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