Business Action | Summer 2022

usiness
ACTION
north enterprise
devon
growth
innovation
news & views
BOOK YOUR STAND AT
BBxpo
BIDEFORD
BUSINESS • BOOST • EXPO
business-action.co.uk | Summer 2022 | @businessactionm

CONTENTS WELCOME HEADER
business
ACTION
EXPANDING & DEVELOPING
FROM YOUR EDITOR
Robert Zarywacz
Editor & Publisher
t: 07971 176044
e: robertz@business-action.co.uk
@robertz
CONTENTS
Behind the scenes
Thereisalwayssomething
beingpreparedinthe
background,oftennotvisibleto
thepublic.
ThisphotobyHarleigh
Taylorcapturesmefittingmy
microphoneinpreparationto
hosttheBusinessActionNorth
DevonBusinessAwards2022at
theLandmarkTheatre,
Ilfracombeon19May.
Ilikethisphotobecauseit
sumsupsomuchoftheunseen
preparationthatweundertake
forthemagazine,eventsand
otheractivities.Thisiswhat
providesthebuzzwhena
projectcomestofruitionandis
launchedtothepublic.
Vol 4 Issue 2 – Summer 2022 – distribution 2,000
Welcome................................................................................................................. ii
From South Molton to Rugby World Cup France 2023....................... 1
North Devon biggest business exhibition returns – BBxpo........... 2
Business directory: Find products and services................................. 3
News: Manufacturer appoints new director............................................ 4
News: Facilities group wins military air base contract ..................... 4
News: Family firm supplies British carpets and beds........................ 5
News: Ghost walks in rain or shine............................................................ 5
Sustainability: Resource simplifies sustainability process............ 6
Environment: Welcoming Biosphere Business VIPs.......................... 7
Support: Help to thrive..................................................................................... 8
Charity: Children’s hospice in search for bear necessities............. 8
Support: Grants for new or start-up businesses.................................. 9
Support: Support to recover, adapt and thrive...................................... 9
Support: Support for people facing barriers to business................ 9
Awards: Awards and accreditations for your business.................... 10
Awards: Made in Britain................................................................................... 10
Awards: Queen’s Award for Enterprise.................................................... 10
Awards: North Devon Manufacturing Awards 2022............................ 10
Awards: Business Action North Devon Business Awards 2022.... 11
Support: HI to Thrive supports young people into work................... 25
News: Supplies for school garden project.............................................. 25
News: Builders merchants chooses RNLI as annual charity.......... 25
A productive six months
Thefirsthalfof2022hasbeen
remarkablyproductive.
Atlast,wewereabletorun
thecompletebusinessawards
programmeincludingabig
celebratoryevent.
Wealsopublishedourfirst
magazinesupplementandwe
areonceagainorganising
businessevents.
Collaboration is key
Toexpandanddevelopour
activities,werequiremore
resources.Everythingwedois
supportedbymylongestablishedZarywacz
partnershipwithmybrother
Simon.Wearenowaddingto
thisthroughcollaborationwith
trustedpartners.
Business Awards
TheNorthDevonBusiness
AwardsCelebrationcouldnot
havehappenedwithoutthe
helpofmanysupporters
thankedonpage11.
Wespecificallywantto
thankvolunteersonthenight–
ClareFlint,SarahLockand
AdamLock–andHarleigh
Taylorforphotographyandlive
socialmediasupport.
Readallabouttheevent,the
awardsandwinnersonpages
11to24.
Business Boost supplement
Followingadiscussionwith
SusieKevernofPoundLane
FinancialManagement,
togetherwehaveproduced
BusinessBoost–TheNorth
DevonStartup&Business
DevelopmentGuide2022.
Intendedasareferencework
foranyoneinNorthDevon
lookingtostartordeveloptheir
business,thisisthefirstofa
numberofplannedmagazine
supplementsonspecifictopics.
Weinviteapproachesfrom
businesseskeentosponsora
supplementfocusingontheir
businesssector.
CollaboratingwithSusieon
thiswasadelightandwehope
youfindthispublicationuseful.
■ ReadBusinessBoostin
printoronlineatbusinessaction.co.uk/business-boost
BBxpo exhibition
Afteratwo-yeargapduetothe
pandemic,wearedelightedto
beorganisingourthird
businessexhibition,Business
BoostExpo–Bideford,on
Thursday27October.
Againwearedelightedto
welcomeAndrewBowersof
PeakOnlinetotheorganising
teamandtobringyouanother
practicalbusinessevent.
■ ReadallaboutBBxpoon
page2andbookyourstand
spaceatbbxpo.uk
Web site | business-action.co.uk
Online version | business-action.uk
t: 07971 176044
Design & production by
© Need it Find it 2022. All information in this magazine is published in good faith. Any views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, Need it Find it. Articles
included in this supplement do not constitute business advice. Readers are strongly recommended to seek advice from an appropriate professional before taking any action
on any topic discussed in the supplement and to check full terms and conditions of any products or services promoted in advertisements.
ii
business action | Summer 2022 | business-action.co.uk

HEADER NEWS
A question of sport: (from left) France 2023 chief executive officer Claude Atcher, former England international Will Greenwood,
chairman World Rugby Sir Bill Beaumont, Mark Pawsey MP and Aramis Rugby chief executive officer Vikas Mahajan answer questions on Rugby World Cup France 2023
The France 2023 Organising
Committeehasannounced
thatAramisRugby,afamilyrunbusinessbasedinSouth
Molton,hasbeenappointedas
OfficialSupporterofRugby
WorldCup2023.
AramisRugbywillprovide
training,groundsandfitness
equipment,includingthe
world’smostadvanceddigital
analyticalscrummachines,to
the20participatingteamsat
RugbyWorldCup2023.
DevelopedwithAramisRugby’s
unrivalledmanufacturing
expertiseandinvestmentsin
R&D,theground-breaking
innovationofferspreviously
unavailableindividualand
scrumunitdatatogive
coachingteamsanalytical
insightintotrainingand
physicalscrumperformance.
ClaudeAtcher,France2023
chiefexecutiveofficer,said:“I
amthrilledtowelcomeAramis
RugbyonboardasanOfficial
SupporterofRugbyWorldCup
2023.Providingthe
participatingnationswiththe
mostadvancedtraining
equipmentavailableisofthe
upmostimportanceforthe
organisingcommittee.Through
AramisRugby’sinnovative
technology,all660playersof
thenextRugbyWorldCupwill
haveeverythingtheyneedto
performontheworld’sbiggest
rugbystage.”
VikasMahajan,founderand
chiefexecutiveofficerof
AramisRugby,said:“Being
namedasOfficialSupporterof
RugbyWorldCup2023isthe
biggestmilestonetodatefor
AramisRugby,andonethatwe
arehugelyproudtoachieve.At
theforefrontofourbusinessis
investinginworld-leading
technologytoprovideplayers,
clubsandthesportwiththe
From South Molton
to Rugby World Cup
France 2023
Manufacturing is a key industry in the North Devon economy and
Aramis Rugby in South Molton is flying the flag for the area and for
Britain after being appointed an Official Supporter of Rugby World
Cup France 2023. Business Action editor Robert Zarywacz attended
a reception at the House of Commons where key figures in the
international rugby world celebrated the official announcement
At the heart of the scrum: (from left) Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi
Sunak and former England rugby star Will Greenwood
best-in-classtrainingequipment.
Wearehonouredtobeableto
bringthislevelofinnovationto
thebiggestsportingstagein
rugbyandareveryexcitedto
seewhatFrance2023willhold.”
Theoriginalfamilybusiness
wasestablishedinIndiain1927
The world’s most advanced digital analytical scrum machine: (from left)
Ryan Mahajan, Ajay Mahajan, Rishi Sunak, Will Greenwood, Selaine Saxby,
Roshni Mahajan, Sir Bill Beaumont, Vikas Mahajan and Claude Atcher
andfirstmanufacturedhockey
sticksfortheOlympicsteam
beforemakingcricketbats.The
presentcompany,foundedin
2003byVikasandRoshni
Mahajan,isoneoftheworld’s
leadingmanufacturersofrugby
equipment,whichincludes
scrummachines,balls,training
equipmentandhighperformancekitandclothing,
andisoneofonlyafewrugby
equipmentbrandsto
manufactureitsowngoods.
AramisRugbyisproudofits
Indianheritageandoperatesits
manufacturingprocessesfrom
bothitsfamilyfactoryin
PunjabanditsSouthMolton
headquarters.
FormerEngland
internationalWillGreenwood,
commented:“Havingcoached
andplayedatRugbyWorld
Cups,Ifullyunderstandthe
needfornewinnovative
coachingmethodsand
practicestodevelopawinning
team.AramisRugby’sdigital
scrummachineisoneofthose
innovationsthatcanhelp
playersandcoachesreachthe
nextlevelbyprovidingthem
withanewlevelofinsightinto
performanceandisthereforefit
forthebiggeststageinrugby.”
■ RugbyWorldCup2023will
takeplaceinFrancefrom8
Septemberto28October2023
atninevenuesacross10cities.
Detailsfrance2023.rugby
■ Inadditiontosupplyingtop
classrugbyteamsboth
internationallyandintheUK,
AramisRugbyisastaunch
supporteroftheNorthDevon
businesscommunityandfor
threeyearsfounderandchief
executiveofficerVikasMahajan
hasvolunteeredasajudgein
BusinessAction’sNorth
DevonBusinessAwards.
Detailsaramisrugby.co.uk
@businessactionm | Summer 2022 | business action 1

EXHIBITION NEWS
North Devon’s biggest exhibition returns
BBxpo,NorthDevon’slargest
independentbusiness
exhibition,returnsafteran
absenceoftwoyearson
Thursday27OctoberatDevon
Hall,BidefordCollege.
Business Boost branding
OriginallynamedBideford
BusinessExpo,theevent,
whichfastbecameknownas
BBxpo,hasbeenrebrandedas
BusinessBoostExpo–Bideford
tomatchcomplementary
activities,includingthe
BusinessBoostStartup&
BusinessDevelopmentGuide,
allaimedatsupportingNorth
Devonbusinesses.
ThiswillbethethirdBBxpo
exhibition,followingthe2018
BBxpo 2019: (from left) Google Digital Garage
trainer Silvia Paloschi and Robert Zarywacz
The way we were: exhibitors at BBxpo Bideford at the last exhibition before lockdowns in October 2019
BBxpo
BIDEFORD
BUSINESS • BOOST • EXPO
and2019eventsand
cancellationofthe2020and
2021eventsinthepandemic.
Successful exhibition format
The2022eventwillrepeatthe
previouslysuccessfulformula
ofstandsrepresenting
businessesfromacrossDevon,
aprogrammeofworkshopsand
/ortalksplusthe
freelate-lunch
networkingbuffetfor
exhibitorsand
visitors.
Detailsarebeing
finalisednowand
willbepublishedon
thededicatedevent
website.
Affordable
promotion
BBxpo’saimsremain
thesame:toprovide
effectiveand
affordableexhibitionand
promotionalopportunitiesfor
allNorthDevonbusinesses.
Withstand
spacestartingat
£85–withinreach
ofanybusiness–
everyexhibitor
receivesabusiness
profileinBusiness
Actionmagazine
andontheBBxpo
exhibitionwebsite
plussocialmedia
posts.
Whatother
NorthDevon
businesseventcan
matchthis?
Organising team
AsNeeditFinditandBusiness
Actionactivitiesexpandin
bothscopeandsize,weare
collaboratingwithtrusted
partnerstomaintainthequality
ofeverythingwedo.
JoiningorganiserRobert
ZarywaczandtheZarywacz
partnership,whichprovidesso
muchofthesupportforthis
event,isAndrewBowersof
PeakOnline.Andrewexhibited
atBBxpoin2019andisan
enthusiasticsupporter,soitisa
delighttowelcomehimaboard
theorganisingteamfor2022.
■ Fordetailsandtobook
exhibitionspace,visitbbxpo.uk
Andrew Bowers of Peak Online is coming on board
the BBxpo organising team
Book stand space now
Bookyourexhibitionstand
spaceandservicesnowonline
formaximumbenefit.
Book at BBXPO.UK
Need it
Find it
4 copies of Business Action
magazine posted to you,
12-month online listing
& 4 business listings
for £30 per year
Book at needitfindit.uk
HERE
2 business action | Summer 2022 | business-action.co.uk

DIRECTORY
ACCOUNTANTS
Cranford Business Services
Bideford
t: 01237 488077
w: accountsindevon.co.uk
JD Accountants (South West) Ltd
Barnstaple
t: 01271 378606
AESTHETIC CLINICS
Orchard Clinic
Bideford
w: orchardclinic.net
ANTIQUE MAPS & CHARTS
Old Folding Maps
South Molton
t: 01769 573935
w: foldingmaps.co.uk
BRANDING & DESIGN
Boom Boom Media
Barnstaple
t: 01271 326694
w: boomboommedia.co.uk
BrandLanterns
Barnstaple
t: 01271 372620
w: brandlanterns.co.uk
BREWERY
Combe Brewing Company
Ilfracombe
t: 07973 488409
w: facebook.com/
CombeBrewingCompany
GT Ales
Chivenor
t: 01271 267420
w: gtales.co.uk
BUILDING SUPPLIES
Heritage Cob and Lime
Bideford
t: 01237 477431
w: heritagecobandlime.com
RGB Building Supplies
Branches in Barnstaple, Bideford,
Hatherleigh, Holsworthy,
Ilfracombe, Okehampton, South
Molton, Tiverton
w: rgbltd.co.uk
BUSINESS ADVISORS
Pound Lane Financial Management
North Devon
t: 07801 199671
w: poundlane.co.uk
BUSINESS SUPPORT
Be Ready Employer Hub
Devon
t: 01392 241124
w: readydevon.org.uk
GetSet Adapt
Devon
t: 0800 587 7707
w: getsetfrogrowth.com/getset-adapt
OutSet Start
Devon
t: 0800 500 3017
w: devon.ytko.com/communityrenewal-fund
CAR SALES & SERVICING
Blights Motors
Bideford
t: 01237 472282
w: blightsmotors.co.uk
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
James Doble Commercial
North Devon
t: 01237 424053
w: jd-commercial.co.uk
CONSTRUCTION
Advanced Scaffolding
Barnstaple
t: 01271 321100
w: advancedscaffoldingltd.co.uk
COPIERS & PRINTERS
Clarity Copiers North Devon
Barnstaple & North Devon
t: 01271 374061
w: claritynorthdevon.co.uk
COPYWRITING & MARKETING
Zarywacz
North Devon & UK
t: 01271 879100
w: z2z.com
COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
Devon Counselling Training
Barnstaple
t: 07522 841009
w: devoncounsellingtraining.co.uk
North Devon Counselling
Barnstaple
t: 07872 501606
w: northdevoncounselling.co.uk
DIGITAL & WEB SITES
Kameleon
Barnstaple
t: 01271 375100
w: kameleondigital.uk
Peak Online
Bideford
t: 01237 721256
w: peak-online.uk
DINING
Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 863482
w: terracetapasbar.co.uk
The Royal George
Appledore
t: 01237 424 138
w: trgpub.co.uk
ENVIRONMENT
North Devon Biosphere
North Devon
t: 01392 388647
w: northdevonbiosphere.org.uk
FINANCE
SWIG Finance
North Devon & South West
t: 01872 227 932
w: swigfinance.co.uk
FINANCIAL ADVISERS
D Scott Financial
Bideford
t: 01237 426450
w: dscottfinancial.co.uk
Philip J Milton & Co Plc
Barnstaple
t: 01271 344300
w: miltonpj.net
GARDENING & LANDSCAPING
AB SEA Services
Torrington
t: 07799 478318
w: abseaservices.com
HEALTH & SAFETY
Safety Supplies Direct
Barnstaple
t: 01271 377558
w: safetysuppliesdirect.co.uk
HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Marsdens Devon Cottages
North Devon
t: 01271 813777
w: marsdens.co.uk
HOTELS
The Carlton
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 862446
w: ilfracombecarlton.co.uk
HUMAN RESOURCES
Fitzgerald HR
Barnstaple, Exeter, London &
Wellington
t: 01271 859267
w: fitzgeraldhr.co.uk
INSURANCE
Together Insurance Solutions
Barnstaple
t: 01271 347147
w: togetherinsurancesolutions.co.uk
INTERNATIONAL TRADE SUPPORT
International Trade Matters Ltd
Bampton
t: 01398 332881
w: internationaltradematters.com
IT
Lineal Software Solutions
Barnstaple
t: 01271 375999
w: lineal.co.uk
JOINERY & CARPENTRY
Bespoke Timber Joinery &
Carpentry
Barnstaple
t: 01271 603411
w: bespoketimberjc.co.uk
LOCKSMITHS
SW Locksmiths
Holsworthy / Bude
t: 01409 255533
w: swlocksmiths.com
MANUFACTURERS
The Clovelly Soap Company
Clovelly
t: 01237 432280
w: theclovellysoapcompany.com
Smart Manufacturing
Bideford
t: 01237 471977
w: smart-manufacturing.co.uk
MASSAGE & BEAUTY
Essential Bodyworkx
South Molton
t: 01769 574474
w: essentialbodyworkx.co.uk
NETWORKING GROUPS
Business Networking in Barnstaple
Barnstaple
t: 0843 289 1339
w: bnibarnstaple.co.uk
North Devon Networking Group
Barnstaple
w: northdevonnetworking.co.uk
Torridge Business Network
Westward Ho!
w: torridgebusinessnetwork.co.uk
OFFICE SUPPLIES
South West Office Supplies
North Devon
t: 01271 889337
w: swofficesupplies.co.uk
➤ Listinginfourissuesof
magazinewithbusiness
nameandcategory,phone
number,websiteandtown.
➤ 12-monthonlinelistingat
needitfindit.ukNorth
PACKAGING
Atlas Packaging
Barnstaple
t: 01271 344055
w: atlaspackaging.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tarkatography
Westward Ho!
t: 07977 414798
w: tarkatography.co.uk
PRINTING
Jamaica Press
Buckland Brewer
t: 01237 452333
w: jamaicapress.co.uk
RECRUITMENT
Cooper Golding
Barnstaple
t: 01271 349745
w: coopergolding.co.uk
RETAILERS
Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 867193
w: ilfracombechocolateemporium.co.uk
Pedlars
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 863509
w: Facebook @pedlarsofilfracombe
SHEDS
SHEDS 4 you
Bideford
t: 01237 459193
w: sheds4you.co.uk
SIGNS
Doubleuprint
Barnstaple
t: 01271 268 041 / 07866 420436
w: doubleuprint.co.uk
The Sign Maker
High Bickington
t: 01769 561355
w: sign-maker.net
SOLICITORS
Slee Blackwell Solicitors
Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton,
South Molton
t: 0808 139 1606
w: sleeblackwell.co.uk
SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Aramis Rugby
South Molton
t: 01769 550284
w: aramisrugby.co.uk
TRAVEL AGENTS
Clare Flint – Travel Counsellors
North Devon & UK
t: 01271 828990
w: travelcounsellors.co.uk/clare.flint
WILLS
Wills at Home
West Yelland
t: 01271 860105
w: wills-athome.co.uk
BOOK YOUR £30 LISTING NOW AT needitfindit.uk
DevonBusinessDirectory
withbusinessnameand
category,logo,phone
number,addressandlinks.
➤ 4issuesofmagazinemailed
directtoyourUKaddress.
@businessactionm | Summer 2022 | business action 3

FEEL ELECTRIC
TRADE UP, PLUG IN
AT BLIGHTS MOTORS
TCi,whichspecialisesin
commercialandindustrial
new-buildconstruction,
interiorfit-outand
refurbishment,andofficeand
welfarefurnituresupplyand
installation,hasappointed
CallumBowdentoitsboardas
projectdirector.
Asformerheadof
operations,Callum’sleadership
andteammanagementhave
resultedinexceptionalproject
deliveryandperformancefor
majorclientsacrossthe
business.Callumalreadyheads
uphisowncommercial,project
andsiteteamsforagrowing
portfolioofclientsandhas
beenresponsibleforsecuring
newrepeatbusinessthroughout
histimewiththecompany.
AdrianSealey,chairmanof
TCi(GB)Ltd,says;“Thisisa
significantstepupwardsfor
Callumandrecogniseshis
considerabledevelopmentand
capacity.Overseveralyears
now,Callumhasably
demonstratedhisabilityto
successfullydeliverextremely
NEWS
FAMILY RUN FOR 89 YEARS
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
SALES PARTS SERVICE
RENTAL ESSO FUELS
SPAR CONVENIENCE STORE
TRADE UP...PLUG IN...WITH MG ELECTRIC
TEST DRIVE AN MG NOW!
Manufacturer’s new director
New appointment: (from left) Callum Bowden congratulated by Alex Perkis
Bideford
HANDY CROSS, CLOVELLY ROAD, BIDEFORD, EX39 3ET
01237 472282
www.blightsmotors.co.uk
Facilities group wins military air base contract
Boden Grouphaswonatwoyearcontracttoprovide
facilitiesmanagementservices
toRAFBrizeNortononbehalf
ofVINCIFacilities,aspartof
theFutureDefenceInfrastructureServices(FDIS)Contract.
Asaprincipaldelivery
partner,BodenGroupwill
workcollaborativelywith
VINCIFacilitiestosupport
RAFBrizeNortoninitsability
toproviderapidglobalmobility
insupportofUKoverseas
operationsandexercises.
ThenewFDIScontract
offerstheopportunityto
transformtheapproachto
complexandchallenging
constructionprojects.”
ManagingdirectorAlex
Perkisdescribedthepromotion
as“welldeserved”andwenton
towelcomeCallumtothe
board,congratulatinghimon
behalfofthecompany.
At31,Callumalsobecomes
oneoftheyoungestmembers
oftheboardatTCiandjoins
thenowseven-strongsenior
teamtakingthecompanyto
maintainingtheDefence
estate,whileensuring
statutoryandmandatory
compliance,providingasafe
placeforservicepersonnelto
live,workandtrain.
newheightsasaleading
constructionspecialistand
solutionsprovider.
Callumcommented,“It’sa
greathonourtohavebeen
giventhisopportunityandI
wouldliketothankthe
directorsfortheirmentorship
andsupportingettinghere.It’s
excitingtobeabletobringmy
energyandenthusiasmtothe
nextlevelwhilstbeingrealistic
aboutthehugeresponsibility
BodenGrouphas
establishedastrongreputation
forfacilitiesmanagement
withinthedefencesectorin
theSouthWest.
MikeFaria,VINCIFacilities
placedonme,withgreat
ambitionsforthefutureofmy
department.”
From apprentice to director
Havingstartedasamasonry
apprentice,CallumjoinedTCi
tobecomeatraineesite
managerwhilestudyingat
college,quicklyachieving
successcoordinatingmultiple,
complexandhigh-value
projectsforamajorclient.
Hethenprogressedto
becomeheadofoperations,
skillfullyoverseeingprojectand
siteteamsandliaisingwithkey
clientsofTCithroughoutthe
SouthWest.
Thislatestpromotion
recognisesCallum’shardwork,
dedicationandfocus,and
demonstratesthedevelopmental
careerpathsthatTCiisproud
toadvocate.
DuringhiscareeratTCi,
Callumhasalsowonawardsas
TraineeoftheYearaswellas
beingakeypartofawardwinningprojectsandteams.
■ Details03330220824or
tcigb.co.uk
headofprocurement,
commented,“Wearereally
pleasedtobeworkingwith
BodenGroup,andweare
excitedabouthowtogether,we
candeliverexceptionalservice
totheFDIScontract.”
AndrewBeagley,Boden
Group’smanagingdirector,
commented,“We'redelighted
tohavebeenawardedthis
contractandlookforwardto
workingwithVINCIFacilities
todeliverourobjectivesand
enhancetheend-userand
customerexperience.”
■ Details08456460112or
bodengroup.co.uk
4 business action | Summer 2022 | business-action.co.uk

ENVIRONMENT
Family firm supplies British carpets and beds
North Devonisfortunatetobe
hometomanyindependent
businesses,oftenstartedand
managedbyfamilies.
KingsCarpetsat
Pottington,Barnstapleisa
third-generationfamily
business,startedinIlfracombe
in1963andmovingtoits
presentsitein1969.Laurie
andPeggieHarveystartedthe
business,joinedbytheirson
Martinin1974,whotookover
thereinsbeforepassingthem
ontohisownsonJackHarvey,
nowgeneralmanager.
Jackthoughtaboutworking
inthefamilybusinessinhis
teensandjoinedstraightfrom
school.Heisnowinhis16 th
yearandthoroughlyenjoysthe
interactionwithcustomers.
“Alotofcustomers
continuetosupportusand
somehavebeencomingtous
forover40yearsanddealt
withmygrandad,”saysJack.
Thebusinessadvertises
littleasmostofitscustomers
Jack Harvey, general manager of independent family business Kings Carpets in Barnstaple
It’s sad that many of us assume that much of what we buy is made
overseas. When editor Robert Zarywacz needed new stair carpet,
naturally he chose to purchase from a North Devon independent
business, but was surprised that both carpet and underlay supplied
by Kings Carpets were manufactured in Britain. He decided to find
out more about the firm and the products it supplies
areattractedthroughword-ofmouthrecommendation.
“Honestyiskey.Weteach
staffthathonestyiskeyandto
makesuretheyalwaysgetthe
correctanswerforthe
customer.Wesellquality
productsatareasonableprice,
givegoodcustomerservice
andarereliable.”
Thebusinessnowemploysa
teamofsome20staffwho
togetherrunKingsCarpets,its
adjoiningremnantoutlet
store,theCarpetMill,andits
nearbyBedKingdomstore,
launchedin1976–allthree
storesatPottingtonofferfree
parkingtocustomers.
KingsCarpetsoffersa
rangeofmorethan1,000
carpetandluxuryvinyltile
samplesinitslarge,modern
showroomandJackpointsout
thatupto90%ofthecarpets,
flooring,underlayand
accessoriesitsellsaremadein
Britain.Thishasincreased
fromsome60%beforethe
pandemic.Jacksaysthe
reasonsforthisaretheirhigh
quality,reliability,pricesand
tosupporttheUKeconomy.
Likewise,BedKingdom
suppliessome85%ofBritish
products,includingbeds,
mattresses,frames,
headboards,divansandmore.
Supportinglocalbusinesses
isimportant,butinreturn
thosebusinessesneedto
deliverqualityproductsand
goodservice.That’swhat
KingsCarpetshasdonefor
almost60yearsandwhyJack
sayscustomerstrustit.
■ Details01271374393or
kingscarpetsdevon.co.uk
Bed Kingdom’s showroom stocks a huge selection of beds
Mark Langworthy tells the history of Ilfracombe’s George and Dragon pub
Devon Ghost Tourswasborn
afterMarkLangworthyand
HuetMartels,bothwithalong
historyofinvestigating
reportedlyhauntedlocations,
createdvirtualghostand
historytoursofIlfracombe
duringlockdowns.
Followingpositivefeedback,
thepairhaverecentlylaunched
Ghost walks in rain or shine
thebusinessprovidinginpersontoursaround
IlfracombeandTorrington.The
currentrangeofwalkscovers
Ilfracombe’shighstreet,
harbour,railwayandseafront
andTorrington’sCivilWartrail.
DevonGhostToursalso
Mark Langworthy keeps ghostseekers spellbound in the rain
hostsGhostHunting
Experiencenightswhereyou
canlearnabouttheequipment
usedandhowtoconduct
paranormalinvestigations.
Havingbeensettledsince
theIronAge,Ilfracombeis
steepedinhistorywithtales
fromtheEnglishCivilWar,of
wreckersandsmugglers,and
fromtheVictorianera.
Itsbuildingsandlocations
aresaidtocontinuetoreplay
eventsorhaveresidentspirits
tothisday–seeifit’strueona
walkwithDevonGhostTours.
■ Detailsandbookingat
devonghosttours.com
@businessactionm | Summer 2022 | business action 5

SUSTAINABILITY HEADER
Resource simplifies sustainability process
A new resourceaimstocut
throughthenoiseandprovide
tailoredsupporttobusinesses
ontheirsustainabilityjourney.
TheSustainableBusiness
Resource(SBR)isa
consultancyserviceoperating
aspartofPlasticFreeNorth
Devon,alocalenvironmental
charityonamissiontoprotect
andimproveourenvironment
throughcommunity-ledaction.
BasedinBarnstapleand
workingacrosstheNorth
Devonarea,itoffersbespoke
solutionstosmallandmediumsizedenterprises(SMEs)
lookingtoembracethe
ecologicalandeconomical
benefitsofintegrating
sustainabilityintotheirwork.
TheSBRhasbeensetupby
SteveRoberts,managing
directorofTurnstyleDesigns,a
Barnstaple-basedmanufacturer
ofluxurydoorhardware,anda
directorofStMichael’sNursery
inBarnstaple.
BelowSteveexplainshow
hisownjourneyinspiredhim
toworkwithClaireMoodie,
chiefexecutiveofficerofPlastic
FreeNorthDevon(PFND),to
createtheSBR.
“Irecognised,throughthe
workittookmetomake
sustainableimprovements
withinthetwodiverse
businessesthatIrun,justhow
difficultandtimeconsumingit
isforowner/managersto
navigatethehugeamountof
adviceandinformationthat
thereisoutthereinorderto
makethenecessarychangesto
one’sbusinesspracticestomake
thosebusinessessustainable.
“AtthesametimeIalso
recognisedthehugebenefits
thatmybusinesseshaveenjoyed
asaresultofmedoingthatwork.
Simplifying sustainability: (from left) Steve Roberts, SBR lead sustainability
advisor and Tom Bedwell, SBR sustainability advisor
“Myinitialdrivingforcewas
adesiretoreducethenegative
impactsofmybusinesseson
ourenvironment,but
somethingthatemergedvery
clearlythroughthisprocesswas
thatthereisahugeeconomical
benefitthatcomeswiththose
changestoo.
“Lookingtothefuture,I
thinkitisfairtosaythatthere
isnoeconomicalsustainability
withoutecological
sustainability,andthe
SustainableBusinessResource
isheretoguidebusinessesin
realisingthatgoal.”
Claire,PlasticFreeNorth
Devonchiefexecutiveofficer,
adds:“Weknowincremental
individualchangeisnot
enoughtocreatethesocietal
shiftneededtoreducethe
impactofclimatechangeand
otherenvironmentalchallenges
weface.Thepowerand
opportunityliewithinhowwe
dobusinesswithinour
communities,andrecognising
thetruevalueofbeinga
sustainablebusiness.
“Weareconfidentthatwith
therightsupportwecanhelp
localbusinessestractionthe
changeneededtoprotectand
improveourenvironmentnow
andinthefutureandweare
incrediblyproudtohaveSteve
voluntarilydrivingthisproject
forwardonPFND’sbehalf.”
TheSBRisworkingwitha
broadselectionoforganisations
suchastheNorthDevon
Biosphere,Exeterand
PlymouthUniversities,South
WestManufacturingAdvisory
Service,aswellasmany
specialistconsultantsand
Measuring sustainability success: Tom Bedwell, SBR sustainability advisor
suppliers.Byworkingwiththis
diverserangeofstakeholders,it
isabletocutthroughthe
overloadofinformationthatis
outthereanddirectbusinesses
inthemostefficientway,
helpingthemimproveevery
aspectoftheirbusinessfroma
sustainablepointofview.From
transportationandwaste
managementtoEnvironmental
SocialandGovernance(ESG)
investment,theSBRwill
connectbusinesseswithgrants,
internships,suppliersand
specialistconsultantsrelevant
totheirbusiness.
Full business overview
SBRsupportbeginswithan
overallauditofabusiness,then
devisesandproposesacustombuiltplanoveronetothree
years,startingwiththelowerhangingfruitandmoving
towardsthemorechallenging
areasattheendoftheproject.
Grant support
TheSBRcanassistbusinesses
withanygrantfundingthat
mightbeavailable,introducing
specialistconsultantsand
suppliers,providingtemporary
staffingsolutionswhen
requiredandreturningfor
quarterlyauditstoensure
targetsareachieved.
Analyse success
SBRreportswillmeasure
successinreducingwasteand
carbon,andraisingemployee
andcustomerengagement.
Supportive network
TheSBEwillsendoutcurated
informationrelevanttoa
business,andconnectitwith
otherbusinessesintheirsector
tonetworkandpoolinformation.
■ Detailsthesbr.org.uk
6 business action | Summer 2022 | business-action.co.uk

ENVIRONMENT HEADER
Welcoming Biosphere Business VIPs
How can businesses get involved?
Shop, cafes, restaurants,
bars, visitor attractions and
activity providers
Hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses
and accommodation providers
Create a Biosphere
Sponsored Product
Pickaproductandmarketitas
asponsoredproducttoyour
customers.Itcouldbea
‘BiosphereBiscuit’(20pVIP
donation)orBiosphere
WalkingBoots(witha£2
donation).Itistotallyuptoyou
tobeasimaginativeandquirky
asyoulike.
Opt-in voluntary contribution
Guestsareinvitedtomakea
voluntarycontribution,£1or
£2,whichisaddedtotheirbill
atthepointofbookingortheir
finalinvoice.
Opt-incaneasilybe
incorporatedintoonline
bookingsystemsasa‘booking
extra’oraddedtothefinal
invoice.
Why get involved?
Boost for our Biosphere
Giveyourcustomerstheoption
torounduptheirbillwitha
VIPdonation.Thisisasimple
yeteffectivewayforyour
customerstomakeadifference
totheplacetheyarevisiting.
Entry Ticket Contribution
Ifyourunatouristattraction,
whynotaddasmallticket
entryfee‘levy’–eg50por£1–
tothepriceofeachentry,
whichisdonatedtothe
BiosphereVIPscheme?
Oryoucouldadda
voluntarycontribution(£1or
£2toeachonlineentryticket).
➤ It’saneasywaytogiveback
totheplaceweallbenefit
from.
➤ Youwillbeplayingapartin
thebiosphere’svisionfor
NorthDevon.
➤ Accesstoproject
informationandlogosfor
youtoshareyoureffortsto
protectandimproveNorth
Devontoyourcustomers.
➤ Opportunitytobefeatured
onthenew‘NorthDevon
Explorer’app.
➤ Donationstocharityaretax
deductible.
Every year,theNorthDevon
UNESCOBiospherewelcomes
morethan5millionvisitors
whocometoenjoyitsgolden
sands,ruggedcoastlineand
richheritage.
Thebiosphere’sBusiness
VIPprogrammelinksthe
increasingnumberofvisitors
withthebreadthofworktaking
placewithinthebiosphere,
whichaimstocreateapositive
futureforallbyintroducing
morepeopletotheimportance
ofthelocalenvironment,on
whichnaturedepends.
Thebiosphereisencouraging
visitorstoinvestinthisvision
inthreeways:
➤ Visitthearea
➤ Investinnature
➤ Protecttheenvironment
Visit. Invest. Protect.
AllfundsraisedbytheVIP
programmewillbeusedbythe
NorthDevonUNESCO
Biosphere’sownspecificcharity
togivenatureahelpinghandto
protecttheenvironment.Two
examplesare:
Bring back Ratty!
WaterVoleReintroductionat
BrauntonMarsh–VIP
donationswillhelpfundthe
reintroductionofwatervolesto
BrauntonMarsh,whohave
beenmissingformanyyears.
Why?Becausewatervoles
providenatural‘habitat
engineering’thatbenefitsother
wildlifewholiveonthemarsh.
Devon’s Rainforest
RestoringAncientWoodlands
–VIPdonationswillhelpfund
therestorationofancient
woodlands–thespecial
rainforestswithinthebiosphere.
Why?Toaddresstheclimate
emergency,createhomesfor
therareandspecialplantsand
animalswearesoluckytohave
here,andtohelprestorenature
toitsformerglory.
■ Details01392388647or
northdevonbiosphere.org.uk
@businessactionm | Summer 2022 | business action 7

SUPPORT HEADER
Thriveisaprogrammetohelp
businessesachievetheirfull
potential.
Whetheryouarelookingfor
waystoincreaseyourturnover,
growyourbusinessorjustdo
thingsmoreefficientlysothat
youcanspendmoretimeon
thethingsyouenjoydoing,
Thrivecanhelp.
Ifyouareasoletrader,
microbusinessorlimited
companyinDevon,youcan
contactThrivenowtoseeifyou
areeligibletoaccessfour
modulesofbusinessadvice,
supportandtraining.Funded
bytheEuropeanRegional
Children’s hospice in
search for bear necessities
North Devonissettohostan
excitingpublicartsculpture
trailthisyeardesignedtoraise
vitalfundsandawarenessfor
Children’sHospiceSouthWest
(CHSW).
Thecharity,whichruns
threechildren’shospices,
includingLittleBridgeHouse
inFremington,hasjoined
forceswithTheArtof
FundraisingtocreateaBear
Huntarttrailtorunthrough
SeptemberandOctober.
Someoftheregion’sbestknownlocalartistsare
currentlydecorating25
individualfive-footbearsthat
willformaseriesofminitrails
inandaroundBarnstaple,
Bideford,Torrington,
IlfracombeandSouthMolton.
Aswellashelpingtoraise
theprofileofthehospice,itis
hopedthattheBearHunttrail
willalsobringsignificant
footfallandeconomicbenefit
tothehostlocationsand
surroundingareas.
Help to thrive
DevelopmentFunds(ERDF),
thissupportiscompletelyfree
toeligiblebusinessesinthe
HeartoftheSouthWestarea.
Thriveisabespokeservice
usingspecialistadvisorswho
willworkwithyoutoidentify
whatwouldmosthelpyour
business.
Youwillbeabletoaccess
fourmodulesofsupportwith
eachmodulelastingforthree
hours.Yourfourmodules(or
12hoursintotal)canbemade
CHSWBearHuntproject
coordinatorKateRomosaid:
“We’rereallylookingforward
toseeinghowalltheartists
choosetodecoratetheirbears
andcan’twaittoseethem
formsuchafuntrailfor
peopletofollowinandaround
beautifulNorthDevon.
“Wehopeitwillbehugely
popularwithbothlocalsand
visitors,whoaswellasbeing
abletodiscoverthese
wonderfulpiecesofbearart,
willalsobeabletoenjoy
visitingthetownsandvillages
inwhichtheyarelocated.”
Katesaidtherewereastilla
numberofopportunitiesfor
businessestogetinvolvedin
theproject,includingasatrail
orbearsponsor,orby
becomingasculpturehost.
Bearsareevenavailabletobuy
oradoptataspecialauction
takingplaceinNovember.
“Therearevarious
sponsorshippackages
availablesoifyourbusiness
upofacombinationofthe
followingtosuityourneeds:
➤ Athree-hourreviewmeeting
leadingtoadevelopment
planforyourbusiness
➤ 1-2-1sessionsfocusingon
yourparticularneeds
➤ Webinarsonrelevant
businesstopics
ThroughThrive,abusinesswill
typicallyreceiveone1-2-1
sessionfollowedbyattending
severalworkshopsand
wouldliketoget
involvedoryou’dliketo
findoutmore,we’dlove
tohearfromyou,”adds
Kate.
“TheArtof
Fundraisinghasatrack
recordofdelivering
incrediblepublicarts
eventsthatraise
significantfundsfor
charitiesandother
worthycauses,andwe
hopetheCHSWBear
Huntwillalsoraise
essentialawarenessand
fundstohelpprovide
vitalcareforlocal
families.
“Bygettinginvolved
inthisexcitingproject,
youwillbestanding
alongsidethechildren,
youngpeopleand
familieswhoneedthat
supportthemost.”
■ Tofindoutmoreabouthow
yourbusinesscanget
involved,eitherasaBearHunt
webinars.Sessionsmaybe held
onlineorinperson.
What will it cover?
Topicscaninclude:digital
support;leadership;finance;
humanresources;innovation;
marketing;businessplanning;
roadtoreopening.
Specificagriculturalsupport
isalsoavailable.
InNorthDevon,North
Devon+deliversthesupport.
■ Thriveisnowaccepting
applicationsfrombusinesses.
Pleasefillintheonlineform
toexpressyourinterestat
heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/
thrive/
sponsororbearsculpture
host,callKateRomoon01271
325270oremail
bearhunt@chsw.org.ukorvisit
chswbearhunt.org
8 business action | Summer 2022 | business-action.co.uk

Grants for new or
start-up businesses
SUPPORT HEADER
What could you dowithupto
£10kingrantfundingforyour
start-upornewbusiness?
Buynewkit?
Installnewtechnology?
Hiremorepeople?
Expandyourpremises?
Ifyouareastart-upornew
company,basedinDevon,
whohasbeentradingfor
underthreeyearswithless
than10employees,youcould
boostyourbusinesswitha
grantfromtheStartandGrow
programme.It’llevenhelpyou
tocompletetheapplication
paperworktohelpensureyour
successingainingagrant.
Designedtosupport
businessesintheconstruction,
retail,tourismandleisure
sectors,thegrantsarepartofa
packageofsupportdesigned
tohelpstart-upandnew
businessestobuildtheirskills
andconfidence.
Aswellasthegrants,you
canaccesssupportsessions
withexpertbusinessadvisors
andtrainingworkshopsto
learnnewskillsanditsonline
learningportal.
Grantsarelimited,sogetin
touchnowbycalling0800500
3017orformoreinformation
visitdevon.ytko.com/
community-renewal-fund/
■ StartandGrowisdelivered
byYTKOinpartnershipwith
DevonCountyCouncilandis
fundedthroughtheUK
CommunityRenewalFund.
Support for people facing
barriers to business
A new, fully-funded bursary
forpeoplewhofacebarriersto
startingabusinesshasbeen
launchedacrossNorthDevon.
SquareOneisaninitiative
fundedandrunbycoworking
andsmallbusinessexperts,
TownSquareSpacesLtd
(TownSq),whichalsooperates
theNodeCoworkbusinesshub,
wheresupportwillbebased.
Thesupportpackage
containseverythingan
individualneedstostartand
growabusiness,includingfulltimedeskspacewithhighspeedinternetaccessforthree
months,one-to-onebusiness
support,bi-weeklycheck-in
andgoalsettingsessions,
enrolmentintotheexpert-led
StartupClubprogrammeand
accesstonetworkingand
specialevents.
Tobeeligible,individuals
needtobeeitherpre-startor
withintheirfirsttwoyearsof
trading,bewithinashort
commuteofNodein
Barnstapleandtheymustfeel
theyfaceabarriertostarting
theirbusiness.
JulianDymond,community
manageratTownSq,saidthey
hopethebursarywill
encouragethosewhomightnot
usuallytaketheleap,to
considerentrepreneurship.
“Startingabusinessisnot
alwaysaboutgrowinganempire
Support to recover,
adapt and thrive
GetSet Adaptisaprogramme
tohelpDevonbusinesses
recover,adaptandthrive.
CompaniesacrossDevon
nowhavethechancetogeta
boostwithfreesupportfrom
GetSetAdapttohelpthem
recoverfromtheimpactofthe
COVID-19pandemicand
buildstronger,more
sustainablebusinesses.
Ifyourunabusiness
employingfewerthan250
employeesandarelookingto
getbackontrackwithamore
resilientbusinessstrategytoaid
yourrecoveryandgrowth,then
GetSetAdaptcanhelp!
GetSetAdaptbringshigh
quality,professionalresources
toyourcompany,helpingyou
todevelopyourbusinessskills.
Youcanaccessworkshops
designedtoimproveyour
andbecomingahousehold
name.Formany,owningtheir
ownbusinessisjustabout
earningadecentliving,doing
somethingtheyloveata
schedulethatsuitsthem.
“However,startingabusiness
canbetoughandthereare
manybarriers,betheyfinancial,
timeorsimplyspacetowork.It
canalsobehardtoknowwhere
tobegin–that’swhereworking
aroundpeoplewhohavealready
solvedtheverychallengesyou
arefacingcanbecomean
invaluableadvantage.
“We’dencourageanyone
whohasrecentlylaunchedor
hasthedesiretostartabusiness
butisstrugglingtoputthe
piecestogether,togetintouch
withusandseehowwecanhelp.”
leadershipandmanagement
skills,understandyour
opportunitiesforgrowthand
buildamoreprofitable
customerbase.
GetSetAdapt’sexpert
businessadvisorsarealsoonhandtoprovideyouwithoneto-onecoachingtodiscussthe
challengesyoufaceandbuild
strategicplanstogrowyour
bottomlineandgiveyour
businesstheboostitneeds.
Theprogrammelooksto
reinforcethehardesthit
businesses,aswellasmaximising
continuingopportunitiesinthe
digitalandenvironmental
technologysectors.
■ Ifyourbusinesscould
benefitfromourprogramme,
getintouchon08005877707
orvisitgetsetforgrowth.com/
getset-adapt
Julian Dymond, community
manager at TownSq
■ Formoreinformation,orto
applyforthebursaryyoucan
gototownsq.co.uk/squareone,
call01271452442oremail
barnstaple@townsq.co.uk
@businessactionm | Summer 2022 | business action 9

AWARDS HEADER
Awards and accreditations for your business
Business owners’ efforts are vital for the prosperity of the whole community, but are not as widely recognised as they should be. As well as
the North Devon Business Awards, below are three programmes that can help you achieve the recognition that you deserve for you and your
business. As well as promoting your own business, you will be raising the profile of North Devon in the wider business community
Business Actionisan
enthusiasticsupporterofNorth
Devonmanufacturersand
producers,andcreatedthe
MadeinNorthDevonAward
toincreaseawarenessof
productsmadelocally.
Localmanufacturingis
importantforanumberof
reasons–boostingthelocal
economybyretainingand
attractingmoneyintothearea,
creatingandmaintaining
employment,developingskills
andincreasingsustainability.
Thisdoesnotmeanwe
shouldbeinwardlookingand
NorthDevonmanufacturers
deserverecognitionatbotha
nationalandinternationallevel.
Thatiswhywewere
delightedthatMadeinBritain
supportedourawardsevent
andproposedthatoneofits
memberspresentedourMade
inNorthDevonAward.We
werepleasedtowelcome
WarrenGell,globalcommercial
director,ofDartingtonCrystal.
Warrennotonlypresented
theawardtowinnerMooFree
Chocolates,butverygenerously
donatedfivepairsoflimited
editionDartingtonwhisky
tumblersbearinghandengravedDartingtonCrystal
andMadeinBritainlogos.One
pairwaspresentedtoNorth
DevonBusinessoftheYear
manufacturerDiamedica,along
withtwoengravedDartington
Crystalawardstrophies.
WarrenGellsaid,“Itwasan
The North Devon
Manufacturing Awards return
afteratwo-yearhiatus.
OrganisedbytheNorth
DevonManufacturers
Association,anybusinessin
NorthDevoncanenterthe
awardsforfree,bothNDMA
membersandnon-members.
The10awardcategoriesare:
➤ Apprentice
➤ BusinessTransformation
➤ ChampionManufacturer
honourtopresenttheMadein
NorthDevonAwardonbehalf
ofMadeinBritain.”
The Made in Britain mark
MadeinBritainbringstogether
theBritishmanufacturing
community,unitedwiththeuse
oftheregisteredcollective
mark.Themarkisprotected
andcanonlybeusedby
membersofMadeinBritain
thatmeetthecriteriaitsetsto
guaranteethememberisa
Britishmanufacturer.
MadeinBritainalsooffers
memberssupportinfourareas:
sales,marketing,exportsand
comms/PR.Becominga
memberentitlesyourbusiness
toaprofilepageontheMadein
BritainDirectoryalongsideall
theothermakersin50product
categories.Itencourages
buyers,specifiersand
consumerstousethedirectory
astheprocurementsitefor
British-madegoods.
■ Fordetailsofhowyour
businesscanbecomea
memberofMadeinBritain,
visitmadeinbritain.org
North Devon Manufacturing
Awards 2022
➤ EnvironmentalProject
➤ Exporter
➤ Health&Safety/Covid
Resilience
➤ Innovation
➤ Product
➤ Team
➤ TraineeAward
“WhileDevonisoneofthe
largestcountiesintheUK,the
numberofDevoncompanies
applyingforandwinninga
Queen’sAwardforEnterprise
comparedwiththerestofthe
UKislow,”saidMarkAnsell,
DeputyLieutenantofDevon,
toguestsattheNorthDevon
BusinessAwards.
Markgaveashort
presentationonwhy
businessesinNorthDevon
shouldapplyfortheaward.
Hesaidthatinthepast20
years,over2,550UK
companieshavewonaQueen’s
Award,butlessthan20of
thesewereDevoncompanies.
Thisyear,fiveDevonfirmswon
awards,buttherewereonly13
completedapplicationsfrom
the44,000VAT-registered
businessesinDevon–surely
wecandobetter!
ThisiswhytheLord
LieutenantofDevonis
supportinganinitiativeto
encouragemorecompaniesto
applyforandwinQueen’s
Awardstoraisetheirnational
profileandthatofDevon.
Four categories
Therearenowfourdistinct
categoriesofQueen’sAward
forEnterprise:
➤ Internationaltrade
➤ Innovation
➤ Sustainabledevelopment
➤ Promotingopportunity
(throughsocialmobility)
Anycompany,largeorsmall,
canapplyfromanysector
tradinginregional,nationalor
Businessescanenteronlineand
thedeadlineforentriesis23:59
onMonday25July.
Thewinnerswillbe
announcedattheawardsgala
event,includingwelcomedrink
andtwo-coursedinneratthe
BarnstapleHotelonThursday
15September.
■ Enteratndma.org.uk
internationalmarketsaslong
asitisaself-contained
enterprisebasedintheUK,
filestaxreturnswithHMRC
andhasatleasttwofull-time
equivalentemployees.
Pastapplicantsconsistently
saythatjusttheprocessof
applyingwasreallyhelpfulin
makingthemthink
strategicallyabouttheir
business.Goodquality
feedbackisgiventothosewho
donotsucceedsothatoftena
companythatfailsoneyear
comesbackthefollowingyear
andwins.
Mark Ansell addresses guests at
the North Devon Business Awards
TurnstyleDesigns
(turnstyledesigns.com)in
BarnstaplewonaQueen’s
AwardforEnterpriseinthe
InternationalTradecategory
in2018.Managingdirector
SteveRobertsishappytoshare
hisexperienceofthe
applicationprocessandwhatit
islikeforaNorthDevon
businesstobeawinner.
Applicationsforthe2022
Awardsareopenfromnowto
September2022.
Theawardsarefreetoenter
sothereisnothingtolose,but
lotstogaininapplying.
■ Applyforfreeatgov.uk/
queens-awards-for-enterprise/
how-to-apply
10 business action | Summer 2022 | business-action.co.uk

2022 HEADER AWARDS
At last!
Ifitseemedlikewewaitedfor
years,thenitwasbecausewe
didwaityearsforacelebration
oftheBusinessActionNorth
DevonBusinessAwards.
OnThursday19May,175
guestsarrivedattheLandmark
Theatre,Ilfracombetoenjoya
welcomeglassofNorthDevon
sparklingwine,abuffet,
networkingandhearthe
announcementofthe2022
awardswinners.
Thank you . . .
...toeveryonewhomadethis
eventpossible:alloursponsors,
ourvolunteerawardsjudges,
andallourentrants,finalists
andwinners.
We’regratefulforthe
supportofDevon&Plymouth
ChamberofCommerce,Made
inBritainandtheQueen’s
AwardforEnterprise.
Thankyoutootoourevent
volunteers:ClareFlint,Sarah
LockandAdamLockfor
welcomingguestsandHarleigh
Taylorforphotographyandlive
socialmediasupport.Thank
youalsoSethConwayMedia
forvideoingtheevent.
ThankyoutoTenAcres
VineyardfortheNorthDevon
sparklingwine,tothe
LandmarkTheatre,Ilfracombe
fororganisingandservingthe
buffetandprovidingtechnical
supportforthepresentations
andDartingtonCrystalforthe
engravedawardstrophies.
For all of North Devon
The2022awardsattracted114
entriesfromacrossNorth
DevonincludingAbbotsham,
Appledore,Barnstaple,
Bideford,BrattonFleming,
Braunton,BucklandBrewer,
Chivenor,Chulmleigh,
Clovelly,Holsworthy,Hartland,
HighBickington,Horwood,
Ilfracombe,Kentisbury,Kings
Nympton,Landkey,Lynton,
SouthMolton,Swimbridge,
Torrington,WestwardHo!,
WitheridgeandWoolacombe.
Entrantsincludednewand
establishedbusinesses,small
andlarge.
Discoverthewinnersover
thefollowingpages–andmake
sureyouenteryourbusinessfor
the2023awards!
@businessactionm | Summer 2022 | business action 11

2022 AWARDS
At previous judging sessions
fortheBusinessActionNorth
DevonBusinessAwardsthere
havebeenlongandvigorous
discussionsonwhichofthe
individualcategorywinners
shouldbeselectedasNorth
DevonBusinessoftheYear.
Thisisbecausethereareso
manyexcellentawardsentries
thatitishardtochoose.
In2022,onenamewas
suggestedforthetitleandall
judgesagreedunanimously:
Diamedica.
Outstanding achievement
Diamedicawaseligibleforthe
overallawardaswinnerofthe
InternationalTradeand
Exportsawardcategory.
However,thisdoesnotgivea
fullpictureofthecompany’s
remarkableachievements.
Asourcoverphotoofits
productsbeingdeliveredbyox
cartdemonstrates,Diamedica
manufacturessafeanaesthesia
andrespiratorysolutionsfor
useinlocationsorsituations
withlimitedornoinfrastructure.Whatismore,itachieves
thisasacommercialbusiness.
Thiscombinationofinnovation,
commercialenterprise,export
successandethicalaims
impressedthejudges.
North Devon
Business of the Year 2022
DIAMEDICA
sponsored by
01271 344300 or miltonpj.net
Remarkable innovation
Diamedica’sstorybegan18
yearsagoafterafrustrated
anaesthetistaskedwhy
engineerscouldnotbuild
equipmentsuitableforuse
inAfrica.
RobertNeighbour,who
originallytrainedasan
aerospaceengineerandhas
aMaster’sdegreein
engineering,tookupthis
challengetodesign
anaestheticequipmentthat
couldfunctionwithoutthe
infrastructurecommonly
This magazine is for you
Whatdoyouthinkyouneed
foryournewstobepublished
inBusinessAction?APR
agencyandabigbudget?
Theanswerisnotoboth.
Thenewsandarticleswe
featureinBusinessActionare
publishedfreeofcharge.
Whilewedoreceivepress
releasesfrombiggerbusinesses,
wealsointerviewmanyother
businessestowriteourown
Headline sponsor: (from left) Philip Milton of Philip J Milton & Company plc
presents Robert Neighbour, managing director of Diamedica,
with the North Deon Business of the Year Award 2022
originalarticles–actuallywe
prefertodothis.
Youcanbeasoletrader,a
shopowner,guesthouse
proprietororabigbusiness.
Youcanbeayoungorold
businessownerandrunanew
orestablishedbusiness.
It’syourstorythatmatters.
■ Forachat,callRoberton
07971176044oremail
robertz@business-action.co.uk
availableinhospitalsin
Westerncountries.Thishas
resultedisDiamedica’srangeof
anaesthesia,ventilation,
intensivecareandoxygen
equipmentwhichcan
withstandhostileconditions
createdbyheat,humidityand
dust,andcanoperatewithout
consistentelectricitysupplies
andfreelyavailableoxygen.
Whilethisundoubtedly
demonstratesahighlevelof
innovation,whatimpressedthe
panelofawardsjudgeseven
morewasthatDiamedicahas
achievedsuchremarkable
resultswhileoperatingasa
commercialenterprise.
“Weareacommercial
companybutwithacomplete
humanitarianfocus,”explains
Robert.“Wedealwithtwothirdsoftheworldthatnoone
elsedealswith.”
Robertbelievesthatthis
commercialfocusiskeytothe
company’ssuccess:“I’magreat
believerincommercialactivity.
Withoutcommercialactivity,is
anythingsustainable?”
Sustainable in many ways
Aswellasachievingcommercial
sustainability,Diamedica
operatesinanenvironmentally
sustainablemanner.
“Nothingwemakeisused
oncethenthrownaway,”
Robert.“Everythingwedois
sustainable.”
Diamedicadesignsits
equipmenttobeusedwith
minimumrunningcosts.They
alsorequireminimal
maintenance,asoftenthereis
nolocalengineeringexpertise,
soanyproblemshavetobe
simpletofix.Thisruggedness
enablesequipmenttooperate
foryearsandDiamedicacan
receivecallsfromcustomers
whopurchasedequipment14
yearsagoandarestillusingit.
Allthewhile,Diamedica
maintainsthehighestlevelsof
quality.ItisaccreditedwithISO
13485:2016,whichspecifies
requirementsforquality
managementsystemsfor
organisationsproviding
medicaldevicesandrelated
servicestoensurethey
consistentlymeetcustomerand
applicableregulatory
requirements.Productsalso
beartheCEmarktoaffirm
theirconformitywith
Europeanhealth,safety,and
12 business action | Summer 2022 | business-action.co.uk

2022 AWARDS
environmentalprotection
standards.
Throughout the world
Diamedica’steamof12
employeesincludesengineers,a
qualitymanager,salesand
marketingandcharityliaison.
Onacceptingbothawards,
Robertsaid:“Theawardsare
forthepeoplewhoworkforus.
It’sourpeoplewhomakeupthe
business.”
AtitsbaseinBratton
Fleming,theDiamedicateam
manufacturesequipmentfor
exportto80countriesacross
sixcontinents.Designand
manufacturingarejusttwoof
thecompany’sactivities,as
Diamedicaprovidestrainingon
howtouse,serviceand
maintainitsequipment.Italso
offersongoing,freeemailor
telephoneafter-salessupport
foraslongasacustomerhas
theirmachine.
Roberthimselfhastravelled
to38Africancountriesaswell
astheMiddleEastandFarEast
The Diamedica Glostavent® Helix
Duo anaesthetic product is
designed to function when power or
oxygen fail in the operating theatre
International Trade & Exports
Award Winner 2022
DIAMEDICA
Export recognition: (from left) Stuart Elford, chief executive of Devon &
Plymouth Chamber presents Kerrie Anson and Robert Neighbour of
Diamedica with the International Trade & Exports Award 2022
topromoteanddeliverproducts
andservices.Networkingand
presentationsatoverseas
exhibitionshavebuiltmany
longstandinginternational
relationships,whichinclude15
in-countrydistributorsacross
countriesinsub-SaharanAfrica.
Whilethecompanyworked
rightthroughthepandemic,
internationaltravelstopped,so
itintroduceddigitaltrainingby
videooverZoom.Thisenabled
ittocontinuemuch-needed
supportanditdeliveredvirtual
trainingtomorethan118
delegatesacrossninelowincomecountries.
Morerecently,Diamedica
hassuppliedmultiple
Glostavent®DPA02portable
anaesthesiamachinesand
Lifeboxpulseoximetersto
GradianHealthSystemsforthe
RegionalClinicLicarnyain
Kharkivinresponse
totheongoing
humanitariancrisis
inUkraine.
Healthcare
workersinUkraine
facemany
challengesincluding
aninabilitytoaccess
medicalequipment
andareworkingin
environmentsthat
havebeen
compromised.The
Glostavent®DPA02
portableanaesthesia
machinedoesnot
requireelectricalor
batterypower,
functioning
anywhere, tomake
itthefirstchoicefor
humanitariananddisaster
relieforganisations.
Safe surgery for millions
Diamedicahasnowsupplied
morethan1,000anaesthesia
machineswhichhavebeen
usedinmorethenthan
4millionsurgicalinterventions.
TheseincludesitsCPAP
(continuouspositiveairway
pressure)machines–asimpleto-use,low-cost,life-saving
respiratorysolutionforpreterm
babies,neonatesand
paediatrics–whichsavelives
everyday.
“Halftheworld’spopulation
doesnothavetimelyaccessto
safesurgery,”concludesRobert.
“Therearemanyskilled
professionalswhoarevery
inventivewhodoaremarkable
jobwithverylimitedresources.
“Wearetheenablersthat
enablethemtodothework
thathastobedone.”
■ Details01598710066or
diamedica.co.uk
Diamedica managing director Robert Neighbour
talking to medical professionals in Ghana
Advertise from just £30 a year with Business Action
All plans include
➤ 4 adverts (if selected)
➤ 4 magazine listings
➤ 12-month web adverts
➤ online listing
➤ 4 mailed magazines
➤ plus more
Select plan
£30 Business Action Plan – 4 magazine listings
£125 Business Action Plan – 4 business card adverts
£225 Business Action Plan – 4 banner adverts
£315 Business Action Plan – 4 quarter page adverts
£645 Business Action Plan – 4 half page adverts
£995 Business Action Plan – 4 full page adverts
Payment options
Pay in full or by
12 monthly instalments –
with no extra charges.
Put yourself in front of
North Devon businesses.
Book online at business-action.co.uk/plans or call Robert on 07971 176044
@businessactionm | Summer 2022 | business action 13

Seetecwaspresentedwiththe
BestEmployerAward2022by
DebbieStaffordoftheBeReady
EmployerHub.
ThejudgesselectedSeetec,
whichemploys55peoplein
NorthDevon,ofwhich33%
haveadisability,foritsrangeof
employabilityservices.
Thebusinesshelpssomeof
themostmarginalisedpeople
inDevontomovetowardsand
intowork.Itdoesthisby
providingemployment,skills,
andtrainingservicestohelp
peoplereachtheirambitions.
Italsorunsamanufacturing
enterpriseinBarnstapleandits
maincustomerisluxurybed
makerVi-Spring,whichithas
suppliedformorethan30
years.TheBarnstaplefactory
employs21peopleand
2022 HEADER AWARDS
Best Employer Award Winner 2022
SEETEC
sponsored by
01392 241124 or readydevon.org.uk
approximately60%oftheworkforcehavea
disability.
Seetecisanemployee-ownedbusiness
andthroughitsemployeeownershiptrust,
itsworkforcecollectivelyowns51%ofthe
business.Theyallplayanimportantrolein
shapingthebusinessandaimto
createlastingsocialvaluefor
thepeopleandcommunities
Seetecserves.
Seetec’semployment
supportprogrammesinclude:
RestartScheme–enhanced
supporttofindjobs; JETS(Job
EntryTargetedSupport);Work
andHealth–supportingpeople
withlong-termhealth
conditions;ProjectSearch–
internshipsforyoungpeople
withalearningdisability;and
PositivePeopleProject–
providingalifelinetopeople
over25whoarenotinwork.
DebbieStaffordsays:“The
BeReadyEmployerHubwas
delightedtosponsortheBest
EmployerAwardcategory.It
wasgreattoseesomany
employerswhoreallyvaluethe
positivebenefitsthatembracing
diversityandinclusioncan
bringtobothstaffand
customersandwhogotheextra
miletomakingadifferencein
NorthDevon.Welldonetoall
thefinalistsand,ofcourse,the
winnersSeetec.”
■ Details08003345525or
seeteceetecpluss.co.uk
BBxpo
BIDEFORD
BUSINESS • BOOST • EXPO
Thursday 27 October
Devon Hall
▶ Business exhibition
▶ Talks & workshops
▶ Networking buffet
Book space at bbxpo.uk
14 business action | Summer 2022 | business-action.co.uk

SelaineSaxby,MPforNorth
Devon,presentedtheBest
RetailerAwardtonotonebut
twowinners: Country Cottage
Bakeryand The ilab.Onthis
occasion,judgeswereunable
todecidebetweenthetwoso
botharejointwinners.
Country Cottage Bakery
WithtwostoresinBideford
andoneinWestwardHo!,
CountryCottageBakeryhas
servedthecommunitysince
1990,supplyingsome200
productsthroughitsshops
andbydelivery.In2021,it
welcomed150,000customers
throughitsdoorsandduring
lockdownscustomers
2022 HEADER AWARDS
Best Retailer Award Winners 2022
COUNTRY COTTAGE BAKERY
THE ILAB
the‘go-to’placeinNorth
Devonforsmartphoneand
tabletsalesandrepairs.
Withateamofeightstaff
members,somewhojoinedat
theverybeginning,theilab
continuestomaintainitsvital
presenceonthehighstreet
throughgivingeachconsumer
apersonalserviceand
buildingarapportwith
regularcustomersand
returningholidaymakers.This
hasalsoenabledittoachieve
nationalrecognitioninthe
MobileIndustryAwards.
Theilabalwayssupportsthe
localcommunitywhetherfund
raisingforNorthDevon
Hospiceorhelpingindividuals.
■ CountryCottageBakery:01237
473150orcountrycottagebakery.co.uk
dependedonits
bakeryboxesfullof
itspopularproducts.
Bakingthrough
thenight,attheheart
ofthecommunity,
thebusinessachieves
highstaffretention
withsomecompleting
18years’service.
Thebakeryalso
supportsmanylocal
causes,including
BidefordAssociation
FootballClub.
The ilab
Launchedin2011,
theilabhas
establisheditselfas
■ Theilab:01271323036ortheilab.co.uk
THRIVE
With free business support for sole traders
and SMEs in North Devon
If you are a sole trader, micro business or limited company in Devon, Somerset, Plymouth or Torbay,
Thrive is here to support you.
• A 3-hour review meeting leading to a development plan for your business
• 1-2-1 sessions focusing on your particular needs
• Webinars on relevant business topics
Webinars and 1-2-1 sessions will cover a range of topics that will support your business:
Digital Support (websites, SEO, social media, Google Analytics), Leadership, Finance, HR, Innovation,
Marketing and Business Planning.
Register online today:
www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/thrive/
@businessactionm | Summer 2022 | business action 15

Fitzgerald HRwaspresented
withtheBusiness-to-Business
ExcellenceAward2022byOli
FollowsofYTKOrepresenting
sponsorGetSetAdaptfunded
byDevonCountyCouncil.
LucyFitzgeraldfoundedthe
businessin2008asafreelance
HRconsultant.Findingthat
manycompaniesneededmore
thananadvicelineandwanted
someonetomanagetheirHR
forthem,shedevelopedthe
businessintoafull-serviceHR
consultancy,whichnow
supportsanetworkoflocal
officesacrosstheSouthWest
andSouthEast(Exeter,
Wellington,Bristol,London,
EssexandEastSussex)fromits
headquartersinBarnstaple.
Judgeswereimpressedthat
thebusinesshasnotonly
developedacustomisedservice
withahumantouchinNorth
Devonbutdeliversit
extensivelyoutsidethearea.
Itssuccesshasbeenachieved
byworkinginpartnershipwith
itsclients,offeringadeep
knowledgeofHR.Itactsboth
transparentlyanddiplomatically,
andworksflexiblytomeet
clients’needsviaemail,
2022 HEADER AWARDS
Business-to-Business
Excellence Award Winner 2022
FITZGERALD HR
sponsored by
0800 587 7707 or getsetforgrowth.com/getset-adapt
telephone,virtualmeetingsand
/oronsite.
Remarkably,Fitzgerald’s
clientportfoliohasgrownby
morethan100clientsinthe
pasttwoyears,despitethe
challengesofthepandemic,
andithasexpandeditsteamto
morethan20employeesandits
servicestomeetclientdemand.
FitzgeraldHRoffersa
flexiblerangeofservicestofit
withbusinesses’needs.These
rangefromon-demandservices,
enablingSMEsandlarger
companiestotapintoandpay
foritsexperienceand
knowledgeonlywhenthey
need,toretainedservices
providingongoingsupport
whichcanincludeapart-time
HRmanager.
TheBusiness-to-Business
Excellenceawardissponsored
byGetSetAdapt–fundedby
DevonCountyCounciland
deliveredbyYTKO–
establishedtohelpDevon
businessesrecoverfromthe
impactoftheCOVID-19
pandemicandbuildstronger,
moresustainablebusinesses.
■ FitzgeraldHR:0330223
5253orfitzgeraldhr.co.uk
Are you a Small Business in the North
Devon and Torridge area and would like to
have an input with the Petroc curriculum?
The Big Benefits for Small Businesses project works
collaboratively with small businesses in North Devon
and Torridge to improve the relevance of skills
provision, maximise innovation and develop training
and skills opportunities.
For more information please e-mail
projects@petroc.ac.uk
in partnership with
16 business action | Summer 2022 | business-action.co.uk

The Hair LoungeinBarnstaple
waspresentedwiththe
ConsumerServiceExcellence
Award2022byJevonWhitby
ofLineal,whosponsoredthe
eventwelcomedrink.
ToriKifflaunchedtheHair
Loungein2014andhas
establishedasalonthat
providesatrulypersonal
servicetoclientsfromall
backgrounds.Torisays“I
focusonthepersonbeneath
thehair”anddemonstrates
thisbymakingsureherclients
areatease.Aswellasindustry
trainingfocusingonhair,she
hascompletedherBarberTalks
andMentalHealthFirstAid
2022 HEADER AWARDS
Consumer Service
Excellence Award Winner 2022
THE HAIR LOUNGE
course.Shehasalsoachieved
BehindTheMaskcertification
regularlyupdateherMASCED
trainingtohelppreventand
educateclientsontherisksof
skincancerandmelanoma.
Thisextensivecommitment
totheall-roundwellbeingof
herclientsimpressedthe
awardsjudges.
Torisaid:“Itwasan
absoluteprivilegetobeeven
consideredafinalistforany
awardsletalonewinning
ConsumerServiceExcellence
Award.Iamoverthemoonto
havebeenrecognisedformy
effortstooffermyclientsthe
bestcustomerserviceIcan.
Myclientsareallthrilledfor
measwell.
“Ihopetocontinue
excellinginmyconsumer
serviceandprogressingto
improvetheclientjourneyand
experiencewithinmysalon.
Tori’sloveiscurlsandsheis
NorthDevon’scurlsspecialist.
■ TheHairLounge:
01271267177or
hairloungebarnstaple.co.uk
Welcome drink ~ Rosefinch
from Ten Acres Vineyard
sponsored by
Souvenir Awards Rugby Ball ~
from Aramis Rugby
supplied by
BusinessActionisgratefulto
Lineal Software Solutionsfor
sponsoringthewelcomeglass
ofsparklingwineatthe2022
AwardsCelebration.
Oneoftheaimsforthe
eventwastoshowcaseNorth
01271 375999 or lineal.co.uk 01769 550284 or aramisrugby.co.uk
Devonproductsandwewere
delightedthatLineal’s
sponsorshipenabledustooffer
guestsRosefinchsparkling
wineproducedby Ten Acres
VineyardnearWinkleigh.
Wewouldliketoinclude
evenmoreNorthDevon
produceatfutureeventsand
invitelocalproducersto
contactthemagazinewithany
ideasforpromotingthearea’s
remarkablefoodanddrink
offeringmorewidely.
■ TenAcresVineyard:
0183783892or
tenacresvineyardcamping.co.uk
Aramis Rugbygenerously
offeredtoproducealimited
editionSouvenirAwards
RugbyBallforeverybusiness
thatenteredtheawards.
Wepresentedwinnersand
finalistswiththeirballandare
workingtogetballsouttoall
entrants–contactRoberton
07971176044toreceiveyours.
@businessactionm | Summer 2022 | business action 17

Stannpwaspresentedwiththe
Digital&OnlineAchievement
Award2022byAndrewBowers
fromsponsorPeakOnline.
Stannpwasestablishedin
Barnstaplewiththepurposeof
offeringaSaaS(softwareasa
service)solutiontodirectmail,
offeringcompaniesafully
digital,integratedsolutionto
meettheirdirectmailneeds.
Itsgrowingteamcombines
professionalswithmorethan
30years’experienceinprint
andmail,andadynamic
technicalandoperationsteam,
workingtogethertodelivera
highqualityservicefor
customerseveryday.
Whilephysicalmailmight
appear‘oldtechnology’,the
Stannpplatformhasbroughtit
2022 AWARDS
Digital & Online Achievement
Award Winner 2022
STANNP
sponsored by
01237 721256 or peak-online.uk
uptodatebygivingclients
digitaltoolstocreateand
sendcampaignsdirect
fromtheirdesktop.Ithas
disruptedthedirectmail
industrybydevelopingits
ownself-servicesoftware
thatenablescustomerstodesign
postcards,lettersandgreeting
cardswithpowerfulmailmerge
toolsandbuilt-intracking.
Stannp’ssystemsusea
cloud-basedinfrastructureand
demonstratehowthecompany
hasfullyembracedtechnology
totakemaximumadvantageof
thepotentialitoffers.
StannpsalesmanagerLorien
Hamiltonsaid:“We,at
Stannp.com,aredelightedto
winDigital&Online
AchievementAwardatthis
year’sBusinessActionAwards.
“Weareproudofour
dynamicin-housedeveloped
softwareenablingthousandsof
customersacrosstheUK,
Europe,theUS,andCanadato
meettheirdirectmailgoals.
Fromhumblebeginningswith
threeemployeesin2014,we
haveevolvedintoadiverseand
thrivingSaaSbusiness,basedin
Barnstaple,withover50
employeesandgrowing.”
SponsorPeakOnline
provideshighqualityweb
designtosuitallbudgets,from
simpletemplatedwebsitesto
customisedWordPressdesigns.
Itsservicesincludewebdesign
andanassortmentofdigital
marketingservices–SEO,
SocialMedia,PayPerClick
(PPC),andemailmarketing.
■ Stannp:01271344507or
stannp.com
18 business action | Summer 2022 | business-action.co.uk

ZW Roofing & Leadworkwas
presentedwiththeExcellence
inConstructionAward2022
byLeeKift,operations
managerofsponsorRGB
BuildingSupplies.
ZWRoofing,basedin
Ilfracombe,providesa
genuinelyuniqueleadwork
servicewithinNorthDevon
andfurtherafield.
FoundedbyZakWilliams,
thebusinessspecialisesin
heritageandspecialist
leadworkanditsprojectshave
beenfeaturedinindustry
magazinesandshowcasedat
industrytrainingcentres.The
businessnowcomprisesa
teamoffourfull-timestaff.
Zakhasinvestedheavilyin
thebusiness,includingspecific
2022 AWARDS
Excellence in Construction
Award Winner 2022
ZW ROOFING & LEADWORK
sponsored by
Find your nearest branch at rgbltd.co.uk
traininginheritagemetal
roofing,sothatheisable
toofferaservicefewother
companiesarecapableof
providing.Servicesrangefrom
flat,slateandtileroofing
throughtobespokeleadwork
andchimneyrepairs.
Thefirm’sreputationfor
attentiontodetailandhealth
andsafetyissohighthatit
worksonprojectsfora
numberofreputable
constructioncompanies.
LeeKiftsaid:“RGBis
proudtosponsorthe
ExcellenceinConstruction
award.Theconstruction
industryplaysahugepartin
theNorthDevoneconomy.
“It’simportantthatwe
recogniseoutstanding
businesseswithinourindustry
whoseprofessionalismshines
through.”
RGBBuildingSuppliesisa
leadingindependentbuilders
merchantintheSouthWest
with22locationsacross
Devon,Cornwalland
Somerset.Itstocksawide
rangeofhighqualityproducts,
fromlandscaping,plumbing
andheatingtodecoratingand
generalbuildingmaterials,as
wellasdedicatedkitchenand
bathroomshowrooms.
■ ZWRoofing:07833956261
orzwroofing.co.uk
START
GROW START
Thinking about starting your own business in
Devon or recently started one and looking to grow?
We can help you start-up and build
your business with our FREE business
support and grant funding
• Grants of up to £10k
• Start-Up Support
• Growth Support
• One-to-one sessions
• Skills workshops
• Paid Internships
Funded by
Delivered by
Get in touch: Freephone 0800 500 3107
Visit: devon.ytko.com/community-renewal-fund
@businessactionm | Summer 2022 | business action 19

The Grove InnatKings
Nymptonwaspresentedwith
theExcellenceinHospitality&
TourismAward2022by
sponsorMarsdensDevon
Cottages.
Anindependentvillagepub
attheheartofthecommunity,
theGroveInnprovides,
whereverpossible,locally
sourcedfoodanddrinktoboth
localsandtourists.Itisatruly
familybusinesswithowners
DeborahandRobert
Smallbone’ssonsbothbeing
bornsincetheyboughtthepub
in2003andnowworkinginit.
Theyemploythreemorestaff
includingapprenticechef
RoganKing,whobegan
workingatthepubeightyears
agoasakitchenporter.
2022 HEADER AWARDS
Excellence in Hospitality &
Tourism Award Winner 2022
THE GROVE INN
sponsored by
01271 813777 or marsdens.co.uk
Recently,theGroveInnwas
named‘SmallBusiness
ApprenticeEmployerofthe
Year2021’byPetroc.
Duetothedemandsof
business,DeborahandRobert
wereunabletoattendthe
AwardsCelebrationandthe
pubwasrepresentedbyRogan,
whoaccomplishedthissowell
thathewaspresentedwithone
ofthelimitededitionpairsof
whiskytumblersgenerously
donatedbyDartington–with
PhilipMiltonmakingthe
presentation–seephotobelow.
Thepub’shighqualityfood
anddrinkandpersonalservice
havewonitmanyawards.
SponsorMarsdensDevon
Cottageshasbeenproviding
quality,self-cateringholiday
letssince1973.Basedin
Braunton,ithasaportfolioof
morethan350properties.Its
in-houseassessorsworkto
strictcriteriatoensureafair
andaccuratestargrading
throughouttheportfolioand
theirpropertiesmeetits
stringentMinimumEntry
Requirements(MER).
■ TheGroveInn:01769580
406orthegroveinn.co.uk
20 business action | Summer 2022 | business-action.co.uk

Moo Free Chocolateswas
presentedwiththeMadein
NorthDevonAward2022by
WarrenGell,global
commercialdirector,of
DartingtonCrystalonbehalf
ofMadeinBritain.
NorthDevonisarguably
betterknownforitsfoodand
drinkproducethanits
manufacturingproducts,
whichiswhyitwasinvaluable
forMadeinBritaintosupport
thisawardandhelpraisethe
profileofthearea’s
outstandingmanufacturers.
MooFreeChocolatesin
Holsworthycombinesboth
foodandmanufacturing.The
businesswascreatedby
AndreaandMikeJessop,who
startedsellingchocolateonline
andthendevelopedarangeof
‘free-from’chocolatein
responsetocustomerrequests.
TheystartedwithEaster
eggs,usingamilkalternative
chocolate,whichwerevery
popular.Asaresult,they
decidedtoinvestinmachinery
andqualityingredientsto
makethisapermanentoption
fortheircustomersandspent
twoyearsresearchingand
2022 HEADER AWARDS
Made in North Devon
Award Winner 2022
MOO FREE CHOCOLATES
tweakingtheirrecipestomake
suretheydidn’tjusttaste
delicious,butwerealsohigh
qualityandsustainable.
Andreaisglutenintolerant
andMikelactoseintolerant,so
theyaretheperfectduotoget
totaskoncreatinggreat
tasting,dairy-freechocolate.
MooFreehasnow
establisheditselfasanational
brand,availableinanumber
ofsupermarkets,andhaswon
morethan100industryand
consumerawards.
MooFreehasachievedthis
whileoperatingassustainably
aspossibleandgrowinga
diverseworkforcewhich
includesemployeeswith
autismanddyslexia.
WarrenGellsaid,“Itwasan
honourtopresenttheMadein
NorthDevonawardonbehalf
ofMadeinBritain.
“Manufacturingisakey,
butsometimesoverlooked,
driverofthelocaleconomy
anditwasanabsolutedelight
tobeaskedtopresentthis
year’sawardtoHolsworthybasedveganchocolatemaker
MooFree.”
MadeinBritainsupports
andpromotesBritish
manufacturersthroughits
registeredcollectivemark
whichisprotectedandcan
onlybeusedbymembersof
MadeinBritainthatmeet
stringentcriteria–readmore
onpage10.
MadeinBritainmember
DartingtonCrystalisaglobal
brandandthelastremaining
factory-scaleproducerof
blownglassinthecountry.
■ MooFree:01409478070or
moofreechocolates.com
■ ReadmoreaboutMooFree
inourNorthDevonStartup&
BusinessDevelopmentGuide
ADAPT
HELPING DEVON
BUSINESSES
RECOVER, ADAPT
AND GROW
CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE:
BUSINESS
DIAGNOSTIC
1:2:1
SUPPORT
WORKSHOPS &
MASTERCLASSES
ONLINE
LEARNING
getsetforgrowth.com/getset-adapt
Freephone: 0800 587 7707
Funded by
Delivered by
@businessactionm | Summer 2022 | business action 21

WayMakerswaspresented
withtheOutstandingNew
BusinessAward2022by
sponsorOutsetStart.
AlexKellylaunched
WayMakersinSeptember2020
todeliverjoined-upservicesto
improveopportunitiesand
outcomesforautistic
individualsandforbusinesses.
Itsstrengths-basedand
solution-focusedcoaching
empowersautisticclientsto
maketransitionsintheirlives
andnavigatecertainchallenges.
WayMakersalsosupports
employersbydeliveringautism
awarenesstrainingand
consultancyservices.
Alex’sreasonforstarting
WayMakerswastobringthe
expertiseandknowledge
developedfromacareerin
specialisteducationtosettings
inthewidercommunity,andas
awaytoreachautisticpeopleat
timesintheirliveswhenother
sourcesofsupportforpursuing
afulfillinglifemighthave
droppedaway.
Alexsaid:“Winningthe
2022awardforOutstanding
NewBusinessisasignof
excitingandprogressivetimes,
2022 AWARDS
Outstanding New Business
Award Winner 2022
WAYMAKERS
sponsored by
0800 500 3017 or devon.ytko.com/community-renewal-fund/
bothforWayMakersandfor
NorthDevon.Itsuggeststhat
recognition,understandingand
acceptanceofneurodiversityis
gainingground,beingvaluedas
acorepartofwhatmakesusall
sowonderfullydifferent.
“Withthiscome
opportunitiestosupportmore
individualsandmore
organisationsalike.Inour
opinion,itdoesn’tmatterwhere
businessesandorganisations
arecurrentlyontheirjourney
towardsneuro-inclusion,ifthe
interestandcommitmentare
there,there’salwaysscopeto
buildaccessibilityandinclusion
practicesfurther.”
TheOutstandingNew
BusinessAwardissponsoredby
OutSetStart,aprogramme
fundedbytheUKGovernment
andDevonCountyCouncil,
anddeliveredbyYTKO,which
aimstosupportbusinessesin
theconstruction,retail,tourism
andleisuresectors.OutSetStart
providesgrantsaspartofa
packageofsupporttohelp
start-upandnewbusinessesto
buildskillsandconfidence.
■ WayMakers:07309563563
orwaymakers.co.uk
22 business action | Summer 2022 | business-action.co.uk

Earth Friendly Foodwarewas
presentedwiththeSustainable
BusinessAward2022byPhil
ByersofsponsorNorthDevon
UNESCOBiosphere.
EarthFriendlyFoodwarein
Bidefordsuppliescompostable
‘foodanddrinktogo’
packagingand‘hot’
composterstobusinesses,
schoolsandcharitiesacross
theUKandEurope.
Packagingproductsinclude
cupsforhotorcolddrinks,
takeawayboxes,tableware,
woodencutlery,soup/ice
cream/delicontainers,
portionpots,bags,napkins
andcondiments.Allproducts
aremanufacturedfrom
sustainableandrecyclable
plantresourcesandcanbe
recycledwithfoodwaste.
“Wearehonouredtowin
thisaward,”saidAndrew
Cross,founderofEarth
FriendlyFoodware.“Our
commitmenttopromoting
improvedsustainabilityby
ditchingsingleuseoil-based
plastic,promotingcomposting
asawasteoutcomeand
supportinglocalenvironmental
activismthroughvolunteering
timehasbeenkeytoour
successandwearedelightedto
havethisworkrecognised.
2022 AWARDS
Sustainable Business Award
Winner 2022
EARTH FRIENDLY FOODWARE
sponsored by
01392 388647 or northdevonbiosphere.org.uk
“WhenwestartedEarth
FriendlyFoodwarein2017,it
becameimmediatelyobvious
thatdisposalofcompostable
packagingwasofgrave
concerntomany.Usinganonsiteorat-homecomposternot
onlybreaksdowngardenand
foodwastebutallows
compostablepackaginglike
coffeecupsandtakeaway
boxestobereturnedtothe
earthascompost.Atrue,
naturalcirculareconomy.”
SarahJordan,Biosphere
BusinessPartnercoordinator,
said:“I’msopleasedthat
BusinessActionhascreated
theSustainableBusiness
Awardandit’stheBiosphere’s
absolutepleasuretosponsor
thiscategory.Iwassoproud
whentheindependentjudging
panelchoseourBiosphere
BusinessPartner,EarthFriendly
Foodware,asthewinner!
“Oncollectingthisaward,
AndrewCrosswashugely
supportiveofourEco-
Accreditationscheme.Ashe
saidinhisacceptancespeech,
‘allyouneedtodoisalittle
bit,becauseallofusinthe
roombenefitfromthenatural
assetsthatsitinNorthDevon.
..protectingthatisreally,
reallyimportant.’
“Itwaswonderfultomeet
otherbusinessesstartingout,
orcontinuingtheir
sustainabilityjourneytoo.Our
schemenowhasover70
enterprisessignedup,andis
opentoallsectors.”
■ EarthFriendlyFoodware:
01237488010or
earthfriendlyfoodware.co.uk
@businessactionm | Summer 2022 | business action 23

George RobinsonofSoSweet
waspresentedwiththeYoung
AchieverAward2022byJames
WalkerofsponsorPetroc’sBig
BenefitsforSmallBusinesses
supportprogramme.
AfterleavingKingsley
School,Bidefordin2018,where
hewasheadboy,George
workedintheItalianAlpsfor
twowinterseasons.
Whenhislastseasonwascut
shortbythepandemic,George
returnedhomeandstarted
workinginSoSweet,thefamily
business.Withthephysical
sweetshopsimpactedby
lockdownrestrictions,George
setaboutbuildingawebsite
store.Helearntwebsitedesign
andfunctionalityinorderto
overcomevariouschallenges.
Sincelaunchingon30April
2020,thesitehasgenerated
morethan£3millionand
Georgehasbuiltupasocial
followingofmorethan800,000
acrossallplatforms.George
currentlyemployssevenstaff
withinthebusiness.
Georgehasalwayshada
passionforentrepreneurship
andstartedhisownbusinessat
theageof16,makingwedding
2022 HEADER AWARDS
Young Achiever
Award Winner 2022
GEORGE ROBINSON
sponsored by
01271 345291 or petroc.ac.uk
andpromotionalfilmsandalso
didfreelancemarketingwork.
George,now21,said:“It’san
honourtobenominatedand
runagainstalotofother
fantasticyoungachieversand
entrepreneurs,andtowinisan
absolutehonour.”
BigBenefitsforSmall
Businessesisbeingdeliveredby
Petrocandfundedbythe
EuropeanSocialFund.Italso
hasthecollaborativesupportof
TorridgeDistrictCouncil,
NorthDevonCounciland
DevonCountyCouncil.
Itaimsto:helpsmall
businessesinTorridgeand
NorthDevontoaccessfully
fundedtrainingopportunities
toallowtheirbusinessesto
grow;andworkcollaboratively
withbusinessestoencourage
themtoparticipateandsupport
Petrocwithitscurriculum.For
example,providingatalkto
learners,orworkingwith
Petroctoensureitsstaffhave
up-to-dateindustryknowledge.
Petrochasseveralother
employersupportprojects
whichcansupportbusinesses
throughfullyfundedtraining.
■ SoSweet:sosweetshop.co.uk
24 business action | Summer 2022 | business-action.co.uk

HI to Thrive supports
young people into work
WayMakers–winnerofthe
BusinessActionOutstanding
NewBusinessAward2022–is
launchingHItoThriveto
support16to25-year-old
neurodivergentpeoplehoping
towork,trainorstudy.
WayMakersisofferingthis
uniqueandtailoredworkplace
readinessprogrammefor
individualsacrossNorth
DevonandTorridgepostcodes.
What is neurodivergent?
Everypersonisunique,butin
shortthisreferstothe
differentwaysaperson’sbrain
processesinformationand
experiencestheworld.It
includesconditionssuchas
dyslexia,dyspraxia,dyscalculia,
autismandADHD.
About the programme
Thisfundedprogrammeisfor
individualswhoarecurrently
unemployed,mightwantto
re-entereducationoraccess
work,andyetfeelthereare
barrierstodoingso.
Thereareplacesfor10
individualsaged16to25who
identifyasneurodivergent,or
presentwithneurodivergent
traits.Theprogrammewill
runweekly,onTuesday
morningsfrom23Augustto
27September2022.
What to expect
1. Asafespace–shareand
exploreexperiences,and
problem-solvetogether.
2. Neurodiversityprofiling
tocapturestrengthsand
supportneedsacrossthe
neurodiversityspectrum
usingtheDo-ITprofiler
screeningtool.
3. Groupand1-to-1coaching
–todiscusssharingsupport
needs,prepareforlikely
workplacescenariosand
prepareyourpersonalised
strategiesandadjustments
guidance.
4. Aguestspeaker–tohear
abouttheirexperiences.
Find out more
Anxiousaboutjoiningorwhat
toexpect?WayMakersis
hostingaDiscoverySessionat
Petrocwheremoredetailswill
beprovidedorcalldirectly.
■ Details07309563563or
waymakers.co.uk
HEADER NEWS
Bridgerule Primary School : (from left) Tony Curtis, branch manager at RGB
Holsworthy, pupils Isla and Connor, and principal Anne Bunning
Supplies for school garden project
Bridgerule CofE Primary
Schoolhasbeenvotedasa
winnerofRGBBuilding
Supplies’SurpriseSupplies
initiativeandnowhas£1,000to
spendonmaterialsatRGB’s
Holsworthybranch.
RGBinvitedcharities,
schools,communitygroups
andcarehomesfromacrossthe
regiontogetintouchand
explainhowadonationof
materialswouldhelpto
completeaproject.Bridgerule
PrimarySchoolreceivedthe
mostvotesfollowingapublic
pollandhasreceiveda
donationof£1,000.
Theschoolaimstotransform
anareainitsplaygroundinto
anall-year-roundsensoryand
quietgardenwherepupilscan
talkorenjoysomecalming
space.Thiswillincludeplants
toprovidegentlefragranceand
someseating.
AnneBunning,principalat
BridgeruleCofEPrimary
School,said:“We’redelighted
tohavebeenvotedasaSurprise
Supplieswinnerandthankyou
toeveryparentandmemberof
ourcommunitywhovotedfor
us,andtoRGBforthedonation.”
■ detailsrgbltd.co.uk
RGB Building Supplieshas
selectedtheRoyalNational
LifeboatInstitution(RNLI)as
itscharitypartnerfor2022
andwillbeorganisingbranchwidefundraisingeventsover
thenext12months.
TheRNLIhasbeensaving
livesatseafornearly200years
andreliesonvolunteersand
supporterstooperateits
lifesavingservices.
Thevolunteerlifeboatcrews
providea24-hoursearchand
rescueserviceanddependon
donationstoensuretheyhave
thebesttrainingandsafest,
mostreliablelifeboatsand
modernstations,butthe
charitydoessomuchmore.
Thisincludesthedeliveryofa
seasonallifeguardserviceon
Devon’sbeaches,andawater
safetyeducationprogramme
thataimstochangepeople’s
behaviouraroundwater.
In2021,RNLIvolunteer
lifeboatcrewsbasedatnine
Builders merchants chooses
RNLI as annual charity
lifeboatstationsacrossDevon
launchedatotalof593times,
andthe18RNLIlifeguard
unitsdealtwith1,537
incidents.Together,the
lifeboatcrewsandlifeguards
intheSouthWestsaved93
lives,a20%increaseinthe
numberoflivessavedin2020.
DaveNicoll,RNLI
fundraisingandpartnership
leadandvolunteercrew
memberinCornwall,
commented:“It’sfantastic
newsthatthestaffand
customersofRGBhave
selectedtheRNLIastheir
chosencharityforthisyear.
Werelyonvoluntary
donationstoensurewecan
savelivesaroundourcoast.
Themoneyraisedwillhelpto
ensurewecancontinueto
carryoutthislifesavingwork
bothatseaandonthebeaches
ofthesouthwest.”
EdLivesey,Branch
ManageratRGBBarnstaple,
added:“Thenumberofawards
andmedalsthatourregion’s
RNLIlifeboatstationshave
receivedistestamenttothe
fantasticworkthecharitydoes
toprotectlocalpeopleand
visitors.We’redelightedtobe
supportingthecharityforthe
next12monthsandhavesome
excitingfundraisingideasin
thepipelinetohelpourlocal
RNLIvolunteercrewsto
continuesavinglives.”
■ detailsrgbltd.co.uk
@businessactionm | Summer 2022 | business action 25