Spring 2022 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news on business and enterprise in the area. This issue includes profiles of the finalists in our North Devon Business Awards 2022, features on the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere, business support programmes and more.
usiness
ACTION
north enterprise
devon
growth
innovation
news & views
business-action.co.uk | Spring 2022 | @businessactionm
CONTENTS WELCOME HEADER
business
ACTION
WINNING AGAINST ALL ODDS
Continuous challenge
Justasweemergefromthe
pandemicwithasighofrelief
andwelcomeareturnto
normality,awarbreaksout
creatingsignificantturbulence
intheworldeconomy.
Whilethe20thcentury
luxuriatedintheRoaring
Twenties,weweatherthe
TurbulentTwenties.
Ifwethoughtlifewould
becomemorepredictableafter
thepandemic,wewerewrong.
Continuous achievement
Withthisinmind,ourBusiness
ActionAwardsdemonstrate
howsomeNorthDevon
businessescontinuetowin
againstallodds.Recordentry
numbers–10%abovelastyear
–andimpressivequalityarean
inspirationtousall.
Impressed by entrants
Weannouncethefinalistsin
our12awardscategorieson
pages12to21.Thecompetition
wasextremelytoughandwe
thankallentrantsforentering.
Congratulationstoallfinalists!
Awards event
Thewinnerswillbeannounced
attheNorthDevonBusiness
Awards2022eventatthe
LandmarkTheatre,Ilfracombe
ontheeveningofThursday
19May2022.
Ticketsfortheawardsevent
willgoonsaleshortlyat
business-action.co.uk/awards
Cover story
Wespottedthisissue’scover
photoonamarketingleafletin
ashop.Neverunderestimate
thepowerofprint!
ReadthestoryofEasy
DiversanditsLundyDiveTrips
onpage4.
Support this magazine
Likeallbusinesses,ourcosts
areincreasing.Ifyouappreciate
readingthismagazine,please
supportusbysubscribingfor
just£30ayear–includesfour
copiessentbypostplus
YOUR EDITOR
Robert Zarywacz
Editor & Publisher
t: 07971 176044
e: robertz@business-action.co.uk
@robertz
businesslistingonlineandin
print–orselectingan
advertisingpackageat
business-action.co.uk/advertise
Web site | business-action.co.uk
Online version | business-action.uk
Vol 4 Issue 1 – Spring 2022 – distribution 2,000
Welcome.................................................................................................................
News: Providing the dream property selling experience.................. 1
News: Canine portraits capture dogs in the dog house.................... 1
News: Financial planner’s 25 years’ service.......................................... 2
Business directory: Find products and services................................. 3
Tourism: Encountering wildlife underwater .......................................... 4
Environment: Largest green economy award for Biosphere ........ 5
Environment: Nature tourism collaboration........................................... 5
Tourism: New festival promotes responsible tourism....................... 6
Business support: Big Benefits for Small Businesses..................... 7
Work hubs: Work hub provides space for businesses...................... 8
Networking: Building a cohesive Devon business community
throughout the county...................................................................................... 9
Networking: Meet the chamber at Petroc................................................. 9
Engineering: Firm provides uplifting service during lockdowns.. 10
News: Art business to open second gallery........................................... 11
Awards: Let’s celebrate................................................................................... 11
Awards: Record number of awards entries............................................ 12
Awards: Lead sponsor message................................................................. 13
Awards: Who are the finalists?..................................................................... 14
Awards: Awards judges assess high quality entries.......................... 21
© Need it Find it 2022. All information in this magazine is published in good faith.
Any views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, Need it Find it.
Readers are strongly recommended to seek advice from an appropriate professional
before taking any action on any topic discussed in the magazine and to check full
terms and conditions of any products or services promoted in advertisements.
ii
ii
business action | Spring 2022 | business-action.co.uk
HEADER NEWS
“Moving houseisoneofthe
mostchallengingexperiences
inyourlife,”saysAmanda
Woodham.Toimprovethis
experience,Amandahas
launchedOpenHouseEstate
AgentsinNorthDevon.
Amandahasalwaysbeen
passionateaboutmakinga
differenceandduringher23
yearswithanationalbank
alwaysensuredshelookedafter
herteamassheknewthat,asa
result,theywouldlookafter
theircustomers.
Amandahasalsoalways
lovedpropertyandmoved
housealot,butshefeltthatthe
experiencewasoftennotas
goodasitshouldhavebeen:“I
didn’thavea‘wow’experience.
Iwantedsomeonethatnotonly
soldthehouse,butdidallthe
relentlessfollow-up.Thatwas
myfrustration.”
ThisiswhatAmandanow
offersthroughOpenHouse
Amanda Woodham of Open House Estate Agents
Providing the dream property
selling experience
Canine portraits capture dogs in the Dog House
The Lyn Valley Dog Housein
LyntoncelebratedValentines
weekendwithaseriesofevents
basedaroundthethemeof
‘Loveyourdog,lovealldogs,
andlovewhereyoulive’.
Toadvertisethis,theinhousecanineteamorganised
telegramspostedontelegraph
polesandlamppostsaround
theareasoalltheirfriends
couldseewhatwasplanned.
Therewasacompetitionfor
ownerstopostphotosoftheir
dogsreadingthetelegrams,
whichwaswonbyKasey.
Forthefirstevent,local
artistJosephWitchalltookup
residencyintheshop,where
hedrewcartoonsandportraits
oflocaldogs.Thetake-upfor
thiswassosuccessfulthatnot
notonlydidalargenumberof
localdogscomeinfora
EstateAgents.Anational
networkofestateagentswith
alltheback-upsellersand
buyerswouldexpect,Amanda
providesalocal,personal
servicetomanageallaspectsof
Artist Joseph Witchall with one of his 52 canine models
propertysalesthroughout
NorthDevon.
Amanda’saimistoremove
thestressofmovinghouseby
deliveringtheexperienceshe
herselfsought.Herfocusis
verymuchonqualityrather
thanquantityofsales,enabling
eachclienttomovehome
withoutunnecessaryworries.
Withextensiveexperienceof
workingwithmortgage
advisersandsolicitorsduring
herbankingcareer,Amanda
nowworkswithchosenlocal
providers,who,togetherwith
OpenHouseEstateAgents’
back-upsupport,enable
Amandatoprovideclientswith
acomprehensiveservice.
Withaloveofproperty,
Amandalookstohandlethe
saleofthefullrangeofhomes,
givingherundividedattention
ineverycase.
■ Details07894030837or
onlineestateagents.org.uk
sitting,butalsoloyalfollowers
fromaroundthecountrysent
inphotographsoftheirdogs,
askingtotakepart.Inall,
therewere52requestsfor
portraits,withthefurthest
beingsenttoGuernsey.
Thiswasoneofthemost
successfuleventsfortheLyn
ValleyDogHouseanditraised
asignificantsumfortheDogs
Trust.Aswellasconvincing
Josephthatanewcareerin
pet-relatedartwasworth
considering,itcreatedthe
opportunitytomeetmore
localdogsandforownersto
meeteachother.
WhileaSundaybeachclean
waspostponedduetobad
weather,theLynValleyDog
Houseisplanningmoreevents
forthefuture.
■ thelynvalleydoghouse.com
@businessactionm | Spring 2022 | business action 1
NEWS
Financial planner’s 25 years’ service
Although selling wiveswas
notinthejobdescription,
becomingafinancialplanner
wasScottPickard’sdreamfrom
anearlyage.
Heisstilllivingthatdream
ashecelebratesaquarterofa
centurywithawell-known
NorthDevonfirm.
Scotthasclockedupan
impressive25yearsofservice
withPhilipJMilton&
CompanyPlcandtothisday
stillenjoyssharingthe
aspirationsandgoalsofhis
clientsandgivingguidanceon
howtoachievethem.
Hejoinedthecompanyin
1996andsettledinwell,but
thereweresomeamusing
hiccoughsalongtheway,
includingadraftreportwhich
mentionedthataclienthad
soldhiswife.
Scottsaid:“Whenchecking
oneofmyearlierpiecesof
work,IrecallImadeanerror
referringtoaclientwhosaidhe
hadrecentlysoldhiswife’scar.
“Iactuallyreferencedinmy
draftreporttheclienthaving
soldhiswife–Philipnotedin
redalongsideoutofcuriosity
thatImaywishtoaskhow
manycamelshereceivedforher.
“Ididn’tgetthehump,butit
25 years’ service presentation: (from left) Scott Pickard with Philip Milton
showstheattentiontoaccuracy
anddetailwehavealwaysdone
ourbesttoachieve!”
Nowaged48,hestarted
workforPJM&Coasanewly
qualifiedadviserandwas
appointedadirectorjustone
yearlater.
Sincethen,hehasgained
manyadditionalqualifications
andbyage37achievedthe
prestigiouscharteredfinancial
plannerqualification,
consideredamongthehighest
intheindustry.
BornandbredinNorth
Devon,ScottwenttoPark
CommunitySchoolandthen
ontostudyatNorthDevon
College(nowPetroc).
Fromayoungagehehadan
interestinbecomingafinancial
planner–oftencalleda
financialadviser.
Initially,hegotajobwithan
insurancecompany,inthedays
whenthatmeantknockingon
doorsonceamonthtocollect
paymentsanddiscusspolicies
withclients.
However,nospousesever
changedhandsandScott
continuestoenjoyaclose
relationshipwithclients.
Headded:“Peopleseemto
feelateasetalkingtomeand
sharealotofverypersonal
informationanditisvery
humblingwhenyouropinions
andrecommendationsbecome
sovalued–youcometoknow
theiraspirationsandgoalsand
it’saprivilegetheyareprepared
toletyouintothat.
“It’sthatrecognitionofyour
valueandcontributionand
encouragementtobecomethe
bestyoucanbewhichyoucan
getinasmallerlocalbusiness
thatyouwouldn’tgetinalarger
nationalgroup.”
PJM&CoPlcmanaging
directorPhilipMiltonpraised
Scott’scontributiontothe
businessandsaidhewasavery
trustworthypairofhands.
Hesaid:“Scotthasanatural
rapportwithhisclientsand
theyknowtheycanentrust
theirfinancialorinvestment
needstohim.
“Itseemsthatveryfew
peoplethesedaysstaywiththe
samefirmforsuchalongperiod
oftimeandthatkindofloyalty
andtalentisveryhardtofind.”
Inrecognitionofhislong
service,PhilippresentedScott
with‘ALarchwoodGarden’,an
oilpaintingbywell-known
Englishlandscapepainterand
bookillustratorErnestWilliam
Haslehust,sourcedfromElford
GalleryinChagford.
■ Details01271344300or
miltonpj.net
2 business action | Spring 2022 | business-action.co.uk
DIRECTORY
ACCOUNTANTS
Cranford Business Services
Bideford
t: 01237 488077
w: accountsindevon.co.uk
JD Accountants (South West) Ltd
Barnstaple
t: 01271 378606
AESTHETIC CLINICS
Orchard Clinic
Bideford
w: orchardclinic.net
ANTIQUE MAPS & CHARTS
Old Folding Maps
South Molton
t: 01769 573935
w: foldingmaps.co.uk
BRANDING & DESIGN
Boom Boom Media
Barnstaple
t: 01271 326694
w: boomboommedia.co.uk
BrandLanterns
Barnstaple
t: 01271 372620
w: brandlanterns.co.uk
BREWERY
Combe Brewing Company
Ilfracombe
t: 07973 488409
w: facebook.com/
CombeBrewingCompany
GT Ales
Chivenor
t: 01271 267420
w: gtales.co.uk
BUILDING SUPPLIES
Heritage Cob and Lime
Bideford
t: 01237 477431
w: heritagecobandlime.com
RGB Building Supplies
Branches in Barnstaple, Bideford,
Hatherleigh, Holsworthy,
Ilfracombe, Okehampton, South
Molton, Tiverton
w: rgbltd.co.uk
BUSINESS ADVISORS
Pound Lane Financial Management
North Devon
t: 07801 199671
w: poundlane.co.uk
BUSINESS SUPPORT
Be Ready Employer Hub
Devon
t: 01392 241124
w: readydevon.org.uk
CAR SALES & SERVICING
Blights Motors
Bideford
t: 01237 472282
w: blightsmotors.co.uk
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
James Doble Commercial
North Devon
t: 01237 424053
w: jd-commercial.co.uk
CONSTRUCTION
Advanced Scaffolding
Barnstaple
t: 01271 321100
w: advancedscaffoldingltd.co.uk
COPIERS & PRINTERS
Clarity Copiers North Devon
Barnstaple & North Devon
t: 01271 374061
w: claritynorthdevon.co.uk
COPYWRITING & MARKETING
Zarywacz
North Devon & UK
t: 01271 879100
w: z2z.com
COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
Devon Counselling Training
Barnstaple
t: 07522 841009
w: devoncounsellingtraining.co.uk
North Devon Counselling
Barnstaple
t: 07872 501606
w: northdevoncounselling.co.uk
DIGITAL & WEB SITES
Kameleon
Barnstaple
t: 01271 375100
w: kameleondigital.uk
Peak Online
Bideford
t: 01237 721256
w: northdevon.peak-online.uk.com
DINING
Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 863482
w: terracetapasbar.co.uk
The Royal George
Appledore
t: 01237 424 138
w: trgpub.co.uk
ENVIRONMENT
North Devon Biosphere
North Devon
t: 01392 388647
w: northdevonbiosphere.org.uk
FINANCE
SWIG Finance
North Devon & South West
t: 01872 227 932
w: swigfinance.co.uk
FINANCIAL ADVISERS
D Scott Financial
Bideford
t: 01237 426450
w: dscottfinancial.co.uk
Philip J Milton & Co Plc
Barnstaple
t: 01271 344300
w: miltonpj.net
GARDENING & LANDSCAPING
AB SEA Services
Torrington
t: 07799 478318
w: abseaservices.com
HEALTH & SAFETY
Safety Supplies Direct
Barnstaple
t: 01271 377558
w: safetysuppliesdirect.co.uk
HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Marsdens Devon Cottages
North Devon
t: 01271 813777
w: marsdens.co.uk
HOTELS
The Carlton
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 862446
w: ilfracombecarlton.co.uk
HUMAN RESOURCES
Fitzgerald HR
Barnstaple, Exeter, London &
Wellington
t: 01271 859267
w: fitzgeraldhr.co.uk
INSURANCE
Together Insurance Solutions
Barnstaple
t: 01271 347147
w: togetherinsurancesolutions.co.uk
INTERNATIONAL TRADE SUPPORT
International Trade Matters Ltd
Bampton
t: 01398 332881
w: internationaltradematters.com
IT
Lineal Software Solutions
Barnstaple
t: 01271 375999
w: lineal.co.uk
JOINERY & CARPENTRY
Bespoke Timber Joinery &
Carpentry
Barnstaple
t: 01271 603411
w: bespoketimberjc.co.uk
LOCKSMITHS
MJS Locksmith
Bideford
t: 07532 139388
w: northdevonlocksmith.co.uk
SW Locksmiths
Holsworthy / Bude
t: 01409 255533
w: swlocksmiths.com
MANUFACTURERS
The Clovelly Soap Company
Clovelly
t: 01237 432280
w: theclovellysoapcompany.com
Smart Manufacturing
Bideford
t: 01237 471977
w: smart-manufacturing.co.uk
MASSAGE & BEAUTY
Essential Bodyworkx
South Molton
t: 01769 574474
w: essentialbodyworkx.co.uk
NETWORKING GROUPS
Business Networking in Barnstaple
Barnstaple
t: 0843 289 1339
w: bnibarnstaple.co.uk
North Devon Networking Group
Barnstaple
w: northdevonnetworking.co.uk
Torridge Business Network
Westward Ho!
w: torridgebusinessnetwork.co.uk
OFFICE SUPPLIES
South West Office Supplies
North Devon
t: 01271 889337
w: swofficesupplies.co.uk
PACKAGING
Atlas Packaging
Barnstaple
t: 01271 344055
w: atlaspackaging.co.uk
➤ Listinginfourissuesof
magazinewithbusiness
nameandcategory,phone
number,websiteandtown.
➤ 12-monthonlinelistingat
needitfindit.ukNorth
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tarkatography
Westward Ho!
t: 07977 414798
w: tarkatography.co.uk
PRINTING
Jamaica Press
Buckland Brewer
t: 01237 452333
w: jamaicapress.co.uk
RECRUITMENT
Cooper Golding
Barnstaple
t: 01271 349745
w: coopergolding.co.uk
RETAILERS
Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 867193
w: ilfracombechocolateemporium.co.uk
Pedlars
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 863509
w: Facebook @pedlarsofilfracombe
SHEDS
SHEDS 4 you
Bideford
t: 01237 459193
w: sheds4you.co.uk
SIGNS
Doubleuprint
Barnstaple
t: 01271 268 041 / 07866 420436
w: doubleuprint.co.uk
The Sign Maker
High Bickington
t: 01769 561355
w: sign-maker.net
SOLICITORS
Slee Blackwell Solicitors
Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton,
South Molton
t: 0808 139 1606
w: sleeblackwell.co.uk
SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Aramis Rugby
South Molton
t: 01769 550284
w: aramisrugby.co.uk
TELECOMS
Integra
North Devon
t: 01271 555 666
w: integra.im
TRAVEL AGENTS
Clare Flint – Travel Counsellors
North Devon & UK
t: 01271 828990
w: travelcounsellors.co.uk/clare.flint
WILLS
Wills at Home
West Yelland
t: 01271 860105
w: wills-athome.co.uk
BOOK YOUR £30 LISTING NOW AT needitfindit.uk
DevonBusinessDirectory
withbusinessnameand
category,logo,phone
number,addressandlinks.
➤ 4issuesofmagazinemailed
directtoyourUKaddress.
@businessactionm | Spring 2022 | business action 3
NEWS
Encountering wildlife underwater
How do yougetaphoto
promotingyourbusinessonthe
frontcoverofourmagazine?
Byplacingyourmarketing
materialinabutcher’sshop.
ThatiswhereeditorRobert
Zarywaczsawaleafletwith
photosofsealsanddivers,and
thoughttheywouldmakean
impressivecover.
Thenextstepwastocontact
theownersofEasyDiversand
interviewCathBarker,who
runsthebusinessalongwith
husbandSimon.
EasyDiversisNorthDevon’s
onlyPADI(Professional
AssociationofDiving
Instructors)divecentreandthe
onlyoperatortoofferguided
divetripstoLundyIsland,on
whichyoucanencounterseals.
Simon and Cath Barker of Easy Divers
Thisexperiencefeaturesat
number3of10inthe
Independent’sUltimateBritish
IslesBucketList.
SimonandCathstartedEasy
Diversin2015,althoughSimon
hasbeenteachingdivingfor
morethan20yearsandisa
PADImasterscubadiver
trainer.Hehastaughtbeginner
andimproverdiversin
locationsfromThailandto
Mexicoandthecoupleworked
inthedivingindustryabroad
beforedecidingtoreplicatethis
intheUK.Cath’schildhood
holidaysinNorthDevonwere
oneofthereasonswhythey
chosetobasethebusinesshere.
WithSimonhandlingthe
practicaldivingactivities,Cath
handlesmarketing,bookings
andbusinessadministration.
Whilethehightidal
movementandnaturalsiltin
theBristolChannelpresent
challengesfordivingnearthe
coast,Lundy’sgreyseal
populationandclearwaters
morethancompensatefor
thesetoprovidean
unforgettableexperience.
TheLundytrips,which
includeboattrip,guideddives
andoptionalequipmenthire,
arejustoneaspectofthe
business.Arangeoftraining
courses,fromscubadiving
tastersessionstoopenwater
andadvancedopenwater
coursesandrefreshertraining,
suitalllevelsofdiverfrom
beginnertoadvanced.
InFebruary2021,Simon
andCathmovedintoEpchris
HouseinIlfracombetonot
onlyofferaccommodationfor
divingstaycationsbutalsoto
providetheirownoutdoor
heatedpoolfortraining.This
addstotheoptionsofopen
waterandpublicswimming
poolfacilities,enablingEasy
Diverstooffertheappropriate
venueforeachtypeoftraining.
Thebusinessalsooffers
equipmenthire,enablingdivers
oncoursesoronLundyDives
tohiretheappropriatekit.Hire
isalsoavailabletootherPADIcertifieddivers,although
demandishighduringthe
summerseason.
EasyDiversattractsdivers
fromacrosstheUKand
abroad,bothindividualsand
groupsdivingforpleasureor
corporateteambuilding.As
Ilfracombepreparestoopenits
newwatersportscentre,diving
addsanotherreasonforvisiting
NorthDevon.
■ Details07833020424or
easydiversnorthdevon.co.uk
4 business action | Spring 2022 | business-action.co.uk
Nature tourism collaboration
Largest green economy award for biosphere
@businessactionm | Spring 2022 | business action 5
ENVIRONMENT
NorthDevonUNESCO
Biospherehaswonthelargest
greeneconomyaward
nationallyfromHM
Government’sCommunity
RenewalFund(CRF).Thiswill
promotegreengrowthand
investmentintheareawhile
raisingwellbeingforlocal
communitiesthroughnaturebasedsolutions.
The£1.37mbid,thesixth
largestawardoverall,will
enableanewprogrammeof
worktocreategreatjobsfor
localpeopleinnorthern
Devonatthesametimeas
addressingtheclimateand
ecologicalemergency.The
CRFfundwillbeabigstep
forwardinmeetingthisaim
andwillhelpthebiosphere
worktowardsitsmissionto
stimulatetheSouthWest's
natural-basedeconomy>20%
GDPby2030.
“Thisawardrecognisesthe
uniquenaturalcapitalassets
thatarewithinthebiosphere
designation.Theseinclude
partofourtreasuredNational
Parks,someofthemost
importantagriculturalassets
withinDevonandahuge
marineareawhichincludes
theIsleofLundy.Withinthis,
thereisapopulationofnearly
200,000peopleallofwhom
havearelationshipwiththe
biospherebutdeserveto
participateinthisopportunity
toimprovetheireconomicand
socialwellbeing,”saysTim
Jones,chairmanofNorth
DevonBiosphereFoundation.
“Thisawardistheresultof
aninspiredcontributionfrom
theprojectteam.Inrecognition
ofthequalityofthe
proposition,thefunding
securedisthelargestgrantto
havebeenawardedfora‘green
programme’. Itisourbiosphere’s
ambitiontobetheleadfor
naturalcapitalactivity,regionally,
nationallyandinternationally.
Thisawardisasignificantstep
forwardinthisjourney.”
TheNorthDevonUNESCO
Biosphere’sCRFprogramme
hastwolinkedelements–the
GreenBiosphere,focusedon
woodland,regenerative
agricultureandagritech;and
theBlueBiospherefocusedon
offshorewind,aquaculture,
marinebiodiversityand‘blue
carbon’.Bothelementshave
strongskillsdevelopmentand
jobcreationelementsaswellas
planstoredirectprivate
investmentintothearea.
Theprogrammewilloffer
solutionsforeconomic
developmentandraising
wellbeingforlocal
communitiesthrough
innovationprojectsinnature–
onlandandatsea.
With70%ofDevon’s
graduatesleavingthecounty
tofindbetteremployment
elsewhere,theCRFmoneywill
offeryoungpeopleexcitingjob
opportunitieswhichwillin
turnhelpprotectthelocal
ruralandcoastalwayoflife
andaddresstheregion’snet
zeroambition.
“Itisexcellentnewsthat
northernDevon’s£1.3million
CommunityRenewalFundbid
fortheBlue&Green
BiosphereNaturalCapital
AcceleratorBidwas
successful,”addsSelaine
Saxby,MPforNorthDevon.
“Thisprojectwillseekto
enableafurther£50millionof
privatesectorinvestmentinto
ourenvironmentand
potentiallycreateupto1,300
newjobsby2026.Iam
confidentthatwecanbackup
thispositiveannouncement
withfurtherinvestmentin
NorthDevoninthefuture.”
■ northdevonbiosphere.org.uk
North DevonUNESCO
Biospherehasjoinedforces
withTorridgeDistrictCouncil
todriveforwardthecouncil’s
NatureTourismAgenda,which
willhelpbusinessestogrowby
supportingtheminshowcasing
theregion’smanynaturalassets
andadventureactivities.
Naturetourismcoversthree
dimensions:
➤ Tourismintheenvironment
–activitiessuchaskayaking,
yoga,hikingandforest
bathing.
➤ Tourismaboutthe
environment–experiences
thatleavetheparticipant
withanimproved
understandingofthe
surroundinglandscapesand
nature,suchaswildlife
walksandstargazing.
➤ Tourismforthe
environment–responsible
tourismthatunites
conservation,communities
andsustainabletravel.
DuringMarch,aseriesof
tourismworkshopswasheldto
supportandshowbusinesses
acrossNorthDevonhowto
createnew,bookable,nature
experiencesorenhancethe
offertheymayalreadybe
providing.Hostingthese
workshopswasChrisBrant,
directorandfounderof
UnmissableEngland,whosays
“Nolongerdovisitorsjustwant
toseethesightswhentheyvisit
aplace.They’relookingfor
authenticguidedexperiences
thatconnectthemwiththe
localsandtheplacestheyknow
best.Visitorswanttobe
captivatedbyfascinatingstories
aboutnatureandthelandscape
wellbeyondthetouristtrail.
Theywanttoimmerse
themselvesinlocalhistoryand
heritageandleavewithabetter
understandingoftheplaces
theyhaveexperienced.Icannot
waittoseewhatnewnature
experiencesaredevelopedby
localbusinessesinUnmissable
England’slatestseriesof
experientialtourismtraining.”
Followingtheseworkshops,
naturetourismofficerand
BiosphereBusinessPartner
coordinatorSarahJordanis
offeringalimitednumberof
businessesafree1:1support
sessiontodiscusswaysthey
couldofferauthentic
experiencesfortheirguests,
becomeamoresustainable
business,andincreasetheir
year-roundoffer.
Sarahsays:“Havingworked
withnumeroustourism
businessesoverthelastcouple
ofyearsontheUNESCO
Biosphere’sBio-Cultural
HeritageTourismproject,this
collaborationisalogicalnext
steptoensurewekeepupthe
momentumofincreasing
sustainabletourismacrossthe
region.Ican’twaittomeetnew
businessesandhelpthem
discoverwaysofincreasing
theiroffer.”
TorridgeDistrictCouncil
hasalreadycreatedarangeof
resourcestohelptourism
businessesextendtheirseason,
understandthewildlifeand
experiencesthatTorridgehas
tooffer,andtobringnew/
targetedcustomergroupsto
theirbusiness.
Itsfreeresourcesincludea
naturetourismbusinesstoolkit,
whichlooksattourismpatterns
inTorridge,whatmakesthe
regionsospecial,nature
tourismcasestudies,andhow
businessescandeveloptheir
offer.Italsoincludesfree
resourcessuchashighquality
photosofTorridgethroughthe
seasons,seasonalitinerariesto
printanddisplay,awildlife
spottingcalendarandposters
oncoastalandinlandlandscape
features.Thistoolkitmaybe
usefultoalltourismbusinesses
operatingacrossTorridgeand
NorthDevon.
■ Signupfornaturetourism
newsattorridge.gov.uk/
article/20025/Mailing-List
ENTERPRISE HEADER
New festival promotes responsible tourism
1.Howwellwillthefestivalfit
withWoolacombe?
“Thespiritofthefestivalisvery
muchinethoswiththetown
andlocalarea–iesurfing,van
culture,skating,natureandthe
greatoutdoors.Sointhose
regards,it’saverynaturalfit,
butthere’savarietyof
importantconsiderationshere.
Wehavebeenliaisingwiththe
localcommunitytoensurethat
thefestivalfitisaspositiveasit
canbeforthecommunity,
visitors,localbusinessesand,of
course,thelocalinfrastructure,
payingparticularattentionto
theroadnetworks.
Woolacombehadahuge
amountofvisitorslastyear
withtheboomofthestaycation
afterCOVID,andthewhole
NorthDevonareasawahuge
numberofpop-upcampsites
springup,whichalsoaddedto
theinfrastructurepressuresfor
thedurationofthesummer.All
oftheseconsiderationshave
beentakenintoaccountwith
oureventplanning,ourtraffic
managementplan,andour
ecologicalreporting,whichwe
The Wavelength Spring Classic is a new festival scheduled for 27-30
May in Woolacombe, featuring surf, music, skate, nature and ride
culture. With demand for holidays in the area soaring and pressures
on the environment and economy increasing, editor Robert Zarywacz
questioned festival director Linley Lewis on the event’s sustainability
areconfidentarerobustforthe
benefitofthelocal
environment,community,
visitorsandbusinesses.”
2.Wherewillthestaffforthe
festivalcomefrom?
“We’rehiringarangeoflocal
staff,andtherearearangeof
rolesavailable.Sinceannouncing
theevent,it’sbeenamazing
howmanypeoplehavecome
forwardfromthelocal
communitywithabroadrange
ofeventexperience.For
example,wehavehiredour
‘gatemanager’,whoisalocal
residentandwillbemanaging
hisownteamentirelyfromthe
localcommunity.Astheevent
communicationshave
developedandthe‘wordhas
gotout’,moreandmorepeople
havebeencomingforward
pitchingtheirservices,beit
suppliers,orstaff,andthisis
verymuchsomethingthatwe
arelookingtoweaveintothe
fabricoftheevent.
Wewillbeemployingupto
80staffonsite,andcurrently
havecirca50ofsuchconfirmed
aslocal,which–whenyou
considertheadditionallocal
suppliers–addsuptoalarge
additionallocalimpact.”
3.Whatwilllocalbusinesses
gainfromthefestival?
“There’sasplitforthelocal
businesses.Therewillbe
consumerspend,andtherewill
alsobeeventspend.
OntheSaturdayandSunday
oftheevent,weare
encouraginggueststovisitthe
village,andwatchthesurf
competitionwhichisbeing
helddownonCombesgate
beach.Weanticipatethese
guestsspendinginthelocal
shops,barsandrestaurants.
Toencouragethis
movement,wewillalsobe
puttingonashuttlebusto
connecttheeventsitewiththe
village,anditisonlya30-
minutewalk(alongabeautiful
NationalTrustpermissive
footpath)fromthesitedownto
thebeach.It’sreasonableto
expect20%ofvisitorstovisit
thevillage,withanaverage
spendof£15pplocallyperday
(alargeportionofwhichwould
arrivebyfootdirectlyfromthe
site).Thiswouldbe1,000
peopleperday,andequateto
£30,000spentlocally.
Asforgeneraleventspend
andeconomyinjector,weare
expectingtospend£250,000
withintheSouthWest,£50,000
withinNorthDevon,and
£30,000withinWoolacombe.
Wearealsopledging1%of
allticketsalerevenuetolocal
charitiesandprojects.”
■ TheWavelengthSpring
Classic,runningfrom27to30
May2022atWoolacombeBay,
isafamily-friendlyevent
featuringsurfing,music,
nature,culture,campingand
more.Bookticketsat
springclassic.co.uk
6 business action | Spring 2022 | business-action.co.uk
SUPPORT HEADER
What it is?
TheBigBenefitsforSmall
Businessesprojectisbeing
deliveredbyPetrocand
fundedbytheEuropeanSocial
Fund.Italsohasthe
collaborativesupportof
TorridgeDistrictCouncil,
NorthDevonCounciland
DevonCountyCouncil.
What are the objectives?
Ouraimsareto:
➤ Helpsmallbusinessesin
TorridgeandNorthDevon
toaccessfullyfunded
trainingopportunitiesto
allowtheirbusinessesto
grow.
➤ Workcollaborativelywith
businessestoencourage
themtoparticipateand
supportPetrocwithits
curriculum.Forexample,
providingatalktoour
learners,orworkingwithus
toensurePetrocstaffhave
up-to-dateindustry
knowledge.
➤ Allbusinesseswhowork
withuswillbeinvitedto
attendanin-depthTraining
NeedsAnalysiswherewe
candiscussanytraining
needsyourbusinesshasand
designacoursetosuityou.
Wecanalsosignpostyou
Big Benefits for
Small Businesses
towardsothercourseswe
thinkmaysuityou.
What are the benefits to
your business?
Youcanaccessfullyfunded
trainingprogrammesto
supportyourbusinessand
helpitgrowordiversifyinto
newareas.
Trainingprogrammescan
bedesignedanddeliveredto
supportyourbusinesswitha
specifictrainingneed.Wealso
workwithindependent
businessestodeliver
workshopsoncurrenttrends,
environmentalawareness,and
businesssupport.
BysupportingPetroc
throughinvolvementwithour
curriculumandourevents,
youcanshowcaseyour
businesstoawideraudience.
Youcantellourlearnersand
otherbusinessesabout
excitingdevelopmentsyouare
goingthrough,howyou
adaptedtotheCOVID-19
pandemic,orwhatyouhave
learnedintheworldofbusiness
thatwouldbenefitothers.
Byworkingwithour
learners,youcanaccess
potentialfutureemployees
withmoreindustry-relevant
skillswhoaremoreeffectivein
theworkplace.
SmallBusinessSupport
Seminar–Thursday7April,
8:30am–1:00pm
Designedtoprovideskills
supportforsmallbusinesses,
comealongtoourfullyfunded
seminarwhichwillinclude
sessionson:
➤ MakingTaxDigitalforVAT
andIncomeTaxSelf-
Assessment,andthebenefits
ofusingsoftware.
➤ Howtoimproveyour
businessthroughbranding
andwebpresence.
➤ Theimportanceof
maintainingagood
work/lifebalance.
➤ Anintroductionto
managingdailyactivitiesto
achieveresultsand
supportingthedeliveryof
customerservice.
Refreshmentsandlunch
providedandyouwillalsohave
theopportunitytonetwork
withotherbusinessesandtalk
toPetrocstaffaboutTLevels,
apprenticeshipsandother
opportunitiesforbusiness
supportforyourbusiness.
■ UsetheQRcodetoregister
yourplaceorvisit
eventbrite.co.uk/e/smallbusiness-support-seminartickets-260340454307
Advertise from just £30 a year with Business Action
All plans include
➤ 4 adverts (if selected)
➤ 4 magazine listings
➤ 12-month web adverts
➤ online listing
➤ 4 mailed magazines
➤ plus more
Select plan
£30 Business Action Plan – 4 magazine listings
£125 Business Action Plan – 4 business card adverts
£225 Business Action Plan – 4 banner adverts
£315 Business Action Plan – 4 quarter page adverts
£645 Business Action Plan – 4 half page adverts
£995 Business Action Plan – 4 full page adverts
Payment options
Pay in full or by
12 monthly instalments –
with no extra charges.
Put yourself in front of
North Devon businesses.
Book online at business-action.co.uk/plans or call Robert on 07971 176044
@businessactionm | Spring 2022 | business action 7
FEEL ELECTRIC
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AT BLIGHTS MOTORS
WORK HEADER HUBS
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01237 472282
www.blightsmotors.co.uk
Work hub provides space for businesses
A new work hubhaslaunched
inGreatTorrington,aimingto
createavibrant,communityfocusedplaceforpeopleto
workonaflexiblebasis.
TheCastleHillworkhub,
situatedwithintheCastleHill
buildingattheheartofthe
town,isadynamicworkspace
designedforindependent
businesses,theself-employed
andremoteworkers.
Asaresultofthepandemic,
moreandmorebusinessesare
beingrunfromhome.Some
workersarenowentirelyhome
based,whichmakesthework
hubahighlyrelevantand
engagingassetwithinthelocal
community.Itprovidesa
refreshingenvironmentfor
localbusinesses,self-employed
orremoteworkerstogeta
changeofsceneryfrom
workingathome.Itisalsoa
spacetoholdmeetingsthat
acceleratebusinessgrowthand
supportcommunitynetworks
thatdrivetheeconomy.
Thebright,modernfacility
offersameetingroomforup
toeightpeople,15workspaces
aswellasacollaborationarea
andkitchenette.
Thehub,developedby
TorridgeDistrictCounciland
withfundingsupportfromthe
DevonWorkHubs
programmeandtheGetting
BuildingFund,isdesignedto
providealow-cost,flexible
offertosupportbusinessesto
growandtohelppeopleto
findroutestocollaborateand
improvetheirwellbeing.
Membersalsobenefitfrom
freedrop-inbusinesssupport
opportunitiesandaregular
presencefromPetroc’sBig
BenefitsforSmallBusinesses
programme,whichoffersfree
supporttoboosttheirskills.
Memberscanpayastheygo
orchoosemonthlytariffsfor
moreregularbookings.
Theworkhubisopen
MondaytoFridayfrom9amto
5pm.Facilitiesincludefast
wifi,freeteaandcoffee,and
printingandcopyingfacilities
arealsoavailable.Business
peoplecanjustbringtheir
laptop,tabletorphonetouse
thisnewspaceintheheartof
GreatTorrington.
■ Bookspacesonlineat
www.torridge.gov.uk/
castlehillworkhub
8 business action | Spring 2022 | business-action.co.uk
NETWORKING HEADER
Building a cohesive Devon business
community throughout the county
CONNECT
Morethan200yearsago,a
groupofshipmerchantsonthe
BarbicaninPlymouthrealised
theywerestrongertogetherand
formedanassociationthatlater
becamethePlymouthChamber
ofCommerceandIndustry.
NowtheDevon&Plymouth
Chamber,itrepresentsthe
wholeofDevonandistheonly
accreditedchamberof
commerceinthecounty.
Thepandemictransformed
thewayeveryonedoesbusiness
andtechnologyallowedDevon
&PlymouthChamberto
increaseitsreachacrossthe
countythroughvirtualand
hybridevents,delivering
support,informationand
advicetobusinessesofevery
sizeandfromeverysector.
Asweemergefromthe
pandemic,thechamberis
strengtheningitsphysical
presenceacrossDevonwitha
rangeoffantasticevents,
projects,andcampaigns.
Theaccreditedcounty
chamberisworkingwithtown
chambersfromacrossthearea,
andotherbusinessgroupssuch
asTorbayBusinessForum,
Mid-DevonBusinessForum
andNorthDevonFutures,on
whichourchiefexecutive,
StuartElford,sitsasaboard
member.NorthDevonFutures
aimstocreatepositiveand
sustainablelong-termfutures
forlifeinthearea.
Muchastheshipmerchants
ontheBarbicanrealisedthe
strengththeyhadinworking
together,thechamberbelieves
itisimportanttokeep
connectedwiththesegroups
acrossthecountysowecan
understandthekeyissuesand
needsofbusinessesinthe
SouthWestandrepresentthem
allaswelobbygovernment–
wearestrongertogether!
GROW
Farmorethanjustnetworking,
Devon&PlymouthChamberis
devotedtosupporting
businessestogrow,increase
productivityandprofitability,
andrealisetheirpotential.
With such great distances between communities in Devon, bringing
them together is a challenge that Devon & Plymouth Chamber aims
to address. Below the chamber sets out its vision, while editor
Robert Zarywacz explains why we need to establish strong crosscounty
links
Withbusinesssupport
programmesandeventsthat
shareinformationandadvice
thatkeepyouupdatedwith
latestdevelopments,itisno
wonderthatbusinessesthatare
membersofDevon&
PlymouthChamberarethree
timesmorelikelytosurvive
thanthosewhicharenot.
Beingpartofthechamber
anditsdevelopingnetworkwill
strengthenyourownbusiness’
voiceandprofilewithother
members,inDevonand
beyond.Thechamberhasa
socialmediareachinexcessof
15,000andchannelsof
communicationincluding
weeklye-newsletters,a
quarterlymagazine,web
directoryandaservicetoboost
abusiness’profile.
SUCCEED
Thechamberwantsalllocal
businessestonotjustsurvive
buttothrive.Chiefexecutive
StuartElfordsays:“Theroleof
thechamberistomakethe
localbusinessenvironmentas
goodasitcanbeandto
supportbusinessesofallsizes
andsectorswherevertheymay
betomaximisetheirpotential.
Ourmembershippackagesare
worththousandsofpounds,
evenatentrylevel,sowewould
urgepeopletojoinusandbe
partofabusinessfamilythat
willhelpyoutoconnect,grow
andsucceed.”
■ devonchamber.co.uk
Looking outwards
Inthetimebetweenplanning
thisarticleandwritingit,the
worldhaschangeddrastically.
Whilewecanoftenfeelata
distancefromtherestofthe
world,itexertsgreatinfluence
overNorthDevon.Injustone
day,Isawpricesatmylocal
petrolstationjump10pper
litre:justoneinstanceofthe
falloutcausedbywarinthe
Ukraine.Thereisnodoubtwe
willseemore.
AftersurvivingBrexitand
thepandemic,howwill
strengtheningthebusiness
communityacrossDevonhelp
thoseofusintheNorth
confrontthedifficultiescaused
byeventsacrosstheworld?
Ibelieveitismore
importantthaneverforusto
connectwithbusinessesacross
thecountyandDevon&
PlymouthChamberprovides
theopportunityforusto
achievethis.
Whilebusinessgroupsin
theareahaveworkedvaliantly
tosupportthecommunity,
overtheyearsIhaveseen
manybusinessleadersstruggle
tomaintainmomentum.We
allhaveourbusinessestorun
andfamiliestosupport,and
massivevolunteeringefforts
frequentlytaketheirtoll.
Oursmallpopulationand
remotenesscanbeboth
blessingsandimpediments.
Themarvellouspeaceand
tranquillityheredonothelp
usmakeourselvesheardwhen
morepopulousareasshout
theirdemandslouderthanwe
can.Thatiswhyjoining
togetherwithothersinthe
samecountywillhelpusall.
Wealsoneedtoraise
awarenessoftheexcellence
andpotentialofbusinesses
here.Our2022NorthDevon
BusinessAwardshaveagain
broughttolightmore
incrediblesuccessstoriesof
businessesintheareathatare
achievingastonishingresults.
Ourgreaterparticipationin
theactivitiesofDevon&
PlymouthChambercanhelp
maintaintheseachievements
inthefaceoftoughtrading
conditionsahead.Broadening
ournetworkscanpromote
collaboration,increaseour
resilienceandsupportour
businessdevelopmentaswe
leavethepandemicandentera
differentkindofuncertainty.
Thesearemyreasonsfor
joiningDevon&Plymouth
ChamberandwhyIadviseyou
toconsiderjoiningtoo.
■ RobertZarywacz,editor
Meet the chamber at Petroc
DevonChamberishostingits
nextCountyConversations
eventatPetroconTuesday12
April.Thisbreakfastevent
providesaplatformfor
businessleaderstohearfrom
seniorfiguresinthepublic
andprivatesectorsabout
developmentsofcritical
importancetobusinesses.
Thisisanexcellenteventto
introduceyoutoDevon&
PlymouthChamber.
■ Fordetailsandtobook
places,visittheeventssection
atdevonchamber.co.uk
@businessactionm | Spring 2022 | business action 9
ENGINEERING HEADER
Firm provides uplifting service during lockdowns
Many people dependonlifts
andrelatedequipmentona
dailybasis,forexample,
residentswithstairliftsor
hoists;carehomesand
buildingsusedbythosewith
limitedmobility;public
buildingssuchastheatresand
shoppingcentres;andhighriseresidentialorofficeblocks.
Safe,operationalliftsare
vitalinthesesettingsand
Barnstaple-basedSafe
WorkingLiftscontinuedto
workthroughthepandemicto
supportresidentsand
businessesacrossNorthDevon
andtheSouthWest.
Thebusinessspecialisesin
liftservices,refurbishments,
repairsandupgrades,aswell
asprovidingbreakdowncover.
Itworkswithlifts,stairlifts,
hoistsandrelatedequipment
anditssectoraccreditations
includeCHAS,Altius,ISO
9001:2015.ItisalsoaLiftand
EscalatorIndustryAssociation
memberandConstructionline
Goldmember.Inaddition,
SafeWorkingLiftshasbuilta
reputationforexcellentservice
withmanyglowingreviews
fromhighlysatisfiedcustomers.
Duringlockdowns,Safe
WorkingLiftssteppedinto
helpoutresidentswhose
stairliftsorhoistshadstopped
workingandwhootherwise
facedawaitofmanydaysfor
anengineerfromoutsidethe
area.Itsengineersalso
maintainedequipmentin
manylocalcarehomesduring
thepandemic,enablingthem
tomaintainthestrict
operatingstandardsrequired.
Thisapproachreflectsthe
familyandcommunityfocus
ofthecompany,whichstarted
inSouthMoltonin2016and
recentlymovedtoBrunswick
YardinBarnstaple.Trulya
familybusiness,Jordan
Dellawayismanagingdirector,
sisterCharliisfinancedirector
andbrotherBaileyissalesand
marketingmanager,while
othermembersofthefamily
areconnectedwiththe
business.Theteamnumbers
20intotalwithnewengineers
Safe Working Lifts’ offices at Brunswick Yard, Barnstaple
beingrecruitedinresponseto
businessgrowth.
Thefirm’sfamilyethosis
reflectedinitsinvolvement
withcommunityactivities,
suchassupportingBarnstaple
inBloomandcharityBecky’s
ChristmasToyBank.Itisalso
lookingforwardtobeing
involvedwithBarnstaple
Carnivalin2022.
■ Details01271442842or
swlifts.co.uk
10 business action | Spring 2022 | business-action.co.uk
2022 HEADER AWARDS
Art business to open second gallery
LET’S CELEBRATE!
Be there to see the award winners announced on
Thursday 19 May 2022
at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe
TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON FROM BUSINESS-ACTION.CO.UK/AWARDS
Carly Faye Keira
Art business to open second gallery
AfteropeningitsIlfracombe
galleryinOctober,Magenta
FineArtwillbeopeninga
secondgalleryinWoolacombe
inlateMarch.
Thegallerywillbeinthe
formerShirley’snewsagents,
oppositetheamusement
arcadesinBartonCourt.
GallerymanagerAlix
McDonaldsays,“Woolacombe
alreadyhasasmallartsceneof
localartsandcraftsshops.
However,thevillagehasn’tyet
offereditsresidentsandvisitors
acontemporaryfineartgallery,
sowe’llbeshowcasingartwork
fromsomeoftheUK’sleading
artistsworkingtodaywith
genresrangingfromstreetart
tomixedmedia,traditional
landscapes,uniquecityscapes,
andfigurativeartworks;from
internationallyacclaimed
artistssuchasMr.Brainwash,
whorosetofamewiththe
Banksydocumentary‘Exit
ThroughtheGiftshop’and
ScottishartroyaltyJack
Vettrianoof‘TheSinging
Butler’tonamebutafew.
“Wesawanichein
Woolacombe.We’veseenmany
Cornishvillagesflourishwith
lifeandculture,sowewantto
helpputNorthDevononthe
culturalmap.Ilfracombeis
fortunatetohavehadthe
impactofcontroversialartist
DamienHirst.Wealsohavethe
phenomenalBroomhill
Sculpturegardenandnew
galleriesopeninginandaround
Braunton.Itfeelslikewe’reon
thebrink,sobyadding
Woolacombetothelistwe’re
expandingthisareaofinterest
forthoselookingtoexplore
NorthDevon’sartscene.
Havingthetwogalleriesin
neighbouringtownswill
hopefullywidenourreachto
ourlocalresidentsaswell.”
TheMagentateamisalso
expandingfromtwotofiveto
managethetwogalleries.
CarlyandFayewillbe
predominantlybasedoverin
Woolacombe.Carlyhasrunher
owncompanyinthewedding
businessalongsideraisingher
family,soisfantasticwith
peopleandhastakentotheart
worldlikeaducktowater.
Fayeisanartistherselfand
hasawealthofexperiencein
thecreativeindustryandloves
everythingKitsch.Shewillbe
coordinatingtheslightlymore
moderngalleryinWoolacombe.
Keiraisalsoanartistand
willbeworkingalongsideAlix
intheIlfracombebranch.She
loveschattingwithpeopleand
hasagreateyeforart,
favouringmoretraditional
painterlyworks.
Nicolewillbeoverseeing
bothgalleries,ensuring
MagentaFineArtrunsas
smoothlyaspossible.
■ Details01271862590or
magentafineart.co.uk
@businessactionm | Spring 2022 | business action 11
2022 HEADER AWARDS
Record number of awards entries
Anything can happeninthe
nexthalfhour...orday,week
ormonth.Asweallknow,
runningabusinessinthe
2020srequiresnerve,asevents
ofincrediblemagnitude
reshapeourworldsofast.
TheNorthDevonBusiness
Awardshavecertainly
requirednerve.Forthefirst
twoyears,weplannedand
cancelledourawardsevents
duringthepandemic.Once
againthisyear,weplanned,
butneverknewexactlywhat
wouldhappen.
At last, a winners event
Nowwehavebookedthe
LandmarkTheatrein
IlfracombeforThursday19
Mayfortheannouncementof
thewinners.
Thesewillbeselectedfrom
thefourfinalistsineachofthe
12awardcategories,whoyou
candiscoveroverthenext
pages.Ourpanelofjudges
haveselectedthesefrom114
entries–arecordand10%up
onlastyear.
Asever,manyentriescame
inatthelastmoment,causing
ustoholdourbreathin
anticipation.Wouldwereceive
theminimumrequiredfor
eachcategory?
Yes,wedid,withease,
includingastaggering29
entriesfortheOutstanding
NewBusinessAward.
Thank you
Wethankallourentrantsfor
takingpart.Completingour
entryformstakestimewithall
thedetailsrequiredandthe
answerstofivequestions.This
iswhathasestablishedthe
awards’authority,because
theyarenota‘beautycontest’
whereyouencourageyour
familyandfriendswhoknow
nothingaboutbusinesstovote
foryou.Instead,theyrequire
thoughtandpreparationto
persuadethepanelof
independentjudges–all
experiencedbusinesspeople–
whyyourbusinessshouldwin.
Wealsothankallour
sponsors,whosesupportmake
theawardspossible,andour
eightjudges,whogivetheir
timetoassessallentriesfairly
andimpartially.
Wider exposure
Ifyoudidn’tmakeitthrough
asafinalist,donotdespair.
Thejudgesandeditorhave
beenveryimpressedbyall
entriesandyourbusinesshas
receivedwideexposureto
businesspeoplewithextensive
networks,bothwithinand
outsideNorthDevon.This
marksyourbusinessas
standingoutfromthecrowd,
becauseyoutakeactionto
developandgrow.
Celebration
Andnowwelookforwardto
celebratingthebiggestgroup
ofsuccessfulbusinessesin
NorthDevononThursday19
Mayataphenomenal
networkingevent.
Watchoutforticketsat
business-action.co.uk/awards
12 business action | Spring 2022 | business-action.co.uk
BusinessActionisgratefulto
leadsponsorPhilipJMilton&
CompanyPlcforsupporting
theNorthDevonBusiness
Awardsforthethirdyear.Itis
onlywiththissupport,and
thatofallsponsors,thatthe
awardsarepossible.
BelowPhilipMilton
explainswhyhebelieves
businessesdeserverecognition.
“Ourcommunityhassome
amazingbusinessesandhereat
PhilipJMilton&CompanyPlc
wearedelightedtobe
sponsoringtheaccoladeof
NorthDevonBusinessofthe
Year2022.
Weallworktogetherto
supporttheeconomyinour
littlecornerofthecountryand
nobusinessisanisland,soitis
imperativewesustainand
encourageeachotherto
achieveourgoals.
RobertZarywacz’sexcellent
BusinessActionNorthDevon
BusinessAwardscertainlygoa
longwaytowardsfostering
closertiesamonglocal
enterprisesandwearealways
pleasedtosupportsuch
endeavours.
Nowmorethaneverweneed
2022 HEADER AWARDS
North Devon
Business of the Year 2022
sponsored by
The winner of each award category proceeds to
judging for the North Devon Business of the Year 2022
Headline sponsor: (from left) Philip Milton with Chancellor of the Exchequer
Rishi Sunak on a recent visit to Ilfracombe
thatspiritanditisonlyrightwe
recognisetheremarkable
businesseswehave.
Adversityandchangebreeds
strengthbutwecan’talwaysdo
italone.Beingsuccessfulin
businessmeanspaying
attentiontoallthedetailsand
notsimplyhavingagood
productordazzlingUSP.
Thatsuccessoftenmeansa
co-operativeandsuccessful
independentfinancialadviser
providingtaxandinvestment
guidanceandaseverweare
alwaysdelightedtohelpinthat
regard.Toomanybusinesses
failbecausetheirowners
strugglewithacertainaspect
suchasfinance,whilefocusing
alltheirtimeoncreativeor
productionprocesses.
Thatisalosstoeveryone
andalsounnecessary,sincewe
can’tallbegoodateverything
andneedtotakeadvantageof
theexcellentservicesallaround
us,whateveritisweneed.
Iwisheveryonethebestof
luckatthisyear’sNorthDevon
BusinessesAwards!
PhilipMilton
■ Details01271344300or
miltonpj.net
@businessactionm | Spring 2022 | business action 13
MOO FREE CHOCOLATES
MooFreeisafamily-owned
andrunbusinessmaking
award-winning‘freefrom’and
veganchocolateinHolsworthy.
Asanemployer,MooFree
focusesonequalityand
diversity,especiallysupportfor
thosewithautism.In2022,it
hireditsfirstapprentice
engineer,whoisautistic,aswell
astwoautisticemployees
throughtheKickstartScheme,
whowillbecomefull-time.
Now20%ofits60-strong
workforceareautistic.
■ moofreechocolates.com
SAFE WORKING LIFTS
SafeWorkingLiftsofferslift
maintenance,repairs,
refurbishmentsand24/7lift
coveracrosstheSouthWest
andSouthWales.AfamilyrunbusinessinBarnstaple,it
employs16people,offering
employmentopportunitiesin
NorthDevon.Itbelievesin
highqualityopportunitiesfor
school/collegeleaversand
offersapprenticeshiproles
acrossallaspectsofbusiness.
■ swlifts.co.uk
2022 HEADER AWARDS
Best Employer finalists
sponsored by
TheBeReadyEmployerHubisabusinesssupportservicefor
Devon-basedemployers.Weprovidedisabilityawareness
training,adviceandguidance–includinghowtoaccessgrants
andgainawards–toenableemployersrecruit,retainand
supporttalentedemployeeswithdisabilities.
Ourmainserviceison-lineoron-sitedisabilityawareness
training–freeofchargeaswearefundedbyDevonCounty
Council.Foremployers,wehaveaDisabilityandEmployment
coursewhichcoverstheEqualityAct(whatReasonable
Adjustmentsare),howtoapplyforAccesstoWorkgrants(worth
upto£62,000peryear),inclusiveRecruitmentandJobCarving,
raisingyourbusinessprofilewiththeDisabilityConfidentaward,
plusanoptionalsessiononLanguageandCommunicationfor
improvingcustomerservice.Thiscourseisallthemorerelevant
asemployershavemorestaffdecidingtodeclaretheirdisabilities
orhealthconditionsastheyneedsupportpost-Covid.
Forsmallerbusinessesandstart-ups,wealsoprovidea
workshoponhowtobeasaccessibleaspossibleon-line.Keyto
thisworkshopisunderstandinghowmakingyourdigital‘shop
window’moreaccessiblefordisabledusersensuresyourproducts
andservicesaremoreeasilyaccessibletoeveryone!
WearedelightedtotosponsorBusinessAction’sBest
Employerawardaswewanttocelebratethelocalbusinessesthat
reallymakeadifferencetotheirstaffandcustomers.
■ Visitreadydevon.org.ukoremailbeready@devon.gov.uk
SEETEC
Seetecisanemployee-owned
businesshelpingmarginalised
peopleinDevontomove
towardsandintowork.
Itprovidesemployment,
skillsandtraining,andawide
rangeofemployment,health
andwellbeingopportunitiesfor
peoplefromallbackgrounds.
ItcoversNorthDevonfrom
officesinBarnstaple,Bideford
andTiverton,throughhomebasedstaffandatitsPluss
EnterprisefactoryinBarnstaple.
■ seetecpluss.co.uk
TURNSTYLE DESIGNS
TurnstyleDesignsisalongestablishedmanufacturerof
luxuryhardwareforhigh-end
residential,commercialand
yachtprojects.
Itemploys44peoplewitha
Barnstaplefactoryandoffice,
andLondonandUSshowrooms.
Itsmanylongstanding
employeesdemonstrateits
supportiveworking
environment,including
attractivesalariesandbenefits
torewardemployeeswell.
■ turnstyledesigns.com
14 business action | Spring 2022 | business-action.co.uk
2022 HEADER AWARDS
THE CLOVELLY SOAP CO
TheClovellySoapCompany
wasestablishedin2011and
openeditsoriginalshopin
2014,movingtoitscurrent
shopin2015.
Itisbasedinaunique
touristvillageatthetopofthe
famousClovellyCobblesand
alsooperatesanonlinestore
andaclick-and-collectservice.
Theshopnotonlyprovides
anamazingimmersiveand
aromaticshoppingexperience
forvisitorsfromalloverthe
worldwithallbudgets,butalso
supportsthelocalcommunity
andlocalcharitiesbyproviding
jobsandregulardonations
frompurchases.
■ theclovellysoapcompany.co.uk
Best Retailer finalists
COUNTRY COTTAGE BAKERY
CountryCottageBakerywas
establishedin1990andnow
runstwostoresinBideford
andoneinWestwardHo!
Customersdependedonthe
bakerythroughoutlockdowns
andmanyreliedonitsdelivery
service.Itcreatedaunique
rangeofbakeryboxeswhich
includebest-sellingproducts.
Witharangeof200+
products,staffcanprovideupto-dateinformationon
allergens.Thebakeryalso
operatesanin-housesystemto
passoncustomers’feedbackto
theproductionteam.
■ countrycottagebakery.co.uk
HAPPY WHOLEFOODS
HappyWholefoodsin
IlfracombeHighStreetserves
anall-yearcustomerbaseof
Ilfracombeandnearby
residentsaswellasvisitors.
Agesrangefrom0to90s.
Itstocksanextensiverange
ofethicallyandsympathetically
sourcedwholefoods,dried
fruit,pulses,grains,cereals,
flour,pasta,organicandnonorganic,veganandvegetarian
ingredients.Itcatersforarange
ofdietaryrequirements
includingglutenfree,sugar
free,dairyfreeandGMOfree.
■ Instagram&Facebook:
@happywholefoods
THE ILAB
TheilabopenedinBarnstaple
HighStreetin2011when
iPhoneswerehittingthe
mainstreamandiPadshadjust
beenlaunched.Almost11
yearson,theilabhas
establisheditselfasthego-to
placeinNorthDevonforall
smartphoneandtabletsales
andrepairs.
Theilab’sclose-knitteam
compriseseightstaff
members,acoupleofwhom
havebeentherefromthevery
beginning.Theteam’spassion
anddedicationtothebusiness
isalargepartofthereason
whyitstilltradessuccessfully
onthehighstreettoday.
■ theilab.co.uk
FITZGERALD HR
FitzgeraldHRisafull-service
HRconsultancyhelpingclients
torecruit,developandretain
greatpeople.ItsdedicatedHR
consultantsandspecialists
offerarangeofskillsand
experiencetosupportclients.
Specialismsinclude:
resourcingandtalent
planning;learningand
development;organisation
development;people
management;payandbenefits;
employeerelations;business
change;andoccupational
healthandsafety.
Theseenablethebusinessto
offerHRsolutionsacrossthe
entireemployeelifecycle.
■ fitzgeraldhr.co.uk
Business-to-Business
Achievement finalists
SMART MANUFACTURING
SmartManufacturingwas
foundedin1986andnow
operatesa1,600+squaremetre
factoryinBidefordequipped
withthelatesttechnology.Its
dedicatedworkforceisboth
experiencedandcapable.
Thefactoryhasrecently
beenextendedtoaddafurther
800squaremetrededicated
‘clean’assemblyareawhichwill
increaseproductivityand
enhanceproductionquality.
Itsphilosophyistoexceed
clients’expectations.
■ smart-manufacturing.co.uk
SOUTHWEST FABRICATIONS
SouthWestFabricationsisan
expandingthirdgeneration
familybusinesswith50+years’
experienceinmetalworkand
fabrication.Itprovidesexpert
precisionengineeringservices
acrossUKandEuropean
industrial,commercialand
retailsectors.It’saone-stop
shopforallmetalworkneeds,
withateamofaccomplished,
dedicatedandtalentedinhouseengineerstoseeprojects
throughfrominceptionto
fabricationtoassembly.
■ southwestfabrications.com
TIME & TIDE PA
TimeandTideBusiness
Solutionsprovidesvirtual
assistancetootherbusinesses
andcharities,helpingthemto
developcampaigns,overall
strategies,socialmedia,and
customermanagementsystems.
It’slikehavinganofficeangel!
Thebusinesswasfounded
byLornaEvanstomanage
adminandback-office
operations,freeingupbusiness
ownerstospendmoreoftheir
valuabletimeonlookingafter
theircustomers.
Servicesincludevirtual
assistant,businessmentoring
andcoaching,andonline
businessmanagement.
■ timeandtidepa.co.uk
BRADDICKS & SHERBORNE
BraddicksandSherborneare
independentfuneraldirectors
basedinIlfracombe.The
BraddicksandSherborne
familieshavemorethan100
yearsofexperience,withLee
Sherbornestartingthefamily
businessinfuneralsaged14.
TheIlfracombebranch
openedin2015andemploys
twofull-timestaff:funeral
directorAndyPunchardand
BrieStellintheoffice.The
familiescaredforcomefromas
farafieldasLyntonand
Fremington.
Sinceopening,thebusiness
hascaredfor260+local
familiesintheirtimeofneed.
■ braddicksandsherborne.co.uk
Consumer Service
Excellence finalists
THE HAIR LOUNGE
VictoriaKiffopenedTheHair
Loungein2014andisproud
thatherlatemotherwasable
towitnessthis.
Asabusinesswomanand
stylist,Victoriahasgrown
fromstrengthtostrength.
Withlittlesupportforher
education,shepushedherself
tolearnandbethebeststylist
shecan,oftentravellingto
Londonfortrainingcourses.
Victoria’struelovelieswith
curlsandsheisnowNorth
Devon’sonlycurlspecialist.
■ hairloungebarnstaple.co.uk
NAKED DOG NUTRITION
NakedDogNutritionCentreis
adedicatedveterinarynutrition
centreprovidingrawdogfood
andtreats,professional
nutritionconsultations,holistic
vetappointmentsinpersonand
online,andfunseminars.It
providesfullsupportin
improvingdogs’wellbeingvia
dietandnaturaltherapies.
Thebusinessisproudtobe
thefirstdedicatedveterinary
nutritioncentrebasedinthe
SouthWestandoneofveryfew
intheUK.
■ nakeddog.co.uk/
ROOTNOTES
BeckiDriscollstarted
RootNotestofocusonworking
locallytoherBidefordhome
andtoofferqualitymusic
workshopstopeopleofallages
andabilitiesinthearea.
Duringthepandemic,she
setupanonlinefolkensemble
onZoomwhichwasvery
successfulandattracted
peoplefromacrosstheSouth
West.Thisnowrunsasa
hybridgroupwithalternate
onlineandin-personsessions.
Shehasalsosetupregular
musicworkshopsforchildren,
familiesandyoungpeople,
providingweeklyservicesfor
some65adultsand30children.
■ rootnotes.org.uk
@businessactionm | Spring 2022 | business action 15
2022 AWARDS
BREW HOUSE COFFEE CO
TheBrewHouseCoffeeCois
anindependentcoffeeshopin
Barnstapleservinglocally
producedfoodanddrink,some
85%ofwhichisfromsmall
Devonsuppliers.Itopenedits
doorsinFebruary2021.
Withseatingforupto60to
accommodategroups,itrunsas
sustainablyasitcanandis
aimingfor100%inthefuture.
Itservesmanyregularlocal
customersaswellasvisitors,
manyofwhomreturnduring
theirstayinNorthDevon.
■ FB:@thebrewhousebarnstaple
COASTAL CABINS
CoastalCabinsoffersluxury
glampingaccommodationin
Hartlandforthosewantingto
enjoythecountrysideinstyle.
Duringlockdown,it
convertedmoreofcabinsinto
familycabinswithadditional
bunkbedsforchildren.This,
togetherwithtargeting
marketing,enableditto
achieve85%directbookings
withconsistentlyhighfive-star
Googlereviewsfromguests.
■ coastal-cabins.com
INTEGY
IntegydeliversITconsultancy
andsupportacrosstheSouth
West.Itsnamecombines
‘integration’and‘strategy’,
whichdefineitsactivities.
Integydeliversmodernend
usercomputingandcloud
solutions,helpingbusinesses
migratefromoldITtonewer,
cost-effectivealternatives.It
providesimpartial,friendly
advicetodeliverthesolution
thatisrightforeachclient.Its
ethosisaboutcollaborative
delivery,providingzerothreat
toincumbentITteams.
Ithastwodirectors,four
permanentstaff,sixcontractors
andisnowrecruiting.Basedat
theNODEinBarnstaple,ithas
alreadyoutgrowntwooffices.
■ integy.co.uk
➤ BakedWellatHome
➤ TheBrewHouseCoffeeCo
➤ ByJacquelineJ
➤ ByronWoolacombeHolidays
➤ CountryWays
➤ dcAlloys
➤ EmmaWrightCoaching
➤ ExmoorFlowers
➤ GrazeMeUp
Excellence in Hospitality &
Tourism finalists
sponsored by
MarsdensDevonCottagesisanindependentfamilybusiness
whichstartedin1973.We’vegrownalotsincetheearlydays,but
ourpromisetoprovidetheverybestservice–aswellasa
fantasticrangeofgreatplacestostay–hasn’tchangedonebit.As
everyyeargoesby,ourexperiencecontinuestogrow.
OurofficeisinBrauntonandmostofourstafflivelocallyand
manyofthemhavebeenwithusforanumberofyears.They
knowtheareawell,havevisitedmanyofthepropertiesthemselves
andcanofferwell-informedrecommendations.Justask!
Allourpropertiesarevisitedandinspectedbyourstaff
regularlysowecanusuallyansweranyquestionsyoumayhave
aboutaparticularproperty.Ifwedon’tknowtheanswerourselves
thenit’sneveraproblemtogetintouchwiththeproperty
owners.Weenjoygoodrelationshipswithallourowners.
Weareproudofourportfolioofover350properties.However,
thatmeansnothingwithoutyourapproval.Toensureourholiday
accommodationmeets–andexceeds–yourhighexpectations,
ourin-houseassessorsworktostrictcriteriatoensureafairand
accuratestargradingthroughoutourportfolio.Allourproperties
meetourstringentMinimumEntryRequirements(MER).
■ marsdens.co.uk
Outstanding New Business
finalists
NORTH DEVON MARINE
NorthDevonMarinewas
establishedtobuildagreater
understandingbetween
technologicaladvancesin
marinepowerandpropulsion
technology,andtoincrease
oceanliteracytoprojectthe
benefitofcarbonzero
technology,inspiringpositive
transformativechangeacross
themaritimesector.
Theprojectstartedoutby
rejectingdieselinitsprototype
sailingvesseltoproveitcould
runwithoutdieselback-up
andtoexploretheissuesthe
marineworldfaces.
■ northdevonmarine.com
SNOW LIMITS CONSULTING
SnowLimitsConsultingwas
startedbyClaireSnowand
focusesontwomainareas:
business-to-business,whereit
helpscustomersthatare
growingsuccessfullymanage
change,andworkingdirectly
withindividualstocreateaCV
thathelpsthemlandtheir
dreamjobandcareercoaching
iftheyaren’tsurewhatthat
dreamjobisorhowtogetit.
AlthoughClairehad
dreamedofrunningherown
business,sheattendedalife
coachingcoursein2018that
ledhertoputthisintoaction.
■ linkedin.com/in/claire-snow/
Thank you to 29 new business entrants
Withsomanyentrantsinthiscategory,thecompetitionwas
overwhelmingandwebelieveallentrantsdeserverecognitionfor
startinganewbusiness,soheretheyare...
➤ HappyWholefoods
➤ Heart,Smoke&Soal
➤ KatherineJanePPA
➤ LittleCityNorthDevon
➤ LittledartFulfilment
➤ TheLynValleyDogHouse
➤ Minigolf2U
➤ NextStepsTutors
THE GROVE INN
TheGroveInnisan
independentvillagepubatthe
heartofthecommunityof
KingsNymptonproviding
locallysourcedfoodanddrink
tobothlocalsandtourists.
Afamilybusiness,withboth
sonsbornsincetheybought
thepubin2003andnow
workingthere,thepubemploys
ateamofthreeandwas
recentlynamed‘SmallBusiness
ApprenticeEmployerofthe
Year2021’byPetroc.
■ thegroveinn.co.uk
LEE HOUSE
AttheheartofLynton,Lee
Houseoffersguestscomfort
andrelaxationinahomefrom-home19thcentury
house.Theatmosphereis
relaxedandpeaceful.
Thefamilybusinessprides
itselfontheserviceitoffersto
guestsandalwaysprovidesa
warmwelcomeandensures
guestsareawareoflocal
activities.Theirgardenhas
wonthreegoldawardsinthe
LyninBloomcompetition.
■ leehouse-lynton.co.uk
WAYMAKERS
WayMakersisacommunity
interestcompanyproviding
supportforneurodiversity,
accessibilityandinclusionfor
autisticpeopleage14+.
Itprovidesspecialist
person-centred,strengthsbasedstrategycoachingto
supportindividualstomanage
challengesandtransitionsin
life;organisationaltrainingin
autismforemployers,HR
professionals,healthandcare
providers,andartsand
community-based
organisations;jobcoachingfor
thosefacingchallengesat
work;andpeersupportgroups
forautisticpeople.
Ithasonepaidemployeeand
threenon-executivedirectors.
■ waymakers.co.uk
➤ NorthDevonTravelClinic
➤ Northleigh
➤ RootNotes
➤ SaltandPepper
➤ SilkCrystalStudio
➤ ThreadLOXX
➤ TiaLeePermanentMakeup
➤ Wilson’sPoultry
16 business action | Spring 2022 | business-action.co.uk
2022 AWARDS
Excellence in Construction
finalists
sponsored by
Weareoneoftheleadingindependentbuildersmerchantsinthe
SouthWestoperatingoutof22locationsacrossDevon,Cornwall
andSomerset.Atourbranchesyou’llfindawiderangeofhigh
qualityproductsinstock,includinglandscaping,plumbingand
heating,decorating,andgeneralbuildingmaterials,aswellas
dedicatedkitchenandbathroomshowrooms.
Ourbranchteamsarehighlyknowledgeableandonhandto
offeranytechnicalassistance,recommendproductsfromour
extensivestock,andassistwithanyprojectsyou’reundertaking.
Whetherit’sourknowledgeableandreliablestaff,orourgreat
rangeofproducts,weaimtogothatextramileforyou;whether
you’rebuilding,maintaining,renovatingorrepairing.
We’redelightedtobeinvolvedinrecognisingalocalheroin
theconstructionindustry,asectorveryrelevanttoourbusiness!
■Visitrgbltd.co.uk
ADVANCED SCAFFOLDING
AdvancedScaffolding(SW)Ltd
providesscaffoldingforall
kindsofworks,predominately
construction,buildingnew
houses/structures,re-roofing,
decorating,generalproperty
maintenance,emergency
scaffoldingduetostorm
damage,fire,flood,etc.
Itistheforemostscaffolding
companyinDevon,withits
maindepotinBarnstapleanda
seconddepotinExeter.It
coversthewholeofDevonand
Cornwall,andhascontracts
takingitallovertheSouthof
EnglandandWales.
■ advancedscaffoldingltd.co.uk
TAYLOR MADE ELECTRICAL
TaylorMadeElectricalin
BarnstapleisrunbyRob
Weatherley,whohas25years’
experienceasanelectrician
and17years’experience
runninghisownfamily
business–HBWeatherley&
Sons.Highlyprofessional,Rob
focusesoncustomerservice.
TaylorMadeisaTrustMark
registeredcontractoranda
NAPITregisteredelectrician.
Projectsrangefrom
agriculturalworkshopsto
listedchurches,milking
parlours,fullassessmentand
wiringoflightindustrialunits
aswellasdomesticrewiring.
■ taylormadeelectrical.co.uk
SWC BUILDERS
SWCBuildersspecialisesinall
aspectsofconstructionand
offersauniquepackageto
design,manageandbuild
almostanythingin-house.
Ithasacloseteamofsix
guyswhoworkfull-timeand
alsocallsuponmanyother
tradestohelpofferacomplete
andcomprehensiveservice.
Ithassupportedanumber
ofstafftobecomeskilled
generalbuildersandtheyare
encouragedtoconstantlylearn
fromthemoreexperienced
builders.Thequalityof its
workreflectsthisapproach.
■ swcbuilders.co.uk
ZW ROOFING
ZWRoofingcoversallaspects
ofroofing,specialisingin
heritageandspecialistleadwork.
Ithasfourfull-timestaffand
pridesitselfonperfection.
Thebusinessisuniquewith
regardstoleadworkwithinand
beyondNorthDevon.Ithas
investedmuchtimeintheskills
andexperiencetooffera
servicenotwidelyavailable,
includingLevel3NVQheritage
inmetalroofing.Itcarriesout
workonbehalfofbuildersand
otherroofingcompaniesand
completesalotofworkon
prestigebuildingsinand
aroundNorthDevon.
■ zwroofing.co.uk
@businessactionm | Spring 2022 | business action 17
2022 HEADER AWARDS
DIAMEDICA
Diamedicadesignsand
manufacturesanaestheticand
respiratoryproductsforlow
resourcesettings.Itsproducts
arerobust,easytooperateand
simpletoservice,soare
appropriateforhealthcare
providersworkingindifficult
environments,whereaccessto
medicaloxygenand/or
electricityislimited.This
enablesthedeliveryofsafe
surgicalcareusingappropriate
technology,in-countrycustomer
serviceandproducttraining.
Diamedicacurrently
providessafeanaesthesiato
someofthepoorestandmost
isolatedpeopleintheworld.
■ diamedica.co.uk
JACKSON & YOUNG
JacksonandYoungconsistsof
threeparts:aworkingartists
studio,anartgalleryandafine
artprintroom,whichis
offeredasaservicetoother
artists.Duringthepandemic,
thispartofthebusiness
flourishedandthewebsite
reallyblossomedwiththe
additionofthefacilityfor
artiststouploadtheirown
artworkonline,24hoursaday.
ArtistsfromallovertheUK
nowuseittoorderprints.
Thebusinessinvestedinits
printingandscanning
equipmenttoremedythelack
ofaservicetoproducehigh
qualityartprintslocally.
■ jacksonandyoung.co.uk
VICTORIA KIFF
Victoriabeganherhairdressing
careerin2009asanapprentice
inasmallsalon.Withminimal
support,shecompletedthe
programmeandprogressedto
herLevel3qualification,
workingintwomoresalonsas
aself-employedstylist.In2013,
Victoriawasofferedaspacein
alocalstoreandopenedThe
HairLoungesaloninMay2014.
Victoria’slatemotherwas
abletowitnessthelaunchof
thebusiness.Sincethen,
Victoriahascontinuedher
learningandtrainingandhas
bloomedasabusinesswoman
andastylist.
■ hairloungebarnstaple.co.uk
International Trade & Exports
finalists
EXTREME CASES
ExtremeCasesdesigns,
manufacturesandsupplies
robustruggedcases,
containersandbackpacksfor
toughenvironmentstoprotect
sensitiveequipmentinthe
field,duringtransitandin
operationformilitaryand
commercialapplications.
Theseareusedworldwide
byUKMoD,theBundeswehr
(GermanArmy),NATOand
EuropeanSpecialForces.Also
frontlineserviceslikeRNLI,
MetPoliceandBorderControl.
■ extreme-cases.com
STANNP
Stannpwasestablishedwiththe
purposeofofferingaselfserviceSaaSsolutionfor
printingandposting,offering
companiesafullydigital,
integratedsolutionfortheir
postalneeds.
Stannpemploys42peoplein
theUKinBarnstapleandthree
peopleintheUSAinDenver.
TheStannp.complatformisa
UKwebsitewithUSand
Canadianversions.Stannp
continuestoexpandandis
recruitingintheUKandUSA.
■ stannp.com
Made in North Devon finalists
MOO FREE CHOCOLATES
MooFreeisafamily-owned
andrunbusinessmaking
award-winningfreefromand
veganchocolateinitsfactoryin
Holsworthy.Itsproductsare
dairyfree,soyafree,glutenfree
anditonlyusesorganicor
RainforestAllianceCocoainits
chocolate.Itdevelopsand
producesitsuniquerecipesfor
theMooFreebrand,whichis
stockedinmostmajor
supermarkets,itsownonline
storeandexportedoverseas.
Italsodevelopsandproduces
chocolateforselectsupermarket
own-brandproducts.
■ moofreechocolates.com
ND PRECISION PRODUCTS
NDPrecisionProductsisa
thrivingthirdgeneration
family-runtoolmakingand
precisionengineering
companybasedinBarnstaple.
TheNDstandsforNorth
Devon,wherethecompanyis
extremelygladtobebased.
NDPP’srangeofservices
includeplasticinjection
mouldmaking,wireerosion,
EDMdrilling,presstool
manufacture,laserwelding,
injectionmoulding,gauge
making,precisionmachining,
high-speedmillingandjigs
andfixturemanufacturing.
■ ndprecisionproducts.co.uk
Young Achiever finalists
TIA LEE
TiajoinedaToni&Guyhair
salonatjust16yearsoldand
wentontotrainasanail
technicianandmake-upartist
togivepeoplethetreatments
theywantedtofeelbeautiful.
Duringashortbreakto
haveherdaughter,Tia
researchedtrainingtodevelop
hercareerfurther.Shealso
movedfromKenttoDevon
and,afterinvestingheavilyin
training,hasrebuilther
clientelebasetoestablisha
thrivingbeautyandmake-up
businessattheageof20.
■ tialeepermanentmakeup.co.uk
WILL & OLI MARTIN
AfterattendingWestBuckland
School,Oliworkedinlogistics
andWilltooklawatuniversity
beforebothreturnedtothe
familye-commercebusiness.
Oliidentifiedanumberof
inefficienciesintheecommerce
worldandstartedidentifying
softwareandimprovingthe
storage,pickandpack
operation(fulfilment).
Wonderingiftheycould
offerthistootherbusinesses,
thebrotherslaunchedLittledart
Fulfilmentandnowhave14
clientsandtwowarehouses.
■ littledartfulfilment.co.uk
THREADLOXX
ThreadLOXXisasmall
businesswithaglobal
presence,manufacturing
solelyfromitsworkshopin
Barnstaple.Thebusinesswas
bornoutoflockdownsandis
nowconsideredabigpartof
thedreadlockcommunity
worldwide,havingsold
thousandsofproductsinthe
pasttwoyears.Italsooffersa
rangeofdreadlockaccessories
madefromvariousmaterials.
ThreadLOXXhasnow
establishedanetworkof
stockistsincludingsixinthe
USAandinAustralia,
NetherlandsandFinland.
■ threadloxx.com
TURNSTYLE DESIGNS
TurnstyleDesignsmanufactures
luxuryhardwareforhigh-end
residential,commercialand
yachtprojects.Itisnowoneof
thebiggestluxuryhardware
manufacturersandhasbuilta
globalreputation.
Itproducesabroadpalette
ofproducts,usingawidechoice
ofmaterialsincludinghandstitchedleather,machinedand
hammeredbrassware,aswellas
itsowncompositecalled
Amalfine TM .Italsousesarange
ofcustommaterialsincluding
glass,shellandtimber.
Theteamtakespridein
producingsomeoftheworld’s
finestdoorandcabinethardware.
■ turnstyledesigns.com
GEORGE ROBINSON
George’ssecondseason
workingforaskicompanyin
theItalianAlpswascutshort
bythepandemicwhenhe
returnedhomeandstarted
workinginthefamily
business,SoSweet,whichhas
sixsweetstoresinDevon.
Withtheshopsimpactedby
lockdown,Georgelearntweb
sitedesignanddevelopmentto
buildtheSoSweetwebsite.
SinceApril2020,thesitehas
generated£3millionoforders
andthebusinesshasattracted
700,000followersonTikTok.
Attheageof21,George
nowemployssevenstaffto
supporthim.
■ sosweetshop.co.uk
18 business action | Spring 2022 | business-action.co.uk
COASTAL CABINS
CoastalCabinsoffersluxury
glampingaccommodationin
Hartland.Inresponsetothe
challengesofthepandemic,it
developeditsuseofsocial
media,especiallyInstagram
whereitattractssome20,000
followers,alongsideworking
withinfluentialbloggers.
Itattracts85%ofbookings
directthroughitswebsiteand
isworkingtodevelopitsonline
presencefurtherwithmore
tailoredcontentforitsguests
andvisitorstoNorthDevon.
■ coastal-cabins.com
THE HAIR LOUNGE
Duringlockdowns,Victoria
Kiffcreatedtutorialsonhow
clientscouldmanagetheir
hairwhiletheywereunableto
visitTheHairLounge.
Victoriausesarangeof
digitaltools,includingTimely
forappointmentmanagement,
Zettleforpayments,Xerofor
accountingandSmartMixby
PrecisionColourtominimise
wastedcolourchemicalsand
recordclients’colourrecords.
■ hairloungebarnstaple.co.uk
2022 HEADER AWARDS
Digital & Online Achievement
finalists
sponsored by
Your local web design and digital marketing company
PeakOnlineprovidessuperbwebdesigntosuitallbudgets,from
ourmostsimpletemplatedwebsitestocustomisedWordPress
designs–whateveryourbusinessneeds,wecanhelpyoufinda
solution.WearetheleadersofwebdesigninNorthDevonand
supportclientsinawiderangeofindustrieswithvaryingneeds.
BasedinBidefordandservingbusinessesfromIlfracombeto
SouthMolton,ClovellytoCrediton,weofferwebdesignandan
assortmentofdigitalmarketingservices–SEO,SocialMedia,Pay
PerClick(PPC),andemailmarketing.
Customerserviceisalwaystopofouragendaandwestriveto
makeyourexperienceofwebdesignanddigitalmarketingas
straightforwardandasfluidaspossible.
Discounted services for charities
Didyouknowthatifyouarearegisteredcharity,PeakOnlinecan
offeryoua20%discountonallourservices?
Wealreadyprovideservicestothreelocal‘Mind’sinSouth
Walesandlookforwardtoextendingoursupporttocharitiesin
NorthDevon.Welovetoprovidesupporttothosetohelpothers
inourlocalcommunities!
■ peak-online.uk
LITTLEDART FULFILMENT
LittledartinWitheridge
providesbespokeecommerce
fulfilment,whichincludes
supplyingthewarehouse,
pickingteamandshipping
contactstomakesureordersgo
outaswellasatop-of-the-line
systembackedbyseriously
clevertechnologytomakesure
theorderscomein.
Spunofffromthefamily
business,itisrunbybrothers
OliandWillMartin,bothin
their20s.
■ littledartfulfilment.co.uk
STANNP
Stannpwasincorporatedin
June2014withthepurposeof
offeringaSaaSsolutionfor
directmail,providingafully
digital,integratedsolutionfor
clients’directmailneeds.
Stannphasdisruptedthe
directmailindustryby
developingitsownsoftware
enablingcustomerstodesign
postcards,lettersandgreeting
cardswithpowerfulmail
mergetoolsandbuilt-in
tracking.
■ stannp.com
@businessactionm | Spring 2022 | business action 19
EARTH FRIENDLY FOODWARE
EarthFriendlyFoodware
suppliescompostable‘foodand
drinktogo’packagingand‘hot’
composterstoUKandEuropean
businesses,schoolsandcharities.
Anunderpinningbusiness
valueistheenvironment.The
businessaimistointroduce
alternativestooil-basedplastic
insingle-usehospitalitysettings.
Itsuppliesonlycompostable
packagingproductsmadefrom
plants,accreditedundera
Britishstandardandcarrying
theOKCompostkitemark.
■ earthfriendlyfoodware.co.uk
PURA VIDA STORES
PuraVidaStoresprovidean
eco-friendlyshopping
alternative.Itopeneditsecofriendlyandplastic-freeshop
inGammonWalk,Barnstaple
inDecember2020toprovidea
widerangeofproductsto
meethomelivingneeds.
Itaimstobeaswastefree
andethicalaspossible,
sourcingproductslocallyand
ensuringproductssourced
furtherafieldarefairtrade
andethicallyproduced.Itis
2022 AWARDS
Sustainable Business finalists
sponsored by
TheNorthDevonUNESCOBiospherewasthefirstofsevensuch
designatedareasintheUKwiththepurposeofsecuringabetter
futurebylinkingpeopleandnature.Asmanybusinessesdepend
onandbenefitfromthebiosphere’sspecialqualities,businesses
havearesponsibilitytohelppreserveandregeneratethe
landscapeandenvironment.
ReachingtotheheightsofDartmoorandExmoorandviathe
seatoLundy,NorthDevon’sBiosphereReserveisoneof621
Reservesin117countriesdesignated.
Developingpartnershipsandmanagingprojectsfora
sustainablefutureinNorthDevon,TheNorthDevonBiosphere
teamworktomaintainourworldclassenvironmentandthehigh
qualityoflifewegetfromit.Weareheretohelpandadviseand
facilitatepartnershipsandprojects.
■ northdevonbiosphere.org.uk
committedtosourcingcruelty
andchemical-freebeautyand
cleaningproducts.
■ puravidastores.co.uk
ST MICHAEL’S NURSERY
StMichael’sNurserywelcomes
childrenagedthreemonthsto
fouryears.Itscaring,
experiencedanddedicated
teamof28includesrolesfrom
nurserynursetoapprentice,
sendco,mathschampion,eco
teamrepresentativeand
outdoorlearning.Ithasan
educationalprogrammeforits
childrentolearnandwonder
abouttheenvironmentandhas
achievedSurfersAgainstSewage
‘Plastic-FreeNursery’status.
■ stmichaels-nursery.org
YAFFLE & BOSK
Yaffle&Boskproduces
beautifulmade-to-order
diningtablesusingUK-grown
hardwoodsfromDevon-based
sawmills.Sometablesmay
travelfewerthan50miles
fromtreetofinishedproduct.
OwnerandcarpenterRob
Williamsuseslocalsuppliers
andindependentswhereverhe
canandisestablishingthis
newbrand.Hisaimistomake
andsellhigh-quality,lowvolumefurniturethatwilllast
manylifetimesandpromote
theuseofthefantastic
resourceswehaveavailableon
outdoorstepinNorthDevon.
■ yaffleandbosk.com
Holiday getaways from the
South West’s leading self-catering lettings agency
MarsdensDevonCottagesis
anindependentfamily
businesswhichstartedin
1973.We’vegrownalotsince
theearlydaysoflettingour
firstself-cateringholiday
cottages,butourpromiseto
providetheverybestservice–
aswellasafantasticrangeof
greatplacestostay–hasn’t
changedonebit.Aseveryyear
goesby,ourexperience
continuestogrow.
Local knowledge to help you
choose the perfect holiday let
Ourofficeisinthepretty
NorthDevonvillageof
Braunton,whichisclosetothe
beachesatSaunton,Croyde
andWoolacombe.Mostofour
stafflivelocallyandmanyof
themhavebeenwithusfora
numberofyears.Thismeans
theyknowtheareawell,have
visitedmanyoftheproperties
themselvesandcanofferwell
informedrecommendations.
Justask!
sponsor of the
Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism
Award 2002
Ofcourseourknowledge
extendsfarbeyondBraunton
andthebeachesofNorth
Devon.Allourpropertiesare
visitedandinspectedbyour
staffregularlysowecan
usuallyansweranyquestions
youmayhaveabouta
particularproperty.Ifwedon’t
knowtheanswerourselves
thenit’sneveraproblemtoget
intouchwiththeproperty
owners.Weenjoygood
relationshipswithallour
owners.
Our assurance that your
holiday cottage will be all you
hoped for
Weareproudofourportfolio
ofover350properties.
However,thatmeansnothing
withoutyourapproval.To
makesuretheholiday
accommodationweprovide
meets–andexceeds–your
highexpectations,ourinhouseassessorsworktostrict
criteriatoensureafairand
accuratestargrading
throughoutourwhole
portfolio.Whetheraproperty
issmallorsimple,largeor
luxuriousorahomefrom
home,allourpropertiesmeet
ourstringentMinimumEntry
Requirements(MER).
Whenyoustaywithuswe’ll
askyoutofillinashort
questionnaireafteryourstay
toprovideuswithyour
feedbackonwhatyoulikedor
dislikedaboutaproperty.Soif
there’ssomethingyouthinkwe
candotoimprove,letusknow.
Itwillhelptomakeusbetter.
Gotanyquestions?Getin
touchwiththeteamon01271
813777oremailusat
devon@marsdens.co.uk
20 business action | Spring 2022 | business-action.co.uk
2022 AWARDS
Our North Devon Business Awards 2022 judges: (from left) Rod Martin, Rachael Taylor, Mike Matthews, Frank Stone, Susie Kevern and Vic Mahajan
Awards judges assess high quality entries
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS
Susie Kevern
Pound Lane
Financial Management
SusieKevernisachartered
managementaccountantwith
20years’experienceworkingin
businesseslargeandsmall.
Overthepast10yearsshehas
builtanindependent
consultancyadvisinggrowing
businessesonmanagingtheir
financestosecurehealthy
profitsandstablecashflow.
Currently,herclients
includenationallyrecognised
brandsaswellaslocal
businesses,insectorsranging
fromprofessionalservices
firmstomanufacturingand
retailbusinesses.
■ Details07801199671or
poundlane.co.uk
MANUFACTURING
Vikas Mahajan
Aramis Rugby
VikasMahajanfounded
AramisRugby(Europe)in
2000andofficiallytookonthe
roleofleadingAramisRugby
Ltd(worldwide)inAugust2013.
BorninIndia,Vikasisthe
thirdgenerationinafamily
businessestablishedsince
1927.Hegraduatedfrom
universitywithadegreein
Economics,Businessand
Accountancy.Inthemidnineties,heattainedaMaster’s
degreeinInternational
Businesswithspecialisationin
tradewiththeEuropean
Union.Hethentrainedwith
LufthansaAirlinesatits
CustomerLoyaltyprogramme
divisioninNewDelhi.Inthe
late1990s,heattainedhis
secondMaster’sdegreein
BusinessAdministration
(MBA)fromBremen
University,Germanywitha
specialisationinGlobal
Managementand
Linda Middleton-Jones
Entrepreneurship.Today,allof
AramisRugbyscrum
machinessoldworldwideare
manufacturedatitsfactoryin
SouthMolton,Devonand
thenexportedworldwide.
■ Details01769550284or
aramisrugby.co.uk
PERSONAL FINANCE
Rod Martin
Together Financial Solutions
RodMartinbeganhiscareerin
financeover25yearsagoand
workedformanyyearsinthe
propertyinvestmentindustry
inLondon.Hethenmovedin
tothebankingsector,spending
severalyearsworkingwithin
themortgagesandwealth
managementsectorsduring
whichtimehealsoranhisown
businessesbothintheUKand
overseaspropertymarkets.
Rodisnowhappilysettled
backinDevonwhereheworks
withTogetherFinancialin
Barnstaplelookingafterclients’
pensionsandinvestmentsasa
financialplanningadviser.
■ Details01271346123or
togetherfinancialsolutions.co.uk
TECHNOLOGY
Mike Matthews
Lineal Software Solutions
MikeMatthewsismanaging
directorofBarnstaple-based
LinealSoftwareSolutions,
whichbeganinthe1980sasa
businessapplicationsoftware
provider(accounts,stock,
MRP),andhasgrownto
becomeacomprehensive,
multidisciplinaryITcompany
withateamof25+employees.
Mikeisformerchairmanof
theNorthDevonFederationof
SmallBusinesses(FSB)and
takesakeeninterestin
supportingNorthDevon’slocal
businessesandeconomy.Heis
afrequentspeakeratbusiness
eventsacrosstheregion.
■ Details01271375999or
lineal.co.uk
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Linda Middleton-Jones
International Trade Matters
LindaMiddleton-Jonesisthe
founderandmanagingdirector
ofInternationalTradeMatters.
SheiswellknowninNorth
Devonforherworkwiththe
NorthDevonManufacturing
AssociationandSWMAS.
Hercompanyadviseson
internationalstrategicgrowth
planstoaccessnewmarkets,
compliancechecks,auditsand
authorisations.Lindaisalso
chairmanoftheAcademic
BoardoftheInstituteofExport
andadirectoratDevonand
PlymouthChamberof
Commerce.
■ Details01398332881or
internationaltradematters.com
DESIGN
Helen Pedlar
Frank Stone
Kameleon
FrankStoneisacreative
thinkerwhostartedoutonthe
designtrailin1994,launching
hisfirstbusiness20yearsago,
andcurrentlydirectorof
KameleoninBarnstaple.
Withnoformaltrainingor
qualifications,Frankhas
establishedabusinessbuilton
strongreputation,long-term
workingrelationshipsand
excellentcustomerservice,
resultinginamixofclients
largeandsmall,local,national
andinternational,someof
whomhavebeenwithhim
since1999!
■ Details01271634417or
kameleondigital.uk
RETAIL
Helen Pedlar
Pedlars of Ilfracombe
HelenPedlarispartofa150-
year-oldIlfracombefamily
business,nowinitssixth
generation.Helen’s
involvementwiththestore
startedatanearlyagebefore
shetookabreaktostudy
Textilesatuniversity.Todaythe
businessischaracterisedbyits
friendlyandhelpfulstaffwho
arehappytobeofassistance
andalwayspreparedtogothat
extramiletoensurecustomer
satisfaction.
■ DetailsatFacebook
@pedlarsofilfracombe
BUSINESS FINANCE
Rachael Taylor
SWIG Finance
RachaelTaylorhasbeenin
financeforthepast22years,
movingtoNorthDevonin
2007whereshewasalocal
commercialmanagerfor
LloydsBank.
In2019shestartedwith
SWIGFinanceasbusiness
managercoveringDevon
whereshecontinuesto
supportSMEswiththeir
businesses.
■ Details01872223883or
swigfinance.co.uk
@businessactionm | Spring 2022 | business action 21