Business Action | April / May 2021
April / May 2021 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news on business and enterprise in the area. This issue announces the finalists in the Business Action North Devon Business Awards 2021 plus features on electric cars, businesses participating in the Government's Kickstart scheme and our Business Activists answering your business questions. And there's news of businesses of every size and sector from the communities across North Devon.
April / May 2021 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news on business and enterprise in the area. This issue announces the finalists in the Business Action North Devon Business Awards 2021 plus features on electric cars, businesses participating in the Government's Kickstart scheme and our Business Activists answering your business questions. 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>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | @businessactionm
CONTENTS WELCOME HEADER<br />
business<br />
ACTION<br />
BIGGEST EVER ISSUE<br />
Packed!Wearedelightedthat<br />
thisissueof<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>–<br />
thefirstsincethethird<br />
lockdownendedandthebiggest<br />
ever–ispackedwithcontent.<br />
Whenthefirstlockdown<br />
startedayearago,wehadno<br />
ideawhetherbusinesseswould<br />
survive,whetheradvertisers<br />
wouldbeabletosupportus<br />
andwhetherthemagazine<br />
wouldsurvive.<br />
Ayearlater,wearethrilled<br />
withandgratefulforthe<br />
supportfromouradvertisers,<br />
awardssponsorsandsomany<br />
otherlocalbusinesses.<br />
Wearethrilledtoothatthisis<br />
theseventhissuewe’vebrought<br />
toyousinceMarch2020.<br />
ADVERTISING<br />
Alan Williams<br />
Advertising, Distribution &<br />
Publisher<br />
t: 07970 671192<br />
e: alan@business-action.co.uk<br />
North Devon abuzz<br />
Whilemanybusinesseshave<br />
beenclosedduringthe<br />
lockdownsandstillface<br />
EDITORIAL<br />
Robert Zarywacz<br />
Editor, Designer & Publisher<br />
t: 07971 176044<br />
e: robertz@business-action.co.uk<br />
@robertz<br />
massivechallenges,thereare<br />
alsomanywhoarethrivingor<br />
workingflatouttoadaptto<br />
changedcircumstances.<br />
Enterprise in action<br />
Articlesinsidediscussthe<br />
resumptionofshipbuildingat<br />
Appledore,thesuccessofthe<br />
KickstartScheme,which<br />
providesbothemployment<br />
placementsforyoungpeople<br />
andvaluableskillsfor<br />
businesses,andthe<br />
announcementofthefinalists<br />
ofourNorthDevon<strong>Business</strong><br />
Awards<strong>2021</strong>.<br />
Wealsotestdriveanelectric<br />
MG,thankstoBlightsMotors,<br />
whileour<strong>Business</strong>Activists<br />
answerquestionsoncommon<br />
businessissues.<br />
Wehopeyouenjoythisissue<br />
andinviteyoutosendusyour<br />
businessnews.<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 />
Wills: £75 Single<br />
£110 Joint<br />
Web site | business-action.co.uk<br />
Online version | business-action.uk<br />
Vol 3 Issue 2 – <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> – distribution 2,000<br />
Welcome................................................................................................................. ii<br />
Staff to benefit from company acquisition.............................................. 1<br />
Exmoor: Chef wins enterprise award......................................................... 1<br />
Support: New enterprise centre launches first activity..................... 2<br />
Support: Smart skills programme provides advice and training.... 2<br />
Work experience: <strong>Business</strong>es sought for Virtual Insight Days...... 3<br />
Funeral directors celebrate 30 years.......................................................... 3<br />
Building merchant raises £8K for air ambulances............................... 4<br />
<strong>Business</strong> directory – find products and services................................ 5<br />
Manufacturing: Training tower to support GB Olympic team......... 6<br />
Manufacturing: Manufacturer supports community hub ............... 6<br />
South Molton: Dazzling slow fashion brand .......................................... 7<br />
Engineering: Shipbuilding restart .............................................................. 8<br />
Lynton: We sell it because we love it......................................................... 10<br />
Lynton: New owners welcome you to guest house............................. 11<br />
Kickstart: Trust creates 40 job placements............................................ 12<br />
Kickstart: Kickstarting jobs for young people....................................... 13<br />
Kickstart: Accessible wellness live or virtually.................................... 14<br />
Kickstart: Games dream turns into reality.............................................. 15<br />
<strong>Business</strong> Activists: Your business questions answered ................ 16<br />
Electric cars: Garage accredited to service electric cars................. 18<br />
Electric cars: B&B leads way with car charging point....................... 18<br />
Electric cars: Electric Avenue – The MG5 EV......................................... 19<br />
Leisure: Entertainment for every occasion............................................. 20<br />
<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Awards <strong>2021</strong>...................................................................... 21<br />
<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Awards <strong>2021</strong>: Judges.................................................... 23<br />
<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Awards <strong>2021</strong>: Finalists.................................................. 24<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 />
ii<br />
business action | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk
Staff to benefit from<br />
company acquisition<br />
RGB Building Supplieshas<br />
beenacquiredbyGrant&<br />
Stone,joiningthelargest<br />
independentbuildersmerchant<br />
groupinsouthernEngland.It<br />
willcontinuetradingas<br />
RGBBuildingSuppliesacross<br />
Devon,Cornwalland<br />
Somerset,withitsheadofficein<br />
Barnstaple.Themajorityof<br />
RGB’sboardofdirectorswill<br />
notchangeandcurrentchief<br />
executiveKevinFenlonwill<br />
remainleadingthebusiness.<br />
Customerswillcontinueto<br />
receivethesamehighstandards<br />
ofserviceandwillnotseeany<br />
changeswhenvisitingtheir<br />
localbranch.Theacquisition<br />
willallowRGBtofurtheradd<br />
toandimproveitsoffering.<br />
The£2.5millionproceeds<br />
fromthesalewillbeshared<br />
withRGB’s350employeesas<br />
arewardfortheir<br />
commitment,longservice,<br />
loyaltyandsupport.<br />
RGBchairmanColinWorth,<br />
whoisretiringafter54years<br />
withthecompany,says:“The<br />
directorsofRGBwantedto<br />
acknowledgethemanyyearsof<br />
hardworkanddetermination<br />
ourcolleagueshaveputinto<br />
helpinggrowRGBintooneof<br />
theleadingbuildersmerchants<br />
intheSouthWest.Thanksto<br />
them,wehavebuiltfantastic<br />
relationshipswithour<br />
customers,whohaveandwill<br />
continuetobuybuilding<br />
materialsfromastrongand<br />
regionalindependentbuilders<br />
merchant.<br />
“Weareextremelyproudof<br />
theRGBteamandwantedtosay<br />
thankyouforeverythingthey’ve<br />
doneforthebusiness.Welook<br />
forwardtogrowingthe<br />
companywiththem.”<br />
KevinFenlon,chief<br />
executiveofficerofRGB,adds:<br />
“Thispartnershipisexciting<br />
andwilldelivergreat<br />
things.RGBandGrant&<br />
Stonearecompletelyaligned<br />
inourambitionsforthe<br />
companyandhowweachieve<br />
them.Wealsohaveashared<br />
approachtoproduct<br />
excellenceandoutstanding<br />
customerservice.”<br />
RGB’sbranchesinclude<br />
Barnstaple,Bideford,<br />
Hatherleigh,Holsworthy,<br />
Ilfracombe,SouthMolton,<br />
TivertonandWellington.<br />
■ Detailsrgbltd.co.uk<br />
Establishedin1987,Grant&<br />
StoneGroupisanindependent<br />
suppliertothebuilding,<br />
plumbingandelectricaltrades.<br />
ItsheadquartersareinHigh<br />
Wycombeandithas44<br />
branchesacrossLondonand<br />
theSouthWest.In2020,it<br />
achievedrevenuesof£140m.<br />
■ Detailsgrantandstone.co.uk<br />
RGB Building Supplies’ Hatherleigh branch<br />
THIS NEWS ISSUE<br />
Chef wins enterprise award<br />
CarolineWestcott,aqualified<br />
freelanceprivatechefwhose<br />
familyhavebeenfarmingon<br />
Exmoorforover500years,<br />
haswontheExmoorSociety’s<br />
PinnacleAward<strong>2021</strong>.The<br />
awardprovides£5,000tothe<br />
winnertoinvestin,ordevelop,<br />
agoodbusinessproposal.<br />
Carolinesays:“WhenI<br />
heardIhadwontheaward,I<br />
wasabsolutelythrilledand<br />
gratefultotheExmoorSociety<br />
forenablingmetodevelopmy<br />
newbusiness.”<br />
In2018,Carolinebegan<br />
trainingattheAshburtonChef<br />
Academy,Dartmoortoacquire<br />
theskillssheneededtolaunch<br />
anewcareerincatering.This<br />
training gaveherthe<br />
confidencetoprepareand<br />
servefoodataprofessional<br />
level.Throughthewinter<br />
months,sheearnedaliving<br />
cookingforgunsatlocalshoots<br />
andtherestoftheyearworking<br />
forprivateclientsemploying<br />
peopleonanadhocbasis.<br />
Coronavirushashadahuge<br />
impactonCaroline’snew<br />
businessandherideaisto<br />
becomemoreflexibleby<br />
acquiringarefrigeratedtrailer<br />
enablinghertocaterforlarger<br />
numbers,especiallyatoutdoor<br />
events,andtofurtherdevelop<br />
herbrand,publicityandrange<br />
ofeclecticmenus.<br />
■ Details07866599535<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 1
SUPPORT<br />
New enterprise centre<br />
launches first activity<br />
The Node Enterprise Centre<br />
inBarnstaplelauncheditsfirst<br />
start-upactivityinMarchin<br />
theformofaStartupClub<br />
runninguntil<strong>May</strong>.Thefullyfunded,after-hourssupport<br />
programmeaimstohelpNorth<br />
Devonresidentstostartand<br />
growabusiness.Initiallyheld<br />
online,StartupClubgiveslocal<br />
peoplethinkingofstarting<br />
theirownbusinessorlooking<br />
toturntheirpassionintoa<br />
careerresourcestheyneedto<br />
setupandbegintrading,<br />
includingweeklyexpert-led<br />
workshopsandsupport.<br />
Theeight-weekprogramme<br />
includesworkshopswhere<br />
individualscanlearneverything<br />
theyneedtotransformanidea<br />
intoanenterprise,from<br />
creatingabusinessand<br />
marketingplan,throughto<br />
identifyingcustomersand<br />
buildingabrand.<br />
ConstructionoftheNode<br />
buildingonRoundswell<br />
EnterpriseParkwascompleted<br />
inJanuaryandhasspacefor35<br />
smallandmediumoffices,acoworkingspaceforupto50<br />
peopleandanumberofmeeting<br />
rooms.Itaimstoboostthelocal<br />
economyandcreatejobsin<br />
TorridgeandNorthDevonby<br />
supportingpotentialhighgrowthandstart-upbusinesses.<br />
StartupClubisrunbythe<br />
operatorsofNode,TownSq,<br />
whichalsooperatehubsin<br />
Wrexham,West-Sussex,<br />
OxfordshireandDenbighshire.<br />
JulianDymond,community<br />
managerattheNodeEnterprise<br />
Centre,saystheright<br />
environmentofsupportwas<br />
keyforanyonethinkingabout<br />
launchingabusiness:“For<br />
some,theideaofstartinga<br />
businesscanbedaunting.The<br />
thoughtofhavingtogiveup<br />
theirdayjobandtaketherisk<br />
ofstartingfromscratch,<br />
worryingabouthowtopaybills<br />
whilebuilding.Thetruthisthat<br />
mostbusinessesdon’tbeginon<br />
agamble.Theyareside-projects<br />
orideasthatarefosteredgently<br />
untiltheyareinapositiontobe<br />
workedonfull-time.<br />
“However,itcanbedifficult<br />
toknowjustwheretostart.The<br />
StartupClubprogrammewill<br />
giveindividualseverything<br />
theyneedtoturntheiridea<br />
intoanactualbusiness,and<br />
they’llbepartofacommunity<br />
ofpeopleonthesamejourney,<br />
solvingproblemstogether.<br />
Fromthebusinessplanand<br />
legalstuff,righttheway<br />
throughtomarketingandsales.<br />
Itwillbedeliveredbyother<br />
businessownerswhohavebeen<br />
thereanddoneitthemselves<br />
andunderstandthechallenges<br />
weallfaceinourpersonaland<br />
professionallives.<br />
“We’dencourageanyone<br />
consideringsettinguptheir<br />
ownbusiness,orwhojusthas<br />
anideatheywouldliketo<br />
develop,togetintouchandsee<br />
howourStartupClub<br />
programmecanhelpthem.”<br />
CouncillorRufusGilbert,<br />
DevonCountyCouncilCabinet<br />
memberforEconomyand<br />
Skills,said:“ThisStartupClub<br />
isthetypeofprogrammethat<br />
willaddrealvaluetotheNode<br />
EnterpriseCentreandthisis<br />
exactlywhyTownSqhasbeen<br />
broughtonboard.<br />
“Startingabusinesscanbea<br />
hugestep,buttheexperienced<br />
teamatNodecantakeyou<br />
throughtheprocess,onesmall<br />
stepatatimetoequipyou<br />
witheverythingyouneedto<br />
know.Thisinitiativewillalso<br />
helpfosterasupportive<br />
communityatNodethatwill<br />
enablestart-upsattosurvive<br />
andthrive.”<br />
TheNodeEnterpriseCentre<br />
isfundedbyDevonCounty<br />
Council,theHeartoftheSouth<br />
WestLocalEnterprise<br />
PartnershipandEuropean<br />
RegionalDevelopmentFund.<br />
Smart skills programme provides advice and training<br />
TheSMARTSKILLSHub,<br />
managedbyCSW,aimstohelp<br />
Devon-basedsmalland<br />
mediumbusinessesandother<br />
organisationstoidentifyskills<br />
gapsintheirexisting<br />
workforceandprovidethe<br />
trainingtheyneedtobecome<br />
moreresilientforthefuture.<br />
Theprogrammeisthe<br />
resultofa£3.5millionbidto<br />
theEuropeanSocialFund,led<br />
byPlymouthCityCouncil,to<br />
establishaskillsdelivery<br />
partnershipwitharangeof<br />
qualitytrainingandskills<br />
providersacrossDevon.<br />
SMARTSKILLSpartners<br />
include:CityCollege<br />
Plymouth,SouthDevon<br />
College,Petroc,Focus<br />
Training,UniversityofExeter<br />
andLearnDevon.<br />
SMARTSKILLSsupport<br />
coversalllevelsfrom<br />
introductorythroughto<br />
leadershipandmanagement.<br />
Anybusinesscanaccess<br />
The new Node Enterprise Centre in Barnstaple<br />
services,buttherewillbea<br />
particularfocusonadvanced<br />
manufacturingand<br />
engineering,digital<br />
technologies(includingAI<br />
anddataanalysis),marine,<br />
composite,environmental<br />
futures,cleangrowthand<br />
renewables,construction,<br />
hospitalityandSTEMsectors.<br />
TheSMARTSKILLSservice<br />
offersinformation,adviceand<br />
guidancetomatch<br />
opportunitiestopathwaysinto<br />
education,training,<br />
apprenticeships,employment,<br />
workexperience,volunteering<br />
andself-employment.<br />
SMARTSKILLSHub<br />
advisersareavailabletoguide<br />
businessesthroughavailable<br />
skillsandtrainingoptions<br />
andtolinkthemwithrelevant<br />
trainingproviders.<br />
■0800975511(Option6)or<br />
cswgroup.co.uk/home/<br />
employers-and-adults/smartskills-hub/<br />
2 business action | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk
<strong>Business</strong>es sought to host<br />
school Virtual Insight Days<br />
The Heart of the South West<br />
Careers Hubisseeking<br />
businesseswhocanhosta<br />
VirtualInsightsessionabout<br />
theirbusinessandindustry<br />
foryoungpeopleduringJuly.<br />
Coronavirushasprevented<br />
workexperienceoverthepast<br />
yearsothatyoungpeopleat<br />
schoolorcollegehavemissed<br />
outonvaluablecontactwith<br />
industrywhichtheyneedto<br />
helpformtheiropinionson<br />
futurecareers.<br />
DeliveringaVirtualInsight<br />
Dayenablesabusinessto<br />
reachalargenumberof<br />
potentialfutureemployees<br />
usingminimumresources.The<br />
eventsdemystifyanindustry,<br />
shareinspiringcareerpaths,<br />
andprovideapersonal<br />
introductiontothehost<br />
companyorbrand.<br />
<strong>Business</strong>escanchoosethe<br />
lengthoftheirevent,ranging<br />
fromawholeorhalfdaytoa<br />
shortsessionofseveralhours.<br />
NEWS<br />
New managers at country house hotel<br />
Funeral directors celebrate 30 years<br />
Funeral directorsDavidand<br />
JennyWilliamsarecelebrating<br />
30yearsservingtheNorth<br />
Devoncommunity.<br />
StartinginAppledoreat<br />
ChantersHouse,Hubbastone<br />
Roadin1991,ADWilliams<br />
openedasecondofficeonThe<br />
Pill,Bideford,followedin<br />
2000bypremisesin<br />
Ilfracombe,theninNortham<br />
in2015andBidefordin2018.<br />
Thecompany’seye-catching<br />
yellowlogo,designedby<br />
IlfracombeartistEmma<br />
Haines,isattheheartofthe<br />
firm’sethos.Thebutterflyhas<br />
longbeenrecognisedasa<br />
metaphorforthesoul’s<br />
spiritualjourney,teachingus<br />
toenjoythepresentandmake<br />
themostofourtimehereon<br />
Earth.Theyalsoremindus<br />
thatdeathisjustanother<br />
transformation.<br />
Davidsaysthatgrowingup<br />
andworkinginAppledore,<br />
workingattheshipyardand<br />
beingamaincontributorto<br />
thecommunityisvery<br />
importanttohim.<br />
Theaimistofillthewhole<br />
ofJulywithVirtualInsight<br />
Daysorsessionshostedbya<br />
varietyofemployersfrom<br />
manydifferentsectors.<br />
Theseeventsareoften<br />
attendedbyyoungpeoplewho<br />
haveneverconsideredacareer<br />
inaspecificindustrybefore.<br />
Thisopensupaworldof<br />
potentialforthemand<br />
introducesanumberof<br />
interestedpotentialfuture<br />
employeestobusinesses.<br />
■ Fordetails,contactToni<br />
Oatway,enterprisecoordinator,at<br />
toni.oatway@devon.gov.uk<br />
Virtual Careers Fair<br />
TheHeartoftheSouthWest<br />
CareersHubisalsohostingits<br />
VirtualCareersFairon27,28<br />
and29<strong>April</strong>.Thiseventis<br />
aimedatYears7to13.<br />
■ Employerslookingtotake<br />
partcanfinddetailsat<br />
learnbydesign.online/which-way<br />
David and Jenny Williams of AD Williams. Photo: Raymond Goldsmith<br />
“Istartedmyworklifeasan<br />
apprenticeelectricianbefore<br />
goingtoseaandthenstarting<br />
workattheshipyard.Itwasin<br />
itsheydaywiththeyard<br />
building16shipsayear,butby<br />
thetimeIlefttheyweretaking<br />
ayeartobuildone,soItook<br />
voluntaryredundancy.<br />
“Previoustothat,two<br />
shipyardcolleagueshaddied<br />
andIattendedtheirfunerals.<br />
Watchingtheproceedingstold<br />
Trimstone ManorCountry<br />
HouseHotelandCottageswill<br />
openupfor<strong>2021</strong>withnew<br />
managersrecruitedbyowners<br />
PhilipandHelenMilton.<br />
AndrewandCaroleBussey<br />
bringtheirsignificant<br />
hospitalityexpertisetomanage<br />
alloperationsatTrimstone,<br />
includingthereopeningofthe<br />
TymeRestaurantforevening<br />
mealsandforgroups,parties,<br />
non-residentsandguests.<br />
Afull-time,qualified<br />
methatIcoulddothejob,soI<br />
movedintothebusinessand<br />
hereweare30yearslater.<br />
Providingthisserviceenables<br />
youtomeetallsortsofpeople.<br />
ItisaverysatisfyingjobandI<br />
loveit.IonlywishI’d<br />
discovereditasaschoolleaver.<br />
“Asacompany,weare<br />
dedicatedtoserveour<br />
familiesattheirtimeofneed<br />
whentheytrustustogive<br />
theirlovedonetheservice<br />
Albert the peacock at Trimstone Manor Country Hotel<br />
propertyprojectsmanageralso<br />
joinstheteamtocontinuethe<br />
ongoingrestorationofthe<br />
buildings,someofwhichareat<br />
least3-400yearsold.Recent<br />
improvementsincludeanew<br />
fountaininthepoolarea,<br />
renewedroofingandwindows.<br />
Thehotelalsoadvertisesthe<br />
fastestholidayaccommodation<br />
wifiintheareawith300Mbps<br />
downloadspeeds.<br />
■ Details01271862841or<br />
trimstone.co.uk<br />
theydeserve.Beingafamilyrun,independentfuneral<br />
directorsmeanswecanadapt<br />
ourservicestotheneedsof<br />
thefamily.<br />
“Weareluckytohavesuch<br />
awonderfulteamhelpingour<br />
companytogrow.Withmyself<br />
asthemainfuneraldirector,<br />
thecompanyissupportedin<br />
theIlfracombeareabyJack<br />
Gallagher,whogrewupandis<br />
wellknownandrespectedin<br />
thearea.<br />
“LynseyWheatleyworksfor<br />
usfromtheNorthamoffice,<br />
whereshegrewup,andiswell<br />
knownforherwarmth,<br />
compassionandknowledge.<br />
AbigailWilliamsandTerri<br />
Doodsonworkalongsidethe<br />
teamtoeasethepressuresof<br />
organisingafuneral.<br />
“We’vebeenherefor30<br />
yearsandlookforwardto<br />
another30yearsofserving<br />
thewonderfulpeopleof<br />
NorthDevon.Ihavenoplans<br />
toretire.”<br />
■ Details0127186633or<br />
adwilliams.co.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 3
COMMUNITY NEWS<br />
Building merchant raises £8K for<br />
RGB Building Supplieshas<br />
raised£8,400forDevonAir<br />
AmbulanceandCornwallAir<br />
AmbulanceTrustoverthepast<br />
12months.<br />
RGBreportsthatthe<br />
supportithasreceivedforits<br />
fundraisingeffortswas<br />
overwhelmingdespitethe<br />
impactofCoronavirusonits<br />
branchoperations.<br />
Themoneywasraisedfrom<br />
acombinationofthesaleof<br />
RGB’s‘Lovewhereyoulive’<br />
charitycalendar,donationsto<br />
itsbranchesandthesaleof<br />
promotional‘bulkbags’.The<br />
bagsareusedtocarrylarge<br />
quantitiesofaggregates,suchas<br />
sand,crushedstoneandgravel,<br />
andRGBhadpledgedto<br />
donate25pfromthesaleof<br />
bagsthatcarriedthecharities’<br />
logos–13,600bagsweresold<br />
inthe12-monthperiod.<br />
Chosen charities<br />
Sinceselectingthetwoair<br />
ambulancecharitiesaspartners<br />
in2019,RGBhasraisedmore<br />
than£14,000tohelpsupport<br />
theservicesbothgivetopeople<br />
acrossthetwocounties.<br />
TracyOwen,business<br />
supportengagementofficerat<br />
DevonAirAmbulance,says:<br />
“Wearesogratefulto<br />
everyoneatRGBfortheir<br />
continuedfundraisingefforts<br />
throughoutthepastyear.<br />
Despitethechallengesthey<br />
facedduringthepandemic,<br />
theyhaveremainedcommitted<br />
supportersofDevonAir<br />
Ambulanceandhaveraisedan<br />
amazingamountofmoney.<br />
“Wewouldalsoliketo<br />
thankthosepeoplewhoeither<br />
purchasedbulkbagsfrom<br />
RGBoroneofthe‘Lovewhere<br />
air ambulances<br />
Jenny Naylor, HR director at RGB Building Supplies<br />
youlive’charitycalendars.<br />
Theircontributionhasmadea<br />
hugedifferencetothe<br />
fundraisingtotalandthe<br />
serviceweprovide.”<br />
VioletMcKenzie-Pegg,<br />
branchmanageratRGB<br />
Bideford,adds:“Wewouldlike<br />
tothankallourcustomers,staff<br />
andthelocalcommunityfor<br />
supportingourfundraising<br />
activitiesforDevonAir<br />
AmbulanceandCornwallAir<br />
AmbulanceTrust.It’sonlywith<br />
theirhelpthatwe’vebeenable<br />
toraiseasmuchaswehave<br />
thesepast12months.”<br />
Charity Calendar<br />
ThreephotosofNorthDevon<br />
scenesfeaturedinRGB’s‘Love<br />
WhereYouLive’<strong>2021</strong>calendar.<br />
AfterRGBaskedSouthWest<br />
residentstosubmitphotographscelebratingtheregion,<br />
photosofHuntshawWoods<br />
andWelcombeMouthBeach<br />
takenbyAndyDavey,and<br />
ValleyoftheRockstakenby<br />
WilliamGreatrexwereselected<br />
forthecalendar.Andyand<br />
Williameachreceiveda£100<br />
vouchertospendattheirlocal<br />
RGBbranch.<br />
RGB’sVioletMcKenzie-Pegg<br />
says:“Wereceivedover60<br />
entries,whichallhighlighted<br />
whatanamazingpartofthe<br />
countrywelivein,soitwas<br />
extremelydifficulttonarrowit<br />
downtojust12.<br />
“CongratulationstoAndy<br />
andWilliamforhavingtheir<br />
photoschosen–theyare<br />
stunning.”<br />
■ Detailsrgbltd.co.uk<br />
4 business action | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk
DIRECTORY<br />
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 />
BRANDING & DESIGN<br />
Boom Boom Media<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 01271 326694<br />
w: boomboommedia.co.uk<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 />
Devon Coounselling Training<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 07522 841009<br />
w: devoncounsellingtraining.co.uk<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 />
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 />
Smart Manufacturing<br />
Bideford<br />
t: 01237 471977<br />
w: smart-manufacturing.co.uk<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 />
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 />
➤ Listinginsixissuesof<br />
magazinewithbusiness<br />
nameandcategory,phone<br />
number,websiteandtown.<br />
➤ 12-monthonlinelistingat<br />
needitfindit.ukNorth<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 />
BOOK YOUR £30 LISTING NOW AT needitfindit.uk<br />
Devon<strong>Business</strong>Directory<br />
withbusinessnameand<br />
category,logo,phone<br />
number,addressandlinks.<br />
➤ 6issuesofmagazinemailed<br />
directtoyourUKaddress.<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 5
MANUFACTURING<br />
North Devon training tower<br />
to support GB Olympic team<br />
The TX3 Total Training Tower,<br />
design-engineeredand<br />
manufacturedbyBarnstaplebasedDymondEngineering,<br />
hasreceivedtheOlympicSeal<br />
ofApprovalfromTeamGBand<br />
willbeusedattheGBOlympic<br />
andParalympictrainingvillage<br />
forthisyear’sTokyoGames.<br />
Dymonddevelopedthe<br />
towerafteranapproachfrom<br />
GBparacanoeathleteJack<br />
EyersinMarch2020,afterhe<br />
wasdauntedbytheclosureof<br />
gymsandnotbeingableto<br />
train.Withhissightssetonthe<br />
Tokyo2020ParalympicGames,<br />
Jackknewthatanytraining<br />
timelostwouldhaveaserious<br />
impactonhisperformanceasa<br />
sprintcanoeist.Onalimited<br />
budgetandwithlimitedspace<br />
inhisflat,itwasonlywhenhe<br />
beganworkingwithDymond<br />
todevelopacustomsquatrack<br />
builttoanelitestandardthata<br />
solutionbecameavailable.<br />
DymondaskedJacktolist<br />
allhisrequirements,which<br />
requiredtherackto:bestrong,<br />
sturdyandrobust;beratedfor<br />
loadsupto300kg;fitintoand<br />
beuseablewithinastandard<br />
sizebedroom;befreestanding;<br />
haveenoughheadspaceto<br />
enablepull-ups;andbemore<br />
affordablethanexistingelite<br />
standardequipmentavailable.<br />
Dymondsetaboutdesignengineeringaracktomeet<br />
theserequirements,involving<br />
Jackateverystage.Iteven<br />
testedtherackwithcrane<br />
weightsupto500kg,witnessed<br />
andverifiedbyagymowner.<br />
TheresultingTotalTraining<br />
Towermetalltherequirements<br />
sosuccessfullythatDymond<br />
hassetupajointventurewith<br />
JacktomarkettheTX3toa<br />
widermarketbase.Dymond<br />
hasalsodevelopedanXL<br />
versionforlargerpremisesand<br />
gyms,andisdesigning<br />
accessories,includingan<br />
optionaldipsbar.<br />
■ Details01271372662or<br />
totaltrainingtower.co.uk<br />
Manufacturer supports community hub<br />
TDK-Lambdahasdonated<br />
£2,000towardsequippingand<br />
runningTheEarthRepair<br />
Shopcommunitycentrein<br />
Ilfracombe.Thecommunity<br />
hubwasrecentlysetupinthe<br />
towntoprovideinformation,<br />
adviceandsupportfor<br />
helpingresidentslower<br />
carbonemissions,reduce<br />
wastelevels,saveon<br />
householdcostsandadaptto<br />
climatechanges.<br />
AlanDykes,financial<br />
director,TDK-LambdaEMEA<br />
said:“Sincemovingto<br />
Ilfracombemorethan50years<br />
ago,wehavebecomea<br />
cornerstoneofthecommunity,<br />
supportinginitiativessuchas<br />
these.Wehaveastrongfocus<br />
onsustainabilityand<br />
continuouslystrivetoreduce<br />
theimpactofouroperation.<br />
Workingtogether,wecan<br />
ensuretheseinitiatives<br />
percolatefurtherintoour<br />
community.”<br />
■ Details01271856600or<br />
emea.lambda.tdk.com/uk/<br />
(from left) Alan Dykes, financial director, TDK-Lambda EMEA, Jamie<br />
Woodger, cleaning and recycling shift leader, TDK-Lambda,<br />
Councillor Netti Pearson, Sophia Henri, project manager, Earth Repair Shop<br />
6 business action | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk
RETAIL<br />
Two young North Devon womenhaveteameduptolaunchadazzlingnewslow<br />
fashionbrand:dizzydaze.<br />
23-year-oldfashiongraduatesEmilyBaglowandWhitneyStonemanstudied<br />
togetheratPetrocbeforeEmilytookherBA(Hons)degreeinFashionandTextile<br />
Design,specialisinginknitwearforfashion,atWinchesterSchoolofArt,while<br />
WhitneystudiedforherBA(Hons)inFashionDesign,focusingoncommercialand<br />
conceptualdesign,pattern-cuttinganddrape,atBathSpaUniversity.<br />
Thepairtookuppart-timeworkafterreturningtoNorthDevonandmetupin<br />
March2020todiscovertheybothhadsimilarambitions.Thisledthemtolaunch<br />
dizzydaze,anewfashionbrandbuiltonsolidprinciples,basedinSouthMolton.<br />
Slow, sustainable and bespoke<br />
Slowfashionisattheheartofdizzydaze’sethos.Allgarmentsarehandmade<br />
toordersothatthereisnowastefromunsoldmass-producedcollections.<br />
Aswellasofferingstandardsizes,dizzydazeoffersabespokemade-tomeasureservicetoensuregarmentsfitacustomerperfectly.<br />
EmilyandWhitneyarealsocommittedtosourcingmaterialsina<br />
responsibleyetcost-effectivewaytominimiseenvironmentalimpact.<br />
Theyhaveadoptedtheseprinciplesinordertoturnthethrowawaycultureof‘fastfashion’onitsheadbyoffering<br />
longlasting,highqualitygarmentswithcollectionsconsistingof<br />
diversestatementpieceswhichcanbeeasilystyledand<br />
combinedwithitemscustomersalreadyown.<br />
Launched in lockdown<br />
EmilyandWhitneyusedtheirtimeduringlockdowns<br />
tobuilddizzydazefromscratch,includingtheir<br />
branding,websiteandfirstcorecollection,<br />
‘Unfazed’.Thisisaselectionofrelaxedknitsand<br />
casualdesign,alongsideboldprintandcolour,to<br />
createaversatilecombinationofmatchingsets<br />
andsingularstatementpiecestobrightena<br />
customer’swardrobe.<br />
UnfazedlaunchedinMarch<strong>2021</strong>andEmily<br />
andWhitneysaytheyhavehadabigger<br />
responsethantheythoughttheywouldget,<br />
withordersfromasfarawayasIrelandand<br />
Singapore.<br />
Trusted and unique<br />
EmilyandWhitneyaimtorebuild<br />
publictrustinthefashionindustry<br />
throughdizzydazeandlovethe<br />
ideaofbringingsomething<br />
differenttoNorthDevon.<br />
◼Details07470306027or<br />
dizzydaze.co.uk<br />
Dazzling<br />
slow<br />
fashion<br />
brand<br />
@businessactionm Models showcase dizzydaze’s | <strong>April</strong> / Unfazed <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> slow| fashion business core action collection<br />
7
ENGINEERING<br />
Shipbuilding restart<br />
Appledore Shipyardisamajor<br />
NorthDevonlandmarkandits<br />
returntooperationssignalsa<br />
massivevoteofconfidencein<br />
thearea’sengineeringand<br />
commercialcapabilities.<br />
Harland&Wolffhaswasted<br />
notimeinreconstructingand<br />
rebuildingtheshipyardsince<br />
acquiringitin2020.This<br />
includesremovingandcarrying<br />
outsubstantialsteelworkon<br />
themaindockgates,which<br />
chiefexecutiveJohnWoodsays<br />
havenotbeentakenoutsince<br />
theyardwasbuilt.<br />
Stability and continuity<br />
Havingseentheshipyardclose<br />
in2019,it’sunderstandablethat<br />
somepeopleinNorthDevon<br />
mighthaveconcernsaboutthe<br />
securityoftheyard’sfuture.<br />
Whilelittleisguaranteedin<br />
anybusiness,JohnWoodsays<br />
Harland&Wolffiscommitted<br />
The news that Harland & Wolff has restarted operations at its<br />
Appledore shipyard is particularly welcome in such challenging<br />
times. As well as taking on experienced employees, the company is<br />
also launching its apprenticeship programme, offering skills<br />
development across many functions. To catch up with all its news,<br />
editor Robert Zarywacz chatted with John Wood, chief executive<br />
officer of Harland & Wolff<br />
tobringingmorestabilityand<br />
continuity,whichisespecially<br />
importantforprovidingmore<br />
jobsecurity.<br />
“Weareoverwhelmedbythe<br />
interestinAppledore,from<br />
boththeUKand<br />
internationally,”saysJohn.“The<br />
yardhasareputationfor<br />
deliveringhigh-classprojects.”<br />
Johnaddsthattimeand<br />
timeagain,ownersfrom<br />
aroundtheworldmentionthe<br />
qualityoftheworkthatcomes<br />
outofNorthDevon,withsome<br />
sayingthatthey’rethebestbuilt<br />
shipsthey’vehadintheirfleet.<br />
Evenbeforetheyard<br />
accepteditsfirstvesselsfor<br />
refits,Harland&Wolffwas<br />
impressedbyAppledore.<br />
“We’rereallypleasedwith<br />
thepositive,can-doattitude.”<br />
Shipbuilding renaissance<br />
Appledoremarkeditsreturnto<br />
businessinMarchbyaccepting<br />
itsfirsttwovesselsforrefitsin<br />
itssmallerNewquayyard:a<br />
fishingvesselandabarge.<br />
Whilethesearemodest<br />
projects,Harland&Wolffis<br />
focusedonsecuringfabrication<br />
worksuitableforthelarger,<br />
119-metre-longcovered<br />
drydock.Previously,Appledore<br />
constructedelementsofthe<br />
twoQueenElizabethclass<br />
The reinstallation of one of the newly refurbished dock gates at Harland & Wolff (Appledore)<br />
aircraftcarriersandbuilttwo<br />
Róisínclasspatrolboatsforthe<br />
IrishNavalService.Oncemore,<br />
itsfacilitiesareavailableto<br />
participateinsimilarprojects.<br />
Johnpointsoutthat<br />
Appledoreissuitablefor<br />
handlingsmallervessels,which<br />
complementsthecapabilitiesof<br />
thecompany’smuchlarger<br />
Belfastyard.Itfurther<br />
increaseditscapabilities,<br />
especiallyforrenewable,oil<br />
andgas,anddefenceprojects,<br />
wheninFebruaryitacquired<br />
twositesinScotland:Methilon<br />
theeastcoastandArnishon<br />
thewestcoast.<br />
“JoinAppledore,Belfastand<br />
Scotlandtogetherandwecan<br />
competewithanyone,”<br />
commentsJohn.<br />
Winning business<br />
Havingestablishedsucha<br />
formidablemaritimeand<br />
offshoreengineeringcapability,<br />
Harland&Wolff’sstrategyisto<br />
developitsbusinessinsix<br />
sectorsacrossfivemarkets.<br />
Itisfocusingonproviding<br />
technicalservices,fabrication<br />
andconstruction,repairand<br />
maintenance,in-service<br />
support,conversionand<br />
decommissioningtotheoiland<br />
gas,defence,cruiseandferry,<br />
commercialandrenewables<br />
industries.Witharefreshofthe<br />
Government’sNational<br />
ShipbuildingStrategynowin<br />
progressandduetobe<br />
publishedintheautumn,<br />
opportunitiesinshipbuilding<br />
areexpectedtoincrease.The<br />
originalstrategywasfocused<br />
onnavalshipbuildingalone,<br />
butSecretaryofStatefor<br />
8 business action | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk
NEWHEADER<br />
BUSINESSES<br />
Defenceand‘Shipbuilding<br />
Tzar’BenWallacehasstated<br />
thishasnowbeenbroadened<br />
fromnavalandcommercial<br />
shipbuildingtosystemsand<br />
subsystems.<br />
Growing engineering skills<br />
Whiletheincreasein<br />
opportunitiesisgoodnews,<br />
Appledoreneedstomaintain<br />
anddevelopaskilledworkforce<br />
ifitistocompetewithyards<br />
bothintheUKandabroad.<br />
JohnWoodbeganhiscareer<br />
intheMerchantNavyasan<br />
engineerontheSSCanberra,<br />
builtbyHarland&Wolffin<br />
Belfast.Thiswasfollowedby<br />
extensiveinternational<br />
maritimeandoffshore<br />
engineeringexperience,giving<br />
Johnadetailedunderstanding<br />
oftheindustryanditsneeds.<br />
Hebelievesthatolder,<br />
traditionalshipbuildingskills<br />
arepassedfromonegeneration<br />
tothenextandthattheUK<br />
needstotakeactionduringthe<br />
nextfiveyearstoavoidlosing<br />
Fishing boat ‘Barbara B’ is one of the first two vessels Harland & Wolff has welcomed for refits at Harland & Wolff (Appledore)<br />
thesekeyskills.Healso<br />
understandsthatalotofthe<br />
previousAppledoreworkforce<br />
arelocalpeopleandthatmany<br />
arelookingtoreturn.<br />
Apprenticeships launch<br />
Thefirststageinachievingthis<br />
isHarland&Wolff’s<br />
announcementofits<br />
apprenticeshipprogramme,<br />
whichwillcoverthreedistinct<br />
functions:trade(welders,<br />
pipefitters,electricians,riggers,<br />
fabricators);technical<br />
(engineers,navalarchitecture);<br />
andbusinesssupport(sales,<br />
administration).Prospective<br />
apprenticescanregistertheir<br />
interestatharland-wolff.com/<br />
careers/apprenticeships/<br />
Theprogrammewill<br />
combinepracticalon-the-job<br />
training,one-to-onementoring<br />
alongsideitsexperienced<br />
workforce,shipyardtraining<br />
facilitiesandtheopportunityto<br />
‘earnwhileyoulearn’.<br />
Thecompanywouldalso<br />
liketohearfromanyrelevant<br />
apprenticeswhohavebeen<br />
unabletocompletetheir<br />
apprenticeshipthroughthe<br />
recentlossofemployment.<br />
“Aswecontinuetorampup,<br />
therewillbeopportunities<br />
acrossawholevarietyof<br />
trades,”explainsJohn.<br />
“Wearelookingfora<br />
workforcethatwantstobuy<br />
intothefutureandbuilda<br />
careerforthemselvesandthe<br />
thenextgeneration.”<br />
Withtheconnections<br />
betweenthefourHarland&<br />
Wolfffacilities,Johnenvisages<br />
opportunitiesforapprenticesto<br />
visitotheryardstofurtherthe<br />
transferofknowledgebetween<br />
themtoupskillthewhole<br />
workforce.<br />
“We’remakingsurethat<br />
shipbuildingandfabrication<br />
skillsareretainedandpassedon<br />
tofuturegenerations.”<br />
■ Detailsharland-wolff.com<br />
Refurbishing the gates of the drydock at Harland & Wolff (Appledore)<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 9
CONSTRUCTION LYNTON<br />
We sell it because we love it<br />
Retail industry expertshave<br />
waffledonforyearsaboutthe<br />
declineexperiencedbynational<br />
highstreetchains,butfewof<br />
themhavecaughtontothe<br />
reasonswhysmall,<br />
independentstoresthrive.<br />
ALittleofWhatYouFancy<br />
inQueenStreet,Lynton<br />
epitomisesthenewbreedof<br />
independentretailerbringing<br />
smalltownsbacktolifewith<br />
sheerenthusiasmandlovefor<br />
whattheydoandsell.Owners<br />
DanielandLauraWhitfield<br />
sumupthestore’sethoswitha<br />
quoteLaurasaw:“Wedon’t<br />
loveitbecausewesellit,wesell<br />
itbecauseweloveit!”<br />
DanielandLauraopened<br />
theirshopandonlinestorein<br />
August2020withthesimple<br />
aimofspreadingtheirloveof<br />
deliciousfood.Theystocka<br />
rangeofartisanandawardwinningfoodwhichcontinues<br />
togrow.<br />
“Wehavealwayssupported<br />
smallbusinesseswheneverwe<br />
couldandgoodfoodhasalways<br />
beenaviceofours,”saysDaniel.<br />
“Eversincewemovedtothe<br />
SouthWest,wehaveseenjust<br />
howmanyamazingartisanfood<br />
producersareactuallyoutthere.<br />
Chief testers: Laura and Daniel Whitfield of A Little of What you Fancy, Lynton<br />
Wesaidtoeachother‘wouldn’t<br />
itbegreatifallofthese<br />
productswereinjustoneplace?’<br />
andthatwashowitstarted.<br />
“Webeganbystockingthe<br />
shelveswithproductsthatwe<br />
sourcedfromtheSouthWest<br />
withthepremisethattheywere<br />
eitherartisanorawardwinning,andwefoundthat<br />
thereweresomanysmall<br />
independentbusinessesthat<br />
stretchedallthewayacrossthe<br />
country.”<br />
Danieladdsthatthewebsite<br />
hassomeexclusiveoffersnot<br />
offeredinstore:“Wehavelots<br />
ofmulti-buyoffersontheweb<br />
site,sopeoplecanstockupon<br />
theirfavouriteitemsandsave<br />
somemoneyatthesametime.”<br />
Productsrangefrom<br />
liquoricetocheesestrawsand<br />
fromspecialistoilstonougat.<br />
Theyalsocompilebespokegift<br />
hampersonrequest.<br />
Runningtheshophasbeen<br />
exceptionallyhardwork.<br />
Laurasays:“Openingthe<br />
shopinAugustwasabaptism<br />
offire.Wewereinundated<br />
withcustomerswantingour<br />
bakedgoodsandhotdrinks.<br />
We’reonlyasmallshopbutwe<br />
willactuallyhavetoemploy<br />
oursontohelpusthroughthe<br />
nextseason.”<br />
Referringbacktothestore’s<br />
ethos,Lauraadds:“Without<br />
doubt,thebestpartofthejobis<br />
producttesting.”<br />
■ Details07952327170or<br />
alittleofwhatyoufancy.org<br />
10 business action | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk
HEADER LYNTON<br />
New owners welcome you to Grade II<br />
listed guest house<br />
There is a school of thought<br />
thatweneverreallyown<br />
anythingbutarecustodians<br />
takingcareofwhatwehaveto<br />
passontofuturegenerations.<br />
StVincent’sGuestHousein<br />
Lyntonhaspassedthrough<br />
manygenerationssinceitwas<br />
builtin1834anditspresent<br />
ownersareMariaPerridgeand<br />
fiancéCliveTaylor,whomoved<br />
inon6August2020,opening<br />
togueststhreedayslater.<br />
Builtbymastermariner<br />
ThomasGeen,captainofthe<br />
Bristol-builtshipStVincent,<br />
theguesthouseisaGradeII<br />
listedbuilding,whichMaria<br />
andClivearekeentocherish<br />
andpreserve.<br />
Takingonathrivingguest<br />
housethatisalistedbuilding<br />
soundsachallengeatanytime,<br />
butMariaandClivefacedthe<br />
addedcomplicationscreated<br />
byCovidrestrictionswhen<br />
sellingtheirownpropertiesin<br />
LondonandKent,and<br />
purchasingStVincent’s,aswell<br />
ashavingtocloseforlockdown<br />
shortlyaftermovingin.<br />
However,thecoupleare<br />
quicklyestablishing<br />
themselvesassuccessful<br />
proprietorsandattracting<br />
bothlongstandingandnew<br />
gueststobookstays.<br />
Love at first sight<br />
MariaandClivevisitedLynton<br />
inlate2019lookingforabed<br />
andbreakfastbusinessthey<br />
couldpurchase.<br />
“Inourfirstvisittothearea<br />
inOctober,wewalkedpassed<br />
StVincent’sandbothfellin<br />
lovewithit,”saysMaria.<br />
“Itwasnotonthemarket,<br />
butwhenwecamebackin<br />
Novembertoviewa<br />
fewmoreproperties,<br />
webookedtostay.”<br />
Whentheprevious<br />
ownersdiscoveredthe<br />
reasonfortheirvisit,<br />
theymentionedthat<br />
theywerelookingto<br />
sell,andMariaand<br />
Clivejumpedatthe<br />
opportunity,unaware<br />
ofthechallengesthat<br />
2020wouldbringfor<br />
everyone.<br />
A new chapter<br />
StVincent’ssixen-suite<br />
bedroomswerefullybooked<br />
fortherestof2020untilthe<br />
Novemberlockdown,and<br />
MariaandClivehavemadea<br />
goodimpressiononreturning<br />
andnewguests.<br />
Theguesthousehaseven<br />
beenappointedan<br />
accommodationproviderfor<br />
walkersonOnFootHolidays<br />
walkingtoursaftercompany<br />
representativesbookedinto<br />
stayincognitoandcouldnot<br />
believethatMariaandClive<br />
hadonlybeenrunningthe<br />
businessforsuchashorttime.<br />
Guestreviewshavealso<br />
beenverycomplimentarywith<br />
New owners arrive at St Vincent’s Guest House in Lynton<br />
theB&Bmaintainingthehigh<br />
reputationbuiltupoveryears.<br />
MariaandClivedo<br />
everythingtheycantomake<br />
guests’staysasenjoyableas<br />
possible.Thisincludes<br />
collectingordroppingoff<br />
guestsatLynmouth,<br />
BarnstapleorMinehead,<br />
offeringflexiblecheck-in<br />
times,acceptingdogsand<br />
offeringpackedlunches.<br />
Withrestrictionslimiting<br />
diningvenues,Clivestarted<br />
preparingeveningmealsfor<br />
guests,whichweresucha<br />
successthatmanyguestsopted<br />
todineineverynight.In<strong>2021</strong>,<br />
StVincent’swillofferlight<br />
lunchesandafternoonteasin<br />
thegarden.<br />
Allfoodpreparedand<br />
servedislocallysourcedwith<br />
fresheggsfromalocalDevon<br />
farm,sausages,baconand<br />
blackpuddingpurchasedfrom<br />
alocalbutcherandbreadfrom<br />
localbakers.Vegan,vegetarian<br />
andotherdietaryoptions,eg<br />
forgluten/lactoseintolerance,<br />
arealsoavailable.<br />
Inadditiontosuchahigh<br />
levelofservice,Mariaand<br />
Clivearerefurbishingthe<br />
houseandgarden,takinggreat<br />
caretorespectandshowcase<br />
StVincent’slonghistory.<br />
■ Details01598752720or<br />
stvincentlynton.co.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 11
KICKSTART<br />
FEEL ELECTRIC<br />
TRADE UP, PLUG IN<br />
AT BLIGHTS MOTORS<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 />
Bideford<br />
HANDY CROSS, CLOVELLY ROAD, BIDEFORD, EX39 3ET<br />
01237 472282<br />
www.blightsmotors.co.uk<br />
Trust creates 40 job placements<br />
The Northam Care Trustis<br />
bothacharityandacompany<br />
limitedbyguarantee.We<br />
changedournamefrom<br />
NorthamLodgetoThe<br />
NorthamCareTrustin<strong>May</strong><br />
2018.Wewereformedasa<br />
charityin1978byagroupof<br />
committedparentsofchildren<br />
withlearningandphysical<br />
disabilitieswhosharedavision<br />
ofimprovingservicesand<br />
supportfortheirchildren.In<br />
the1970s,localauthoritiesand<br />
policymakersreferredto<br />
peoplewithlearningdisabilities<br />
asbeing‘handicappedor<br />
subnormal’anditwasthe<br />
decadewhenlargeinstitutional<br />
‘hospitalsforthementally<br />
handicapped’werebeingclosed<br />
downandreplacedby<br />
communityfacilitieswith<br />
accessibleservices.Institutions<br />
breedinstitutionalbehaviours<br />
andwhenthingsbeganto<br />
change,parentsplayedabig<br />
role,includingthosewho<br />
originallysetupwhatisnowthe<br />
Trust.Theirlegacyisthebasis<br />
foroursuccess,butwehave<br />
hadtoadapttochangingtimes<br />
whereweallstriveforamore<br />
informedandtolerantsociety<br />
wherediversityisthenorm.<br />
Advertise from just £30 a year with <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong><br />
All plans include<br />
➤ 6 adverts (if selected)<br />
➤ 6 magazine listings<br />
➤ online listing<br />
➤ 6 mailed magazines<br />
➤ plus more<br />
Coronavirus has not only threatened existing jobs, but has disrupted<br />
the lives of many young people just starting out in their careers. The<br />
Northam Care Trust is creating 40 valuable job placements for young<br />
people in North Devon through the Kickstart Scheme. We invited<br />
chief executive Dr Len Lofts to describe the work of the charity and<br />
how Kickstart is helping it and the young people on its placements<br />
North Devon Kickstart success: (from left) Dr Len Lofts, chief executive of<br />
The Northam Care Trust, and Sahara Stockwell, Kickstart district account<br />
manager at Department for Work and Pensions Devon & Cornwall<br />
Allthepeoplewesupportin<br />
ourexpandingservice<br />
continuum–including<br />
residentiallodges(homes)for<br />
peoplewithprofound<br />
disabilitiesandcomplexhealth<br />
needs;supportedlivingin<br />
normalhousesinthe<br />
community;ourseven-day-aweekdayservicesatRoseHill;<br />
communityandenabling<br />
servicesandourdomiciliary<br />
careathomeservicesforolder<br />
peopleandpeoplewith<br />
dementia–arethepeoplewho<br />
havethebiggestinvestmentin<br />
ourservices.Itistheirfeespaid<br />
tousbyDevonCountyCouncil<br />
andotherlocalauthoritiesthat<br />
enabletheTrusttoemployour<br />
225-stronglocalstaffgroup.So<br />
ineffect,thepeoplewesupport<br />
areourbiggeststakeholders<br />
andeverybitofgrowthis<br />
Select plan<br />
£30 <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Plan – 6 magazine listings<br />
£150 <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Plan – 6 business card adverts<br />
£275 <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Plan – 6 banner adverts<br />
£400 <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Plan – 6 quarter page adverts<br />
£750 <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Plan – 6 half page adverts<br />
£1,375 <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Plan – 6 full page adverts<br />
developedintheirinterestsand<br />
tosafeguardandimprovetheir<br />
qualityoflife.<br />
Run as a business<br />
Wehavetobeabusinessaswell<br />
asacharity.Innon-Covid<br />
times,beingacharitygivesus<br />
accesstograntsthatsupport<br />
ourstatutoryincomeand<br />
governsthewaythatany<br />
financialsurplusesmustbe<br />
reinvestedinthedevelopment<br />
andqualityofourservices.It<br />
isn’teasyforanorganisationto<br />
makeanannualsurplus(profit)<br />
inthesocialcareindustry.For<br />
allthepraisefortheNHSand<br />
socialcareduringCovidandit<br />
beingoneofthefastestgrowingsectorsinthe<br />
economy,variousgovernments<br />
struggletoinvestinit.<br />
Webeganamodernisation<br />
andexpansionplanin2018and<br />
haveachievedallitsobjectives.<br />
Covidbroughtusmassive<br />
challengesaswellas<br />
opportunitiestoinnovateand<br />
wehavecontinuedtoexpand<br />
andimproveallourservices.<br />
Ourninetrusteedirectors<br />
donotgetpaidorreceivea<br />
dividend,asdirectorsofprivate<br />
companiesdo.Theygovernthe<br />
Payment options<br />
Pay in full or by<br />
12 monthly instalments –<br />
with no extra charges.<br />
Put yourself in front of<br />
North Devon businesses.<br />
Book online at business-action.co.uk/plans or call Alan on 07970 671192<br />
12 business action | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk
KICKSTART<br />
Kickstarting jobs for young people<br />
Since the Kickstart scheme<br />
waslaunchedbythe<br />
GovernmentinJuly2020,<br />
manyNorthDevonemployers<br />
haveparticipatedinthe<br />
programmebyofferingjob<br />
placementstoyoungpeople.A<br />
responsetothemassive<br />
impactofCoronaviruson<br />
employment,Kickstart<br />
supportsyoungpeoplefrom<br />
allbackgrounds.<br />
Kickstartcomprisesa£2<br />
billionnationalfundtocreate<br />
hundredsofthousandsof<br />
high-qualitysix-monthjob<br />
Trustandworkonourstrategic<br />
andbusinessplanningwiththe<br />
Trust’sseniorexecutiveand<br />
alsomakesurethatweadhere<br />
toallofourresponsibilities<br />
withtheCharityCommission.<br />
Weworkwithmany<br />
organisations,including<br />
externalregulatorssuchasthe<br />
CareQualityCommissionand<br />
DevonCountyCouncilareour<br />
trustedpartnersaswellasour<br />
commissionerswhobuyour<br />
servicesonbehalfofthepeople<br />
wesupport.Wealsoworkwith<br />
housingorganisationson<br />
developingoursupported<br />
livingwork–weprovidethe<br />
careandthehousing<br />
organisationsthetenancies.We<br />
arenowstartingtoworkin<br />
NorthCornwallwithCornwall<br />
CountyCouncil.<br />
Ourprojectedturnoverfor<br />
thenewfinancialyearstarting<br />
in<strong>April</strong>showsanincreaseof<br />
55%ontheyearjustending.<br />
Ourprojectedturnoverfor<br />
2024is£8.6million.Wehave<br />
investedinourworkforceand<br />
madeourowncommitmentto<br />
improvingpayandconditions<br />
bybeingaccountabletothe<br />
peoplewesupportby<br />
employingthebeststaffwecan<br />
throughourrecruitmentand<br />
trainingincludingour<br />
involvementinthe<br />
Government’sKickstart<br />
scheme.<br />
Kickstart placements<br />
Wesawtheobviousvalueof<br />
theKickstartschemewhenit<br />
wasintroduced.Asoneofthe<br />
firstorganisationstoapply,we<br />
wereawarded30Kickstartjob<br />
placementsinourownrightin<br />
placementsforyoungpeople,<br />
aspartofthePlanforJobs.<br />
Fundingforeachplacement<br />
coverstherelevantNational<br />
MinimumWagefor25hoursa<br />
weekplusassociatedemployer<br />
NationalInsuranceand<br />
employerminimumautomatic<br />
enrolmentcontributions.<br />
Thereisalsofundingfor<br />
developingnewskillsand<br />
supportformovinginto<br />
sustainedemploymentafter<br />
completionoftheKickstartfundedjob.Currently,<br />
Kickstartprioritisesyoung<br />
October2020andwehaveso<br />
farfilled26ofthem.Wehave<br />
nowappliedforafurther10job<br />
placementstakingourtotalto<br />
40.Thismeanswecanhelp<br />
localunemployedyoungpeople<br />
onUniversalCreditaged16-24<br />
todeveloptheskillsand<br />
trainingtheywillneedtofind<br />
long-termemploymentwith<br />
theaddedvaluefortheTrustof<br />
encouragingthemduringthe<br />
six-monthplacementtoremain<br />
withusincareersinsocialcare.<br />
Theschemedictatesthatwe<br />
mustemployeachyoung<br />
personinanewrolefora<br />
minimumof25hoursaweek<br />
onatleasttheNational<br />
MinimumWagefortheirage.<br />
Wepaymorethanthatat£9.66<br />
anhour.TheDepartmentof<br />
WorkandPensionsfundseach<br />
youngpersonforthefullsix<br />
monthssotheincentivesfor<br />
employerstousethescheme<br />
aremassive.NewDWPrules<br />
putintoplaceinFebruary<strong>2021</strong><br />
meanthatemployerscanapply<br />
foranynumberofjob<br />
placements,meaningitismore<br />
flexibleandmoreattractiveto<br />
smalleremployers.So,ineffect,<br />
wehavethepotentialfor40<br />
fully-fundedplacements<br />
including32frontlinecareroles<br />
andeightcentralteamsupport<br />
roles,includingadmin,<br />
training,healthandsafety,<br />
humanresources,socialmedia,<br />
IT,propertyliaisonand<br />
buildingsmaintenance,toadd<br />
alotofextravaluetowhatwe<br />
canoffertothepeopleneeding<br />
oursupport.<br />
ManyoftheKickstart<br />
peoplewehaveappointedlost<br />
previousjobsbecauseofCovid<br />
peopleaged16to24.<br />
InNorthDevon,Kickstart<br />
ismanagedbyJobcentrePlus<br />
throughSaharaStockwell,<br />
Kickstartdistrictaccount<br />
manageratDepartmentfor<br />
WorkandPensionsDevon&<br />
Cornwall,andcolleagueTony<br />
George,employeradviser.<br />
“Lotsofemployershave<br />
madebidsthathavebeen<br />
accepted,”saysSahara.“We<br />
promotethesetothework<br />
coacheswhopromotethemto<br />
jobseekers.Thereisahuge<br />
numberofjobseekersand<br />
orareuniversityorcollege<br />
graduatesnewtothejob<br />
marketwithCovidmakingit<br />
difficultforthemtofindwork.<br />
Ifwecanretainmostofthe<br />
Kickstartemployeesbeyond<br />
thesix-monthplacement,then<br />
itsavesonourfuture<br />
recruitmentcosts,sousing<br />
Kickstartreallyisa‘nobrainer’!<br />
OurKickstartworkrecently<br />
featuredonBBCTVSpotlight<br />
andonBBCRadioDevon,<br />
wherewealsohighlightedthe<br />
experiencesofparentsand<br />
familiesnowbeingableto<br />
recommencetheirvisitstotheir<br />
familymemberlivinginour<br />
residentiallodges.Covidhas<br />
separatedfamiliesfromtheir<br />
lovedoneswesupportandwe<br />
haveusedothermeansof<br />
communicationtokeepthem<br />
intouchincludingvideos,<br />
ZOOM,photographsandour<br />
EyeGazetechnology.<br />
George Stocker<br />
GeorgeStockermovedfrom<br />
losinghissalesjobduring<br />
Covidtounemployedtothe<br />
roleofpropertyliaisonofficer<br />
withtheTrust.Georgehasa<br />
firstclassbusinessdegreeand<br />
seestheKickstartopportunity<br />
youngpeoplearegetting<br />
fantasticopportunities.<br />
“Employershavetooffer<br />
wrap-aroundsupport,helping<br />
keepCVsuptodateand<br />
providingrelevanttraining.”<br />
ReadaboutNorthDevon<br />
jobseekersandemployers<br />
benefitingfromKickstarton<br />
pages12to14.<br />
■ Visitgov.uk/kickstartorto<br />
discussopportunities,contact<br />
SaharaStockwell<br />
sahara.stockwell@dwp.gov.uk<br />
orTonyGeorge<br />
tony.george@dwp.gov.uk<br />
as“careerchangingandareal<br />
eyeopenerintotheworldof<br />
thecaresector–abrilliant<br />
opportunity”.<br />
Cerys Pilman<br />
CerysPilmanlostherjobin<br />
thelocalhospitalitytradeand<br />
seesherKickstartsupport<br />
workeropportunitywiththe<br />
Trustas“lifechanginganda<br />
newcareerpath”.<br />
Jobcentre Plus support<br />
Wehavehadthebonusof<br />
supportfromtheBidefordJob<br />
CentrethroughSahara<br />
Stockwellandherwork<br />
coaches.Theworkcoachesrefer<br />
youngpeoplefortheTrust’s<br />
Kickstartrolesandsupport<br />
themintheirjobsearches.<br />
Sahararecentlyfeatured<br />
withtheTrustinaspecial<br />
KickstartShowcaseEvent<br />
involvingMimsDavies,<br />
MinisterforEmployment.The<br />
Trustnowworksintrue<br />
partnershipwiththeDWPand<br />
JobcentrePlusinjoining<br />
togethertoofferreal<br />
employmentopportunitiesto<br />
youngpeopleinNorthDevon.<br />
■ Visitnorthamcaretrust.co.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 13
KICKSTART NEWS<br />
Accessible wellness live or virtually<br />
The Kickstart team at Aleafia Fitness and Wellbeing Centre in Barnstaple: (from left) Kaia, Gaia, Beth and Bonnie<br />
The fitness sectorhasbeen<br />
oneofthehardesthitduring<br />
lockdowns,butthishasnot<br />
stoppedLaurenLepley-Caldon<br />
fromstartingupAleafiaFitness<br />
andWellbeingCentrein<br />
GammonWalk,Barnstaple.<br />
Laurenhadplannedtoopenin<br />
<strong>April</strong>2020,although<br />
restrictionspostponedthe<br />
openinguntilAugust.<br />
Laurensaysthedelayin<br />
openinggavethemmoretime<br />
tolistentowhatpeoplewant<br />
andtocomebackwithmore<br />
ideas.Thisincludedmore<br />
facilitiesformumsandholistic<br />
treatmentsandtherapies.<br />
Accessible wellness<br />
LaurenselectedAleafiaasthe<br />
businessnametoreflecttheaim<br />
ofmakingwellnessaccessibleto<br />
all.Itsmeaningis“tobeinthe<br />
stateorconditionofgood<br />
physicalandmentalhealth”.<br />
Toachievethis,thecentre<br />
includesgymspaceand<br />
equipment,facilitiesformassage<br />
andtherapies,thePlantBarcafé<br />
and,from<strong>May</strong>,anewcrèche.<br />
Michele,Lauren’shusband,<br />
isheadcoachatthecentreand<br />
workswithanumberof<br />
freelancetrainersand<br />
practitioners.Heaimstoteach<br />
andeducateindepthtohelp<br />
peopleovercomeeverydaylife<br />
challengestheyface,usingas<br />
histoolsnutrition,fitnessand<br />
mentalwellbeing.<br />
Supporting young people<br />
Inadditiontosupportingits<br />
clients,Aleafiaisworkingto<br />
supportyoungpeopleby<br />
offeringfourworkplacements<br />
throughtheGovernment’s<br />
Kickstartscheme.<br />
DevonandPlymouth<br />
ChamberofCommerce<br />
completedtheapplicationand<br />
SaharaStockwellmanagedthe<br />
processforJobcentrePlus.<br />
“Saharadiscussedeachof<br />
therolesandwenttothe<br />
jobsearchcoachestofindthe<br />
candidates,”saysLauren.“She<br />
madeitreallyeasyanditwasa<br />
verysmoothexperience.Itwas<br />
verywellmanaged.”<br />
Aleafiahaswelcomedfour<br />
Kickstartteammembers:Beth–<br />
marketingandsocialmedia<br />
assistant;Bonnie–personaland<br />
businessassistant;Gaia–crèche<br />
assistantandsustainability<br />
leader;andKaia–frontof<br />
house.Laurenishopingtheir<br />
positionswillbecome<br />
permanentattheendoftheir<br />
placementsandisreallypleased<br />
withtheircontributions.<br />
“Theyhaveallworkedhard<br />
andcompletedcourses.<br />
Everyoneisavailabletodevelop<br />
ineveryarea.”<br />
Developing services<br />
Withtheconstraintsimposed<br />
bylockdown,Laurenandher<br />
teamhaveappliedtheir<br />
ingenuitytodevelopservices<br />
thathelpclientstocontinue<br />
improvingtheirfitnessand<br />
wellbeingwhilethecentreis<br />
closedforclasses.<br />
TheresultisAleafia:<br />
WellnessOnDemand,asuiteof<br />
morethan50virtualwellness<br />
sessionsthatisexpanding<br />
weekly.Classesrangefrom<br />
workoutstoyoga,barre,<br />
cooking,meditation,dance<br />
HIIT,dancefitness,dance<br />
combat,stretchesandmore.<br />
Therearesessionstosuitall<br />
levelsandclientscancreate<br />
theirowntimetablewithclasses<br />
from10to60minutes,both<br />
one-offsessionsandseries.<br />
Classesaredeliveredviathe<br />
Aleafia:WellnessOnDemand<br />
app,whichclientscan<br />
downloadtobookand<br />
schedulesessions,watchprerecordedworkoutsand<br />
wellnessseminars,andjoinin<br />
livevirtualclasses.<br />
Laurendidnotexpectto<br />
developvirtualclassessosoon<br />
andtheseweredrivenbythe<br />
necessitycreatedbylockdown.<br />
Theyhavebeensopopularthat<br />
theywillcontinuetorun<br />
alongsidethereopenedcentre.<br />
Accessible fitness<br />
Inlinewiththeaimofmaking<br />
wellnessaccessibletoall,<br />
Aleafia’sservicesareaffordable.<br />
Clientscanchoosetopayfora<br />
one-offliveclass,purchaseone<br />
monthofunlimitedclassesor<br />
buythreemonthsata<br />
discount.Unlimited<br />
OnDemandclassesarealso<br />
availableforonemonthor<br />
threemonthswithadiscount.<br />
Justasimportantly,Aleafia’s<br />
centreisverywelcomingso<br />
thateveryonefeelscomfortable<br />
andateaseontheirjourneyto<br />
fitnessandwellbeing.<br />
■ Details01271370127or<br />
aleafia.co<br />
14 business action | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk
NEGLIGENCE KICKSTART<br />
Games dream turns into reality<br />
A dream to publish video<br />
gamesisbecomingareality<br />
withthedevelopmentof<br />
VoxStoryinBarnstaple.Lex<br />
Barrowhasrunasuccessful<br />
Barnstaplesoftwareandapp<br />
developmentbusinesssince<br />
2012,butin2020formed<br />
CurrentYearGamingto<br />
developVoxStory,acinematic<br />
takeontabletoproleplaying.<br />
Kickstart boosts resource<br />
Recently,Lexsoughtto<br />
increasethegame’s<br />
developmentresourcewiththe<br />
aimoflaunchingitin<strong>2021</strong>.<br />
WithassistancefromTony<br />
GeorgeofJobcentrePlusand,<br />
usingDevonandPlymouth<br />
ChamberofCommerceasits<br />
gateway,thecompany<br />
recruitedsixnewteam<br />
membersonplacements<br />
throughtheGovernment’s<br />
Kickstartscheme,witha<br />
seventhvacancyinprogress.<br />
Ashley(whowasreferredby<br />
thescheme,butpassedtheage<br />
limitbeforesigningup),<br />
James,Freya,Jamie,Phoebe<br />
andJaydehaveincreasedthe<br />
VoxStoryteamto12.<br />
Lexisdelightedwiththe<br />
boosttographicdesignand<br />
PRtheKickstartjoinersare<br />
achievingandhopesthe<br />
companycanretainthemat<br />
theendoftheirplacements.<br />
Social gaming<br />
Asanavidgamer,after<br />
questioningwhynoonehad<br />
everdevelopedagame<br />
combiningtheessenceof<br />
tabletoproleplayandmodern<br />
onlinegaming,Lexdecidedto<br />
developithimself.<br />
HisaimisforVoxStoryto<br />
updatetraditionaltabletop<br />
gamingwithadigital,<br />
cinematicaspect.While<br />
keepingtruetothefeeland<br />
gameplayoftabletop<br />
roleplayinggames,thebig<br />
screenexperienceletsplayers<br />
seetheircharacters’actions<br />
playoutalongsidetheirteam<br />
members,fullyimmersing<br />
everyoneinthegameplay.<br />
“It’saverysocialgame,”<br />
saysLex.“Wewantedto<br />
enhanceexistinggamingand<br />
makeitcinematicsothat<br />
playerssitaroundabigTV<br />
screen,tellingthestory<br />
togetherandhavingalaugh.”<br />
Onlyonepersonhasto<br />
purchasethefullgameandall<br />
otherplayerscanusethefree<br />
characterappontheirsmart<br />
phoneswhenplayingtogether.<br />
Furthercopiesneedonlybe<br />
purchasedtoplayremotely.<br />
Smoother storytelling<br />
LexbelievesVoxStory’s<br />
Peak<br />
Online<br />
combinationoftraditional<br />
gameplaywithadigital<br />
platformenablessmoother<br />
storytelling.<br />
TheGameMastercreatesa<br />
gameworldontheirPCor<br />
laptop,whichtheyshareona<br />
largerscreenorviaaprojector.<br />
Theplayersconnecttheir<br />
characterstothegameworld<br />
viatheappontheirsmart<br />
phones,tablets,PCsorlaptops.<br />
Playersrolldiceto<br />
determinewhathappensand<br />
actions.Dicecanberolled<br />
digitallyorplayerscanroll<br />
physicaldiceandentereach<br />
rollintothegamemanually.<br />
Thedigitalaspectmakesitfar<br />
easiertokeeptrackof<br />
inventory,spellslots,hitpoints<br />
andothergamemechanics.<br />
VoxStoryisdesignedtobe<br />
intuitivesothatitappealsto<br />
playersofallagesandabilities<br />
andappealstotheworldwide<br />
marketofgamers.<br />
■ Detailsvoxstory.comor<br />
followonFacebook,<br />
InstagramandTwitter<br />
ONE COMPLETE ONLINE SOLUTION<br />
Vox Story's Kickstart team: (from left - back) Ashley, James, Freya, (front)<br />
Jamie, Phoebe and Jayde<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 15
north<br />
devon<br />
businessACTIVISTS<br />
QI need to start<br />
selling online.<br />
Where do I<br />
start with an online<br />
shop?<br />
A Twokeyconsiderations<br />
beforedivingstraightinto<br />
anewonlineshopare:theweb<br />
siteplatformandyour<br />
marketingplan.<br />
Therearemanywebsite<br />
platformsavailablethattargeta<br />
rangeofabilitiesandbudgets.I<br />
liketoplacewebsiteplatforms<br />
infourcategories:(1)Wix(2)<br />
Shopify(3)WordPress(4)PHP<br />
Framework.<br />
Alotofpeopleareattracted<br />
toWixandShopifyduetothe<br />
lowcostandbuild-it-yourself<br />
service,butfurtherdownthe<br />
roadfindlimitationswithWix<br />
andongoingtransactionfees<br />
fromShopify.<br />
WordPressisthemost<br />
widelyusedcontent<br />
managementsystem(CMS)<br />
platformandcanhandlealmost<br />
anythingyouneedyourweb<br />
sitefor.<br />
PHPFrameworkwillbe<br />
yourmostexpensiveoption<br />
andnotnecessaryforalotof<br />
onlinesellers.<br />
Havingamarketingplanis<br />
keytoanynewwebsitesuccess.<br />
Whenyouopenastoreonthe<br />
highstreet,yougainpassingby<br />
QWhat are the<br />
best guidelines<br />
for giving<br />
credit to customers?<br />
A Whenyou’resellingto<br />
anotherbusiness,they<br />
oftenexpectnottohavetopay<br />
straightaway.Butallowing<br />
customerscredithasacostand<br />
canbearisktoyourbusiness,<br />
sowhatshouldyouthinkabout<br />
beforeyougoahead?<br />
DoIhavetooffercustomers<br />
credit?No.It’simportantto<br />
understandwhatworksforyou,<br />
notjustwhatyouthinkis<br />
expected.Acashflowforecastis<br />
essentialhere.Itwillhelpyou<br />
WEB SITES<br />
Andrew Bowers<br />
Owner<br />
Peak Online<br />
t: 01237 721256<br />
w: northdevon.peak-online.uk.com<br />
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS<br />
trade.Anewwebsiteislikea<br />
shoponadistanthill–youmust<br />
divertcustomerstofindyou.<br />
Onlinemarketingoptions<br />
aresearchengineoptimisation<br />
(SEO),socialmedia,payper<br />
click(PPC),emailmarketing,<br />
and,averyeffectivetool,<br />
affiliatemarketing.Affiliate<br />
marketingiswhenyoupay<br />
commissiontootherwebsites<br />
fordivertinguserswhothen<br />
makepurchases.<br />
Ifyoudon’thaveexperience<br />
intheseservices,it’simportant<br />
tositdownwithanexpertand<br />
planyourstrategywithyour<br />
monthlybudget.<br />
Susie Kevern<br />
Chartered Management Accountant<br />
PoundLane<br />
t: 07801 199671<br />
w: poundlane.co.uk<br />
seetheimpactofdelaysin<br />
gettingpaid.<br />
QWhy is it<br />
important for<br />
businesses to<br />
support staff with<br />
their mental health?<br />
How can I do this?<br />
A Allemployeeshave<br />
‘mentalhealth’andall<br />
businesseshavea<br />
responsibilitytosupportstaff.<br />
Chronicstressthatisnot<br />
addressedcanleadtoClinical<br />
Burnout.Thispresentsas<br />
severefatigue,anxiety,<br />
concentrationandother<br />
cognitivedifficulties,cantake<br />
alongtimetorecoverfrom<br />
andcanmakedoinganormal<br />
jobalmostimpossible.What<br />
processescanyouputinplace<br />
tostaveoffstaffburnout?<br />
►Developacultureof<br />
acceptance:Ashumans,<br />
multiplefactorsaffectour<br />
mentalhealth.Theseinclude<br />
ourhomeandworklivesalong<br />
withourdifferingnaturesand<br />
theimpactothershaveonus.<br />
Allemployeeshavegoodand<br />
baddays–weallneeda<br />
supportiveworkenvironment<br />
tofunctioneffectively.<br />
►Openupanon-judgemental<br />
dialogue:Associalcreatures,<br />
weneedtotalkandbeheard<br />
soputongoingsystemsin<br />
place–don’twaituntil<br />
Whataboutdiscounts?<br />
Somefirmsofferasmall<br />
discountforpromptpayment.<br />
Ifyouincludethecostof<br />
offeringcreditinyourprices,<br />
youcanaffordtogive<br />
somethingawayforquicker<br />
payment.It’salsoworth<br />
rememberingthatsome<br />
customerspreferadirectdebit<br />
optionasthisreducestheir<br />
adminburdenwhilegivingyou<br />
moresecurity.<br />
I’mworriedifIdon’tgetpaid<br />
nowImightnotgetpaidatall.<br />
Youneedtoworkouthow<br />
muchcredityoufeel<br />
comfortablegiving.Thebest<br />
planistostartsmallandlook<br />
tobuildarelationship:<br />
►Makesureyouhaveallthe<br />
detailsyouneedfornew<br />
HEALTH & WELLBEING<br />
Kelly Smith<br />
Counsellor<br />
Devon Counselling Training<br />
t: 07522 841009<br />
w: devoncounsellingtraining.co.uk<br />
employeesarestruggling. This<br />
wouldideallyinclude:access<br />
toaneutraloutletsuchas<br />
external,professional<br />
supervision,structuredpeer<br />
supportandwheretogoif<br />
theyarestruggling.<br />
►Matchpeoplewithjobs:Be<br />
personcentredinappraisals.<br />
Bebraveenoughtotuneinto<br />
employees’motivations.Job<br />
satisfactionisthemainfactor<br />
affectingjobretention.<br />
►Considerflexibleworking:<br />
Thinkoutsidetheboxwith<br />
this.Thiscanmakeahuge<br />
impactonwork-lifebalance<br />
andthereforestaffstresslevels.<br />
►Stafftrainingtoactively<br />
improvetheirmentalhealth:<br />
DCToffersProfessional<br />
Supervision,Counselling<br />
Servicesandbespoke<br />
EmotionalResilienceTraining<br />
fororganisations.<br />
customers:therightnamesand<br />
phonenumbers<br />
►Askforreferencesfrom<br />
currentsuppliersandmake<br />
sureyoufollowthemup<br />
►Keepyourbookkeepingup<br />
todatesothatyouknowhow<br />
muchyouareowed<br />
►Sendstatementsand<br />
remindersBEFOREthe<br />
paymentisdue<br />
►Mostimportantly,speakto<br />
yourcustomersregularly;check<br />
theyhaveyourinvoicesandask<br />
whentoexpectpayment.<br />
Handledwell,offeringcredit<br />
canhelpyougrowyour<br />
businessbutmakesureyou<br />
operategoodcreditcontrol:a<br />
friendlyphonecallwon’tcause<br />
offenceandcanbuildvaluable<br />
businessconnections.<br />
16 business action | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk
Q&A ~ your business questions answered<br />
north<br />
enterprise<br />
devon<br />
growth<br />
news<br />
innovation<br />
& views<br />
Q Having<br />
reached the<br />
age of 50,<br />
what should I look<br />
for in my investment<br />
strategy ?<br />
A Beforeanyother<br />
investment,useyour<br />
PensionInvestment<br />
Allowances.Theyarethebest<br />
wayofinvestingmoneygoing.<br />
Justforgettheword‘pension’.<br />
Youcanputmoneyin,the<br />
taxmanwilladd25%toyour£1<br />
and,ifwanted,youcanpullit<br />
alloutagainimmediately.<br />
Whereelsecanyoumake25%<br />
fornothing?Ifyoupayhigher<br />
tax,youalsosaveextrathrough<br />
yourtaxreturns.Youcaneven<br />
investifyouhaveinvestments<br />
inotherpensionand<br />
superannuationschemes.<br />
Foremployeesandtheselfemployed,youmayhaveno<br />
earnings,butyoucanstillpayin<br />
£2,880perannumnetandthe<br />
taxmanwillgiveyou£720.You<br />
canberetired(under75)and<br />
evenreceivingpensionsanddo<br />
FINANCE<br />
Philip Milton<br />
Managing Director<br />
Philip J Milton & Company plc<br />
t: 01271 344300<br />
w: miltonpj.net<br />
thesame.Ifyourearningsare<br />
£12,570(sopayingnotax),<br />
contributetoapensionand<br />
receiveataxbonusof£2,514.<br />
AndbecauseyouCAN<br />
accessallthepotifyouareover<br />
55(57from2028),thenwhyon<br />
earthkeepemergencymoney<br />
inacashaccountorcashISA<br />
whenyoucanmakeacool25%<br />
stillknowingthatinan<br />
emergencyyoucangrabit?<br />
Youcouldevenkeepthe<br />
pensionincash,sonorisk.Do<br />
this‘executiononly’withan<br />
adviserlikeusandthereisno<br />
costinvolvedinset-upeither.<br />
Who can you ask?<br />
<strong>Business</strong> owners are not ‘born’ and must learn how to run a business as<br />
they go along. It’s not always clear who to ask when we have questions<br />
about what to do.<br />
QNow seems a<br />
good time to<br />
see if my<br />
business idea works.<br />
How should I start?<br />
A Theuncertaintycreatedby<br />
Coronavirusisleading<br />
manypeopletoovercome<br />
fearsthathaveheldthemback.<br />
Startinganewbusinessis<br />
oftenseenasahighrisk,<br />
especiallyifyouhavetoresign<br />
fromasecure,well-paidjob<br />
andneedtoearnenoughto<br />
supportyourselfandfamily.<br />
However,youdon’thaveto<br />
giveupnecessarysecurityto<br />
developyourbusinessidea<br />
andsomepeoplearedoing<br />
thisintheirsparetimetohave<br />
agoatachievingtheirdream.<br />
Financeisoftenthefirst<br />
barrier,butyouprobablywon’t<br />
needlotsofmoneytostart<br />
testingyourideainasmall<br />
waytoseewhatworksand<br />
whatdoesn’t.Whatyoudo<br />
needistimeandcommitment.<br />
BUSINESS START-UPS<br />
Robert Zarywacz<br />
Partner<br />
Zarywacz<br />
t: 01271 879100<br />
w: z2z.com<br />
It’sunlikelyyouwillsell<br />
anythinguntilyougetyour<br />
productsorservicesright,so<br />
don’tborrowmoney.You<br />
mightwanttosavesomeof<br />
yourearningstofinance<br />
materialsorequipment,orasa<br />
cushionwhenyoufeelitisthe<br />
righttimetogo‘solo’.<br />
Workwithwhatyou’vegot<br />
andtakesmallstepssothat<br />
youprogresssteadilyeveryday.<br />
Askquestions.Askother<br />
businesspeople.Askour<br />
<strong>Business</strong>Activists.Andface<br />
yourfearstodevelopyour<br />
businessideasandsucceed.<br />
Thank you to our <strong>Business</strong> Activists for offering their time and expertise to<br />
answer your questions.<br />
We publish their contact details, as they are also happy to talk through<br />
general enquiries and offer guidance, although will charge when you<br />
require them to give specific professional advice.<br />
If something is holding you back in your business, ask someone. Ask a<br />
friend in business, ask a business you use, ask our <strong>Business</strong> Activists.<br />
Someone will have the answer or be able to point you in the right direction.<br />
Helping each other helps all our businesses and leads to greater prosperity<br />
for all.<br />
IMPORTANT: The answers on these pages are intended only as general<br />
information. You should seek specific professional advice before taking any<br />
action in relation to your own business.<br />
Ask the Activists<br />
Send business questions you have by email to<br />
ask@business-action.co.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 17
Garage accredited to service electric cars<br />
North Devonisgearingupfor<br />
theelectriccarrevolutionina<br />
bigway.BlightsMotorsof<br />
Bidefordhasbeensellingfull<br />
electricMGmodelssincelate<br />
2019andin202030%ofits<br />
newcarsaleswereelectric.<br />
“WenowhavethefullyelectricZSEVSUV,MG5EV<br />
EstatecarandMGHSPlugIn<br />
Hybridmodels,”saysdirector<br />
TimBlight.<br />
“Wereceivecomments<br />
suchas‘loveelectric,wouldn’t<br />
gobacktopetrol’and‘far<br />
cheapertorunandservice’.”<br />
Aswellassellingelectric<br />
cars,Blightscanserviceand<br />
maintainanymakeofelectric<br />
carasanaccreditedmember<br />
ofHEVRA(Hybridand<br />
ElectricVehicleRepair<br />
Alliance–hevra.org.uk).<br />
“HEVRAmembergarages<br />
areinspectedtomakesure<br />
theyhavetherighttoolsand<br />
technicianqualificationsto<br />
workonelectricandhybrid<br />
carscorrectlyandsafely,”adds<br />
Tim.“AndasanMGfranchise<br />
allourstaffincluding<br />
technicians,salesstaffand<br />
valeters,aretrainedonelectric<br />
andhybridcarstobeawareof<br />
theirdifferentrequirements.<br />
“AtBlightsMotorswealso<br />
havearapidchargeronour<br />
forecourtwhichenablesmost<br />
electricvehiclestochargetoa<br />
fullbatteryin40minutes.”<br />
BlightsMotorsalsoadvises<br />
onallaspectsofpurchasingan<br />
electriccar,including<br />
governmentincentives.<br />
Currently,theGovernment<br />
offersaplug-incargrant<br />
whichprovidesa£2,500<br />
discountonthelistpriceof<br />
approvedelectriccarswhich<br />
haveamaximumlistpriceof<br />
£35,000.Thereisalsoagrant<br />
towardsthecostofinstallinga<br />
homechargerofupto£350<br />
percharger.<br />
■ Details01237472282or<br />
blightsmotors.co.uk<br />
B&B leads the way with car charging point for guests<br />
It’s not only the motor trade<br />
respondingtotheintroduction<br />
ofelectriccars.Withholiday<br />
accommodationproviderskeen<br />
toprovideallfacilitiestheir<br />
guestsrequire,someare<br />
startingtocaterforelectriccars.<br />
TheEarlsdaleBedand<br />
BreakfastinIlfracomberecently<br />
installeda7Kwcarcharging<br />
pointforguests,makingitone<br />
ofthefirstbusinessesinthe<br />
towntoofferthisfacility.<br />
“Wehadseveralgueststhat<br />
arrivedwithEVsorHybrids<br />
anditwouldhavebeenreally<br />
nicetohavebeenabletooffer<br />
themachargepointatThe<br />
Earlsdale.”saysLewisDaniels.<br />
“WehavehadanEVcharge<br />
pointonourwishlistsincewe<br />
openedinearly2019.With<br />
limitedchargingoptionsinthe<br />
localarea,wewantedtomake<br />
sureweofferedourguestsa<br />
chargepoint,andwithmore<br />
EVssettoappearinthenext<br />
fewyears,itwasimportantto<br />
ustostaycurrent.Wealso<br />
strivetominimiseourimpact<br />
ontheenvironmentandwe<br />
believethatelectricvehiclesfit<br />
wellwithourethosfora<br />
sustainablyrunestablishment.<br />
ELECTRIC CARS<br />
The MG5 EV estate available from Blights Motors. Photo: Robert Zarywacz<br />
Car charges: (from left) Lewis and James, owners of The Earlsdale in<br />
Ilfracombe with their new car charging point. Photo: ilfracombefocus.co.uk<br />
“Wehavehadgoodfeedback<br />
sofarwithlotsofpeople<br />
mentioningthattheyhaveseen<br />
it.VisitIlfracombealsoshared<br />
ourpostsonlineregardingthe<br />
installationandtheyagreeit<br />
willbeanincreasingly<br />
importantfactorforvisitorsto<br />
thetowninthenearfuture.”<br />
Ready for the new season<br />
“Weareveryexcitedtobereopeningon17<strong>May</strong>andare<br />
hopingforabusyseason.We<br />
aremakingsureweincorporate<br />
socialdistancingandother<br />
enhancedmeasuresthatwere<br />
inplacein2020intothe<strong>2021</strong><br />
season.Wehaveused<br />
lockdowntoensurethe<br />
buildingisatitsbest,witha<br />
newlyrenovateddiningroom<br />
(completewithnewmenu)and<br />
upgradedbedrooms.Wehave<br />
alsousedthetimetostartafull<br />
refurbishmentoftheoriginal<br />
sashwindowsandhavehad<br />
twonewleadroofsinstalled.<br />
Wehavealsogotasmartnew<br />
greycolourschemeforthe<br />
frontofthebuilding,whichwe<br />
hopeiswelllikedbyvisitors<br />
andlocalsalike.”<br />
■ Details01271863653or<br />
theearlsdale.co.uk<br />
18 business action | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk
My priorities as a driverare<br />
differenttowhattheywerein<br />
my20sandmyenvironmental<br />
considerationshaveovertaken<br />
manyotherconcerns.<br />
FordecadesIhavelikedthe<br />
conceptofelectriccarsand,<br />
whileunderstandingthatall<br />
transportplacesdemandson<br />
theenvironment,hopethat<br />
electricvehicleswillenableus<br />
toreducetheseconsiderably.<br />
Withthisinmind,the<br />
invitationtotestdrivetheMG5<br />
EVSWexcitedme,becauseit<br />
wouldbemyfirstexperienceof<br />
drivinganelectriccar.<br />
Simple controls<br />
WhenTimBlight,who<br />
managesBlights’carsales,ran<br />
throughthecontrolswithme,<br />
theyseemedalmosttoosimple.<br />
Anacceleratorpedalanda<br />
brakepedal,andlargeknob<br />
withN(eutral),D(rive)and<br />
R(everse)settings.<br />
TimmademadesureI<br />
realisedthat,onceinDrive,the<br />
caracceleratedswiftly.AndsoI<br />
setoffonmyown.<br />
WhiletheMGEVSWlooks<br />
andfeelsjustasyouwould<br />
expectofacar,drivingit<br />
definitelyfeelsdifferent.<br />
Accelerationisbothinstant,<br />
withnolagafteryoupressthe<br />
pedal,and,withnopausesfor<br />
gearchanges,continuous.<br />
Regenerativebrakingkicks<br />
inwhenyouliftyourfootoff<br />
theaccelerator,whichmeans<br />
thatthecarslowsofitsown<br />
accordandrequireslessuseof<br />
thebrakepedal.Regenerative<br />
brakingusesthedrivemotorto<br />
regenerateelectricityandslow<br />
thecardown.<br />
Whilemytestdrivewas<br />
necessarilylimitedatthistime<br />
duetorestrictions,Iwouldbe<br />
interestedinalongerdriveto<br />
experiencedifferentconditions,<br />
suchasmotorways.Thiswould<br />
testtheMG’sthreedrivemodes<br />
–Eco,NormalandSport–<br />
whichenableyoutochoosethe<br />
modemostsuitableforyour<br />
journeyrequirements.There<br />
arealsothreelevelsof<br />
regenerativebrakingto<br />
improvebrakingandoptimise<br />
batterychargeusage.<br />
Charging and range<br />
Aswellasspeed,chargingtime<br />
andrangearemanypeople’s<br />
topconcernswhenconsidering<br />
electriccars.<br />
Electric Avenue<br />
The MG5 EV comes to North Devon<br />
MG5 EV controls: well laid out and easy to use. Photo: Robert Zarywacz<br />
Iwassurprisedtolearnthat<br />
youcanchargetheMG5EV<br />
SWbypluggingitintoan<br />
ordinarythree-pinsocket,<br />
althoughitwilltake18hoursto<br />
reach100%.Afasteroptionis<br />
toinstallahome7kWfast<br />
charger,costingaround£400,<br />
thatwillreducethisto8.5<br />
hours,whilepublicrapid<br />
chargingpointscansupplyan<br />
80%chargein40–50minutes.<br />
Afullchargewillcarryyou<br />
for214milesincombined<br />
conditionsor276milesin<br />
urbanenvironments.<br />
The MG5 EV as a car<br />
Withsomuchfocusonfuel<br />
type,Ididn’twanttoforgetthat<br />
anelectriccaristheretodo<br />
whatanyothercardoes:<br />
conveyyou,yourpassengers<br />
andyourluggagefromone<br />
placetoanotherinrelative<br />
comfort.TheMG5iscertainly<br />
comfortableand,whilemy<br />
focuswasprimarilyonthe<br />
ELECTRIC CARS<br />
A long time coming, affordable electric vehicles are now a reality.<br />
While the environmental pros and cons are complex, editor Robert<br />
Zarywacz broadly welcomes the concept and took up an invitation<br />
from Blights Motors in Bideford to test drive the new MG5 EV SW<br />
road,Ifeltcompletelyateasein<br />
thedrivingseat.Ialsotookthe<br />
opportunitytositintherear<br />
seatsandfeelthatitwouldbe<br />
spaciousandcomfortablefor<br />
mostpassengersonalong<br />
journey.Whenyou’respending<br />
hoursinacar,thismakesall<br />
thedifferenceand,asa<br />
passenger,I’veexperienceda<br />
fairfewcarsthathavefelt<br />
crampedevenwhenmaking<br />
shortjourneys.<br />
AsthefirstEVestateonthe<br />
market,theMG5has464litres<br />
ofbootspace,increasingto<br />
1,456litreswiththerearseats<br />
foldeddown.Asforequipment,<br />
theMG5EVincludesmostthe<br />
ofthefeaturesyouwould<br />
expect,includingrearparking<br />
sensors,airconditioning,6-<br />
speakeraudiosystem,satellite<br />
navigation,andApple,Android<br />
andBluetoothconnectivity.The<br />
ExclusivemodelIdrove<br />
includeskeylessentrywith<br />
The MG5 EV is the first EV estate on the market. Photo: Robert Zarywacz<br />
push-buttonenginestart,<br />
heatedfrontseatandfolding<br />
doormirrors.<br />
The MG experience<br />
Aswellasmyfirsttimedriving<br />
anelectriccar,thiswasalsomy<br />
firstexperienceofthelatest<br />
incarnationoftheMGmarque.<br />
OwnedbySAIC,MGcarsare<br />
nowdesignedinMarylebone,<br />
Londonandmanufacturedin<br />
China,supportedbyengineers<br />
inLongbridge.<br />
Thecompanyisheavily<br />
committedtotheUKmarket<br />
andDanielGregorious,headof<br />
salesatMGMotors,hassaidin<br />
Autocarthat“Britishnessisa<br />
vitalcomponentofitsoffer”.Its<br />
UKsuccesswasdemonstrated<br />
whenitsecuredpre-ordersfor<br />
itsfirstbatchof1,000ofitsZS<br />
EVmodelinjusttwoweeks.<br />
Aswellasleveragingthe<br />
marque’slongmotoringhistory,<br />
MGisachievingcurrent<br />
successthroughitscars’high<br />
leveloftechnology,affordability<br />
andseven-yearguarantee.<br />
Verdict<br />
Ihadnopre-conceptionsbefore<br />
testdrivingtheMG5EV,either<br />
aboutelectriccarsorMG.On<br />
theday,Iwasimpressed.<br />
Thecontrolsareclearand<br />
welllaidout,therideissmooth<br />
anditmanoeuvreseasily.While<br />
itsvisualappearanceandfeel<br />
aresomewhatlowkey,atthe<br />
endofmyshorttestdriveIwas<br />
sorrytohandbackthekeys.<br />
It’snotsurprisingthatwith<br />
theMG5EVExcitemodel<br />
listedatjust£24,495onthe<br />
road,WhichEVrecently<br />
selecteditfortheirBestValue<br />
EVAward2020andTotallyEV<br />
namedittheirBestBuy<strong>2021</strong>.<br />
The future is electric<br />
It’sclearthatelectriccarsarein<br />
theirinfancyandthatwe’llsee<br />
rapiddevelopmentaswe<br />
approachtheGovernment’s<br />
deadlinetoendsalesofnew<br />
petrolanddieselcarsby2030.<br />
Muchworkisstillneededto<br />
reducetheenvironmental<br />
impactofallvehicles,from<br />
manufacturetouseand<br />
eventualdisposalorrecycling.<br />
EncounteringtheMG5EV<br />
demonstrateshowelectriccars<br />
arebecomingpartofourlives.<br />
■ Detailsmg.co.ukorBlights<br />
Motorson01237472282or<br />
blightsmotors.co.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 19
LEISURE HEADER<br />
An ideaforkeepingpeople<br />
entertainedduringlockdown<br />
hasdevelopedintoabusiness.<br />
MiniGolf2U,basedin<br />
Barnstaple,nowprovides<br />
entertainmentforparties,<br />
celebrationsathome,<br />
corporateevents,residential,<br />
retirementandchildren’s<br />
homesandmanymoreevents<br />
inavarietyoflocations.<br />
Thebusinesswasstartedin<br />
August2020byGraham<br />
Atkinsonandwasalmostfully<br />
bookedupforitsfirstmonth.<br />
Entertainment for<br />
every occasion<br />
Grahamthoughtthewinter<br />
wouldbemorechallenging,<br />
butwashappilysurprisedby<br />
thelevelofbookings.<br />
Customerscanselectthe<br />
sizeofcoursetheyrequire,<br />
fromfourto18holesora<br />
monsternineholes.Theycan<br />
hirethecoursefromtwohours<br />
upwards,evenovernight.The<br />
coursecanbeusedindoorsor<br />
outdoorsand,beingfully<br />
weatherproof,canbesetupin<br />
customers’gardens.<br />
Thebusinesstookoffduring<br />
lockdownbecausethecourse<br />
canbesetupoutside,paidfor<br />
withacontactlesscard,then<br />
collectedandsanitised,ready<br />
forthenextcustomer.<br />
Aswellasprovidingfunat<br />
privatecelebrations,MiniGolf<br />
2Uhasbeenentertaining<br />
customersatAffinityDevon<br />
andhasbeenbookedfora<br />
numberofNorthDevonevents<br />
in<strong>2021</strong>.Itisidealforusein<br />
warehousesandemptyoffices<br />
forbusinesspartiesorteam<br />
buildingandcanbesetupin<br />
holidayhomesforvisitors.<br />
■ Details01271316740or<br />
minigolf2u.co.uk<br />
Weʼre 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 />
20 business action | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</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 />
And the finalists are . . .<br />
Thank youtoallbusinesses<br />
whohaveenteredour<strong>Business</strong><br />
<strong>Action</strong>NorthDevon<strong>Business</strong><br />
Awards<strong>2021</strong>andeveryonewho<br />
hasnominatedbusinesses.<br />
Intheseuncertaindays,we<br />
hadnoideahowmanyentries<br />
wewouldreceive,sowewere<br />
delightedwiththetotalof103<br />
entries–almostthesameaslast<br />
year’sawards.<br />
Mindyou,youdidmakeus<br />
holdourbreath.<br />
Suchalargenumberof<br />
entriesweresentonthefinal<br />
weekendandMondaydeadline<br />
day.Itwasabitlikeelection<br />
nightwhentheresultsfloodin.<br />
Itisclearthatentrantshave<br />
spentalotoftimeandeffortin<br />
preparingentriesandwethank<br />
youallforthis.<br />
Judging the categories<br />
Thank youonceagaintoour<br />
awardsjudgeswhohavegiven<br />
uptheirtimetoreadyour<br />
entries,lookatwebsites,then<br />
choosefinalistsandwinners.<br />
Allourjudgesarereal<br />
businesspeopleandeitherrun<br />
ormanagebusinessesinor<br />
nearNorthDevon.They<br />
understandthereality,<br />
As an extra thankyoutoall<br />
theentrantsinourbusiness<br />
awards,eachonewasentered<br />
intoafreeprizedrawtowin<br />
anadvertisingpackage<br />
comprisingabusinesscard<br />
advertinsixissuesof<strong>Business</strong><br />
<strong>Action</strong>magazineworth£150.<br />
Eachentrantwasassigneda<br />
numberandoneofourjudges<br />
thenpickedanumber,unaware<br />
ofthebusinesschosen.<br />
challenges,disappointments<br />
andexhilarationofstartingand<br />
runningabusiness.Whobetter<br />
tojudgebusinessawards?<br />
Eachofourjudgesis<br />
independentandhasagreed<br />
nottoentertheirbusinessin<br />
theawards.Webelievethisis<br />
vitaltoensuretransparency<br />
andfairness.<br />
Youcanreadaboutoureight<br />
judgesonpage23.<br />
High quality of entries<br />
Thebiggestchallengeofawards<br />
isdecidingwhoshouldwin.<br />
Thequalityofbusinesses<br />
enteringthisyearwas<br />
exceptionallyhigh,makingthe<br />
judges’decisionsverydifficult.<br />
Insomecategories,there<br />
weremanyworthyentrants.<br />
Thiswasthecaseinthe<br />
OutstandingNew<strong>Business</strong><br />
category,whichattractedmore<br />
than20entries.<br />
Wewereastoundedto<br />
discovermoreincredible<br />
businessesandhopetofeature<br />
manyoftheseinfutureissues<br />
ofthismagazine.<br />
Sponsors support<br />
Thank youtootoallour<br />
sponsorswhosesupportenables<br />
ustoruntheawards.<br />
Organisingandpublicising<br />
theawardstakesalotoftime<br />
andtheyrequirealotofspacein<br />
thismagazine,whichneedsto<br />
bepaidfor.Sponsorshiphelpsto<br />
coverallthis.<br />
Pleasereadaboutallour<br />
generoussponsorsoverthe<br />
followingpages.<br />
The finalists<br />
Atlast,youcandiscoverwho<br />
thefinalistsareinthe12awards<br />
categoriesonpages24to29.<br />
Announcement of winners<br />
Whenweplannedourfirst<br />
awardsin2020,wescheduledall<br />
thedatesmeticulously,onlyfor<br />
lockdownstoblastthe<br />
programmetopiecesandwe<br />
hurriedlypreparedaseriesof<br />
videostoannouncethewinners.<br />
Wehadhopedthatbythis<br />
yearwewouldatlastbeableto<br />
holdanawardseventwherewe<br />
couldannouncethewinnersin<br />
BUSINESS-ACTION.CO.UK/AWARDS<br />
Advertising prize<br />
draw winner is . . .<br />
Wearedelightedthatthe<br />
winneroftheadvertising<br />
packageis...<br />
Milk’s Up!<br />
Congratulations!<br />
Milk’sUp!launchedon1<br />
<strong>April</strong>2020andprovidesgently<br />
pasteurisedorganicwhole<br />
milkproducedonafamily<br />
farmbetweenGeorgehamand<br />
Croyde.Thebusinesssupports<br />
personandenjoyamassive<br />
networkingparty.<br />
Onceagain,thislooks<br />
unlikelyandweapologisefor<br />
thedisappointment.<br />
Atpresent,wearepreparing<br />
toannouncethewinnersonline<br />
andwillpublishdetailsshortly.<br />
We’ll meet some day<br />
Wearedeterminedtoholdan<br />
eventtocelebratebothour2020<br />
and<strong>2021</strong>winnersinperson<br />
whenconditionsareright.<br />
Thankyouforyourpatience.<br />
The excitement begins<br />
Wehopeyouareexcitedto<br />
discoverallthefinalistslisted<br />
overthefollowingpagesand<br />
lookforwardtofindingout<br />
whowillwinthe<strong>Business</strong><br />
<strong>Action</strong>NorthDevon<strong>Business</strong><br />
Awards<strong>2021</strong>.<br />
■ business-action.co.uk/awards<br />
Special Award<br />
Judgeswereparticularly<br />
impressedwiththeyoungest<br />
entrantintheawards–Kye<br />
Woods–at14yearsold.<br />
InrecognitionofKye’s<br />
outstandingdemonstrationof<br />
enterprisewewillbepresenting<br />
himwithaspecialaward.<br />
fourmembersofthefamily.<br />
Thecowsaregrassfedand<br />
organicwhichgivesthemilka<br />
sweetcreamytastelikeice<br />
cream–differenttoanymilk<br />
youwouldfindinthe<br />
supermarket.Theorganicmilk<br />
issoldthroughavending<br />
machine,withnoplastic<br />
involved,andcustomerscan<br />
reusetheircontainers.<br />
■ milksup.co.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 21
HEADER<br />
22 business action | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS<br />
Susie Kevern<br />
Pound Lane<br />
Financial Management<br />
SusieKevernisaChartered<br />
ManagementAccountantwith<br />
20years’experienceworkingin<br />
businesseslargeandsmall.<br />
Overthepast10yearsshehas<br />
builtanindependent<br />
consultancyadvisinggrowing<br />
businessesonmanagingtheir<br />
financestosecurehealthy<br />
profitsandstablecashflow.<br />
Currently,herclients<br />
includenationallyrecognised<br />
brandsaswellaslocal<br />
businesses,insectorsranging<br />
fromprofessionalservices<br />
firmstomanufacturingand<br />
retailbusinesses.<br />
■ Details07801199671or<br />
poundlane.co.uk<br />
MANUFACTURING<br />
Vikas Mahajan<br />
Aramis Rugby<br />
VikasMahajanfoundedAramis<br />
Rugby(Europe)in2000and<br />
officiallytookontheroleof<br />
leadingAramisRugbyLtd<br />
(worldwide)inAugust2013.<br />
BorninIndia,Vikasisthe<br />
thirdgenerationinafamily<br />
businessestablishedsince<br />
1927.Hegraduatedfrom<br />
universitywithadegreein<br />
Economics,<strong>Business</strong>and<br />
Accountancy.Inthemidnineties,heattainedaMaster’s<br />
degreeinInternational<br />
<strong>Business</strong>withspecialisationin<br />
tradewiththeEuropean<br />
Union.Hethentrainedwith<br />
LufthansaAirlinesatits<br />
CustomerLoyaltyprogramme<br />
divisioninNewDelhi.Inthe<br />
late1990s,heattainedhis<br />
secondMaster’sdegreein<br />
<strong>Business</strong>Administration<br />
(MBA)fromBremen<br />
University,Germanywitha<br />
Mike Matthews<br />
Lineal Software Solutions<br />
MikeMatthewsismanaging<br />
directorofBarnstaple-based<br />
LinealSoftwareSolutions,<br />
whichbeganinthe1980sasa<br />
businessapplicationsoftware<br />
provider(accounts,stock,<br />
MRP),andhasgrownto<br />
becomeacomprehensive,<br />
multidisciplinaryITcompany<br />
withateamof25+employees.<br />
AWARDS HEADER<br />
Meet our awards judges<br />
specialisationinGlobal<br />
Managementand<br />
Entrepreneurship.Today,allof<br />
AramisRugbyscrum<br />
machinessoldworldwideare<br />
manufacturedatitsfactoryin<br />
SouthMolton,Devonand<br />
thenexportedworldwide.<br />
■ Details01769550284or<br />
aramisrugby.co.uk<br />
PERSONAL FINANCE<br />
Rod Martin<br />
Together Financial Solutions<br />
RodMartinbeganhiscareerin<br />
financeover25yearsagoand<br />
workedformanyyearsinthe<br />
propertyinvestmentindustry<br />
inLondon.Hethenmovedin<br />
tothebankingsector,spending<br />
severalyearsworkingwithin<br />
themortgagesandwealth<br />
managementsectorsduring<br />
whichtimehealsoranhisown<br />
businessesbothintheUKand<br />
overseaspropertymarkets.<br />
Rodisnowhappilysettled<br />
backinDevonwhereheworks<br />
withTogetherFinancialin<br />
Barnstaplelookingafterclients’<br />
pensionsandinvestmentsasa<br />
FinancialPlanningAdviser.<br />
■ Details01271346123or<br />
togetherfinancialsolutions.co.uk<br />
TECHNOLOGY<br />
Mikeisformerchairmanof<br />
theNorthDevonFederationof<br />
Small<strong>Business</strong>es(FSB)and<br />
takesakeeninterestin<br />
supportingNorthDevon’slocal<br />
businessesandeconomy.Heis<br />
afrequentspeakeratbusiness<br />
eventsacrosstheregion.<br />
■ Details01271375999or<br />
lineal.co.uk<br />
INTERNATIONAL TRADE<br />
Linda Middleton-Jones<br />
International Trade Matters<br />
LindaMiddleton-Jonesisthe<br />
founderandmanagingdirector<br />
ofInternationalTradeMatters,<br />
acompanybasedinDevon.She<br />
iswellknowninNorthDevon<br />
forherworkwiththeNorth<br />
DevonManufacturing<br />
AssociationandSWMAS.<br />
Hercompanyadviseson<br />
internationalstrategicgrowth<br />
planstoaccessnewmarkets,<br />
compliancechecks,auditsand<br />
authorisations.Additionally,<br />
LindaisChairmanofthe<br />
AcademicBoardattheInstitute<br />
ofExportandisadirectorat<br />
DevonandPlymouthChamber<br />
ofCommerce.<br />
■ Details01398332881or<br />
internationaltradematters.com<br />
RETAIL<br />
Helen Pedlar<br />
Pedlars of Ilfracombe<br />
HelenPedlarispartofa150-<br />
year-oldIlfracombefamily<br />
business,nowinitssixth<br />
generation.Helen’s<br />
involvementwiththestore<br />
startedatanearlyagebefore<br />
shetookabreaktostudy<br />
Textilesatuniversity.Today<br />
thebusinessischaracterised<br />
byitsfriendlyandhelpfulstaff<br />
whoarehappytobeof<br />
assistanceandalways<br />
preparedtogothatextramile<br />
toensurecustomer<br />
satisfaction.<br />
■ DetailsatFacebook<br />
@pedlarsofilfracombe<br />
DESIGN<br />
Frank Stone<br />
Kameleon<br />
FrankStoneisacreative<br />
thinkerwhostartedoutonthe<br />
designtrailin1994,launching<br />
hisfirstbusiness20yearsago,<br />
andcurrentlydirectorof<br />
KameleoninBarnstaple.<br />
Withnoformaltrainingor<br />
qualifications,Frankhas<br />
establishedabusinessbuilton<br />
strongreputation,long-term<br />
workingrelationshipsand<br />
excellentcustomerservice,<br />
resultinginamixofclients<br />
largeandsmall,local,national<br />
andinternational,someof<br />
whomhavebeenwithhim<br />
since1999!<br />
■ Details01271634417or<br />
kameleondigital.uk<br />
PERSONAL FINANCE<br />
Rachael Taylor<br />
SWIG Finance<br />
RachaelTaylorhasbeenin<br />
financeforthepast22years,<br />
movingtoNorthDevonin<br />
2007whereshewasalocal<br />
commercialmanagerfor<br />
LloydsBank.<br />
In2019shestartedwith<br />
SWIGFinanceasbusiness<br />
managercoveringDevon<br />
whereshecontinuesto<br />
supportSMEswiththeir<br />
businesses.<br />
■ Details01872223883or<br />
swigfinance.co.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 23
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 />
establishedIndependent<br />
FinancialAdvisersinNorth<br />
Devon.Weareregulatedatone<br />
ofthehighestavailable<br />
AWARDS<br />
North Devon<br />
<strong>Business</strong> of the Year<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 />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
Advanced Scaffolding<br />
isanaward-winning<br />
scaffoldingcontractoroffering<br />
affordableservices.Itachieves<br />
thisbygivingallitscustomers<br />
thehighestlevelsofcustomer<br />
careandservice,experience<br />
andexpertise.Ithasafully<br />
qualifiedworkforceof49,and<br />
healthandsafetymattersare<br />
paramount.Itoffersthesame<br />
consistentlyhighlevelofservice<br />
forsmallorlargeprojectsand<br />
hasnationwidecontractswith<br />
Aldisupermarkets,Lloyds<br />
bankandMarks&Spencer,<br />
predominantlyinthesouthof<br />
EnglandandWales.<br />
■ advancedscaffoldingltd.co.uk<br />
WESTWARD HO!<br />
Everything Westward<br />
wasestablishedinthesummer<br />
of2012just57stepsaway<br />
fromtheseainWestwardHo!.<br />
Itisaretailgiftshopselling<br />
Devonsourcedgifts/<br />
photography/jewellery/<br />
cardsandinteriorsandDevon<br />
foodanddrinkfrom70+local<br />
suppliers.Italsooperatesa<br />
busyonlinestoreandoffersa<br />
freelocaldeliveryserviceto<br />
surroundingvillages.Itsells<br />
viaFacebookandInstagram,<br />
andisveryactiveonthese<br />
socialmediachannels.<br />
■ everythingwestward.co.uk<br />
Best Employer Finalists finalists<br />
CLOVELLY<br />
The Clovelly Soap Company<br />
produceshandmadenatural<br />
soap,skincare,bathproducts<br />
andhomefragrance,allmade<br />
fromnaturalingredientswith<br />
sustainabilityattheheartof<br />
everythingitdoes.In2020,it<br />
movedtoanewbuildingat<br />
theVictorianClovellySchool<br />
soitcouldemploymorelocal<br />
people.Theteamiskeytoits<br />
successanditmaintainsa<br />
collaborativeapproachto<br />
managementtoensurethat<br />
staffarehappyintheirwork.<br />
■ theclovellysoapcompany.com<br />
ILFRACOMBE<br />
Foot Candy<br />
providesgoodquality,<br />
fashionableladiesfootwearat<br />
affordableprices.Therehadnot<br />
beenashoeshoponIlfracombe<br />
HighStreetforanumberof<br />
yearsuntilFootCandyopened<br />
inSeptember2020.Thestoreis<br />
modernandcomfortableso<br />
thatcustomersgetthefullretail<br />
experience.Nowladiescan<br />
shoplocalandtreatthemselves<br />
whenevertheywant.<br />
■ facebook.com/FootCandyUK<br />
SOUTH MOLTON<br />
South Molton Scaffolding<br />
isafamily-runscaffolding<br />
companywithmorethan30<br />
years’experience.Itprovidesa<br />
scaffoldingaccessserviceatan<br />
affordableprice,butstill<br />
providingthehighestqualityof<br />
healthandsafety.Itpromotesa<br />
friendly,hardworkingethos<br />
throughoutitsteamof25,from<br />
newapprenticestoitshighly<br />
trained,professional<br />
scaffolders,friendlyofficestaff<br />
andrightonthroughtothe<br />
companymanagement.<br />
■ scaffoldhirenorthdevon.co.uk<br />
Best Retailer finalists<br />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
Home Sweet Home<br />
isafamily-runkitchen<br />
showroomandhomewares<br />
shopwhichopenedin2019.It<br />
providesbespokedesign<br />
kitchensatanaffordableprice.<br />
Allkitchensaremadetoorder<br />
andofveryhighquality.The<br />
homewaresshopprovides<br />
uniqueandluxuriousitemsto<br />
enhancecustomers’homes<br />
andcansourceandsuggest<br />
itemsforcustomers.<br />
■ homesweethomeltd.co.uk<br />
ILFRACOMBE<br />
Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar<br />
servesfreshlycooked,<br />
authenticSpanishtapasand<br />
welcomescustomerstoenjoy<br />
thewarmthofitsserviceand<br />
unhurried,relaxedstyleof<br />
dining.Itemploysateamof15<br />
inmanyrolesthatincludebar<br />
management,waitingstaff,<br />
chefandkitchenassistants,<br />
kitchenporters,cleanersand<br />
runnerswhoallworkinthe<br />
restaurantinIlfracombe.All<br />
itspermanentstaffhavejust<br />
completedapprenticeships,<br />
whichwereundertakenonfull<br />
industrywagetoprovidethe<br />
fullrewardfortheirwork.<br />
■ terracetapasbar.co.uk<br />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
Sew@Home<br />
isaspecialistshopprovidinga<br />
varietyoffabricstoenable<br />
consumerstocreatebeautiful<br />
garments,developandbuildon<br />
existingskills,uncoverhidden<br />
talentandproducesomething<br />
wonderfullyunique.Itwas<br />
establishedinJuly2019bya<br />
motheranddaughterteam.<br />
Whenaskedforanobscure<br />
fabricnotinstock,Sew@Home<br />
willgoallouttosearchforit.<br />
Duringthepandemic,ithas<br />
providedfabricsforscrubsand<br />
facemasks.<br />
■ sewathome.net<br />
24 business action | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk
AWARDS<br />
<strong>Business</strong>-to-<strong>Business</strong><br />
Excellence finalists<br />
Consumer Service<br />
Excellence finalists<br />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
Cooper Golding<br />
operatestwohigh-quality<br />
recruitmentdivisions:Cooper<br />
GoldingRecruitmentprovides<br />
afullrangeofrecruitment<br />
servicesfortheSouthWestand<br />
beyond,whileCooperGolding<br />
SpecialistTalentlinksspecialist<br />
talentwithengineeringand<br />
manufacturingbusinesses<br />
acrosstheUK.<br />
■ coopergolding.co.uk<br />
ILFRACOMBE<br />
Savona Foodservice<br />
isanindependentfoodservice<br />
supplier,providingatrusted,<br />
flexiblesolutionforchefs.<br />
Originallyknownas<br />
IlfracombeWholesale<br />
Grocers,itre-brandedthree<br />
yearsago.Itemployssome160<br />
staffwhosupportcustomers<br />
acrossSouthWest,Southern<br />
andCentralEngland.<br />
■ savonagroup.co.uk<br />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
Baby Sensory North Devon<br />
isafranchisecoveringNorth<br />
DevonstartedinNovember<br />
2018.Itsclassesofferafull<br />
sensoryexperienceforparents<br />
andbabies,including<br />
techniquestoencourageearlier<br />
communicationbetween<br />
parentandbaby,andparent/<br />
babybondingamongmany<br />
otherthings.<br />
■ babysensory.com/northdevon/<br />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
The iLab<br />
openedin2011andhas<br />
establisheditselfasthego-to<br />
placeinNorthDevonforall<br />
smartphoneandtabletsales<br />
andrepairs.Withaclose-knit<br />
teamofsevenstaff,itevolves<br />
eachyearbyaddingnew<br />
productsandservicesin<br />
responsetodeveloping<br />
technologyandpopulartrends.<br />
■ theilab.co.uk<br />
MONKLEIGH<br />
Giffords Chartered<br />
Accountants<br />
offersadynamicandmodern<br />
approachtoaccountancyand<br />
cutting-edgetaxservices,yet<br />
hasold-fashionedvalues,<br />
puttingclientsfirst.Itoffers<br />
thefullrangeofaccounts,<br />
businessandtaxationservices,<br />
providingfriendly,efficient<br />
andspecialistadviceneeds.<br />
■ giffordsca.co.uk<br />
BIDEFORD<br />
Smart Manufacturing<br />
wasfoundedin1986andnow<br />
operatesan800-squaremetre<br />
factoryequippedwiththelatest<br />
technologywithitsexperienced<br />
andcapableworkforce.Ithas<br />
addedafurther400-square<br />
metrededicated‘clean’<br />
assemblyareatoincrease<br />
productivityandenhancethe<br />
qualityofitsoperations.<br />
■ smart-manufacturing.co.uk<br />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
Devon Podiatry<br />
comprisesBSc(Hons)Pod<br />
qualifiedexpertsinthefieldof<br />
disordersofthelowerlimb,<br />
fromgeneralfootcaretomore<br />
complexproblemsassociated<br />
withmusculoskeletal<br />
dysfunction.Itoffers<br />
individuallytailored<br />
healthcareservicestoallage<br />
groupsfromchildrentoadults.<br />
■ samdolby.co.uk<br />
ILFRACOMBE<br />
Torrs Park Dental Practice<br />
isanindependentfamily<br />
practicethathasbeenoperating<br />
formorethan100years,35of<br />
themunderthepresentowners.<br />
Itsteamof11offershigh<br />
qualityholistichealthcarewith<br />
atailoredindividualapproach<br />
toensureeachclientreceives<br />
theverybestcare.<br />
■ facebook.com/<br />
torrsparkdentalpractice<br />
E s t . 1 9 8 3<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, EX313TT.<br />
+44(0)1271<br />
344 055<br />
sales@atlaspackaging.co.uk<br />
www.atlaspackaging.co.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 25
BARNSTAPLE<br />
Aleafia Wellness Centre<br />
isawellnesscentre,focusedon<br />
holistichealth,withan<br />
additionalonlinepresence.It<br />
hasfiveemployees,fourof<br />
whichareunder24,anda<br />
numberoffreelancetrainers<br />
andpractitioners.DuetoCovid<br />
andthelockdowns,ithadto<br />
rethinkhowitdeliveredits<br />
servicestothelocalcommunity<br />
withoutbeingabletoopenits<br />
physicalpremises.Itcreatedthe<br />
Aleafia:WellnessOnDemand<br />
smartphoneapptoremedythis<br />
problem.Itnowoffers120+<br />
classeseachmonthliveonline<br />
throughtheappanddesktop<br />
option,includingyoga,<br />
strengthandconditioning,<br />
danceandmuchmore,allatan<br />
affordableprice.<br />
■ aleafia.co<br />
ILFRACOMBE<br />
Savona Foodservice<br />
isanindependentfoodservice<br />
supplier,providingatrusted,<br />
flexiblesolutionforchefs.<br />
Savona’sstrategicprogramme<br />
ofsystemreplacementsto<br />
providethelatesttechnology<br />
solutionsisradically<br />
improvingitscustomer<br />
APPLEDORE<br />
The Coffee Cabin<br />
openedon20March2014and<br />
pridesitselfonoffering<br />
friendlyservicewithgreat<br />
coffee.Itmakes99%ofwhatit<br />
servesin-house,including<br />
sconessweetandsavoury,<br />
cakes,cookies,shortbread,<br />
soups,stews,chowdersand<br />
curries.Itisalsorenownedfor<br />
itscrabsandwiches.Ituses<br />
localsuppliers–sausages<br />
bacon,gammon,beef,chicken<br />
andporkfromFHeards,<br />
WestwardHo!;fishandcrab<br />
fromthewetfishshopin<br />
Appledore;breadsfrom<br />
CountryCottageBakery,<br />
Bideford.Itcancaterforany<br />
dietaryrequirementsasit<br />
makeseverythingin-houseand<br />
haslotsofreturningcustomers<br />
withallergieswhotrustitto<br />
preparefoodforthem.During<br />
lockdown,itdecidedtorunas<br />
atakeawayonly,evenwhen<br />
allowedtohavepeoplesitting<br />
in,asitfeltthiswasbestfor<br />
everyone’ssafety.<br />
■ facebook.com/<br />
22TheCoffeeCabin<br />
AWARDS<br />
Digital & Online<br />
Achievement finalists<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 />
propositionandexperience.It<br />
includesanewERPsystem<br />
featuringePOD(electronic<br />
proofofdelivery)andlive<br />
customerordertrackinganda<br />
sophisticatedecommerce<br />
system.<br />
■ savonagroup.co.uk<br />
Excellence in Hospitality<br />
& Tourism finalists<br />
ILFRACOMBE<br />
The Earlsdale<br />
isamodern,high-endadultsonlyBedandBreakfast.Builtin<br />
1885,thecurrentproprietors<br />
acquiredthebusinessin2019<br />
andhaveputconsiderabletime<br />
andresourcesinto<br />
sympatheticallyrestoringthe<br />
building.TheEarlsdaleoffers<br />
sevenrooms,whichsleepupto<br />
14guests.Allitsroomshave<br />
beenupgradedandrenovated<br />
toahighstandard,giving<br />
guestsanunrivalledand<br />
surprisingexperience.Ituses<br />
localsupplierswherever<br />
possible,whichincludeallfood<br />
andbeveragesrightthroughto<br />
localtradespeopleandartisans.<br />
During2020itmatchedits<br />
2019occupancyandrevenue,<br />
evenwithareducedseasondue<br />
toCovidandbalancing<br />
necessarysafetymeasureswith<br />
guests’comfort.<br />
■ theearlsdale.co.uk<br />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
Sciencedipity<br />
isaCommunityInterest<br />
Companywhichhasinspired<br />
youngstersinsciencesince<br />
2014.WhenCovidforcedthe<br />
endofworkshopsforschools<br />
andgroups,communityand<br />
ILFRACOMBE<br />
Hele Cornmill and Tearoom<br />
isa16thcenturywatermill,<br />
theonlyremainingworking<br />
millinNorthDevon.<strong>2021</strong>is<br />
the10-yearanniversaryofthe<br />
Jonesfamilypurchasingthe<br />
milltopreservetheGradeII<br />
listedbuilding.Itservescream<br />
teasaswellastraditional<br />
Devonshiresplits.Allcakes<br />
aremadeonthepremiseswith<br />
freshlymilledwholemealflour<br />
fromorganicwheatsourcedin<br />
Dorsetandmilledonsite.<br />
Eachseasonitwelcomessome<br />
10,000guests.Whenopenas<br />
normal,itusuallyprovides<br />
full-timeworkforthree<br />
peopleplusuptonineparttimeworkers.Itworksto<br />
accommodatealldietary<br />
requirements(egglutenor<br />
dairy-free)orlifestylechoices<br />
(vegan)andwillgooffmenu<br />
forchildrenorspecialdiets.<br />
■ helecornmill.com<br />
corporateevents,itresponded<br />
bylaunchingSciencedipity<br />
Stay-in-Scienceonlineclubsto<br />
continueitswork.These<br />
includedpracticalfunscience<br />
classesforchildrenandfamilies<br />
withthekitdeliveredtotheir<br />
homes.Theclubsare<br />
certificated,sochildrencan<br />
workstowardtheBritish<br />
ScienceAssociation'sAward.<br />
■ sciencedipity.co.uk<br />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
Top Meadow Farm<br />
isafamily-runretailbutcher<br />
focusedonsourcingproduce<br />
fromsmall-scale,high-welfare,<br />
sustainable,localfarmsaswell<br />
asitsownorganicfarms.Ithas<br />
aretailshopinButchersRow<br />
andanecommercestore,<br />
whichhasbeenvitalduring<br />
thepandemic.Itsonline<br />
systemsautomatemuchofits<br />
managementofsalesanddata,<br />
includingintegrationwithits<br />
UKmainlandcouriersystem,<br />
managinglocaldeliveryzones,<br />
emailmarketing,GDPR<br />
handlingandgenerating<br />
packingslipsandinvoices.It<br />
alsousessocialmediachannels<br />
formarketingandsales.<br />
■ topmeadowfarm.co.uk<br />
LYNTON<br />
St Vincent’s Guest House<br />
wasbuiltin1834andthe<br />
businessacquiredbythe<br />
presentownersinAugust2020.<br />
Sincere-openingtogueststhree<br />
dayslater,theyhavequickly<br />
establishedareputationforhigh<br />
levelsofserviceandhaveeven<br />
beenaddedasan<br />
accommodationproviderbya<br />
specialistwalkingtourholiday<br />
organiser.Thebusinessoffers<br />
sixen-suiteroomsandhas<br />
startedacceptingguests’dogs.<br />
Thehouseandgardenareinthe<br />
processofbeenupgradedand<br />
redecorated,includingnew<br />
carpetstoallrooms,French<br />
polishingoforiginalwoodwork<br />
andmore.Whenmany<br />
businesseshadtorestrict<br />
numbersofdinersdueto<br />
Covid,theproprietorsstartedto<br />
offereveningmeals,whichwere<br />
suchasuccessthatanumberof<br />
guestsoptedtoeatinevery<br />
nightoftheirstay.In<strong>2021</strong>,light<br />
mealsandafternoonteaswillbe<br />
availableinthegarden,bothto<br />
guestsandthepublic.<br />
■ stvincentlynton.co.uk<br />
26 business action | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk
AWARDS<br />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
The Gasman & Son<br />
wasestablished10yearsago<br />
andisnowoneofthemost<br />
successfulheatingcompanies<br />
inNorthDevon.Itemploys10<br />
engineers,threeofficestaffand<br />
twoapprenticesandis<br />
recruitingmoreengineers.All<br />
itsengineerslivelocally,but<br />
coverthesouthofthecountry<br />
uptoBirminghamandWales.<br />
Inadditiontoitsdomestic<br />
customers,itspecialisesin<br />
supportingpharmaand<br />
electronicsfactoriesaswellas<br />
carehomesandhotelchains.Its<br />
corebusinessisplumbing,gas<br />
andsteamengineering.Ithas<br />
wonallitsbusinessbywordof<br />
mouthandrecommendations,<br />
includingitscontractswith<br />
largenationalcompanies.<br />
■ 07805906807<br />
BIDEFORD<br />
Moreton House<br />
isafamily-ownedstately<br />
homeofferingavenuefor<br />
privatefunctionswithon-site<br />
accommodation.Thecurrent<br />
ownershavebeenworkingon<br />
therestorationand<br />
redevelopmentofthisGrade<br />
Excellence in<br />
Construction finalists<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 />
IIlistedGeorgianhousesince<br />
2015.Itwassufferingfrom<br />
dampproblems,roofleaks,<br />
dryrot,wetrot,woodworm,<br />
death-watchbeetle,andwas<br />
institutionalinappearance.It<br />
wasjustfourdegreesindoors<br />
atthetimeofpurchase.The<br />
ownersgaveuptheircareers<br />
forthisprojectandworkwith<br />
localbusinessesandsuppliers,<br />
includingarchitects,builders,<br />
tradesandcrafts,tocreatea<br />
stunningvenue.<br />
■ moretonhousedevon.com<br />
SOUTH MOLTON<br />
South Molton Scaffolding<br />
isafamily-runscaffolding<br />
companywithmorethan30<br />
years’experience.Itprovidesa<br />
scaffoldingaccessserviceata<br />
affordableprice,stillproviding<br />
thehighestqualityofhealthand<br />
safety.Itpromotesafriendly,<br />
hardworkingethosthroughout<br />
itsteamof25,fromnew<br />
apprenticestoitshighlytrained,<br />
professionalscaffolders,<br />
friendlyofficestaffandrighton<br />
throughtothecompany<br />
management.Itcurrently<br />
suppliesscaffoldaccesstonine<br />
differentnewbuildsitesin<br />
NorthDevon,alongwithmany<br />
largecontractjobsforPearce<br />
ConstructionandWest<br />
CountryMaintenance.Ithas<br />
builtalargecustomerbaseof<br />
localbuildersandroofersand<br />
looksafterthebusinessesthat<br />
helpedtobuildthecompany.<br />
■ scaffoldhirenorthdevon.co.uk<br />
Outstanding New<br />
<strong>Business</strong> finalists<br />
Young Entrepreneur<br />
finalists<br />
ILFRACOMBE<br />
Foot Candy<br />
providesgoodquality,<br />
fashionableladiesfootwearat<br />
affordableprices.Therehadnot<br />
beenashoeshoponIlfracombe<br />
HighStreetforanumberof<br />
yearsuntilFootCandyopened<br />
inSeptember2020.Thestoreis<br />
modernandcomfortableso<br />
thatcustomersgetthefullretail<br />
experience.<br />
■ facebook.com/FootCandyUK<br />
BIDEFORD<br />
Moreton House<br />
isafamily-ownedstately<br />
homeofferingavenuefor<br />
privatefunctionswithon-site<br />
accommodation.Theowners<br />
beganrestoringthehousein<br />
2015,openingpartiallyin<br />
2019beforeopeningproperly<br />
in2020justbeforelockdown.<br />
Theylookforwardtoopening<br />
properlyasafunctionvenue.<br />
■ moretonhousedevon.com<br />
SOUTH MOLTON<br />
Emily Baglow<br />
& Whitney Stoneman<br />
are23-year-oldfashion<br />
graduateswhometatcollege<br />
andreunitedaftergraduation<br />
tolaunchdizzydaze,aslow<br />
fashionbrandcommittedto<br />
designingandmakingbespoke<br />
stylishgarmentsusing<br />
sustainablematerialsand<br />
productionmethods.<br />
■ dizzydaze.co.uk<br />
LYNMOUTH<br />
Liam Drew<br />
age20,wonthetenderto<br />
operateHolein1Lynmouth<br />
andopenedthegreensin<strong>April</strong><br />
2019.HealsostartedTwo<br />
ScoopsTricycleicecream<br />
businessforweddinghireand<br />
isintheprocessofrefurbishing<br />
aformercafeinLyntonin<br />
ordertotransformitintoa<br />
smallrestaurant.<br />
■ holein1lynmouth.co.uk<br />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
Home Sweet Home<br />
isafamily-runkitchen<br />
showroomandhomewares<br />
shopwhichopenedin2019.It<br />
providesbespokedesign<br />
kitchensatanaffordableprice.<br />
Thehomewaresshopprovides<br />
uniqueandluxuriousitemsto<br />
enhancecustomers’homes<br />
andcansourceandsuggest<br />
itemsforcustomers.<br />
■ homesweethomeltd.co.uk<br />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
Top Meadow Farm<br />
isafamily-runretailbutcher<br />
focusedonsourcingproduce<br />
fromsmall-scale,high-welfare,<br />
sustainable,localfarmsaswell<br />
asitsownorganicfarms.It<br />
openeditsretailshopin<br />
ButchersRowin2020and<br />
operatesanecommercestore,<br />
whichhasbeenvitalduringthe<br />
pandemic.<br />
■ topmeadowfarm.co.uk<br />
WESTWARD HO!<br />
Jemma Broadstock<br />
age25,startedherfirst<br />
businessat15before,more<br />
recently,establishinga<br />
successfulvirtualassistant<br />
practice.Followingitssuccess,<br />
shehaslaunchedVirtually<br />
Done,anonlinecommunityto<br />
supportentrepreneursand<br />
offersgroupprogrammes,1:1<br />
mentoringandonlinecourses.<br />
■ instagram.com/virtuallydone<br />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
Stacey Ibbotson<br />
age20,spottedagapinthe<br />
marketandopenedafabric<br />
shopwithhermother.Stacey<br />
hadnopreviousknowledgeof<br />
fabric,sewing,stockand<br />
suppliers,accountingor<br />
business.Shehasnowlearned<br />
howtorunasuccessful<br />
businessandalsohowtosew<br />
andmakegarmentsherself.<br />
■ sewathome.net<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 27
CLOVELLY<br />
The Clovelly Soap Company<br />
produceshandmadesoap,<br />
skincare,bathproductsand<br />
homefragrancefromnatural<br />
ingredientswithsustainability<br />
attheheartofeverythingit<br />
does.Itexportshandmade<br />
soap,candlesandskincareboth<br />
underitsownbrandand<br />
privatelabels.Itcurrently<br />
exportstoIceland,Singapore,<br />
EUAmazon,Netherlands,Italy,<br />
Germany,MalaysiaandChina.<br />
AdistributorinSingapore<br />
stocks10shops,adistributorin<br />
Icelandstocksthreeshopsand<br />
ithaslotsofsmallstockists<br />
throughoutEurope.<br />
■ theclovellysoapcompany.com<br />
ILFRACOMBE<br />
Lambland<br />
isaretailersellingBritishmadefootwearandcustommadesheepskinrugsonline<br />
andthroughashopon<br />
IlfracombeHarbour.Itflies<br />
theBritishflagoverseas,<br />
promotingBritish-madeitems<br />
viathird-partymarketplaces<br />
suchasEbayandEtsyaswell<br />
SOUTH MOLTON<br />
dizzydaze<br />
isaslowfashionandinteriors<br />
brandnewlylaunchedbytwo<br />
aspiringdesignerswhosharea<br />
colourfulvision.Eachpieceis<br />
designedandhandmadefrom<br />
itssmallNorthDevonstudio.<br />
Allproductsaremadetoorder<br />
withlimitedstocktominimise<br />
environmentalimpact.<br />
dizzydazeaimstocelebratethe<br />
natureofhand-craftsmanship<br />
andcreativedesign,while<br />
movingtowardsamore<br />
sustainablefuture.Aswellas<br />
standardsizing,itoffersamadeto-measureservice,which<br />
ensuresitemsfitperfectly.<br />
■ dizzydaze.co.uk<br />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
Dymond Engineering<br />
providesaresponsivesheet<br />
andtubemetalfabrication<br />
service,offeringdesignand<br />
value-engineeringwitha<br />
solutions-focusedapproach,as<br />
wellasspecialistexpertisein<br />
shopfittingsanddisplay<br />
equipment.Itmanufactures<br />
sub-contractmetalworkfor<br />
leadingfit-outcompanies,<br />
joinerycompaniesand<br />
manufacturers.Recently,ithas<br />
diversified,quicklygaining<br />
AWARDS<br />
International Trade<br />
finalists<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 />
asonitsownwebsite.It<br />
exportsworldwideandits<br />
mainmarketsareFrance,<br />
Germany,USAandAustralia.<br />
Ithasalsoestablished<br />
relationshipsinNewZealand<br />
andNorthernIreland.<br />
■ lambland.co.uk<br />
Made in North Devon<br />
finalists<br />
sponsored by<br />
BIDEFORD<br />
Peak Online<br />
startedin2014inHongKong,<br />
movedbacktotheUKin<br />
Cardiff,theninJuly2017<br />
movedtoNorthDevonwhere<br />
ithasexpandedlocally.It<br />
exportsitswebdesignand<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 />
recognitionforitshigh<br />
quality.Anexampleisthe<br />
TotalTrainingTower(TX3),<br />
anelitestandardhomegym<br />
towerdevelopedinpartnership<br />
withaparacanoeathlete.<br />
■ dymondengineering.co.uk<br />
LYNTON<br />
Moat House<br />
beganhandcraftingwooden<br />
sunglassesin2013afterinitially<br />
makingapairfromafallenoak<br />
limb.Fromthis,theideawas<br />
digitalmarketingservicesto<br />
clientsinHongKongaswellas<br />
inAustralia,China,Japan,the<br />
MiddleEastandUSA.By<br />
offeringafullrangeofservices,<br />
clientsonlydealwithone<br />
personforeverything.Some<br />
foreignsclientsexporttothe<br />
UK,sobenefitfromthePeak<br />
Online’slocalknowledge.<br />
■ northdevon.peakonline.uk.com<br />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
ThreadLOXX<br />
startedjustunderoneyearago<br />
andnowattractscustomers<br />
fromallovertheworldto<br />
purchaseitsproductsonline,<br />
withmostsalesfromtheUSA.<br />
Thebusinesssellsmainly<br />
ToggleLOXX,adreadlockhair<br />
tiesolutionithasdeveloped<br />
andmanufacturesitselffroma<br />
rangeofqualityhardwoods.<br />
ThreadLOXXhasbeen<br />
approachedbysalonsand<br />
locticiansaboutstockingits<br />
itemsanditnowhasstockists<br />
aroundtheworld,including<br />
theUSA,Finlandand<br />
Australia,aswellintheUK.<br />
■ ThreadLOXX.Etsy.com<br />
borntomanufacturewooden<br />
sunglassesasasustainable<br />
businessandMoatHousehas<br />
solditsproductsatshowsand<br />
festivalsacrossthecountryand<br />
morerecentlyfromitswebsite.<br />
Ithasalsowonawardsfor<br />
sustainability,qualityandstyle.<br />
AllMoatsunglassesaremade<br />
fromre-purposedor<br />
responsiblysourcedhardwood.<br />
■ moat-house.com<br />
BARNSTAPLE<br />
ThreadLOXX<br />
startedjustunderoneyearago<br />
andisnowsellingits<br />
ToggleLOXXdreadlockhair<br />
tieproductsacrosstheworld.<br />
ToggleLOXXistheonlyhighqualityhardwooddreadlock<br />
accessoryavailableandis<br />
recognisedandlovedbythe<br />
dreadlockscommunity.They<br />
aremadeonlyfromquality<br />
hardwoods.Alotoftimewas<br />
spentondevelopmentand<br />
productionduringlockdown<br />
andgreatcareistakento<br />
ensurethateachitemis<br />
finishedtothebestpossible<br />
standard.Theirqualityis<br />
confirmedbymorethan200<br />
5-starreviewsonEtsy.<br />
■ ThreadLOXX.Etsy.com<br />
28 business action | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business-action.co.uk
ILFRACOMBE<br />
Ellie Court<br />
Savona Foodservice<br />
Ellieisashiftsupervisorfor<br />
SavonaFoodservice.Shetakes<br />
careoftransportrouting,<br />
organisespickingschedules,<br />
pickingandloading,sorts<br />
NATOPSandsubstitutionsand<br />
processesinvoices.Newtothe<br />
industry,Ellie’straining<br />
covered:transportrouting;<br />
QnetexERPsystem;ePodand<br />
scannertraining;management<br />
training.Ellieisan<br />
encouragementandinspiration<br />
eventolongstandingcolleagues<br />
whohaveyearsofexperience<br />
andknowledge.<br />
■ savonagroup.com<br />
ILFRACOMBE<br />
Kayne Harvey<br />
Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar<br />
Kayneissecondchefinabusy<br />
kitchen.Hepreparesthefood<br />
freshlyeveryday,cooksto<br />
orderunderpressureand<br />
supervisesjuniorstaff.He<br />
completedhisapprenticeship<br />
undertryingcircumstances,<br />
includingissueswiththe<br />
trainingprovider,buthis<br />
AWARDS<br />
Highest Achieving<br />
Learner finalists<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 />
motivation,persistenceand<br />
determinationenabledhimto<br />
succeedandheshoweda<br />
maturitybeyondhisyears.<br />
Duringthistime,hisskilland<br />
dedicationhasgrown,along<br />
withhisconfidenceinhis<br />
work,contributiontothe<br />
businesssuccessandtheteam<br />
heworksin.<br />
■ terracetapasbar.co.uk<br />
ASHREIGNEY<br />
James Timms<br />
Harvey Precision Tools<br />
Jameshasrecentlycompleted<br />
anadvancedapprenticeshipin<br />
engineeringtoolmakingwhile<br />
workingatHarveyPrecision<br />
Tools.Hehasachievedalevel3<br />
BTECinmechanical<br />
engineeringandaNVQ3in<br />
engineeringtoolmakingaswell<br />
ascompletinghisadvanced<br />
apprenticeship.Allthetime,<br />
Jameshasappliedhimself<br />
completelyandwithfulleffort.<br />
Hehasbothanaptitudeandan<br />
interestinmakingcomplex<br />
partsutilisingmanydifferent<br />
precisetoolmakingprocesses.<br />
Hehasshownaparticular<br />
aptitudeforworkinginthis<br />
environmentandhis<br />
dedication,willingnesstolearn,<br />
commitmentandattitude,as<br />
wellashisabilitytoadaptto<br />
Covid-19restrictions,have<br />
beenextremelyimpressive.<br />
■ ValleyViewFarm,Ashreigney<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 />
TRADE MATTERS<br />
Unlock your Export Potential<br />
internationaltradematters.com<br />
Overseas <strong>Business</strong> Development | Compliance | Training & Support<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>April</strong> / <strong>May</strong> <strong>2021</strong> | business action 29
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