinkwrapwhen<br />

thetimecomestochangetheir<br />

wrappingmachinery:<br />

“Smalltomedium-sized<br />

breweriesmaywellhave<br />

investedaconsiderablesumin<br />

recentyearsonshrinkwrap<br />

machinery.Butasconsumer<br />

expectationshavechanged,<br />

thenbrewerieswillneedto<br />

balancehowlongtheycan<br />

continuetouseplasticagainst<br />

thepublic’scriticalviewofthe<br />

material.Sowhentheythink<br />

aboutchangingtheplastic<br />

wrapmachinethatwouldbea<br />

goodtimetoinvestigate<br />

movingtoprintedcorrugated.”<br />

Andit’snotonlybreweries<br />

whomaythinkthatthetime<br />

hascometomovefromplastic<br />

wrappingtoacardboardbox.<br />

AsMarkexplains,printed<br />

wraparoundcardboardboxes<br />

arenowbecomingincreasingly<br />

popularfortheirlightweight<br />

anddurability.<br />

“Onsmallerrunsofupto<br />

1,000wraparoundswefind<br />

thatourdigitalprintisvery<br />

costeffective.Forlarger<br />

productionrunsourrangeof<br />

Flexoprintingmachines<br />

deliveranoutstandingprint<br />

directontothecorrugated<br />

box.Havingalighterboxcan<br />

reducecarriagecoststoo.”<br />

Withcleverdesignwork<br />

corrugatedboxescanbe<br />

producedwithcardboard<br />

internaldividersbuiltinfor<br />

protectionduringtransitto<br />

greatlyreducethenumberof<br />

breakagesaswellasincreasing<br />

thespeedofpacking.It’s<br />

anticipatedthatnational<br />

supplyissuesforpaper<br />

experiencedinJanuarythis<br />

yearwilleasethroughoutQ1<br />

in<strong>2021</strong>.”<br />

■ Details01271344055or<br />

atlaspackaging.co.uk<br />

10 business action | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk

NEGLIGENCE MOTORING<br />

Driving the future of motoring<br />

A Bideford garageestablished<br />

in1933isadaptingtotherapid<br />

changesinthemotoring<br />

industrytoembracethearrival<br />

ofelectriccars.<br />

Trulyafamilybusiness,<br />

BlightsMotorswasstartedby<br />

JackBlight,ablacksmithin<br />

Monkleigh,whoadaptedfrom<br />

shoeinghorsestoservicingthe<br />

growingnumberofmotorcars<br />

aftertheSecondWorldWar.<br />

Jack’ssons,FredandJeff,joined<br />

thebusinessandnowJeff’sson,<br />

Nick,managesitsService<br />

operation.Formanyyears,<br />

Nick’suncle,Dave,wasgeneral<br />

manager.Jeffstillworksparttimeandhiswife,Theresa,<br />

managesitsSparstore,while<br />

TimBlight,Nick’suncle,runs<br />

theSalesoperation.<br />

Thebusinesshasoccupied<br />

severalsites,butmovedtoits<br />

presentlocationinClovelly<br />

Roadinthe1960s.Today,as<br />

wellasbeingtheNorthDevon<br />

MGmaindealer,Blights<br />

providesnewandusedcarsales<br />

andservicing,BPfuelsalesand<br />

rapidelectriccarcharging<br />

points,andalargeSpar<br />

conveniencestore.<br />

Going electric<br />

Blightshasalwayslookedtothe<br />

futureandwiththemotor<br />

Blights’ large Spar convenience store supports<br />

many local residents<br />

industryundergoing<br />

fundamentalchange,Nickhas<br />

takenafreshlookatthe<br />

businesstobringallpartsofits<br />

operationsuptodate.<br />

Aswellassupplyingnew<br />

petrolMGmodels,Blightsis<br />

steadilydevelopingsalesofthe<br />

marque’selectriccars.To<br />

supportthis,ithasinvested<br />

significantlyinupgradingits<br />

workshopfacilitiesandisnow<br />

anapprovedElectricService<br />

andRepairCentre,soaswellas<br />

servicingandMOTsfor<br />

petrolanddieselcars,it<br />

canserviceanymakeof<br />

electriccar.<br />

Theforecourtalso<br />

offersmotoristsrapid<br />

charging,asmore<br />

switchtoelectric.<br />

Nicksaysinterestin<br />

electriccarsisgrowing<br />

andthatcustomersare<br />

impressedatthevalue<br />

offeredbyMGs,<br />

includingtheirseven-year<br />

warranty.Blightsoffersarange<br />

offinanceoptionsandalso<br />

participatesintheMotability<br />

scheme.<br />

Evenwithlockdowns,sales<br />

haveremainedstrongand<br />

Blightsalmostsoldoutof<br />

vehiclesbytheendof2020.<br />

Serving the community<br />

Providinggoodserviceand<br />

peaceofmindnotonlydrives<br />

Blights’motorsalesand<br />

servicing,butalsoits<br />

store.Recent<br />

investmentofsome<br />

£30,000hasenabled<br />

remodellingofthe<br />

1,200sq.ft.shopto<br />

enhancecustomers’<br />

shoppingexperience.<br />

Thishasincludedan<br />

upgradeofthetill<br />

systemtoprovidemore<br />

detailedanalysisof<br />

salesandtheaddition<br />

ofnewproductranges,<br />

includinghotfoodandquality<br />

preparedfrozenmealsand<br />

wines.Nicksaystheshophas<br />

beenverybusyduring<br />

lockdowns,withcustomersable<br />

tokeepstockedupwithfood<br />

easilywhenrestrictionshave<br />

discouragedtravel.<br />

Focus on the customer<br />

Fromitsbeginningsinthe<br />

horse-drawnera,Blightshas<br />

developedintoabusiness<br />

operatingwiththelatestvehicle<br />

technology,employingateam<br />

of28peopleacrossallits<br />

activities.Keepingupwith<br />

developmentsisessentialand<br />

thishasenabledittokeeppace<br />

withchangesandachievethe<br />

successivetransformations<br />

fromhorsetopetroltoelectric.<br />

Inadditiontoits<br />

engineeringandtechnical<br />

expertise,Blightsmaintainsa<br />

strongfocusoncustomer<br />

experienceandisamemberof<br />

TradingStandards’BuyWith<br />

ConfidenceSchemeandthe<br />

RetailMotorIndustry<br />

Federation.Itaimsforevery<br />

customertoenjoyafantastic<br />

experience,frominitialenquiry<br />

totestdrives,vehicle<br />

purchasingandaftercare.<br />

■ Details01237472282or<br />

blightsmotors.co.uk<br />

Blights supplies new petrol and electric MG<br />

cars as well as a wide range of used vehicles<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 11

TORRINGTON<br />

Traders join commons support scheme<br />

<strong>Business</strong>es in Torringtonare<br />

supportingthepreservation<br />

andmanagementof<br />

TorringtonCommonsby<br />

joiningaschemeoffering<br />

discountsandbenefitsto<br />

shoppers.36businesseshave<br />

nowsigneduptothe365<br />

SupportersGrouplaunchedby<br />

GreatTorringtonCommons<br />

Conservators.<br />

TorringtonCommons<br />

comprise365acresofland<br />

surroundingTorrington,<br />

exceptonitseasternside.The<br />

landwasgiventothepeopleof<br />

thetowninthe12 th century<br />

andtransferredtoanelected<br />

committeeofconservatorsin<br />

the19 th century.Theunspoilt<br />

countrysideisfreelyaccessible<br />

toallandvisitorscanwalkthe<br />

20milesoffootpaths,from<br />

GreatTorringtonGolfCourse<br />

inthenorththroughancient<br />

woodandwildflower<br />

meadowsinthewestand<br />

droppingdowntotheRiver<br />

Torridgevalleytothesouth.<br />

Thereisalsopedestrianaccess<br />

fromtheTarkaTrail.<br />

365 Supporters Group<br />

TheConservatorsareanonprofitmakingcharitywhich<br />

reliesondonationsfromthe<br />

The 365 acres of Torrington Commons are accessible free to the public<br />

publicandlocalbusinesses,<br />

grantsandfundraisingin<br />

ordertopreserveand<br />

maintainthecommons.Thisis<br />

thereasonforthelaunchof<br />

the365MembershipGroup.<br />

Alreadysome150<br />

individualshavesignedupto<br />

pay£2(ormore)permonthin<br />

support.Inreturntheyreceive<br />

benefitsincludingafreecopy<br />

ofthetrailmapand<br />

invitationstoguidedwalks<br />

andspecialevents.Theyalso<br />

receiveamembershipcard<br />

whichentitlesthemto<br />

discountsorspecialoffers<br />

fromspecificbusinessesin<br />

Torrington.TheConservators<br />

hopethataswellassupporting<br />

itsmanagementofthe<br />

Commons,businesseswill<br />

experienceincreasedtrade.<br />

AndrewGiles,vicechairmanoftheConservators,<br />

explainsthatthecardscheme<br />

issimilartoonerunfor<br />

HampsteadHeathinLondon<br />

andthattheHeath&<br />

HampsteadSocietyhad<br />

offeredhelpfuladviceon<br />

settingupTorrington’s<br />

scheme.36businesseshave<br />

signeduptotheschemeto<br />

dateandAndrewinvitesmore<br />

businessestojointhese.<br />

Allparticipatingbusinesses<br />

arelistedontheConservators’<br />

websitewithclickablelinks<br />

throughtotheirownwebsites.<br />

Arandomsampleofcurrent<br />

memberbusinessesincludes<br />

AHJCurtisBuilders,<br />

Collectability,Dartington<br />

Crystal,EverestIndian<br />

Takeaway,ThePuffingBilly,R<br />

&SWareButchers,Squires<br />

Electrical,SteveGladwin<br />

FamilyButchersand<br />

TorringtonGolfClub.<br />

Memberbusinessesoffera<br />

widevarietyofproductsand<br />

servicesavailablelocally.<br />

Torringtonremainsoneof<br />

NorthDevon’streasuresand<br />

the365SupportersGroup<br />

servesbothtopreservethe<br />

Commonsandsupportthe<br />

localeconomy.<br />

■ Anyonecansignupto<br />

supportTorrington<br />

Commons,wherevertheylive,<br />

andbusinessesareinvitedto<br />

jointheschemebyofferinga<br />

discounttomembers.See<br />

detailsandjoinonlineat<br />

torringtoncommons.org<br />

12 business action | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk

START-UP ADVICE<br />

We started a new business. So can you<br />

Why start a business?When<br />

doyoustartit?Andhowdo<br />

youstart?<br />

Thefirstquestionalways<br />

fascinatesmeandwhenI<br />

interviewbusinessowners,itis<br />

theonethatusuallyprovides<br />

themostilluminatingand<br />

entertaininganswers.<br />

AlanWilliamsandIhave<br />

runourownindividual<br />

businessesforyears–Alan<br />

runsWillsAtHome,providing<br />

willsandprobateservices,<br />

whileIrunZarywacz,a<br />

partnershipwithmybrother<br />

Simon,providingcopywriting<br />

andcommunicationsservices<br />

forbusinesses.Howdidwe<br />

startabusinessmagazine?<br />

Why start a business?<br />

Wehaveknowneachotherfor<br />

someyearsandAlanwantedto<br />

publishalocaladvertising<br />

leafletonwhichwestartedto<br />

collaborate.Hehasadeepand<br />

detailedknowledgeofthe<br />

NorthDevonbusiness<br />

community,developedover<br />

decades,andsawtheneed.<br />

Throughpublishingthe<br />

leafletwealsosawtheneedfor<br />

professionallyorganised<br />

businesseventsandthisledus<br />

todeveloptheannualBBxpo<br />

businessexhibitions(sadly,<br />

cancelledin2020dueto<br />

Coronavirus).<br />

Frommyownexperienceas<br />

abusinessjournalistinthe<br />

area,Isawthenational<br />

broadcastandprintmedia<br />

companieswithdrawingfrom<br />

NorthDevon,leadingtoalack<br />

ofbusinessreporting.Thisled<br />

ustopublishingthefirstissue<br />

of<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>in2019to<br />

fillthegap.<br />

Everythingwehavedoneis<br />

focusedonsatisfyingamarket<br />

needwehaveidentified.<br />

TIP:Beforeyoustartyourown<br />

business,ensurethereisa<br />

needinthemarketplacefor<br />

yourproductorservice.This<br />

isnotalwaysstraightforward.<br />

ThinkoftheiPhoneandhow<br />

Applecreatedtheneedfora<br />

devicethathadnotpreviously<br />

existed.Howdidpeopleknow<br />

theyneededone?Itis<br />

importanttoensurethatyou<br />

makeyourcustomersaware<br />

thattheyneedyourproduct.<br />

<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> magazine is now in its third year. It launched after<br />

co-publishers Alan Williams (left) and Robert Zarywacz identified the<br />

opportunity and drew on their experience, knowledge and skills to<br />

make it happen. Below Robert Zarywacz shares their experience and<br />

offers advice on starting your own business<br />

Howevergooditis,youneed<br />

tosellittothemtosucceed.<br />

What motivates you?<br />

Startingabusinessrequires<br />

greatenergyanddetermination.<br />

Nothinghappensuntilyou<br />

makeithappen.Youneeda<br />

strongreasontoattemptthis.<br />

AlanandIsharea<br />

commitmenttohelpand<br />

supportbusinesses,especially<br />

smallbusinesses.Thisdroveus<br />

tostartandfuelsourpersistence<br />

toovercomeobstacles.<br />

TIP:Identifyyourmotivation<br />

andrecognisetheburning<br />

desirethatmakesyoujump<br />

outofbedeachdaytomake<br />

yourbusinesswork.<br />

When do you start?<br />

Westarted<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong><br />

immediately,ascertainaspects<br />

oftheoperationhadbeenin<br />

ourmindsforyearsandall<br />

NOW IN OUR 3 rd YEAR<br />

13 ISSUES PUBLISHED<br />

260+ BUSINESSES IN ARTICLES & ADVERTS<br />

000s OF ONLINE & SOCIAL MEDIA VIEWS<br />

SELECTED AS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY<br />

#SMALLBIZ100 in 2019<br />

100+ AWARDS ENTRIES IN 2020<br />

UNINTERRUPTED OPERATION IN 2020<br />

fittedtogetherinstantly.When<br />

discussingit,itwasclearthat<br />

thetimewasright,sowe<br />

launchedwithinfourmonths.<br />

Aswehaveourexisting<br />

businesses,wewereableto<br />

launchquickly,fundingthe<br />

magazineourselveswithlittle<br />

risk.Givingupfull-time<br />

employmenttostartabusiness<br />

canbeamajorriskandmany<br />

experiencedentrepreneurs<br />

recommendstartingsmallor<br />

part-timetotestit.Thereare<br />

manyelementsyouneedtoget<br />

right,sotestingitinasmall<br />

waycanhelpironoutproblems<br />

beforeyourfulllaunch.<br />

TIP:Onceyou’veidentifieda<br />

marketneedandhavea<br />

definiteideaofhowyouwill<br />

runyourbusiness,move<br />

quicklysoasnottomissany<br />

opportunities.Waitingtoo<br />

longcansapyouryour<br />

motivationandenergy.<br />

TIP:Remembertotestyour<br />

businessideaonasmallscale<br />

sothatyoucanseewhatworks<br />

andwhatdoesn’tworksoyou<br />

canfinetuneyouroperation.<br />

TIP:Fundityourselfsoyou<br />

don’tborrowmoney.<br />

How to start?<br />

Together,AlanandIhadthe<br />

businessknowledgeweneeded<br />

tomovefast.Weestablished<br />

thestructureofthebusiness,<br />

developedthemagazineformat<br />

andcalculatedapricing<br />

structurethatwasattractiveto<br />

customersandviableforus.<br />

Muchofthiswepickedup<br />

fromourownexperienceand<br />

fromtalkingtootherbusiness<br />

owners,butwedidn’tknow<br />

everythingandwecontinueto<br />

finetunethemagazine.<br />

TIP:Nooneknowseverything<br />

aboutrunningabusinessso<br />

seekadviceandaskother<br />

businessowners.Findpeople<br />

youcantrustwhohavereal<br />

experienceofrunningtheir<br />

ownbusinessandwhose<br />

adviceyourespect.<br />

More support<br />

AlanandIarealwayspleased<br />

tosupportbusinessesandyou<br />

canfindmoreusefultipsfrom<br />

our<strong>Business</strong>Activistsonpages<br />

8&9,aswellasdetailsof<br />

workshopsweareplanning.<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 13

CHARITY<br />

General & specialist auctions<br />

Online & at our Bideford auction house<br />

House clearance<br />

Valuations & probates service<br />

01237 471 955<br />

torridgeauctions.co.uk<br />

Children’s Hospice South<br />

West(CHSW)haslaunched<br />

theCHSW<strong>Business</strong>Club.The<br />

charityencouragesSouthWest<br />

businessestosupportitswork<br />

withlocalchildrenand<br />

familiesinitsmilestone30th<br />

anniversaryyearbyjoining<br />

theclub.<br />

14businesseshavealready<br />

joined,includingWestern<br />

CountiesRoofingatYelland<br />

Quay.TheCHSW<strong>Business</strong><br />

Clubaimstorecruit100<br />

businesses,eachpaying£300,<br />

whichwouldraise£30,000.<br />

Directoroffundraisingfor<br />

CHSWPaulCourtneysays:<br />

“We’reurgingcompaniesto<br />

Children’s hospice business club<br />

standwithlocalchildrenand<br />

familiesandhelpraise£30,000,<br />

whichcouldpayfor1,500<br />

hoursofcare.Whetheritbe<br />

providinghomevisits,virtual<br />

therapysessions,orend-of-life<br />

careinoneofourhospices,<br />

you’llbehelpingtomakea<br />

differencetofamilieswhoneed<br />

usnowmorethanever.”<br />

Membershipbenefits<br />

includebuildingconnections,<br />

raisingawarenessofyour<br />

businessandhelpinglocal<br />

childrenwithlife-limiting<br />

illnesses.<br />

LesleyWhiteofWestern<br />

CountiesRoofingsays:“Itis<br />

ourprivilegetooffersome<br />

smallsupportfortheamazing<br />

peoplethatmakesucha<br />

differencetochildren’slives.”<br />

CHSWhasthreechildren’s<br />

hospices:LittleBridgeHouse<br />

inNorthDevon,Charlton<br />

FarminSomersetandLittle<br />

HarbourinCornwall.The<br />

hospiceprovidescarefor500+<br />

childrenwithlife-limiting<br />

illnessesandoffersmuchneededsupporttofamilies.<br />

■ Details01275866600or<br />

chsw.org.uk/businessclub<br />

We’re ready when you are<br />

<br />

<strong>Business</strong> networking<br />

<br />

Meetings & events<br />

<br />

Training seminars<br />

<br />

Team building<br />

<br />

Dining<br />

01271 862446<br />

stay@ilfracombecarlton.co.uk<br />

ilfracombecarlton.co.uk<br />

14 business action | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk

ECONOMY<br />

Looking to the future of trade<br />

Whatever you wanted,we<br />

havelefttheEU.Wealsohavea<br />

dealand,forusinbusinessand<br />

ourprivatelives,itisuptousto<br />

maketheverybestofthe<br />

situation.<br />

Idon’tsaythatin<br />

resignationtoanything,butour<br />

mindsetwillaffecthowwecan<br />

benefitfromthenew<br />

environment:anindependent<br />

UnitedKingdom,freefrom<br />

manyoftheshackleswhich<br />

manyfeltwereholdingusback.<br />

Ithink,insimpleterms,<br />

manypeoplewerefedupwith<br />

whatappearedtobeanevergrowingpoliticalexperiment<br />

whichhadswampedthe<br />

mutualbenefitsofcollective<br />

tradeandsoon,buttimewill<br />

tell.Therewillbeunexpected<br />

problemsandalsounexpected<br />

bonusesandbenefits.<br />

Thereislikelytobemore<br />

paperworkforimportingand<br />

exportingand,asindividuals,<br />

therewillbemorehassleswhen<br />

itcomestotravelandthings<br />

likethat.However,Ishouldlike<br />

tofeeltoothatsomeoftherafts<br />

ofEUlegislationcanberolled<br />

backaswell,sothatourprivate<br />

andbusinessliveswillbecome<br />

easierandwecanconcentrate<br />

onwhatisimportantandnot<br />

whatislessrelevant.<br />

Therearemanywho<br />

demandincessantlythe‘list’of<br />

benefits,asifthereweretwo<br />

schedulesofplussesand<br />

minuses.It’snotthatsimple,<br />

but,yes,therearebenefitsfrom<br />

beingoutsideandnot‘just’the<br />

significantmulti-billionannual<br />

netpaymentstothe‘system’. In<br />

fact,Iamsurprisedthatthere<br />

werenotsomeformsof<br />

‘payments’obligatedaspartof<br />

thedealtocoverthecosts,but<br />

Isupposetheywillbemutual<br />

goingforwards.<br />

Wemustalsonotconfuse<br />

risingorfallingcostswith<br />

‘Brexit’alone.Currenciesmove<br />

upanddowntooand,for<br />

example,theUSdollarisdown<br />

19%sinceits<strong>March</strong>highand<br />

thatsavingtousonsomany<br />

baseproducts,suchas<br />

foodstuffstradedindollars,is<br />

betterthanallcollectivetariffs<br />

whichcouldhaveapplied.I<br />

suspecttheeurowillfallagainst<br />

<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> aims to focus purely on actual business matters and<br />

has not reported on the political manoeuvrings around Brexit over<br />

the past four years. With Brexit now complete, changes are now<br />

starting to impact businesses. For a view on how these changes<br />

could shape the future of trade, we asked Philip Milton, managing<br />

director of Philip J Milton and Company Plc, which manages funds<br />

worth some £160 million<br />

Philip Milton, managing director of Philip J Milton & Company plc<br />

sterlingnow,afterhavingrisen<br />

by23%sinceJuly2015,andthat<br />

reversalwouldcutimportcosts<br />

ongoodsfromtheEU.Of<br />

course,thatmeansourexports<br />

todollareconomiesare19%<br />

moreexpensiveandthesame<br />

wouldhappentothosetothe<br />

EU(thoughinactualgoodswe<br />

suckinfarmorethanweexport<br />

atthemoment).<br />

Ibelieveahealthyformof<br />

nationalpridewillbeginto<br />

reappeartoo–that’snot<br />

isolationnorhatredofthings<br />

foreign–asfirmswillbeableto<br />

advertise‘madeintheUnited<br />

Kingdom’againperhaps.This<br />

willbolsterhometrade,<br />

increasingdemandand<br />

reducingimports.<br />

Therearesomanyfood<br />

productsweimport<br />

unnecessarilywhenwehave<br />

world-qualityoptionsmadein<br />

theUKalreadyandoften<br />

whichweexport.Isn’tit<br />

greenertootocutdownon<br />

foodmilesbybuyingnationally<br />

whenwecan?<br />

Thepandemichasdistracted<br />

usall(nottrivialisingitsawful<br />

impacts)andglobaleconomies<br />

havebeenhurthard.However,<br />

ourshashadtheuncertainties<br />

of‘Brexit’hoveringoveruslike<br />

acloudaswell.However,Brexit<br />

isanewdawnandthiswill<br />

meanthatwehavecertainty<br />

instead–somebad,somegood<br />

–andconsequentlyour<br />

economyislikelytorebound<br />

betterandfasterthanothersas<br />

thecloudhasbeenlifted.<br />

Weallhateuncertainty<br />

morethananythingelse.Our<br />

financialmarketsarelikelyto<br />

outperformotherglobal<br />

marketslikewiseandIsee<br />

sterlingcontinuingtorise<br />

againstthedollarandto<br />

reboundsignificantlyagainst<br />

theeuro,whichisoverstretchedonsomany<br />

measuresanyway.<br />

Whataretheindividual<br />

businessopportunities?<br />

Suddenly,weshallbe<br />

responsibleforconnections<br />

withcountrieswhichstopped<br />

seeingusasanindividual<br />

nationanymore.<br />

Weshallwelcomemore<br />

productstoourshoresfrom<br />

‘new’partsoftheglobeandthe<br />

dynamicwilllooktoseehow<br />

wecancreatenewbusiness<br />

openings.Therewillbenew<br />

serviceopportunitiestoointhe<br />

wholeinternationaltradearena.<br />

Iamveryoptimisticforthe<br />

Cityandallaspectsofthe<br />

financialservices’sector<br />

generallytoo–includingFree<br />

Portsandperhapsevenan<br />

onshoretaxhaventoattract<br />

tradewhichotherwiseendsup<br />

insomeofthelesssalubrious<br />

partsoftheworld.Iamnot<br />

talking‘illegal’herenorevasion<br />

(theUKleadstheworldon<br />

anti-moneylaundering,evasion<br />

andaggressivetaxavoidance)<br />

butgeographicallyaccessible,<br />

wheretheinternationalwealthy<br />

needsuchplacesandcanrely<br />

upononeofthemostadvanced<br />

financialsystemsintheworld,<br />

thegreatestofsecurity,capable<br />

employeesandlegalcapabilities<br />

andthelanguageofcommerce.<br />

SoIampositiveaboutthe<br />

futureforournationandthat<br />

theopportunitieswillpercolate<br />

outforallinbusiness.<br />

Don’tletnegativityforthe<br />

inevitableholdyouback,but,<br />

yes,adaptifyourbusiness<br />

modelhastochangetobenefit<br />

andtocounteranyconsequences.<br />

■ Details01271344300or<br />

miltonpj.net<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 15

HEADER<br />

16 business action | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk

AWARDS<br />

business<br />

ACTION AWARDS<br />

<strong>2021</strong><br />

North Devon’s independent business awards<br />

If ever there were a needto<br />

celebratebusinesses,itisnow.<br />

Overthepastyear,theNorth<br />

Devonbusinesscommunityhas<br />

faceddifficultiesofproportions<br />

notexperiencedforgenerations.<br />

<strong>Business</strong>es’responsehas<br />

beenmagnificentwithsomuch<br />

energyandimaginationapplied<br />

toadaptingtotherapidly<br />

changingevents.<br />

Keeping life going<br />

EverysingleresidentofNorth<br />

Devonhasdependedon<br />

businessesforfood,shelter,<br />

energy,warmthandessential<br />

servicesduringaperiodwhen<br />

therewasgreatuncertainty<br />

overessentialsupplies.Our<br />

<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>Awards<strong>2021</strong><br />

aimtopaytributetobusinesses<br />

forensuringthatsomany<br />

aspectsoflifehavebeenableto<br />

continuewithoutserious<br />

shortages.<br />

Sadly,somebusinesseshave<br />

notsurvived,throughnofault<br />

oftheirown,andwealsoseek<br />

toacknowledgethosewehave<br />

lostoverthepast12monthsas<br />

muchastocelebratethosewho<br />

surviveandeventhrive.<br />

Reinvention and innovation<br />

Manybusinesseshavereinventedthemselves,having<br />

beenforcedtoclosein<br />

lockdownsorpreventedfrom<br />

operatingastheyhadbeendue<br />

tosocialdistancingregulations.<br />

Somehaveseencustomfall,<br />

somehaveenterednewmarkets<br />

andbuiltanentirelynew<br />

customerbaseandothershave<br />

experiencedrecordlevelsof<br />

business.Thishasdependedon<br />

boththearbitraryimpositionof<br />

restrictions–withhospitality,<br />

retailandpersonalservices<br />

experiencingsomeofthe<br />

severestrestrictions–andthe<br />

energy,flexibilityand<br />

ENTER NOW!<br />

ENTRIES OPEN UNTIL MONDAY 15 MARCH <strong>2021</strong><br />

Best Employer<br />

Best Retailer<br />

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

Consumer Service Excellence<br />

Digital & Online Achievement<br />

Excellence in Construction<br />

Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism<br />

Highest Achieving Learner<br />

International Trade<br />

Made in North Devon<br />

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

Young Entrepreneur<br />

All category winners progress to:<br />

North Devon <strong>Business</strong> of the Year <strong>2021</strong><br />

ENTER YOUR BUSINESS OR NOMINATE ANOTHER<br />

innovationofbusinessesin<br />

adaptingfast.<br />

Thisyear’sawardswill<br />

recognisethesebusinesses.<br />

Choice of 12 categories<br />

<strong>Business</strong>escanchoosefrom12<br />

categoriestoenter–listed<br />

above–andyoucanenteryour<br />

businessinasmanycategories<br />

asyouwant.<br />

Nominate a business<br />

Aswellasenteringyourown<br />

business,youcannominate<br />

otherbusinessesyoubelieve<br />

deservetowinanaward.<br />

Whichofyourcustomers,<br />

suppliersorassociates<br />

impressesyousomuchthat<br />

theydeserveanaward?Please<br />

nominatethemsothatthey<br />

receiverecognition.<br />

Recognising exporters<br />

Wearedelightedtolaunchour<br />

newestawardscategory–our<br />

InternationalTradeAward–to<br />

recognisetheachievementsof<br />

businessesthatexportgoodsor<br />

servicesinternationally.<br />

Exportsareofvital<br />

importancetothelocaland<br />

nationaleconomyandwewant<br />

torecogniseexportersatevery<br />

level,whetheryouarean<br />

establishedexporterorhave<br />

juststartedexporting.<br />

Weareverygratefulto<br />

InternationalTradeMattersfor<br />

suggestingthisawardand<br />

sponsoringit.<br />

BUSINESS-ACTION.CO.UK/AWARDS<br />

Who can enter?<br />

Itcanbeeasyforbusiness<br />

ownersanddirectorstothink<br />

thatthepastyearhasbeenone<br />

ofstrugglingjusttostandstill<br />

andthatthiscountsforlittle.<br />

Wedisagree.Copingwith<br />

everythingthrownatusand<br />

stillstandingisanincredible<br />

achievement.<br />

Somebusinessownersalso<br />

thinkthattheirbusinessistoo<br />

neworsmallforanaward.<br />

Again,wedisagree.Starting<br />

abusinessisabigachievement.<br />

Sohoweverneworoldyour<br />

business,whateverthesector,<br />

whetherit’sbigorsmall,you<br />

couldwinanaward.<br />

Why you need to enter<br />

➤ Bringyourbusinesstothe<br />

attentionofthismagazine<br />

andourindependentjudges<br />

➤ Receivefreepromotionfor<br />

yourbusinessasanentrant<br />

➤ Entrytoourdrawforall<br />

entrantstowina£150<br />

advertisingpackage<br />

➤ Winnersreceivepublic<br />

recognitionatawardsevent<br />

and/orinonlinevideos<br />

➤ Winnersreceiveadvertising<br />

prizesandeditorialcoverage<br />

inthismagazine<br />

Announcing winners<br />

Wewillhostanawardseventat<br />

theearliestpossibleopportunity,<br />

althoughmayannounce<br />

winnersonlinetoavoidtoolong<br />

await.<br />

Wheneverannouncethe<br />

winner,wewanttocelebrateas<br />

manyNorthDevonbusinesses<br />

aspossiblein<strong>2021</strong>,sodon’t<br />

delay,enteryourbusinessor<br />

nominateotherstoday.The<br />

deadlineisMonday15<strong>March</strong>.<br />

Goodluck!<br />

■ business-action.co.uk/awards<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 17

AWARDS<br />

The North Devon <strong>Business</strong> of<br />

the Year Award <strong>2021</strong>isonce<br />

againsponsoredbyPhilipJ<br />

Milton&CompanyPlc.<br />

Thewinnerwillbeselected<br />

bytheawardsjudgesfromthe<br />

winnersofthe12awards<br />

categories–businessescannot<br />

enterthemselves.<br />

Philip J Milton & Company plc<br />

Wearedelightedandproudto<br />

offerafullyindependent<br />

financialandinvestment<br />

planningserviceandweadvise<br />

uponallaspectsofclients’<br />

financialaffairs.Thecompany<br />

continuestoexpandits<br />

operationsandalsooffersan<br />

AccountancyandTaxation<br />

servicealongwithaWill<br />

Writing,Trusts,Estatesand<br />

ProbateDepartment.<br />

TheCompanyisauthorised<br />

andregulatedbytheFinancial<br />

ConductAuthority(FCA)and<br />

isoneofthelargestandlongest<br />

North Devon<br />

<strong>Business</strong> of the Year<br />

establishedIndependent<br />

FinancialAdvisersinNorth<br />

Devon.Weareregulatedatone<br />

ofthehighestavailable<br />

sponsored by<br />

categories,beingoneofavery<br />

fewauthorisedtoundertake<br />

discretionaryinvestment<br />

managementandtoholdclient<br />

money.Consequently,weare<br />

requiredtomaintainsizeable<br />

andverystrictfinancial<br />

resourcesatalltimes.The<br />

Company’saccountsaresubject<br />

tothoroughindependentaudit<br />

andfullaccountsarepublished<br />

andsubmittedtotheFCA<br />

regularly.Also,theFinancial<br />

OmbudsmanServiceand<br />

FinancialServices’<br />

CompensationSchemeapplyto<br />

enhanceinvestorprotection<br />

againstfinancialloss.<br />

Withwelloverthreedecades<br />

ofexperience,wealsoboast<br />

someofthehighestfinancial<br />

services’qualificationsinthe<br />

country.Staffareencouraged<br />

andsponsoredtoachieve<br />

qualificationsbeyondthe<br />

industrystandardtoensure<br />

thatwecontinuetodeliveran<br />

excellentservicetoclients.<br />

■ Details01271344300or<br />

miltonpj.net<br />

The Best Employer Award<br />

seekstorecogniseemployers<br />

basedoroperatinginNorth<br />

Devonwhoarecommittedto<br />

providingafulfilling<br />

environmentinwhichtheir<br />

employeesthrive.<br />

Highest standards<br />

Manyofusspendalarge<br />

proportionofourtimeat<br />

workandworkinginan<br />

environmentwhichissafe,<br />

healthyandwherewefeel<br />

happyisveryimportant.The<br />

BestEmployerAwardseeksto<br />

recogniseemployerswho<br />

realisethisandwhoachieve<br />

thehigheststandardsofcare<br />

fortheiremployees.<br />

Best Employer Award<br />

Exceptional care<br />

2020hasbeenverydifficultfor<br />

manyemployerswhohave<br />

workedveryhardtoretain<br />

theirstaff.ThisyeartheBest<br />

EmployerAwardalso<br />

recognisesemployerswho<br />

havehadtomaketough<br />

decisionswhiledemonstrating<br />

exceptionalcarefortheir<br />

employeesasindividuals,as<br />

wellasemployerswhohave<br />

adaptedtheirworking<br />

environmentsandpractices<br />

duetoCovidrestrictionsto<br />

helptheiremployees.<br />

Criteria<br />

Thejudgesarelookingfor<br />

evidenceofoneormoreof:<br />

➤ Openapproachtoemploying<br />

adiverseworkforce<br />

➤ Developsthepotentialofall<br />

employeesasindividuals<br />

➤ Supportsprofessional<br />

developmentwith<br />

appropriatetraining<br />

➤ Enablesemployeesto<br />

achievework/lifebalance<br />

➤ Rewardsemployees<br />

appropriatelyfortheir<br />

contributiontothebusiness<br />

➤ Activeinnurturinglocal<br />

skillsandtalent<br />

➤ Createsandpromotesan<br />

enjoyableandpositivework<br />

environment<br />

➤ Supportsstaffandmakes<br />

everyonefeelpartofteam<br />

➤ Opentonewideas/feedback<br />

➤ Createssenseofcommunity<br />

withintheworkplace<br />

➤ Adaptingworking<br />

environmentsandpractices<br />

tohelpemployeesasa<br />

resultofCovidrestrictions<br />

Fromabuilderemployingone<br />

apprenticetoamanufacturer<br />

employinghundredsofstaff,<br />

theBestEmployerAward<br />

highlightsemployersinNorth<br />

Devonwhotakebestcareof<br />

theirpeople.<br />

The Best Retailer Award<br />

recognisesNorthDevon<br />

retailerswhoprovidethebest<br />

shoppingexperienceand<br />

serviceinthearea.<br />

Shopsarethelifebloodof<br />

ourtownsandvillages,yet<br />

manyretailershavebeenforced<br />

tocloseduringlockdowns.This<br />

year’sawardacknowledgesthe<br />

challengesshopkeepersface.<br />

Wecelebratethosestoreswho<br />

strivetoaddresstheneedsof<br />

theircustomersinsuchdifficult<br />

circumstances,especially<br />

independentshopsfocusingon<br />

deliveringthebestpersonal<br />

service,workingtooffer<br />

Best Retailer Award<br />

preciselywhatcustomerswant<br />

andprovidinginvaluable<br />

supporttotheircommunities.<br />

Fromvillagestoresonwhich<br />

residentsdependforessentials<br />

tospecialistretailersoffering<br />

eclecticrangesofhigh-quality<br />

goods,theBestRetailerAward<br />

highlightsretailerswhomake<br />

theshoppingexperiencein<br />

NorthDevonamongthebestin<br />

thecountry.<br />

Criteria<br />

Thejudgesarelookingfor<br />

evidenceofoneormoreof:<br />

➤ Storesofferingthewarmest<br />

welcometocustomers<br />

➤ Shopkeeperswhogothe<br />

extramiletoobtainthe<br />

goodscustomersaskfor<br />

➤ Auniqueofferingthatadds<br />

valuetoatownorvillageas<br />

aplacetoliveorasaretail<br />

orvisitordestination<br />

BUSINESS-ACTION.CO.UK/AWARDS<br />

➤ Storeswhosellbothonthe<br />

highstreetandonline<br />

➤ Innovativeuseofthe<br />

internettoattractcustomers<br />

instore<br />

➤ Pillarsofthecommunity<br />

wholookaftertheir<br />

customerslikefamily<br />

➤ Adaptingbusinessprocesses<br />

toCovidrestrictions<br />

Who can enter?<br />

TheBestRetailerAwardisopen<br />

toanyretailerinNorthDevon.<br />

Owners,directors,managersand<br />

employeescanenterthebusiness<br />

theyworkin.Storescanalsobe<br />

enteredbycustomers,suppliers<br />

orexternaladvisers.<br />

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

AWARDS<br />

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

Excellence Award<br />

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

Excellence Awardrecognises<br />

NorthDevonbusinesseswho<br />

provideimportantB2B<br />

servicestootherbusinesses.<br />

Everybusinessneedsa<br />

numberofessentialbusiness<br />

servicestooperate<br />

successfully.Whileitcanbe<br />

easytoconsideraccountancy,<br />

legalorotherB2Bservices<br />

solelyascosts,effective<br />

accountantsandlawyersadd<br />

valuetoimprovethe<br />

productivity,salesand<br />

profitabilityoftheirclients.<br />

Criteria<br />

Thejudgesarelookingfor<br />

evidenceofoneormoreof:<br />

➤ B2Bservicesthatare<br />

outstandingintheirsector<br />

➤ Supportingclientsasan<br />

essentialandtrusted<br />

partner<br />

➤ Participationinclients’<br />

developmentandexpansion<br />

➤ Reputationasadependable<br />

andhighqualityB2B<br />

provider<br />

➤ Evidenceofinvestmentin<br />

skillsandservices<br />

➤ Innovativeapproachto<br />

providingB2Bservices<br />

➤ Adaptingworking<br />

environmentandpractices<br />

duetoCovidrestrictions<br />

Who can enter?<br />

Thisawardisopentoany<br />

businessinNorthDevon<br />

providingB2Bservicesto<br />

otherbusinesses,suchas<br />

accountancy,administrative,<br />

advertising,finance,<br />

healthcare,healthandsafety,<br />

insurance,law,marketing,<br />

sales,training,aswellas<br />

adviceoneverythingfrom<br />

employmenttooutsourcing.<br />

Owners,directors,<br />

managersandemployeescan<br />

enterthebusinesstheyworkin<br />

andbusinessescanalsobe<br />

enteredbycustomers,<br />

suppliersorexternaladvisers.<br />

Consumer Service<br />

Excellence Award<br />

The Consumer Service<br />

Excellence Awardrecognises<br />

NorthDevonbusinesseswho<br />

provideservicesdirectto<br />

residentsandthepublic.<br />

Fromentertainmentto<br />

sport,leisure,healthcareand<br />

beauty,theawardhighlights<br />

businesseswhosupport<br />

consumersandthecommunity.<br />

Thissectorhasfaced<br />

extremedifficultiesin2020<br />

withmanybusinessesclosed<br />

duringlockdowns.Thisyearthe<br />

ConsumerServiceExcellence<br />

Awardalsorecognisesthe<br />

achievementsofbusinesseswho<br />

haveworkedtoadapttoCovid<br />

restrictionsandcontinue<br />

servingthecommunity.<br />

Criteria<br />

Thejudgesarelookingfor<br />

evidenceofoneormoreof:<br />

➤ Consumerservicesthatare<br />

outstandingintheirsector<br />

➤ Providingreliableservices<br />

thatcustomersdependon<br />

➤ Goingtheextramileto<br />

provideapersonalservice<br />

➤ Innovatingtodevelop<br />

uniqueservices<br />

➤ Evidenceofinvestmentin<br />

skillsandequipment<br />

➤ Enrichingthelivesof<br />

individualsandcommunity<br />

➤ Adaptingworking<br />

environmentandpractices<br />

duetoCovidrestrictions<br />

Who can enter?<br />

TheConsumerService<br />

ExcellenceAwardisopento<br />

anybusinessinNorthDevon<br />

providingservicesto<br />

consumers,includingbarbers,<br />

hairdressers,beautyservices,<br />

cleaners,gardeners,healthand<br />

fitness,personalfinanceand<br />

entertainment.Owners,<br />

directors,managersand<br />

employeescanenterthe<br />

businesstheyworkinand<br />

businessescanalsobeentered<br />

bycustomers,suppliersor<br />

externaladvisers.<br />

Est. 1983<br />

Sustainable Corrugated Cardboard<br />

Packaging with the environment at heart.<br />

Packaging<br />

Solutions for<br />

our Planet.<br />

Also passionate about our Community and<br />

supporting our Charity of the Year <strong>2021</strong>.<br />

Roundswell <strong>Business</strong> Park,<br />

Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 3TT.<br />

+44(0)1271<br />

344 055<br />

sales@atlaspackaging.co.uk<br />

www.atlaspackaging.co.uk<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 19

The Digital and Online<br />

Achievement Award<br />

recognisesNorthDevon<br />

businesseswhoaredeveloping<br />

thefullpotentialofferedby<br />

onlineanddigitaltechnologies<br />

andtheinternet,eitherasa<br />

creatororuser.Thisincludes<br />

buildingwebsites,creating<br />

contentandusingsocialmedia<br />

formarketingandselling,as<br />

wellasintegratingcloud<br />

technologyorotheronline<br />

systemsintobusinessprocesses<br />

toimproveefficiencyand<br />

customerexperience.<br />

Fromasoletraderusinga<br />

websitetosellproductsonthe<br />

internettoanagency<br />

programmingsoftwareto<br />

transferacompany’s<br />

administrationtotheCloud,<br />

thisawardhighlightsNorth<br />

Devonbusinessestakingfull<br />

advantageoftheopportunities<br />

offeredbydigitaltechnology.<br />

WithCovidrestrictions<br />

forcingmanybusinessesto<br />

increaseuseofdigitaland<br />

onlinetechnologies,theDigital<br />

andOnlineAchievementAward<br />

recognisesinnovative<br />

businessesdevelopingnew<br />

servicessuchas‘clickand<br />

The Excellence in Hospitality<br />

and Tourism Award<br />

recognisesbusinesseswho<br />

attractvisitorstoNorth<br />

Devon,offerthewarmest<br />

welcomeandprovide<br />

experiencestolastalifetime.<br />

Fromhotels,holidayparks<br />

andattractionstorestaurants,<br />

pubs,cafésandtakeaways,<br />

thesebusinessesshowNorth<br />

Devonatitsbest<br />

TheNorthDevonlandscape<br />

issobeautifulandoffersso<br />

manyactivitiesand<br />

experiencestovisitorsthatitis<br />

anaturalholidaydestination.<br />

collect’,onlineorderingorother<br />

imaginativeapplications.<br />

Criteria<br />

Thejudgesarelookingfor<br />

evidenceofoneormoreof:<br />

➤ Advancedunderstanding<br />

anduseofdigitaltechnology<br />

AWARDS<br />

Digital & Online<br />

Achievement Award<br />

sponsored by<br />

Integraiscommittedtoprovidingtheverybestcommunication,<br />

internetandITsupportforbusinessesfromitsofficesinNorth<br />

DevonandEssex,includingmanagedITsupportandhosted<br />

telecomsviaourownVoIPsystem.<br />

Since2010,we’vebuiltareputationforpersonal,friendlyand<br />

professionalservicethatdoesn’tcosttheearthandhaveworked<br />

withawiderangeofbusinesses,puttingtherighttoolsand<br />

supportinplacetohelpthemgrow.<br />

Withover50years’combinedexperienceinourexpertteam–<br />

andapromisetoalwaystreatyouasanindividual–youcanbe<br />

surethattheadvicewegiveistherightadviceforyourbusiness.<br />

■ Visitintegra.im<br />

➤ Innovativeapplicationof<br />

digitalproductsorservices<br />

➤ Marketingviawebsites,<br />

socialmediaorother<br />

technologies<br />

➤ Useofcloudtechnologyand<br />

othersystemsinbusinesses<br />

Excellence in Hospitality<br />

& Tourism Award<br />

Theexperiencesvisitorshave<br />

heredeterminewhattheytell<br />

theirfamilyandfriendsand<br />

whethertheywillreturnagain.<br />

Thatiswhybusinessesinour<br />

hospitalityandtourismsector<br />

areofvitalimportanceto<br />

NorthDevon’sreputationasa<br />

visitordestination.<br />

Fromakioskselling<br />

homemadeicecreamtoa<br />

hotelofferingluxurious<br />

accommodation,thisaward<br />

highlightsthebestvisitor<br />

servicesandexperiencesin<br />

NorthDevon.<br />

Thehospitalityandtourism<br />

sectorhasexperiencedextreme<br />

difficultiesin2020.Many<br />

businesseshaveapplied<br />

superhumanefforttoadapt<br />

andmaintainhighstandardsof<br />

serviceundersuchchallenging<br />

conditions.Thisyearthe<br />

ExcellenceinHospitalityand<br />

TourismAwardrecognisesand<br />

saluteseveryoneworkingin<br />

hospitalityandtourismin<br />

NorthDevon.<br />

Criteria<br />

Thejudgesarelookingfor<br />

evidenceofoneormoreof:<br />

➤ Effectivepromotionofyour<br />

businessandNorthDevon<br />

intheUKand/orabroad<br />

➤ Successinattracting<br />

visitorsfromdifferent<br />

➤ Automationofbusiness<br />

processesforbetter<br />

productivity,profitability<br />

andcustomerservice<br />

➤ Improvedinternalor<br />

customercommunication<br />

throughtechnology<br />

➤ Adaptingworking<br />

environmentandpractices<br />

duetoCovidrestrictions<br />

Who can enter?<br />

TheDigitalandOnline<br />

AchievementAwardisopento<br />

anybusinessinNorthDevon<br />

workingwithdigitaland<br />

internettechnology,eitherasa<br />

creatororuser.Thiscanrange<br />

fromworkingwithcomplex<br />

specialisttechnologiestousing<br />

widelyavailabletechnologyto<br />

developasimplebuteffective<br />

businessprocess.<br />

<strong>Business</strong>escanenter<br />

themselvesornominateother<br />

businesses.<br />

(<strong>Business</strong>esdeveloping<br />

technologyproductssuchas<br />

softwareasaproducttosell<br />

(e.g.awordprocessingor<br />

databasepackage)mayfindit<br />

moreappropriatetoenterthese<br />

productsintheMadeinDevon<br />

Awardinstead.)<br />

groupsorlocations<br />

➤ Investmentinfacilities<br />

demonstratingquality,<br />

visionandflair<br />

➤ Well-trainedteamoffering<br />

awarmwelcomeand<br />

exceptionalcustomer<br />

service<br />

➤ Standoutexperienceor<br />

servicethatshowcasesthe<br />

bestofNorthDevon<br />

➤ Excellentreviewsand<br />

customercompliments<br />

➤ Adaptingworking<br />

environmentandpractices<br />

duetoCovidrestrictions<br />

➤ Introducingnewproducts<br />

andservices<br />

Who can enter?<br />

TheExcellenceinHospitality<br />

andTourismAwardisopento<br />

anybusinessoperatingin<br />

NorthDevonthatworksto<br />

attractvisitorsorprovides<br />

hospitalityservices,from<br />

accommodationtodining,<br />

takeawayfood,leisure<br />

activitiesandtraveltoboth<br />

visitorsandresidents.<br />

<strong>Business</strong>escanenter<br />

themselvesornominateother<br />

businessesfortheaward.<br />

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

The Excellence in<br />

Construction Awardaimsto<br />

recogniseexcellence<br />

throughouttheNorthDevon<br />

buildingandconstruction<br />

sector.Ithighlights<br />

exceptionalstandardsofbuilt<br />

environments,whichprovide<br />

highqualityoflifeforwork,<br />

home,andplay.<br />

Fromanindividualhandcraftedwoodenstaircasetoa<br />

completehousing<br />

development,theaward<br />

highlightsthebestofNorth<br />

Devonconstruction.<br />

2020hasbeenachallenging<br />

yearfortheconstructionsector<br />

andthisyeartheExcellencein<br />

ConstructionAwardalso<br />

recognisesbusinesseswho<br />

haveadaptedtothechallenges<br />

createdbyCovidrestrictionsto<br />

continueoperations.<br />

Criteria<br />

Thejudgesarelookingfor<br />

evidenceofoneormoreof:<br />

➤ Highstandardsofskilland<br />

craft<br />

AWARDS<br />

Excellence in<br />

Construction Award<br />

sponsored by<br />

Weareoneoftheleadingindependentbuildersmerchantsinthe<br />

SouthWestoperatingoutof20locationsacrossDevon,Cornwall<br />

andSomerset.Atourbranchesyou’llfindawidearrayofhigh<br />

qualityproductsinstock,includinglandscaping,plumbingand<br />

heating,heavysideandlightside,decorating,andgeneralbuilding<br />

materials,aswellasdedicatedkitchen,bathroomandbedroom<br />

showroomsinmanylocations.<br />

Ourbranchteamsarehighlyknowledgeableandareonhandto<br />

offernecessarytechnicalassistance,recommendproductsfromour<br />

extensivestock,andassistwithanyprojectsyou’reundertaking.<br />

Whetherit’sourknowledgeableandreliablestaff,orourgreat<br />

rangeofproducts,weaimtogothatextramilewhetheryou’re<br />

building,maintaining,renovatingorrepairing.<br />

We’redelightedtobeinvolvedinrecognisingalocalherointhe<br />

constructionindustry,asectorveryrelevanttoourbusiness.<br />

■ Visitrgbltd.co.uk<br />

➤ Outstandingachievements<br />

inconstruction<br />

➤ Innovationindesignand/or<br />

practice<br />

➤ Investmentintrainingand<br />

development<br />

➤ Attentiontosafeworking<br />

andbestpractice<br />

➤ Exceptionallevelsof<br />

customersatisfaction<br />

➤ Adaptingworking<br />

environmentandpractices<br />

duetoCovidrestrictions<br />

Who can enter?<br />

TheExcellencein<br />

Constructionawardisopento<br />

allbusinessesinthesector<br />

basedorworkinginNorth<br />

Devon.Fromsoletradersand<br />

SMEstolargecompanies,this<br />

includestradessuchas<br />

building,decorating,<br />

carpentry,electricity,<br />

plumbing,heating,and<br />

landscaping.<br />

<strong>Business</strong>escanenter<br />

themselvesortheycanbe<br />

nominatedbycustomers,<br />

suppliersorotherbusinesses.<br />

Outstanding New<br />

<strong>Business</strong> Award<br />

TheOutstandingNew<strong>Business</strong><br />

Awardrecognisesthesuccessof<br />

newNorthDevonbusinesses.<br />

Newbusinessesareessential<br />

tothesuccessoftheNorth<br />

Devoneconomyasnew<br />

technologycausessomeolder<br />

industriestodisappearandthe<br />

naturalcycleleadsto<br />

experiencedbusinesspeople<br />

retiring.Newbusinessesneed<br />

toreplaceoldonesandto<br />

developtheeconomyforthe<br />

future.Duetoitsremoteness,<br />

runningabusinessinNorth<br />

Devonisabigchallengeand<br />

maintainingabusinesshereisa<br />

majorachievement.<br />

Frombuyingandselling<br />

goodsatamarketto<br />

establishingaspecialist<br />

consultancy,thisaward<br />

highlightsentrepreneurswho<br />

puttheirplansintoactionto<br />

buildasuccessfulbusiness.<br />

Criteria<br />

Thejudgesarelookingfor<br />

evidenceofoneormoreof:<br />

➤ <strong>Business</strong>esstartedinspare<br />

time,afterleaving<br />

employmentwithown<br />

investment,orestablished<br />

businessestransformedby<br />

newowners<br />

➤ Investmentintrainingto<br />

developbusinessskills<br />

➤ Originalbusinessideasora<br />

freshtakeonanexisting<br />

typeofbusiness<br />

➤ Persistenceindrivinga<br />

businessfromscratchto<br />

success<br />

➤ Successsuchasemploying<br />

stafforexporting<br />

➤ Driveandcommitmentto<br />

transformavisioninto<br />

reality<br />

➤ <strong>Business</strong>startedinresponse<br />

tochangedcircumstances<br />

causedbyCovid<br />

Who can enter?<br />

TheOutstandingNew<strong>Business</strong><br />

Awardisopentoanybusinessin<br />

NorthDevonstartedonorafter<br />

1January2019.Thisincludes<br />

businessesacquiredbyand<br />

transformedbynewowners.<br />

BUSINESS-ACTION.CO.UK/AWARDS<br />

Young Entrepreneur Award<br />

The Young Entrepreneur<br />

Awardrecognisessuccessful<br />

NorthDevonbusinessowners<br />

anddirectorsaged30orunder.<br />

Thebusinessworldis<br />

changingsofast,makingit<br />

difficultforyoungpeopleto<br />

predicthowtheircareerscan<br />

develop.Thesmallpopulation<br />

inalargegeographicalarea<br />

alsolimitsthenumberof<br />

opportunitiesavailableto<br />

youngpeople.Thisaward<br />

recognisestheachievementsof<br />

youngpeoplewhostarttheir<br />

ownbusinessorwhoprogress<br />

throughexistingjobrolesto<br />

ownorleadabusiness.<br />

Fromstartingapart-time<br />

businessatschooltomanaging<br />

anestablishedcompany,the<br />

YoungEntrepreneurAward<br />

highlightsyoungentrepreneurs<br />

whoembodythespiritof<br />

NorthDevonenterprise.<br />

2020hasbeenverydifficult<br />

formanybusinesseswhohave<br />

hadtoadapttogovernment<br />

restrictionsduringlockdown<br />

andtheawardalsorecognises<br />

individualswhohaveadapted<br />

workingenvironmentsand<br />

practicestocontinueoperating.<br />

Criteria<br />

Thejudgesarelookingfor<br />

evidenceofoneormoreof:<br />

➤ Launchoracquisitionof<br />

ownbusiness<br />

➤ Fastprogressioninan<br />

existingbusinesstodirector<br />

level<br />

➤ Evidenceofbusiness<br />

successandachievements<br />

➤ Commitmenttoacquiring<br />

skillsorqualifications<br />

➤ Abilitytolearnfrom<br />

setbackstoachievestronger<br />

futureperformance<br />

➤ Long-termvisionto<br />

establishathrivingbusiness<br />

➤ Adaptingworking<br />

environmentandpractices<br />

duetoCovidrestrictions<br />

Who can enter?<br />

TheYoungEnterpriseAward<br />

isopentoanyNorthDevon<br />

businessownerordirector<br />

aged30yearsorunderon31<br />

<strong>March</strong><strong>2021</strong>.<br />

Entrepreneurscanenter<br />

themselvesorbenominatedby<br />

otherbusinesspeople.<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 21

The International Trade<br />

Award isnewfor<strong>2021</strong>and<br />

recognisesNorthDevon<br />

businessesthatarestartingor<br />

growinginternationaltrade<br />

relationships.Itwassuggested<br />

byInternationalTradeMatters,<br />

whoarekindlysponsoringit.<br />

International relationships<br />

Inourfast-changingworld,<br />

newtradeopportunitiesare<br />

alwaysappearingforthose<br />

businesseswhoarepreparedto<br />

embracethem.<br />

Exportsrangefromphysical<br />

productsmanufacturedby<br />

businessestofoodanddrink,<br />

digitalproductsandservices.<br />

TheInternationalTrade<br />

Awardisopentoanybusiness<br />

basedoroperatingfromNorth<br />

Devonthatexportsproductsor<br />

servicesinternationally,both<br />

newandestablishedexporters.<br />

The Made in North Devon<br />

AwardrecognisesNorth<br />

Devonmanufacturersand<br />

producerswhoseproductsare<br />

enjoyedlocallyandexported<br />

acrosstheUKand<br />

internationally.<br />

Manufacturing history<br />

NorthDevonhasalong<br />

historyofmanufacturingand<br />

production.Itsmanufacturing<br />

rangesfromtraditionalgoods<br />

andproductstohi-tech<br />

equipmentandmaterialsused<br />

inaviation,medicineandother<br />

sectors.Itsfoodanddrink<br />

productsrangefrommeatand<br />

fishtospecialityciders,wines,<br />

beersandmarmalades.<br />

Fromalonemetalwork<br />

craftspersonorartisanfood<br />

producertoalarge<br />

manufacturerofcomposite<br />

materials,theMadeinNorth<br />

DevonAwardhighlights<br />

businessesmaintainingNorth<br />

Devon’slongtraditionof<br />

manufacturingandtakingit<br />

intothefuture.<br />

2020hasbeenverydifficult<br />

formanybusinesseswhohave<br />

workedveryhardtoadaptto<br />

governmentrestrictionsduring<br />

lockdownandthisyearthe<br />

AWARDS<br />

International Trade<br />

Award<br />

Criteria<br />

Thejudgesarelookingfor<br />

sponsored by<br />

FoundedbymanagingdirectorLindaMiddleton-Jones,<br />

InternationalTradeMattersLtdprovidesindependenttailored<br />

supporttoSMEsandmicrobusinesses.<br />

Levelsofengagementcanincludeatelephone-basedExport<br />

Responsesupportservice,helpandadvicewithexport<br />

documentationandaccreditations,orafully-embeddedExport<br />

Managertooperateortrainyourexportdepartment.<br />

■ Visitinternationaltradematters.com<br />

evidenceofoneormoreofthe<br />

followingcriteria:<br />

Made in North Devon<br />

Award<br />

sponsored by<br />

TheSignMakermanufactureshighqualitysignsandmemorialsto<br />

suitallbudgets,offeringahugechoiceinmaterials,fontsand<br />

images.Italsoprovidesamassiverangeofstandardsafetysigns,<br />

postersandequipment.<br />

Wemakesomanydifferentsignsjustthewayyouwantthem–<br />

housesigns,homesignsandnameplates,doornumbers,memorial<br />

plaques,businesssignsandwheelcovers.Ifyouneedadvicewith<br />

anyofthesigns,plaques,businesssignage,memorialsorgiftsdo<br />

callus01769561355.<br />

OurmainworkshopsarebasedinNorthDevon,butwesendour<br />

signsallovertheworld.Weknowweareluckytobesituatedinthe<br />

countryandourwebsiteshowshowwecareforourcountryside.<br />

Visitourwebsitetoseethehugevarietyofsignageweoffer.You<br />

canplaceordersbyphone,emailorviaouronlineshop.<br />

■ Visitsign-maker.net<br />

MadeinNorthDevonAward<br />

alsorecognisesbusinesseswho<br />

haveadaptedworking<br />

environmentsandpracticesto<br />

continueoperating.<br />

Criteria<br />

Thejudgesarelookingfor<br />

evidenceofoneormoreof:<br />

➤ Skillandexpertiseinthe<br />

manufactureofproducts<br />

➤ Identificationand<br />

developmentof<br />

internationaltrade<br />

opportunities<br />

➤ Overcomingbarriersto<br />

exportingsuccessfully<br />

➤ Establishingnewbusiness<br />

processesthathave<br />

increasedexport<br />

competitiveness<br />

➤ Newentrantstoexporting<br />

➤ Growthofestablished<br />

exportbusiness<br />

➤ FlyingtheflagforNorth<br />

DevonandBritain<br />

Who can enter?<br />

TheInternationalTradeAward<br />

isopentoanybusinessbasedin<br />

oroperatingfromNorthDevon<br />

thatexportsproductsorservices<br />

internationally.Entrantscanbe<br />

anysizeandinanysector.<br />

<strong>Business</strong>escanenterthemselves<br />

ornominateotherbusinesses.<br />

➤ Innovationinthedesign<br />

andmanufactureofhighqualityproducts<br />

➤ Investmentintrainingand<br />

skillsandinmanufacturing<br />

equipment<br />

➤ Transferofskillsand<br />

knowledgefromone<br />

generationtoanother<br />

➤ Adoptionofnew<br />

manufacturingtechnology<br />

andpractices<br />

➤ Exportsuccessbothacross<br />

theUKandinternationally<br />

➤ Adaptingworking<br />

environmentandpractices<br />

duetoCovidrestrictions<br />

Who can enter?<br />

TheMadeinNorthDevon<br />

AwardisopentoNorthDevon<br />

manufacturersorproducersof<br />

physicalproducts,including<br />

materials,equipment,food<br />

anddrink.<br />

<strong>Business</strong>esdeveloping<br />

technologyproductssuchas<br />

softwaresoldasaproduct(e.g.<br />

awordprocessingordatabase<br />

system)canalsoenter.<br />

(<strong>Business</strong>escreatingdigital<br />

contentsuchaswebsites<br />

shouldconsiderenteringthese<br />

intheDigitalandOnline<br />

AchievementAward.)<br />

Web site<br />

business-action.co.uk/awards<br />

LinkedIn<br />

linkedin.com/company/businessaction<br />

Group: linkedin.com/groups/2494210/<br />

FOLLOW AWARDS ONLINE<br />

Instagram<br />

@businessactionuk<br />

Twitter<br />

@businessactionmag<br />

Facebook<br />

@businessactionmag<br />

Group: facebook.com/groups/ndevon<br />

YouTube<br />

<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> channel<br />

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

The Highest Achieving<br />

Learner Awardrecognisesthe<br />

achievementsofindividuals<br />

workinginbusinessesinNorth<br />

Devonwhoarecurrentlyinor<br />

haverecentlycompleted<br />

trainingorskillsdevelopment.<br />

Learningandskillsare<br />

essentialbothtodeveloping<br />

thefullpotentialof<br />

individualssotheyenjoy<br />

satisfyingcareersandto<br />

creatingaskilledand<br />

productiveworkforcefor<br />

NorthDevon’sbusinesses.<br />

Fromaworkplacementto<br />

testsuitabilityforaroleto<br />

qualifyingasaspecialistina<br />

profession,thisaward<br />

celebratesthehighlevelof<br />

skillsandlearningbeing<br />

developedinNorthDevon.<br />

2020hasbeenanespecially<br />

toughyearforapprentices,<br />

trainees,studentsandother<br />

employeesworkinghardto<br />

developtheirskillsduetothe<br />

unprecedenteddisruption.This<br />

yeartheHighestAchieving<br />

LearnerAwardalsorecognises<br />

howlearnershaveadaptedto<br />

difficultcircumstancesto<br />

continuetheirlearning.<br />

AWARDS<br />

Highest Achieving<br />

Learner Award<br />

Criteria<br />

Thejudgesarelookingfor<br />

evidenceofoneormoreof:<br />

sponsored by<br />

AtlasPackagingistheUK’sleadingindependentcardboardbox<br />

company.Ourmainaimistoprovideourcustomerswiththebest<br />

bespokecorrugatedpackagingandtodothiswehaveour<br />

owndesignandproductionservice.Ateverystepoftheprocessit’s<br />

conductedaccuratelywhilstkeepingourpriceshighlycompetitive.<br />

Weunderstandthatlongwaitingtimes,costsandpoorquality<br />

canharmtheimpressionofyourbusinesses.ButhereatAtlas<br />

Packagingwehavetheadvantageofhousingbothdesign<br />

andmanufacturingfacilitiesonsitewhichallowsustofasttrack<br />

theprocessofmakingyourcorrugatedpackaging.Wekeepour<br />

pricesfairandcompetitivetoensurethatthehighestquality<br />

standardsaremaintainedthroughouttheprocess.Andwith<br />

constantreinvestmentandconsultationweareabletoofferstateof<br />

theartprintingandmanufacturingservicestomaintainqualityat<br />

itsverybesteverystepoftheway.<br />

■ Visitatlaspackaging.co.uk<br />

➤ Significantemployee<br />

developmentthrough<br />

training<br />

➤ Outstandingacademicor<br />

practicalresults<br />

➤ Exceptionalcommitmentto<br />

acourseortraining<br />

➤ Overcomingpersonalor<br />

otherbarrierstolearning<br />

➤ Transformationasaresult<br />

ofworkexperience,<br />

placement,internshipor<br />

secondment<br />

➤ Increasedcontributionto<br />

thebusinessasaresultof<br />

training<br />

➤ Adaptingworkand<br />

learningpracticesasa<br />

resultofCovidrestrictions<br />

Who can enter?<br />

TheHighestAchievingLearner<br />

Awardisopentonominations<br />

ofindividualsofanyageor<br />

backgroundinNorthDevon<br />

currentlytakingorwho<br />

recentlycompletedworkrelatedtraining.Thisincludes<br />

coursestoimprovenumeracy<br />

andliteracy,traineeships,<br />

apprenticeships,graduate<br />

courses,vocationalcourses<br />

andspecialistqualifications.<br />

Anemployer,manager,<br />

supervisor,externaltraineror<br />

customercannominatea<br />

learnerforthisaward.<br />

Embedded global<br />

trade expertise for<br />

your business<br />

Export<br />

Manager<br />

Export Manager Service is a great way to bring<br />

expert skills and experience into your company and<br />

can be delivered from as little as one day per month<br />

by an international trade specialist<br />

INTERNATIONAL<br />

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Unlock your Export Potential<br />

internationaltradematters.com<br />

Overseas <strong>Business</strong> Development | Compliance | Training & Support<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 23

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

Workingatmyparents’nursery<br />

andgardencentreinSurrey,<br />

fromtheageof10yearsold,<br />

andhelpingoutatthelocalvet’s<br />

house,whichhadmany<br />

interestinganimals,birdsand<br />

petscominghomefornursing<br />

andrecovery.<br />

2. What is the best<br />

business advice you’ve<br />

ever received?<br />

Reinvestinyourbusiness,<br />

neverborrow,andtrustyour<br />

owninstinct.<br />

3. What do you enjoy most<br />

about business?<br />

Everydayisdifferent...fun<br />

creatingquality,delicious<br />

chocolatesandcraftingnew<br />

ranges.Thislastyearwewere<br />

veryluckytohavewonaGold<br />

awardforourdeliciousRum&<br />

RaisinDarkChocolatebar,<br />

whichthenwentontowin<br />

TasteofTheWest’s<br />

ChampionshipAward.Very<br />

pleasedasitissuitablefor<br />

vegans,gluten/wheatfreeand<br />

dairyfreetoo.Wehavewon<br />

someawardsforourshopand<br />

servicetoo,whichisvery<br />

rewarding.Ilovemeeting<br />

peopleandbuildingfriendships<br />

withoursupercustomers.<br />

4. What technology could<br />

your business never be<br />

without?<br />

Chocolatetemperingtank,the<br />

keytohandmadechocolates.<br />

5. Describe your business /<br />

management style<br />

Everythinghasaplace,<br />

everythingkeptcleanand<br />

hygienic,newideasarealways<br />

welcome.Customersarethe<br />

reasonwearehere,soalways<br />

giveagenuine,happywelcome.<br />

Ialsoaskstafftotrythevarious<br />

chocolateranges,sothatwhen<br />

servingtheycanspeakabout<br />

theonestheylike,thetasteand<br />

texturedifferencesandhave<br />

favourites!<br />

IN THE HOT SEAT<br />

Jeannette Cann<br />

of Ilfracombe<br />

Chocolate Emporium<br />

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

and ask them 10 questions. This issue we asked Jeannette Cann of<br />

Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium, winner of <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong>’s Best<br />

Retailer Award 2020<br />

6. How do you go about<br />

personal development?<br />

Wehaveafabulousongoing<br />

trainingprogrammewith<br />

Callebaut.<br />

Best Retailer Award winner 2020:<br />

Jeannette Cann of Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium<br />

Everyyearwegototheirstateof-the-artkitchenstolearn<br />

moreskillsandexperiencenew<br />

productsthatareavailablefor<br />

ourartisanbusiness.<br />

Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium’s Deluxe Dark Chocolate Rum & Raisin Bar<br />

won Champion Chocolate in the Taste of the West Awards 2020<br />

7. Is there anything about<br />

yourself that you want to<br />

change?<br />

Iboughtthechocolateshop<br />

neverhavingbeento<br />

Ilfracombe,anditwasabig<br />

learningcurvefrommysmall<br />

kitchenbusinessinHampshire,<br />

butIhavelovedeveryminute<br />

andembracechangesasthey<br />

needtohappen.<br />

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

Preferred network?<br />

IlfracombeChocolate<br />

Emporiumisavailableon<br />

Facebook,Instagramand<br />

Twitter.IlikeFacebookand<br />

Instagram,andweaddmoreof<br />

ourproductsontoourown<br />

websiteeachweek.<br />

9. How do you wind down<br />

when not working?<br />

Ilovewalking,andfeellucky<br />

livinginsuchabeautifularea.<br />

It’sawonderfulwaytomeet<br />

people,andtheareaisrichinits<br />

varietyofwalksfromopen<br />

Exmoorcountryside,thegorges<br />

ofLyntonandLynmouth,breath<br />

takingviewsasyouwalkalong<br />

thehillsofthecoastalpaths,to<br />

walkingsomeofthebestsurfing<br />

beachesinthecountry.<br />

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

favourite quotation?<br />

Ifyoucanbeanythinginlife..<br />

.bekind.<br />

ILFRACOMBE<br />

CHOCOLATE EMPORIUM<br />

IlfracombeChocolate<br />

Emporiumisaprettylittle<br />

seasidechocolateshopand<br />

museum,offeringhandmade<br />

chocolatesmadeonsite.<br />

Visitorscantastesamples,<br />

andoftenseechocolatesbeing<br />

madeastheywanderthe<br />

museum,thentheycanselect<br />

fromawiderangeofbarsand<br />

individualchocolates.The<br />

shopcatersforawiderangeof<br />

dietaryneedsincludingvegan,<br />

glutenandwheatfree.<br />

Theshophaswonanumber<br />

ofawardsandmostrecentlyits<br />

DeluxeDarkChocolateRum&<br />

RaisinBarwastheonlyNorth<br />

DevonchampionintheTaste<br />

oftheWestAwards2020.<br />

Theshopplaysanactiverole<br />

inthetownandalsooffers<br />

chocolate-makingworkshops.<br />

■ Details01271867193or<br />

ilfracombechocolateemporium<br />

.co.uk<br />

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

HEADER<br />

@businessactionm | <strong>February</strong> / <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 25

usiness<br />

ACTION AWARDS<br />

<strong>2021</strong><br />

North Devon’s independent business awards<br />

Which awards categories<br />

are you entering?<br />

★ Best Employer ★ Best Retailer ★ <strong>Business</strong>-to-<strong>Business</strong> Excellence ★<br />

★ Consumer Service Excellence ★ Digital & Online Achievement ★<br />

★ Excellence in Construction ★ Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism ★<br />

★ Highest Achieving Learner ★ International Trade ★ Made in North Devon ★<br />

★ Outstanding New <strong>Business</strong> ★ Young Entrepreneur ★<br />

All category winners progress to<br />

★ North Devon <strong>Business</strong> of the Year <strong>2021</strong> ★<br />

Who can enter?<br />

Any North Devon business. Any size. Any sector.<br />

Entry is free – deadline Monday 15 <strong>March</strong> <strong>2021</strong>.<br />

Enter your own business or nominate others.<br />

Full details inside – pages 17–23.<br />

We’re waiting for your entries – Good luck!<br />

BUSINESS-ACTION.CO.UK/AWARDS

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