Business Action | Summer 2022
Summer 2022 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news on business and enterprise in the area. This issue includes features on the winners of our North Devon Business Awards 2022, articles on awards schemes, business support programmes and more.
Summer 2022 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news on business and enterprise in the area. This issue includes features on the winners of our North Devon Business Awards 2022, articles on awards schemes, 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 />
BOOK YOUR STAND AT<br />
BBxpo<br />
BIDEFORD<br />
BUSINESS • BOOST • EXPO<br />
business-action.co.uk | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | @businessactionm
CONTENTS WELCOME HEADER<br />
business<br />
ACTION<br />
EXPANDING & DEVELOPING<br />
FROM YOUR EDITOR<br />
Robert Zarywacz<br />
Editor & Publisher<br />
t: 07971 176044<br />
e: robertz@business-action.co.uk<br />
@robertz<br />
CONTENTS<br />
Behind the scenes<br />
Thereisalwayssomething<br />
beingpreparedinthe<br />
background,oftennotvisibleto<br />
thepublic.<br />
ThisphotobyHarleigh<br />
Taylorcapturesmefittingmy<br />
microphoneinpreparationto<br />
hostthe<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>North<br />
Devon<strong>Business</strong>Awards<strong>2022</strong>at<br />
theLandmarkTheatre,<br />
Ilfracombeon19May.<br />
Ilikethisphotobecauseit<br />
sumsupsomuchoftheunseen<br />
preparationthatweundertake<br />
forthemagazine,eventsand<br />
otheractivities.Thisiswhat<br />
providesthebuzzwhena<br />
projectcomestofruitionandis<br />
launchedtothepublic.<br />
Vol 4 Issue 2 – <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> – distribution 2,000<br />
Welcome................................................................................................................. ii<br />
From South Molton to Rugby World Cup France 2023....................... 1<br />
North Devon biggest business exhibition returns – BBxpo........... 2<br />
<strong>Business</strong> directory: Find products and services................................. 3<br />
News: Manufacturer appoints new director............................................ 4<br />
News: Facilities group wins military air base contract ..................... 4<br />
News: Family firm supplies British carpets and beds........................ 5<br />
News: Ghost walks in rain or shine............................................................ 5<br />
Sustainability: Resource simplifies sustainability process............ 6<br />
Environment: Welcoming Biosphere <strong>Business</strong> VIPs.......................... 7<br />
Support: Help to thrive..................................................................................... 8<br />
Charity: Children’s hospice in search for bear necessities............. 8<br />
Support: Grants for new or start-up businesses.................................. 9<br />
Support: Support to recover, adapt and thrive...................................... 9<br />
Support: Support for people facing barriers to business................ 9<br />
Awards: Awards and accreditations for your business.................... 10<br />
Awards: Made in Britain................................................................................... 10<br />
Awards: Queen’s Award for Enterprise.................................................... 10<br />
Awards: North Devon Manufacturing Awards <strong>2022</strong>............................ 10<br />
Awards: <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> North Devon <strong>Business</strong> Awards <strong>2022</strong>.... 11<br />
Support: HI to Thrive supports young people into work................... 25<br />
News: Supplies for school garden project.............................................. 25<br />
News: Builders merchants chooses RNLI as annual charity.......... 25<br />
A productive six months<br />
Thefirsthalfof<strong>2022</strong>hasbeen<br />
remarkablyproductive.<br />
Atlast,wewereabletorun<br />
thecompletebusinessawards<br />
programmeincludingabig<br />
celebratoryevent.<br />
Wealsopublishedourfirst<br />
magazinesupplementandwe<br />
areonceagainorganising<br />
businessevents.<br />
Collaboration is key<br />
Toexpandanddevelopour<br />
activities,werequiremore<br />
resources.Everythingwedois<br />
supportedbymylongestablishedZarywacz<br />
partnershipwithmybrother<br />
Simon.Wearenowaddingto<br />
thisthroughcollaborationwith<br />
trustedpartners.<br />
<strong>Business</strong> Awards<br />
TheNorthDevon<strong>Business</strong><br />
AwardsCelebrationcouldnot<br />
havehappenedwithoutthe<br />
helpofmanysupporters<br />
thankedonpage11.<br />
Wespecificallywantto<br />
thankvolunteersonthenight–<br />
ClareFlint,SarahLockand<br />
AdamLock–andHarleigh<br />
Taylorforphotographyandlive<br />
socialmediasupport.<br />
Readallabouttheevent,the<br />
awardsandwinnersonpages<br />
11to24.<br />
<strong>Business</strong> Boost supplement<br />
Followingadiscussionwith<br />
SusieKevernofPoundLane<br />
FinancialManagement,<br />
togetherwehaveproduced<br />
<strong>Business</strong>Boost–TheNorth<br />
DevonStartup&<strong>Business</strong><br />
DevelopmentGuide<strong>2022</strong>.<br />
Intendedasareferencework<br />
foranyoneinNorthDevon<br />
lookingtostartordeveloptheir<br />
business,thisisthefirstofa<br />
numberofplannedmagazine<br />
supplementsonspecifictopics.<br />
Weinviteapproachesfrom<br />
businesseskeentosponsora<br />
supplementfocusingontheir<br />
businesssector.<br />
CollaboratingwithSusieon<br />
thiswasadelightandwehope<br />
youfindthispublicationuseful.<br />
■ Read<strong>Business</strong>Boostin<br />
printoronlineatbusinessaction.co.uk/business-boost<br />
BBxpo exhibition<br />
Afteratwo-yeargapduetothe<br />
pandemic,wearedelightedto<br />
beorganisingourthird<br />
businessexhibition,<strong>Business</strong><br />
BoostExpo–Bideford,on<br />
Thursday27October.<br />
Againwearedelightedto<br />
welcomeAndrewBowersof<br />
PeakOnlinetotheorganising<br />
teamandtobringyouanother<br />
practicalbusinessevent.<br />
■ ReadallaboutBBxpoon<br />
page2andbookyourstand<br />
spaceatbbxpo.uk<br />
Web site | business-action.co.uk<br />
Online version | business-action.uk<br />
t: 07971 176044<br />
Design & production by<br />
© Need it Find it <strong>2022</strong>. 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<br />
included in this supplement do not constitute business advice. Readers are strongly recommended to seek advice from an appropriate professional before taking any action<br />
on any topic discussed in the supplement and to check full terms and conditions of any products or services promoted in advertisements.<br />
ii<br />
business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
HEADER NEWS<br />
A question of sport: (from left) France 2023 chief executive officer Claude Atcher, former England international Will Greenwood,<br />
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<br />
The France 2023 Organising<br />
Committeehasannounced<br />
thatAramisRugby,afamilyrunbusinessbasedinSouth<br />
Molton,hasbeenappointedas<br />
OfficialSupporterofRugby<br />
WorldCup2023.<br />
AramisRugbywillprovide<br />
training,groundsandfitness<br />
equipment,includingthe<br />
world’smostadvanceddigital<br />
analyticalscrummachines,to<br />
the20participatingteamsat<br />
RugbyWorldCup2023.<br />
DevelopedwithAramisRugby’s<br />
unrivalledmanufacturing<br />
expertiseandinvestmentsin<br />
R&D,theground-breaking<br />
innovationofferspreviously<br />
unavailableindividualand<br />
scrumunitdatatogive<br />
coachingteamsanalytical<br />
insightintotrainingand<br />
physicalscrumperformance.<br />
ClaudeAtcher,France2023<br />
chiefexecutiveofficer,said:“I<br />
amthrilledtowelcomeAramis<br />
RugbyonboardasanOfficial<br />
SupporterofRugbyWorldCup<br />
2023.Providingthe<br />
participatingnationswiththe<br />
mostadvancedtraining<br />
equipmentavailableisofthe<br />
upmostimportanceforthe<br />
organisingcommittee.Through<br />
AramisRugby’sinnovative<br />
technology,all660playersof<br />
thenextRugbyWorldCupwill<br />
haveeverythingtheyneedto<br />
performontheworld’sbiggest<br />
rugbystage.”<br />
VikasMahajan,founderand<br />
chiefexecutiveofficerof<br />
AramisRugby,said:“Being<br />
namedasOfficialSupporterof<br />
RugbyWorldCup2023isthe<br />
biggestmilestonetodatefor<br />
AramisRugby,andonethatwe<br />
arehugelyproudtoachieve.At<br />
theforefrontofourbusinessis<br />
investinginworld-leading<br />
technologytoprovideplayers,<br />
clubsandthesportwiththe<br />
From South Molton<br />
to Rugby World Cup<br />
France 2023<br />
Manufacturing is a key industry in the North Devon economy and<br />
Aramis Rugby in South Molton is flying the flag for the area and for<br />
Britain after being appointed an Official Supporter of Rugby World<br />
Cup France 2023. <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> editor Robert Zarywacz attended<br />
a reception at the House of Commons where key figures in the<br />
international rugby world celebrated the official announcement<br />
At the heart of the scrum: (from left) Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi<br />
Sunak and former England rugby star Will Greenwood<br />
best-in-classtrainingequipment.<br />
Wearehonouredtobeableto<br />
bringthislevelofinnovationto<br />
thebiggestsportingstagein<br />
rugbyandareveryexcitedto<br />
seewhatFrance2023willhold.”<br />
Theoriginalfamilybusiness<br />
wasestablishedinIndiain1927<br />
The world’s most advanced digital analytical scrum machine: (from left)<br />
Ryan Mahajan, Ajay Mahajan, Rishi Sunak, Will Greenwood, Selaine Saxby,<br />
Roshni Mahajan, Sir Bill Beaumont, Vikas Mahajan and Claude Atcher<br />
andfirstmanufacturedhockey<br />
sticksfortheOlympicsteam<br />
beforemakingcricketbats.The<br />
presentcompany,foundedin<br />
2003byVikasandRoshni<br />
Mahajan,isoneoftheworld’s<br />
leadingmanufacturersofrugby<br />
equipment,whichincludes<br />
scrummachines,balls,training<br />
equipmentandhighperformancekitandclothing,<br />
andisoneofonlyafewrugby<br />
equipmentbrandsto<br />
manufactureitsowngoods.<br />
AramisRugbyisproudofits<br />
Indianheritageandoperatesits<br />
manufacturingprocessesfrom<br />
bothitsfamilyfactoryin<br />
PunjabanditsSouthMolton<br />
headquarters.<br />
FormerEngland<br />
internationalWillGreenwood,<br />
commented:“Havingcoached<br />
andplayedatRugbyWorld<br />
Cups,Ifullyunderstandthe<br />
needfornewinnovative<br />
coachingmethodsand<br />
practicestodevelopawinning<br />
team.AramisRugby’sdigital<br />
scrummachineisoneofthose<br />
innovationsthatcanhelp<br />
playersandcoachesreachthe<br />
nextlevelbyprovidingthem<br />
withanewlevelofinsightinto<br />
performanceandisthereforefit<br />
forthebiggeststageinrugby.”<br />
■ RugbyWorldCup2023will<br />
takeplaceinFrancefrom8<br />
Septemberto28October2023<br />
atninevenuesacross10cities.<br />
Detailsfrance2023.rugby<br />
■ Inadditiontosupplyingtop<br />
classrugbyteamsboth<br />
internationallyandintheUK,<br />
AramisRugbyisastaunch<br />
supporteroftheNorthDevon<br />
businesscommunityandfor<br />
threeyearsfounderandchief<br />
executiveofficerVikasMahajan<br />
hasvolunteeredasajudgein<br />
<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>’sNorth<br />
Devon<strong>Business</strong>Awards.<br />
Detailsaramisrugby.co.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 1
EXHIBITION NEWS<br />
North Devon’s biggest exhibition returns<br />
BBxpo,NorthDevon’slargest<br />
independentbusiness<br />
exhibition,returnsafteran<br />
absenceoftwoyearson<br />
Thursday27OctoberatDevon<br />
Hall,BidefordCollege.<br />
<strong>Business</strong> Boost branding<br />
OriginallynamedBideford<br />
<strong>Business</strong>Expo,theevent,<br />
whichfastbecameknownas<br />
BBxpo,hasbeenrebrandedas<br />
<strong>Business</strong>BoostExpo–Bideford<br />
tomatchcomplementary<br />
activities,includingthe<br />
<strong>Business</strong>BoostStartup&<br />
<strong>Business</strong>DevelopmentGuide,<br />
allaimedatsupportingNorth<br />
Devonbusinesses.<br />
ThiswillbethethirdBBxpo<br />
exhibition,followingthe2018<br />
BBxpo 2019: (from left) Google Digital Garage<br />
trainer Silvia Paloschi and Robert Zarywacz<br />
The way we were: exhibitors at BBxpo Bideford at the last exhibition before lockdowns in October 2019<br />
BBxpo<br />
BIDEFORD<br />
BUSINESS • BOOST • EXPO<br />
and2019eventsand<br />
cancellationofthe2020and<br />
2021eventsinthepandemic.<br />
Successful exhibition format<br />
The<strong>2022</strong>eventwillrepeatthe<br />
previouslysuccessfulformula<br />
ofstandsrepresenting<br />
businessesfromacrossDevon,<br />
aprogrammeofworkshopsand<br />
/ortalksplusthe<br />
freelate-lunch<br />
networkingbuffetfor<br />
exhibitorsand<br />
visitors.<br />
Detailsarebeing<br />
finalisednowand<br />
willbepublishedon<br />
thededicatedevent<br />
website.<br />
Affordable<br />
promotion<br />
BBxpo’saimsremain<br />
thesame:toprovide<br />
effectiveand<br />
affordableexhibitionand<br />
promotionalopportunitiesfor<br />
allNorthDevonbusinesses.<br />
Withstand<br />
spacestartingat<br />
£85–withinreach<br />
ofanybusiness–<br />
everyexhibitor<br />
receivesabusiness<br />
profilein<strong>Business</strong><br />
<strong>Action</strong>magazine<br />
andontheBBxpo<br />
exhibitionwebsite<br />
plussocialmedia<br />
posts.<br />
Whatother<br />
NorthDevon<br />
businesseventcan<br />
matchthis?<br />
Organising team<br />
AsNeeditFinditand<strong>Business</strong><br />
<strong>Action</strong>activitiesexpandin<br />
bothscopeandsize,weare<br />
collaboratingwithtrusted<br />
partnerstomaintainthequality<br />
ofeverythingwedo.<br />
JoiningorganiserRobert<br />
ZarywaczandtheZarywacz<br />
partnership,whichprovidesso<br />
muchofthesupportforthis<br />
event,isAndrewBowersof<br />
PeakOnline.Andrewexhibited<br />
atBBxpoin2019andisan<br />
enthusiasticsupporter,soitisa<br />
delighttowelcomehimaboard<br />
theorganisingteamfor<strong>2022</strong>.<br />
■ Fordetailsandtobook<br />
exhibitionspace,visitbbxpo.uk<br />
Andrew Bowers of Peak Online is coming on board<br />
the BBxpo organising team<br />
Book stand space now<br />
Bookyourexhibitionstand<br />
spaceandservicesnowonline<br />
formaximumbenefit.<br />
Book at BBXPO.UK<br />
Need it<br />
Find it<br />
4 copies of <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong><br />
magazine posted to you,<br />
12-month online listing<br />
& 4 business listings<br />
for £30 per year<br />
Book at needitfindit.uk<br />
HERE<br />
2 business action | <strong>Summer</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 />
GetSet Adapt<br />
Devon<br />
t: 0800 587 7707<br />
w: getsetfrogrowth.com/getset-adapt<br />
OutSet Start<br />
Devon<br />
t: 0800 500 3017<br />
w: devon.ytko.com/communityrenewal-fund<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: peak-online.uk<br />
DINING<br />
Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar<br />
Ilfracombe<br />
t: 01271 863482<br />
w: terracetapasbar.co.uk<br />
The Royal George<br />
Appledore<br />
t: 01237 424 138<br />
w: trgpub.co.uk<br />
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 />
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 />
➤ Listinginfourissuesof<br />
magazinewithbusiness<br />
nameandcategory,phone<br />
number,websiteandtown.<br />
➤ 12-monthonlinelistingat<br />
needitfindit.ukNorth<br />
PACKAGING<br />
Atlas Packaging<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 01271 344055<br />
w: atlaspackaging.co.uk<br />
PHOTOGRAPHY<br />
Tarkatography<br />
Westward Ho!<br />
t: 07977 414798<br />
w: tarkatography.co.uk<br />
PRINTING<br />
Jamaica Press<br />
Buckland Brewer<br />
t: 01237 452333<br />
w: jamaicapress.co.uk<br />
RECRUITMENT<br />
Cooper Golding<br />
Barnstaple<br />
t: 01271 349745<br />
w: coopergolding.co.uk<br />
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 />
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>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 3
FEEL ELECTRIC<br />
TRADE UP, PLUG IN<br />
AT BLIGHTS MOTORS<br />
TCi,whichspecialisesin<br />
commercialandindustrial<br />
new-buildconstruction,<br />
interiorfit-outand<br />
refurbishment,andofficeand<br />
welfarefurnituresupplyand<br />
installation,hasappointed<br />
CallumBowdentoitsboardas<br />
projectdirector.<br />
Asformerheadof<br />
operations,Callum’sleadership<br />
andteammanagementhave<br />
resultedinexceptionalproject<br />
deliveryandperformancefor<br />
majorclientsacrossthe<br />
business.Callumalreadyheads<br />
uphisowncommercial,project<br />
andsiteteamsforagrowing<br />
portfolioofclientsandhas<br />
beenresponsibleforsecuring<br />
newrepeatbusinessthroughout<br />
histimewiththecompany.<br />
AdrianSealey,chairmanof<br />
TCi(GB)Ltd,says;“Thisisa<br />
significantstepupwardsfor<br />
Callumandrecogniseshis<br />
considerabledevelopmentand<br />
capacity.Overseveralyears<br />
now,Callumhasably<br />
demonstratedhisabilityto<br />
successfullydeliverextremely<br />
NEWS<br />
FAMILY RUN FOR 89 YEARS<br />
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK<br />
SALES PARTS SERVICE<br />
RENTAL ESSO FUELS<br />
SPAR CONVENIENCE STORE<br />
TRADE UP...PLUG IN...WITH MG ELECTRIC<br />
TEST DRIVE AN MG NOW!<br />
Manufacturer’s new director<br />
New appointment: (from left) Callum Bowden congratulated by Alex Perkis<br />
Bideford<br />
HANDY CROSS, CLOVELLY ROAD, BIDEFORD, EX39 3ET<br />
01237 472282<br />
www.blightsmotors.co.uk<br />
Facilities group wins military air base contract<br />
Boden Grouphaswonatwoyearcontracttoprovide<br />
facilitiesmanagementservices<br />
toRAFBrizeNortononbehalf<br />
ofVINCIFacilities,aspartof<br />
theFutureDefenceInfrastructureServices(FDIS)Contract.<br />
Asaprincipaldelivery<br />
partner,BodenGroupwill<br />
workcollaborativelywith<br />
VINCIFacilitiestosupport<br />
RAFBrizeNortoninitsability<br />
toproviderapidglobalmobility<br />
insupportofUKoverseas<br />
operationsandexercises.<br />
ThenewFDIScontract<br />
offerstheopportunityto<br />
transformtheapproachto<br />
complexandchallenging<br />
constructionprojects.”<br />
ManagingdirectorAlex<br />
Perkisdescribedthepromotion<br />
as“welldeserved”andwenton<br />
towelcomeCallumtothe<br />
board,congratulatinghimon<br />
behalfofthecompany.<br />
At31,Callumalsobecomes<br />
oneoftheyoungestmembers<br />
oftheboardatTCiandjoins<br />
thenowseven-strongsenior<br />
teamtakingthecompanyto<br />
maintainingtheDefence<br />
estate,whileensuring<br />
statutoryandmandatory<br />
compliance,providingasafe<br />
placeforservicepersonnelto<br />
live,workandtrain.<br />
newheightsasaleading<br />
constructionspecialistand<br />
solutionsprovider.<br />
Callumcommented,“It’sa<br />
greathonourtohavebeen<br />
giventhisopportunityandI<br />
wouldliketothankthe<br />
directorsfortheirmentorship<br />
andsupportingettinghere.It’s<br />
excitingtobeabletobringmy<br />
energyandenthusiasmtothe<br />
nextlevelwhilstbeingrealistic<br />
aboutthehugeresponsibility<br />
BodenGrouphas<br />
establishedastrongreputation<br />
forfacilitiesmanagement<br />
withinthedefencesectorin<br />
theSouthWest.<br />
MikeFaria,VINCIFacilities<br />
placedonme,withgreat<br />
ambitionsforthefutureofmy<br />
department.”<br />
From apprentice to director<br />
Havingstartedasamasonry<br />
apprentice,CallumjoinedTCi<br />
tobecomeatraineesite<br />
managerwhilestudyingat<br />
college,quicklyachieving<br />
successcoordinatingmultiple,<br />
complexandhigh-value<br />
projectsforamajorclient.<br />
Hethenprogressedto<br />
becomeheadofoperations,<br />
skillfullyoverseeingprojectand<br />
siteteamsandliaisingwithkey<br />
clientsofTCithroughoutthe<br />
SouthWest.<br />
Thislatestpromotion<br />
recognisesCallum’shardwork,<br />
dedicationandfocus,and<br />
demonstratesthedevelopmental<br />
careerpathsthatTCiisproud<br />
toadvocate.<br />
DuringhiscareeratTCi,<br />
Callumhasalsowonawardsas<br />
TraineeoftheYearaswellas<br />
beingakeypartofawardwinningprojectsandteams.<br />
■ Details03330220824or<br />
tcigb.co.uk<br />
headofprocurement,<br />
commented,“Wearereally<br />
pleasedtobeworkingwith<br />
BodenGroup,andweare<br />
excitedabouthowtogether,we<br />
candeliverexceptionalservice<br />
totheFDIScontract.”<br />
AndrewBeagley,Boden<br />
Group’smanagingdirector,<br />
commented,“We'redelighted<br />
tohavebeenawardedthis<br />
contractandlookforwardto<br />
workingwithVINCIFacilities<br />
todeliverourobjectivesand<br />
enhancetheend-userand<br />
customerexperience.”<br />
■ Details08456460112or<br />
bodengroup.co.uk<br />
4 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
ENVIRONMENT<br />
Family firm supplies British carpets and beds<br />
North Devonisfortunatetobe<br />
hometomanyindependent<br />
businesses,oftenstartedand<br />
managedbyfamilies.<br />
KingsCarpetsat<br />
Pottington,Barnstapleisa<br />
third-generationfamily<br />
business,startedinIlfracombe<br />
in1963andmovingtoits<br />
presentsitein1969.Laurie<br />
andPeggieHarveystartedthe<br />
business,joinedbytheirson<br />
Martinin1974,whotookover<br />
thereinsbeforepassingthem<br />
ontohisownsonJackHarvey,<br />
nowgeneralmanager.<br />
Jackthoughtaboutworking<br />
inthefamilybusinessinhis<br />
teensandjoinedstraightfrom<br />
school.Heisnowinhis16 th<br />
yearandthoroughlyenjoysthe<br />
interactionwithcustomers.<br />
“Alotofcustomers<br />
continuetosupportusand<br />
somehavebeencomingtous<br />
forover40yearsanddealt<br />
withmygrandad,”saysJack.<br />
Thebusinessadvertises<br />
littleasmostofitscustomers<br />
Jack Harvey, general manager of independent family business Kings Carpets in Barnstaple<br />
It’s sad that many of us assume that much of what we buy is made<br />
overseas. When editor Robert Zarywacz needed new stair carpet,<br />
naturally he chose to purchase from a North Devon independent<br />
business, but was surprised that both carpet and underlay supplied<br />
by Kings Carpets were manufactured in Britain. He decided to find<br />
out more about the firm and the products it supplies<br />
areattractedthroughword-ofmouthrecommendation.<br />
“Honestyiskey.Weteach<br />
staffthathonestyiskeyandto<br />
makesuretheyalwaysgetthe<br />
correctanswerforthe<br />
customer.Wesellquality<br />
productsatareasonableprice,<br />
givegoodcustomerservice<br />
andarereliable.”<br />
Thebusinessnowemploysa<br />
teamofsome20staffwho<br />
togetherrunKingsCarpets,its<br />
adjoiningremnantoutlet<br />
store,theCarpetMill,andits<br />
nearbyBedKingdomstore,<br />
launchedin1976–allthree<br />
storesatPottingtonofferfree<br />
parkingtocustomers.<br />
KingsCarpetsoffersa<br />
rangeofmorethan1,000<br />
carpetandluxuryvinyltile<br />
samplesinitslarge,modern<br />
showroomandJackpointsout<br />
thatupto90%ofthecarpets,<br />
flooring,underlayand<br />
accessoriesitsellsaremadein<br />
Britain.Thishasincreased<br />
fromsome60%beforethe<br />
pandemic.Jacksaysthe<br />
reasonsforthisaretheirhigh<br />
quality,reliability,pricesand<br />
tosupporttheUKeconomy.<br />
Likewise,BedKingdom<br />
suppliessome85%ofBritish<br />
products,includingbeds,<br />
mattresses,frames,<br />
headboards,divansandmore.<br />
Supportinglocalbusinesses<br />
isimportant,butinreturn<br />
thosebusinessesneedto<br />
deliverqualityproductsand<br />
goodservice.That’swhat<br />
KingsCarpetshasdonefor<br />
almost60yearsandwhyJack<br />
sayscustomerstrustit.<br />
■ Details01271374393or<br />
kingscarpetsdevon.co.uk<br />
Bed Kingdom’s showroom stocks a huge selection of beds<br />
Mark Langworthy tells the history of Ilfracombe’s George and Dragon pub<br />
Devon Ghost Tourswasborn<br />
afterMarkLangworthyand<br />
HuetMartels,bothwithalong<br />
historyofinvestigating<br />
reportedlyhauntedlocations,<br />
createdvirtualghostand<br />
historytoursofIlfracombe<br />
duringlockdowns.<br />
Followingpositivefeedback,<br />
thepairhaverecentlylaunched<br />
Ghost walks in rain or shine<br />
thebusinessprovidinginpersontoursaround<br />
IlfracombeandTorrington.The<br />
currentrangeofwalkscovers<br />
Ilfracombe’shighstreet,<br />
harbour,railwayandseafront<br />
andTorrington’sCivilWartrail.<br />
DevonGhostToursalso<br />
Mark Langworthy keeps ghostseekers spellbound in the rain<br />
hostsGhostHunting<br />
Experiencenightswhereyou<br />
canlearnabouttheequipment<br />
usedandhowtoconduct<br />
paranormalinvestigations.<br />
Havingbeensettledsince<br />
theIronAge,Ilfracombeis<br />
steepedinhistorywithtales<br />
fromtheEnglishCivilWar,of<br />
wreckersandsmugglers,and<br />
fromtheVictorianera.<br />
Itsbuildingsandlocations<br />
aresaidtocontinuetoreplay<br />
eventsorhaveresidentspirits<br />
tothisday–seeifit’strueona<br />
walkwithDevonGhostTours.<br />
■ Detailsandbookingat<br />
devonghosttours.com<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 5
SUSTAINABILITY HEADER<br />
Resource simplifies sustainability process<br />
A new resourceaimstocut<br />
throughthenoiseandprovide<br />
tailoredsupporttobusinesses<br />
ontheirsustainabilityjourney.<br />
TheSustainable<strong>Business</strong><br />
Resource(SBR)isa<br />
consultancyserviceoperating<br />
aspartofPlasticFreeNorth<br />
Devon,alocalenvironmental<br />
charityonamissiontoprotect<br />
andimproveourenvironment<br />
throughcommunity-ledaction.<br />
BasedinBarnstapleand<br />
workingacrosstheNorth<br />
Devonarea,itoffersbespoke<br />
solutionstosmallandmediumsizedenterprises(SMEs)<br />
lookingtoembracethe<br />
ecologicalandeconomical<br />
benefitsofintegrating<br />
sustainabilityintotheirwork.<br />
TheSBRhasbeensetupby<br />
SteveRoberts,managing<br />
directorofTurnstyleDesigns,a<br />
Barnstaple-basedmanufacturer<br />
ofluxurydoorhardware,anda<br />
directorofStMichael’sNursery<br />
inBarnstaple.<br />
BelowSteveexplainshow<br />
hisownjourneyinspiredhim<br />
toworkwithClaireMoodie,<br />
chiefexecutiveofficerofPlastic<br />
FreeNorthDevon(PFND),to<br />
createtheSBR.<br />
“Irecognised,throughthe<br />
workittookmetomake<br />
sustainableimprovements<br />
withinthetwodiverse<br />
businessesthatIrun,justhow<br />
difficultandtimeconsumingit<br />
isforowner/managersto<br />
navigatethehugeamountof<br />
adviceandinformationthat<br />
thereisoutthereinorderto<br />
makethenecessarychangesto<br />
one’sbusinesspracticestomake<br />
thosebusinessessustainable.<br />
“AtthesametimeIalso<br />
recognisedthehugebenefits<br />
thatmybusinesseshaveenjoyed<br />
asaresultofmedoingthatwork.<br />
Simplifying sustainability: (from left) Steve Roberts, SBR lead sustainability<br />
advisor and Tom Bedwell, SBR sustainability advisor<br />
“Myinitialdrivingforcewas<br />
adesiretoreducethenegative<br />
impactsofmybusinesseson<br />
ourenvironment,but<br />
somethingthatemergedvery<br />
clearlythroughthisprocesswas<br />
thatthereisahugeeconomical<br />
benefitthatcomeswiththose<br />
changestoo.<br />
“Lookingtothefuture,I<br />
thinkitisfairtosaythatthere<br />
isnoeconomicalsustainability<br />
withoutecological<br />
sustainability,andthe<br />
Sustainable<strong>Business</strong>Resource<br />
isheretoguidebusinessesin<br />
realisingthatgoal.”<br />
Claire,PlasticFreeNorth<br />
Devonchiefexecutiveofficer,<br />
adds:“Weknowincremental<br />
individualchangeisnot<br />
enoughtocreatethesocietal<br />
shiftneededtoreducethe<br />
impactofclimatechangeand<br />
otherenvironmentalchallenges<br />
weface.Thepowerand<br />
opportunityliewithinhowwe<br />
dobusinesswithinour<br />
communities,andrecognising<br />
thetruevalueofbeinga<br />
sustainablebusiness.<br />
“Weareconfidentthatwith<br />
therightsupportwecanhelp<br />
localbusinessestractionthe<br />
changeneededtoprotectand<br />
improveourenvironmentnow<br />
andinthefutureandweare<br />
incrediblyproudtohaveSteve<br />
voluntarilydrivingthisproject<br />
forwardonPFND’sbehalf.”<br />
TheSBRisworkingwitha<br />
broadselectionoforganisations<br />
suchastheNorthDevon<br />
Biosphere,Exeterand<br />
PlymouthUniversities,South<br />
WestManufacturingAdvisory<br />
Service,aswellasmany<br />
specialistconsultantsand<br />
Measuring sustainability success: Tom Bedwell, SBR sustainability advisor<br />
suppliers.Byworkingwiththis<br />
diverserangeofstakeholders,it<br />
isabletocutthroughthe<br />
overloadofinformationthatis<br />
outthereanddirectbusinesses<br />
inthemostefficientway,<br />
helpingthemimproveevery<br />
aspectoftheirbusinessfroma<br />
sustainablepointofview.From<br />
transportationandwaste<br />
managementtoEnvironmental<br />
SocialandGovernance(ESG)<br />
investment,theSBRwill<br />
connectbusinesseswithgrants,<br />
internships,suppliersand<br />
specialistconsultantsrelevant<br />
totheirbusiness.<br />
Full business overview<br />
SBRsupportbeginswithan<br />
overallauditofabusiness,then<br />
devisesandproposesacustombuiltplanoveronetothree<br />
years,startingwiththelowerhangingfruitandmoving<br />
towardsthemorechallenging<br />
areasattheendoftheproject.<br />
Grant support<br />
TheSBRcanassistbusinesses<br />
withanygrantfundingthat<br />
mightbeavailable,introducing<br />
specialistconsultantsand<br />
suppliers,providingtemporary<br />
staffingsolutionswhen<br />
requiredandreturningfor<br />
quarterlyauditstoensure<br />
targetsareachieved.<br />
Analyse success<br />
SBRreportswillmeasure<br />
successinreducingwasteand<br />
carbon,andraisingemployee<br />
andcustomerengagement.<br />
Supportive network<br />
TheSBEwillsendoutcurated<br />
informationrelevanttoa<br />
business,andconnectitwith<br />
otherbusinessesintheirsector<br />
tonetworkandpoolinformation.<br />
■ Detailsthesbr.org.uk<br />
6 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
ENVIRONMENT HEADER<br />
Welcoming Biosphere <strong>Business</strong> VIPs<br />
How can businesses get involved?<br />
Shop, cafes, restaurants,<br />
bars, visitor attractions and<br />
activity providers<br />
Hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses<br />
and accommodation providers<br />
Create a Biosphere<br />
Sponsored Product<br />
Pickaproductandmarketitas<br />
asponsoredproducttoyour<br />
customers.Itcouldbea<br />
‘BiosphereBiscuit’(20pVIP<br />
donation)orBiosphere<br />
WalkingBoots(witha£2<br />
donation).Itistotallyuptoyou<br />
tobeasimaginativeandquirky<br />
asyoulike.<br />
Opt-in voluntary contribution<br />
Guestsareinvitedtomakea<br />
voluntarycontribution,£1or<br />
£2,whichisaddedtotheirbill<br />
atthepointofbookingortheir<br />
finalinvoice.<br />
Opt-incaneasilybe<br />
incorporatedintoonline<br />
bookingsystemsasa‘booking<br />
extra’oraddedtothefinal<br />
invoice.<br />
Why get involved?<br />
Boost for our Biosphere<br />
Giveyourcustomerstheoption<br />
torounduptheirbillwitha<br />
VIPdonation.Thisisasimple<br />
yeteffectivewayforyour<br />
customerstomakeadifference<br />
totheplacetheyarevisiting.<br />
Entry Ticket Contribution<br />
Ifyourunatouristattraction,<br />
whynotaddasmallticket<br />
entryfee‘levy’–eg50por£1–<br />
tothepriceofeachentry,<br />
whichisdonatedtothe<br />
BiosphereVIPscheme?<br />
Oryoucouldadda<br />
voluntarycontribution(£1or<br />
£2toeachonlineentryticket).<br />
➤ It’saneasywaytogiveback<br />
totheplaceweallbenefit<br />
from.<br />
➤ Youwillbeplayingapartin<br />
thebiosphere’svisionfor<br />
NorthDevon.<br />
➤ Accesstoproject<br />
informationandlogosfor<br />
youtoshareyoureffortsto<br />
protectandimproveNorth<br />
Devontoyourcustomers.<br />
➤ Opportunitytobefeatured<br />
onthenew‘NorthDevon<br />
Explorer’app.<br />
➤ Donationstocharityaretax<br />
deductible.<br />
Every year,theNorthDevon<br />
UNESCOBiospherewelcomes<br />
morethan5millionvisitors<br />
whocometoenjoyitsgolden<br />
sands,ruggedcoastlineand<br />
richheritage.<br />
Thebiosphere’s<strong>Business</strong><br />
VIPprogrammelinksthe<br />
increasingnumberofvisitors<br />
withthebreadthofworktaking<br />
placewithinthebiosphere,<br />
whichaimstocreateapositive<br />
futureforallbyintroducing<br />
morepeopletotheimportance<br />
ofthelocalenvironment,on<br />
whichnaturedepends.<br />
Thebiosphereisencouraging<br />
visitorstoinvestinthisvision<br />
inthreeways:<br />
➤ Visitthearea<br />
➤ Investinnature<br />
➤ Protecttheenvironment<br />
Visit. Invest. Protect.<br />
AllfundsraisedbytheVIP<br />
programmewillbeusedbythe<br />
NorthDevonUNESCO<br />
Biosphere’sownspecificcharity<br />
togivenatureahelpinghandto<br />
protecttheenvironment.Two<br />
examplesare:<br />
Bring back Ratty!<br />
WaterVoleReintroductionat<br />
BrauntonMarsh–VIP<br />
donationswillhelpfundthe<br />
reintroductionofwatervolesto<br />
BrauntonMarsh,whohave<br />
beenmissingformanyyears.<br />
Why?Becausewatervoles<br />
providenatural‘habitat<br />
engineering’thatbenefitsother<br />
wildlifewholiveonthemarsh.<br />
Devon’s Rainforest<br />
RestoringAncientWoodlands<br />
–VIPdonationswillhelpfund<br />
therestorationofancient<br />
woodlands–thespecial<br />
rainforestswithinthebiosphere.<br />
Why?Toaddresstheclimate<br />
emergency,createhomesfor<br />
therareandspecialplantsand<br />
animalswearesoluckytohave<br />
here,andtohelprestorenature<br />
toitsformerglory.<br />
■ Details01392388647or<br />
northdevonbiosphere.org.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 7
SUPPORT HEADER<br />
Thriveisaprogrammetohelp<br />
businessesachievetheirfull<br />
potential.<br />
Whetheryouarelookingfor<br />
waystoincreaseyourturnover,<br />
growyourbusinessorjustdo<br />
thingsmoreefficientlysothat<br />
youcanspendmoretimeon<br />
thethingsyouenjoydoing,<br />
Thrivecanhelp.<br />
Ifyouareasoletrader,<br />
microbusinessorlimited<br />
companyinDevon,youcan<br />
contactThrivenowtoseeifyou<br />
areeligibletoaccessfour<br />
modulesofbusinessadvice,<br />
supportandtraining.Funded<br />
bytheEuropeanRegional<br />
Children’s hospice in<br />
search for bear necessities<br />
North Devonissettohostan<br />
excitingpublicartsculpture<br />
trailthisyeardesignedtoraise<br />
vitalfundsandawarenessfor<br />
Children’sHospiceSouthWest<br />
(CHSW).<br />
Thecharity,whichruns<br />
threechildren’shospices,<br />
includingLittleBridgeHouse<br />
inFremington,hasjoined<br />
forceswithTheArtof<br />
FundraisingtocreateaBear<br />
Huntarttrailtorunthrough<br />
SeptemberandOctober.<br />
Someoftheregion’sbestknownlocalartistsare<br />
currentlydecorating25<br />
individualfive-footbearsthat<br />
willformaseriesofminitrails<br />
inandaroundBarnstaple,<br />
Bideford,Torrington,<br />
IlfracombeandSouthMolton.<br />
Aswellashelpingtoraise<br />
theprofileofthehospice,itis<br />
hopedthattheBearHunttrail<br />
willalsobringsignificant<br />
footfallandeconomicbenefit<br />
tothehostlocationsand<br />
surroundingareas.<br />
Help to thrive<br />
DevelopmentFunds(ERDF),<br />
thissupportiscompletelyfree<br />
toeligiblebusinessesinthe<br />
HeartoftheSouthWestarea.<br />
Thriveisabespokeservice<br />
usingspecialistadvisorswho<br />
willworkwithyoutoidentify<br />
whatwouldmosthelpyour<br />
business.<br />
Youwillbeabletoaccess<br />
fourmodulesofsupportwith<br />
eachmodulelastingforthree<br />
hours.Yourfourmodules(or<br />
12hoursintotal)canbemade<br />
CHSWBearHuntproject<br />
coordinatorKateRomosaid:<br />
“We’rereallylookingforward<br />
toseeinghowalltheartists<br />
choosetodecoratetheirbears<br />
andcan’twaittoseethem<br />
formsuchafuntrailfor<br />
peopletofollowinandaround<br />
beautifulNorthDevon.<br />
“Wehopeitwillbehugely<br />
popularwithbothlocalsand<br />
visitors,whoaswellasbeing<br />
abletodiscoverthese<br />
wonderfulpiecesofbearart,<br />
willalsobeabletoenjoy<br />
visitingthetownsandvillages<br />
inwhichtheyarelocated.”<br />
Katesaidtherewereastilla<br />
numberofopportunitiesfor<br />
businessestogetinvolvedin<br />
theproject,includingasatrail<br />
orbearsponsor,orby<br />
becomingasculpturehost.<br />
Bearsareevenavailabletobuy<br />
oradoptataspecialauction<br />
takingplaceinNovember.<br />
“Therearevarious<br />
sponsorshippackages<br />
availablesoifyourbusiness<br />
upofacombinationofthe<br />
followingtosuityourneeds:<br />
➤ Athree-hourreviewmeeting<br />
leadingtoadevelopment<br />
planforyourbusiness<br />
➤ 1-2-1sessionsfocusingon<br />
yourparticularneeds<br />
➤ Webinarsonrelevant<br />
businesstopics<br />
ThroughThrive,abusinesswill<br />
typicallyreceiveone1-2-1<br />
sessionfollowedbyattending<br />
severalworkshopsand<br />
wouldliketoget<br />
involvedoryou’dliketo<br />
findoutmore,we’dlove<br />
tohearfromyou,”adds<br />
Kate.<br />
“TheArtof<br />
Fundraisinghasatrack<br />
recordofdelivering<br />
incrediblepublicarts<br />
eventsthatraise<br />
significantfundsfor<br />
charitiesandother<br />
worthycauses,andwe<br />
hopetheCHSWBear<br />
Huntwillalsoraise<br />
essentialawarenessand<br />
fundstohelpprovide<br />
vitalcareforlocal<br />
families.<br />
“Bygettinginvolved<br />
inthisexcitingproject,<br />
youwillbestanding<br />
alongsidethechildren,<br />
youngpeopleand<br />
familieswhoneedthat<br />
supportthemost.”<br />
■ Tofindoutmoreabouthow<br />
yourbusinesscanget<br />
involved,eitherasaBearHunt<br />
webinars.Sessionsmaybe held<br />
onlineorinperson.<br />
What will it cover?<br />
Topicscaninclude:digital<br />
support;leadership;finance;<br />
humanresources;innovation;<br />
marketing;businessplanning;<br />
roadtoreopening.<br />
Specificagriculturalsupport<br />
isalsoavailable.<br />
InNorthDevon,North<br />
Devon+deliversthesupport.<br />
■ Thriveisnowaccepting<br />
applicationsfrombusinesses.<br />
Pleasefillintheonlineform<br />
toexpressyourinterestat<br />
heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/<br />
thrive/<br />
sponsororbearsculpture<br />
host,callKateRomoon01271<br />
325270oremail<br />
bearhunt@chsw.org.ukorvisit<br />
chswbearhunt.org<br />
8 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
Grants for new or<br />
start-up businesses<br />
SUPPORT HEADER<br />
What could you dowithupto<br />
£10kingrantfundingforyour<br />
start-upornewbusiness?<br />
Buynewkit?<br />
Installnewtechnology?<br />
Hiremorepeople?<br />
Expandyourpremises?<br />
Ifyouareastart-upornew<br />
company,basedinDevon,<br />
whohasbeentradingfor<br />
underthreeyearswithless<br />
than10employees,youcould<br />
boostyourbusinesswitha<br />
grantfromtheStartandGrow<br />
programme.It’llevenhelpyou<br />
tocompletetheapplication<br />
paperworktohelpensureyour<br />
successingainingagrant.<br />
Designedtosupport<br />
businessesintheconstruction,<br />
retail,tourismandleisure<br />
sectors,thegrantsarepartofa<br />
packageofsupportdesigned<br />
tohelpstart-upandnew<br />
businessestobuildtheirskills<br />
andconfidence.<br />
Aswellasthegrants,you<br />
canaccesssupportsessions<br />
withexpertbusinessadvisors<br />
andtrainingworkshopsto<br />
learnnewskillsanditsonline<br />
learningportal.<br />
Grantsarelimited,sogetin<br />
touchnowbycalling0800500<br />
3017orformoreinformation<br />
visitdevon.ytko.com/<br />
community-renewal-fund/<br />
■ StartandGrowisdelivered<br />
byYTKOinpartnershipwith<br />
DevonCountyCouncilandis<br />
fundedthroughtheUK<br />
CommunityRenewalFund.<br />
Support for people facing<br />
barriers to business<br />
A new, fully-funded bursary<br />
forpeoplewhofacebarriersto<br />
startingabusinesshasbeen<br />
launchedacrossNorthDevon.<br />
SquareOneisaninitiative<br />
fundedandrunbycoworking<br />
andsmallbusinessexperts,<br />
TownSquareSpacesLtd<br />
(TownSq),whichalsooperates<br />
theNodeCoworkbusinesshub,<br />
wheresupportwillbebased.<br />
Thesupportpackage<br />
containseverythingan<br />
individualneedstostartand<br />
growabusiness,includingfulltimedeskspacewithhighspeedinternetaccessforthree<br />
months,one-to-onebusiness<br />
support,bi-weeklycheck-in<br />
andgoalsettingsessions,<br />
enrolmentintotheexpert-led<br />
StartupClubprogrammeand<br />
accesstonetworkingand<br />
specialevents.<br />
Tobeeligible,individuals<br />
needtobeeitherpre-startor<br />
withintheirfirsttwoyearsof<br />
trading,bewithinashort<br />
commuteofNodein<br />
Barnstapleandtheymustfeel<br />
theyfaceabarriertostarting<br />
theirbusiness.<br />
JulianDymond,community<br />
manageratTownSq,saidthey<br />
hopethebursarywill<br />
encouragethosewhomightnot<br />
usuallytaketheleap,to<br />
considerentrepreneurship.<br />
“Startingabusinessisnot<br />
alwaysaboutgrowinganempire<br />
Support to recover,<br />
adapt and thrive<br />
GetSet Adaptisaprogramme<br />
tohelpDevonbusinesses<br />
recover,adaptandthrive.<br />
CompaniesacrossDevon<br />
nowhavethechancetogeta<br />
boostwithfreesupportfrom<br />
GetSetAdapttohelpthem<br />
recoverfromtheimpactofthe<br />
COVID-19pandemicand<br />
buildstronger,more<br />
sustainablebusinesses.<br />
Ifyourunabusiness<br />
employingfewerthan250<br />
employeesandarelookingto<br />
getbackontrackwithamore<br />
resilientbusinessstrategytoaid<br />
yourrecoveryandgrowth,then<br />
GetSetAdaptcanhelp!<br />
GetSetAdaptbringshigh<br />
quality,professionalresources<br />
toyourcompany,helpingyou<br />
todevelopyourbusinessskills.<br />
Youcanaccessworkshops<br />
designedtoimproveyour<br />
andbecomingahousehold<br />
name.Formany,owningtheir<br />
ownbusinessisjustabout<br />
earningadecentliving,doing<br />
somethingtheyloveata<br />
schedulethatsuitsthem.<br />
“However,startingabusiness<br />
canbetoughandthereare<br />
manybarriers,betheyfinancial,<br />
timeorsimplyspacetowork.It<br />
canalsobehardtoknowwhere<br />
tobegin–that’swhereworking<br />
aroundpeoplewhohavealready<br />
solvedtheverychallengesyou<br />
arefacingcanbecomean<br />
invaluableadvantage.<br />
“We’dencourageanyone<br />
whohasrecentlylaunchedor<br />
hasthedesiretostartabusiness<br />
butisstrugglingtoputthe<br />
piecestogether,togetintouch<br />
withusandseehowwecanhelp.”<br />
leadershipandmanagement<br />
skills,understandyour<br />
opportunitiesforgrowthand<br />
buildamoreprofitable<br />
customerbase.<br />
GetSetAdapt’sexpert<br />
businessadvisorsarealsoonhandtoprovideyouwithoneto-onecoachingtodiscussthe<br />
challengesyoufaceandbuild<br />
strategicplanstogrowyour<br />
bottomlineandgiveyour<br />
businesstheboostitneeds.<br />
Theprogrammelooksto<br />
reinforcethehardesthit<br />
businesses,aswellasmaximising<br />
continuingopportunitiesinthe<br />
digitalandenvironmental<br />
technologysectors.<br />
■ Ifyourbusinesscould<br />
benefitfromourprogramme,<br />
getintouchon08005877707<br />
orvisitgetsetforgrowth.com/<br />
getset-adapt<br />
Julian Dymond, community<br />
manager at TownSq<br />
■ Formoreinformation,orto<br />
applyforthebursaryyoucan<br />
gototownsq.co.uk/squareone,<br />
call01271452442oremail<br />
barnstaple@townsq.co.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 9
AWARDS HEADER<br />
Awards and accreditations for your business<br />
<strong>Business</strong> owners’ efforts are vital for the prosperity of the whole community, but are not as widely recognised as they should be. As well as<br />
the North Devon <strong>Business</strong> Awards, below are three programmes that can help you achieve the recognition that you deserve for you and your<br />
business. As well as promoting your own business, you will be raising the profile of North Devon in the wider business community<br />
<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong>isan<br />
enthusiasticsupporterofNorth<br />
Devonmanufacturersand<br />
producers,andcreatedthe<br />
MadeinNorthDevonAward<br />
toincreaseawarenessof<br />
productsmadelocally.<br />
Localmanufacturingis<br />
importantforanumberof<br />
reasons–boostingthelocal<br />
economybyretainingand<br />
attractingmoneyintothearea,<br />
creatingandmaintaining<br />
employment,developingskills<br />
andincreasingsustainability.<br />
Thisdoesnotmeanwe<br />
shouldbeinwardlookingand<br />
NorthDevonmanufacturers<br />
deserverecognitionatbotha<br />
nationalandinternationallevel.<br />
Thatiswhywewere<br />
delightedthatMadeinBritain<br />
supportedourawardsevent<br />
andproposedthatoneofits<br />
memberspresentedourMade<br />
inNorthDevonAward.We<br />
werepleasedtowelcome<br />
WarrenGell,globalcommercial<br />
director,ofDartingtonCrystal.<br />
Warrennotonlypresented<br />
theawardtowinnerMooFree<br />
Chocolates,butverygenerously<br />
donatedfivepairsoflimited<br />
editionDartingtonwhisky<br />
tumblersbearinghandengravedDartingtonCrystal<br />
andMadeinBritainlogos.One<br />
pairwaspresentedtoNorth<br />
Devon<strong>Business</strong>oftheYear<br />
manufacturerDiamedica,along<br />
withtwoengravedDartington<br />
Crystalawardstrophies.<br />
WarrenGellsaid,“Itwasan<br />
The North Devon<br />
Manufacturing Awards return<br />
afteratwo-yearhiatus.<br />
OrganisedbytheNorth<br />
DevonManufacturers<br />
Association,anybusinessin<br />
NorthDevoncanenterthe<br />
awardsforfree,bothNDMA<br />
membersandnon-members.<br />
The10awardcategoriesare:<br />
➤ Apprentice<br />
➤ <strong>Business</strong>Transformation<br />
➤ ChampionManufacturer<br />
honourtopresenttheMadein<br />
NorthDevonAwardonbehalf<br />
ofMadeinBritain.”<br />
The Made in Britain mark<br />
MadeinBritainbringstogether<br />
theBritishmanufacturing<br />
community,unitedwiththeuse<br />
oftheregisteredcollective<br />
mark.Themarkisprotected<br />
andcanonlybeusedby<br />
membersofMadeinBritain<br />
thatmeetthecriteriaitsetsto<br />
guaranteethememberisa<br />
Britishmanufacturer.<br />
MadeinBritainalsooffers<br />
memberssupportinfourareas:<br />
sales,marketing,exportsand<br />
comms/PR.Becominga<br />
memberentitlesyourbusiness<br />
toaprofilepageontheMadein<br />
BritainDirectoryalongsideall<br />
theothermakersin50product<br />
categories.Itencourages<br />
buyers,specifiersand<br />
consumerstousethedirectory<br />
astheprocurementsitefor<br />
British-madegoods.<br />
■ Fordetailsofhowyour<br />
businesscanbecomea<br />
memberofMadeinBritain,<br />
visitmadeinbritain.org<br />
North Devon Manufacturing<br />
Awards <strong>2022</strong><br />
➤ EnvironmentalProject<br />
➤ Exporter<br />
➤ Health&Safety/Covid<br />
Resilience<br />
➤ Innovation<br />
➤ Product<br />
➤ Team<br />
➤ TraineeAward<br />
“WhileDevonisoneofthe<br />
largestcountiesintheUK,the<br />
numberofDevoncompanies<br />
applyingforandwinninga<br />
Queen’sAwardforEnterprise<br />
comparedwiththerestofthe<br />
UKislow,”saidMarkAnsell,<br />
DeputyLieutenantofDevon,<br />
toguestsattheNorthDevon<br />
<strong>Business</strong>Awards.<br />
Markgaveashort<br />
presentationonwhy<br />
businessesinNorthDevon<br />
shouldapplyfortheaward.<br />
Hesaidthatinthepast20<br />
years,over2,550UK<br />
companieshavewonaQueen’s<br />
Award,butlessthan20of<br />
thesewereDevoncompanies.<br />
Thisyear,fiveDevonfirmswon<br />
awards,buttherewereonly13<br />
completedapplicationsfrom<br />
the44,000VAT-registered<br />
businessesinDevon–surely<br />
wecandobetter!<br />
ThisiswhytheLord<br />
LieutenantofDevonis<br />
supportinganinitiativeto<br />
encouragemorecompaniesto<br />
applyforandwinQueen’s<br />
Awardstoraisetheirnational<br />
profileandthatofDevon.<br />
Four categories<br />
Therearenowfourdistinct<br />
categoriesofQueen’sAward<br />
forEnterprise:<br />
➤ Internationaltrade<br />
➤ Innovation<br />
➤ Sustainabledevelopment<br />
➤ Promotingopportunity<br />
(throughsocialmobility)<br />
Anycompany,largeorsmall,<br />
canapplyfromanysector<br />
tradinginregional,nationalor<br />
<strong>Business</strong>escanenteronlineand<br />
thedeadlineforentriesis23:59<br />
onMonday25July.<br />
Thewinnerswillbe<br />
announcedattheawardsgala<br />
event,includingwelcomedrink<br />
andtwo-coursedinneratthe<br />
BarnstapleHotelonThursday<br />
15September.<br />
■ Enteratndma.org.uk<br />
internationalmarketsaslong<br />
asitisaself-contained<br />
enterprisebasedintheUK,<br />
filestaxreturnswithHMRC<br />
andhasatleasttwofull-time<br />
equivalentemployees.<br />
Pastapplicantsconsistently<br />
saythatjusttheprocessof<br />
applyingwasreallyhelpfulin<br />
makingthemthink<br />
strategicallyabouttheir<br />
business.Goodquality<br />
feedbackisgiventothosewho<br />
donotsucceedsothatoftena<br />
companythatfailsoneyear<br />
comesbackthefollowingyear<br />
andwins.<br />
Mark Ansell addresses guests at<br />
the North Devon <strong>Business</strong> Awards<br />
TurnstyleDesigns<br />
(turnstyledesigns.com)in<br />
BarnstaplewonaQueen’s<br />
AwardforEnterpriseinthe<br />
InternationalTradecategory<br />
in2018.Managingdirector<br />
SteveRobertsishappytoshare<br />
hisexperienceofthe<br />
applicationprocessandwhatit<br />
islikeforaNorthDevon<br />
businesstobeawinner.<br />
Applicationsforthe<strong>2022</strong><br />
Awardsareopenfromnowto<br />
September<strong>2022</strong>.<br />
Theawardsarefreetoenter<br />
sothereisnothingtolose,but<br />
lotstogaininapplying.<br />
■ Applyforfreeatgov.uk/<br />
queens-awards-for-enterprise/<br />
how-to-apply<br />
10 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
<strong>2022</strong> HEADER AWARDS<br />
At last!<br />
Ifitseemedlikewewaitedfor<br />
years,thenitwasbecausewe<br />
didwaityearsforacelebration<br />
ofthe<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>North<br />
Devon<strong>Business</strong>Awards.<br />
OnThursday19May,175<br />
guestsarrivedattheLandmark<br />
Theatre,Ilfracombetoenjoya<br />
welcomeglassofNorthDevon<br />
sparklingwine,abuffet,<br />
networkingandhearthe<br />
announcementofthe<strong>2022</strong><br />
awardswinners.<br />
Thank you . . .<br />
...toeveryonewhomadethis<br />
eventpossible:alloursponsors,<br />
ourvolunteerawardsjudges,<br />
andallourentrants,finalists<br />
andwinners.<br />
We’regratefulforthe<br />
supportofDevon&Plymouth<br />
ChamberofCommerce,Made<br />
inBritainandtheQueen’s<br />
AwardforEnterprise.<br />
Thankyoutootoourevent<br />
volunteers:ClareFlint,Sarah<br />
LockandAdamLockfor<br />
welcomingguestsandHarleigh<br />
Taylorforphotographyandlive<br />
socialmediasupport.Thank<br />
youalsoSethConwayMedia<br />
forvideoingtheevent.<br />
ThankyoutoTenAcres<br />
VineyardfortheNorthDevon<br />
sparklingwine,tothe<br />
LandmarkTheatre,Ilfracombe<br />
fororganisingandservingthe<br />
buffetandprovidingtechnical<br />
supportforthepresentations<br />
andDartingtonCrystalforthe<br />
engravedawardstrophies.<br />
For all of North Devon<br />
The<strong>2022</strong>awardsattracted114<br />
entriesfromacrossNorth<br />
DevonincludingAbbotsham,<br />
Appledore,Barnstaple,<br />
Bideford,BrattonFleming,<br />
Braunton,BucklandBrewer,<br />
Chivenor,Chulmleigh,<br />
Clovelly,Holsworthy,Hartland,<br />
HighBickington,Horwood,<br />
Ilfracombe,Kentisbury,Kings<br />
Nympton,Landkey,Lynton,<br />
SouthMolton,Swimbridge,<br />
Torrington,WestwardHo!,<br />
WitheridgeandWoolacombe.<br />
Entrantsincludednewand<br />
establishedbusinesses,small<br />
andlarge.<br />
Discoverthewinnersover<br />
thefollowingpages–andmake<br />
sureyouenteryourbusinessfor<br />
the2023awards!<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 11
<strong>2022</strong> AWARDS<br />
At previous judging sessions<br />
forthe<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>North<br />
Devon<strong>Business</strong>Awardsthere<br />
havebeenlongandvigorous<br />
discussionsonwhichofthe<br />
individualcategorywinners<br />
shouldbeselectedasNorth<br />
Devon<strong>Business</strong>oftheYear.<br />
Thisisbecausethereareso<br />
manyexcellentawardsentries<br />
thatitishardtochoose.<br />
In<strong>2022</strong>,onenamewas<br />
suggestedforthetitleandall<br />
judgesagreedunanimously:<br />
Diamedica.<br />
Outstanding achievement<br />
Diamedicawaseligibleforthe<br />
overallawardaswinnerofthe<br />
InternationalTradeand<br />
Exportsawardcategory.<br />
However,thisdoesnotgivea<br />
fullpictureofthecompany’s<br />
remarkableachievements.<br />
Asourcoverphotoofits<br />
productsbeingdeliveredbyox<br />
cartdemonstrates,Diamedica<br />
manufacturessafeanaesthesia<br />
andrespiratorysolutionsfor<br />
useinlocationsorsituations<br />
withlimitedornoinfrastructure.Whatismore,itachieves<br />
thisasacommercialbusiness.<br />
Thiscombinationofinnovation,<br />
commercialenterprise,export<br />
successandethicalaims<br />
impressedthejudges.<br />
North Devon<br />
<strong>Business</strong> of the Year <strong>2022</strong><br />
DIAMEDICA<br />
sponsored by<br />
01271 344300 or miltonpj.net<br />
Remarkable innovation<br />
Diamedica’sstorybegan18<br />
yearsagoafterafrustrated<br />
anaesthetistaskedwhy<br />
engineerscouldnotbuild<br />
equipmentsuitableforuse<br />
inAfrica.<br />
RobertNeighbour,who<br />
originallytrainedasan<br />
aerospaceengineerandhas<br />
aMaster’sdegreein<br />
engineering,tookupthis<br />
challengetodesign<br />
anaestheticequipmentthat<br />
couldfunctionwithoutthe<br />
infrastructurecommonly<br />
This magazine is for you<br />
Whatdoyouthinkyouneed<br />
foryournewstobepublished<br />
in<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>?APR<br />
agencyandabigbudget?<br />
Theanswerisnotoboth.<br />
Thenewsandarticleswe<br />
featurein<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>are<br />
publishedfreeofcharge.<br />
Whilewedoreceivepress<br />
releasesfrombiggerbusinesses,<br />
wealsointerviewmanyother<br />
businessestowriteourown<br />
Headline sponsor: (from left) Philip Milton of Philip J Milton & Company plc<br />
presents Robert Neighbour, managing director of Diamedica,<br />
with the North Deon <strong>Business</strong> of the Year Award <strong>2022</strong><br />
originalarticles–actuallywe<br />
prefertodothis.<br />
Youcanbeasoletrader,a<br />
shopowner,guesthouse<br />
proprietororabigbusiness.<br />
Youcanbeayoungorold<br />
businessownerandrunanew<br />
orestablishedbusiness.<br />
It’syourstorythatmatters.<br />
■ Forachat,callRoberton<br />
07971176044oremail<br />
robertz@business-action.co.uk<br />
availableinhospitalsin<br />
Westerncountries.Thishas<br />
resultedisDiamedica’srangeof<br />
anaesthesia,ventilation,<br />
intensivecareandoxygen<br />
equipmentwhichcan<br />
withstandhostileconditions<br />
createdbyheat,humidityand<br />
dust,andcanoperatewithout<br />
consistentelectricitysupplies<br />
andfreelyavailableoxygen.<br />
Whilethisundoubtedly<br />
demonstratesahighlevelof<br />
innovation,whatimpressedthe<br />
panelofawardsjudgeseven<br />
morewasthatDiamedicahas<br />
achievedsuchremarkable<br />
resultswhileoperatingasa<br />
commercialenterprise.<br />
“Weareacommercial<br />
companybutwithacomplete<br />
humanitarianfocus,”explains<br />
Robert.“Wedealwithtwothirdsoftheworldthatnoone<br />
elsedealswith.”<br />
Robertbelievesthatthis<br />
commercialfocusiskeytothe<br />
company’ssuccess:“I’magreat<br />
believerincommercialactivity.<br />
Withoutcommercialactivity,is<br />
anythingsustainable?”<br />
Sustainable in many ways<br />
Aswellasachievingcommercial<br />
sustainability,Diamedica<br />
operatesinanenvironmentally<br />
sustainablemanner.<br />
“Nothingwemakeisused<br />
oncethenthrownaway,”<br />
Robert.“Everythingwedois<br />
sustainable.”<br />
Diamedicadesignsits<br />
equipmenttobeusedwith<br />
minimumrunningcosts.They<br />
alsorequireminimal<br />
maintenance,asoftenthereis<br />
nolocalengineeringexpertise,<br />
soanyproblemshavetobe<br />
simpletofix.Thisruggedness<br />
enablesequipmenttooperate<br />
foryearsandDiamedicacan<br />
receivecallsfromcustomers<br />
whopurchasedequipment14<br />
yearsagoandarestillusingit.<br />
Allthewhile,Diamedica<br />
maintainsthehighestlevelsof<br />
quality.ItisaccreditedwithISO<br />
13485:2016,whichspecifies<br />
requirementsforquality<br />
managementsystemsfor<br />
organisationsproviding<br />
medicaldevicesandrelated<br />
servicestoensurethey<br />
consistentlymeetcustomerand<br />
applicableregulatory<br />
requirements.Productsalso<br />
beartheCEmarktoaffirm<br />
theirconformitywith<br />
Europeanhealth,safety,and<br />
12 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
<strong>2022</strong> AWARDS<br />
environmentalprotection<br />
standards.<br />
Throughout the world<br />
Diamedica’steamof12<br />
employeesincludesengineers,a<br />
qualitymanager,salesand<br />
marketingandcharityliaison.<br />
Onacceptingbothawards,<br />
Robertsaid:“Theawardsare<br />
forthepeoplewhoworkforus.<br />
It’sourpeoplewhomakeupthe<br />
business.”<br />
AtitsbaseinBratton<br />
Fleming,theDiamedicateam<br />
manufacturesequipmentfor<br />
exportto80countriesacross<br />
sixcontinents.Designand<br />
manufacturingarejusttwoof<br />
thecompany’sactivities,as<br />
Diamedicaprovidestrainingon<br />
howtouse,serviceand<br />
maintainitsequipment.Italso<br />
offersongoing,freeemailor<br />
telephoneafter-salessupport<br />
foraslongasacustomerhas<br />
theirmachine.<br />
Roberthimselfhastravelled<br />
to38Africancountriesaswell<br />
astheMiddleEastandFarEast<br />
The Diamedica Glostavent® Helix<br />
Duo anaesthetic product is<br />
designed to function when power or<br />
oxygen fail in the operating theatre<br />
International Trade & Exports<br />
Award Winner <strong>2022</strong><br />
DIAMEDICA<br />
Export recognition: (from left) Stuart Elford, chief executive of Devon &<br />
Plymouth Chamber presents Kerrie Anson and Robert Neighbour of<br />
Diamedica with the International Trade & Exports Award <strong>2022</strong><br />
topromoteanddeliverproducts<br />
andservices.Networkingand<br />
presentationsatoverseas<br />
exhibitionshavebuiltmany<br />
longstandinginternational<br />
relationships,whichinclude15<br />
in-countrydistributorsacross<br />
countriesinsub-SaharanAfrica.<br />
Whilethecompanyworked<br />
rightthroughthepandemic,<br />
internationaltravelstopped,so<br />
itintroduceddigitaltrainingby<br />
videooverZoom.Thisenabled<br />
ittocontinuemuch-needed<br />
supportanditdeliveredvirtual<br />
trainingtomorethan118<br />
delegatesacrossninelowincomecountries.<br />
Morerecently,Diamedica<br />
hassuppliedmultiple<br />
Glostavent®DPA02portable<br />
anaesthesiamachinesand<br />
Lifeboxpulseoximetersto<br />
GradianHealthSystemsforthe<br />
RegionalClinicLicarnyain<br />
Kharkivinresponse<br />
totheongoing<br />
humanitariancrisis<br />
inUkraine.<br />
Healthcare<br />
workersinUkraine<br />
facemany<br />
challengesincluding<br />
aninabilitytoaccess<br />
medicalequipment<br />
andareworkingin<br />
environmentsthat<br />
havebeen<br />
compromised.The<br />
Glostavent®DPA02<br />
portableanaesthesia<br />
machinedoesnot<br />
requireelectricalor<br />
batterypower,<br />
functioning<br />
anywhere, tomake<br />
itthefirstchoicefor<br />
humanitariananddisaster<br />
relieforganisations.<br />
Safe surgery for millions<br />
Diamedicahasnowsupplied<br />
morethan1,000anaesthesia<br />
machineswhichhavebeen<br />
usedinmorethenthan<br />
4millionsurgicalinterventions.<br />
TheseincludesitsCPAP<br />
(continuouspositiveairway<br />
pressure)machines–asimpleto-use,low-cost,life-saving<br />
respiratorysolutionforpreterm<br />
babies,neonatesand<br />
paediatrics–whichsavelives<br />
everyday.<br />
“Halftheworld’spopulation<br />
doesnothavetimelyaccessto<br />
safesurgery,”concludesRobert.<br />
“Therearemanyskilled<br />
professionalswhoarevery<br />
inventivewhodoaremarkable<br />
jobwithverylimitedresources.<br />
“Wearetheenablersthat<br />
enablethemtodothework<br />
thathastobedone.”<br />
■ Details01598710066or<br />
diamedica.co.uk<br />
Diamedica managing director Robert Neighbour<br />
talking to medical professionals in Ghana<br />
Advertise from just £30 a year with <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong><br />
All plans include<br />
➤ 4 adverts (if selected)<br />
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➤ 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 />
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Book online at business-action.co.uk/plans or call Robert on 07971 176044<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 13
Seetecwaspresentedwiththe<br />
BestEmployerAward<strong>2022</strong>by<br />
DebbieStaffordoftheBeReady<br />
EmployerHub.<br />
ThejudgesselectedSeetec,<br />
whichemploys55peoplein<br />
NorthDevon,ofwhich33%<br />
haveadisability,foritsrangeof<br />
employabilityservices.<br />
Thebusinesshelpssomeof<br />
themostmarginalisedpeople<br />
inDevontomovetowardsand<br />
intowork.Itdoesthisby<br />
providingemployment,skills,<br />
andtrainingservicestohelp<br />
peoplereachtheirambitions.<br />
Italsorunsamanufacturing<br />
enterpriseinBarnstapleandits<br />
maincustomerisluxurybed<br />
makerVi-Spring,whichithas<br />
suppliedformorethan30<br />
years.TheBarnstaplefactory<br />
employs21peopleand<br />
<strong>2022</strong> HEADER AWARDS<br />
Best Employer Award Winner <strong>2022</strong><br />
SEETEC<br />
sponsored by<br />
01392 241124 or readydevon.org.uk<br />
approximately60%oftheworkforcehavea<br />
disability.<br />
Seetecisanemployee-ownedbusiness<br />
andthroughitsemployeeownershiptrust,<br />
itsworkforcecollectivelyowns51%ofthe<br />
business.Theyallplayanimportantrolein<br />
shapingthebusinessandaimto<br />
createlastingsocialvaluefor<br />
thepeopleandcommunities<br />
Seetecserves.<br />
Seetec’semployment<br />
supportprogrammesinclude:<br />
RestartScheme–enhanced<br />
supporttofindjobs; JETS(Job<br />
EntryTargetedSupport);Work<br />
andHealth–supportingpeople<br />
withlong-termhealth<br />
conditions;ProjectSearch–<br />
internshipsforyoungpeople<br />
withalearningdisability;and<br />
PositivePeopleProject–<br />
providingalifelinetopeople<br />
over25whoarenotinwork.<br />
DebbieStaffordsays:“The<br />
BeReadyEmployerHubwas<br />
delightedtosponsortheBest<br />
EmployerAwardcategory.It<br />
wasgreattoseesomany<br />
employerswhoreallyvaluethe<br />
positivebenefitsthatembracing<br />
diversityandinclusioncan<br />
bringtobothstaffand<br />
customersandwhogotheextra<br />
miletomakingadifferencein<br />
NorthDevon.Welldonetoall<br />
thefinalistsand,ofcourse,the<br />
winnersSeetec.”<br />
■ Details08003345525or<br />
seeteceetecpluss.co.uk<br />
BBxpo<br />
BIDEFORD<br />
BUSINESS • BOOST • EXPO<br />
Thursday 27 October<br />
Devon Hall<br />
▶ <strong>Business</strong> exhibition<br />
▶ Talks & workshops<br />
▶ Networking buffet<br />
Book space at bbxpo.uk<br />
14 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
SelaineSaxby,MPforNorth<br />
Devon,presentedtheBest<br />
RetailerAwardtonotonebut<br />
twowinners: Country Cottage<br />
Bakeryand The ilab.Onthis<br />
occasion,judgeswereunable<br />
todecidebetweenthetwoso<br />
botharejointwinners.<br />
Country Cottage Bakery<br />
WithtwostoresinBideford<br />
andoneinWestwardHo!,<br />
CountryCottageBakeryhas<br />
servedthecommunitysince<br />
1990,supplyingsome200<br />
productsthroughitsshops<br />
andbydelivery.In2021,it<br />
welcomed150,000customers<br />
throughitsdoorsandduring<br />
lockdownscustomers<br />
<strong>2022</strong> HEADER AWARDS<br />
Best Retailer Award Winners <strong>2022</strong><br />
COUNTRY COTTAGE BAKERY<br />
THE ILAB<br />
the‘go-to’placeinNorth<br />
Devonforsmartphoneand<br />
tabletsalesandrepairs.<br />
Withateamofeightstaff<br />
members,somewhojoinedat<br />
theverybeginning,theilab<br />
continuestomaintainitsvital<br />
presenceonthehighstreet<br />
throughgivingeachconsumer<br />
apersonalserviceand<br />
buildingarapportwith<br />
regularcustomersand<br />
returningholidaymakers.This<br />
hasalsoenabledittoachieve<br />
nationalrecognitioninthe<br />
MobileIndustryAwards.<br />
Theilabalwayssupportsthe<br />
localcommunitywhetherfund<br />
raisingforNorthDevon<br />
Hospiceorhelpingindividuals.<br />
■ CountryCottageBakery:01237<br />
473150orcountrycottagebakery.co.uk<br />
dependedonits<br />
bakeryboxesfullof<br />
itspopularproducts.<br />
Bakingthrough<br />
thenight,attheheart<br />
ofthecommunity,<br />
thebusinessachieves<br />
highstaffretention<br />
withsomecompleting<br />
18years’service.<br />
Thebakeryalso<br />
supportsmanylocal<br />
causes,including<br />
BidefordAssociation<br />
FootballClub.<br />
The ilab<br />
Launchedin2011,<br />
theilabhas<br />
establisheditselfas<br />
■ Theilab:01271323036ortheilab.co.uk<br />
THRIVE<br />
With free business support for sole traders<br />
and SMEs in North Devon<br />
If you are a sole trader, micro business or limited company in Devon, Somerset, Plymouth or Torbay,<br />
Thrive is here to support you.<br />
• A 3-hour review meeting leading to a development plan for your business<br />
• 1-2-1 sessions focusing on your particular needs<br />
• Webinars on relevant business topics<br />
Webinars and 1-2-1 sessions will cover a range of topics that will support your business:<br />
Digital Support (websites, SEO, social media, Google Analytics), Leadership, Finance, HR, Innovation,<br />
Marketing and <strong>Business</strong> Planning.<br />
Register online today:<br />
www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/thrive/<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 15
Fitzgerald HRwaspresented<br />
withthe<strong>Business</strong>-to-<strong>Business</strong><br />
ExcellenceAward<strong>2022</strong>byOli<br />
FollowsofYTKOrepresenting<br />
sponsorGetSetAdaptfunded<br />
byDevonCountyCouncil.<br />
LucyFitzgeraldfoundedthe<br />
businessin2008asafreelance<br />
HRconsultant.Findingthat<br />
manycompaniesneededmore<br />
thananadvicelineandwanted<br />
someonetomanagetheirHR<br />
forthem,shedevelopedthe<br />
businessintoafull-serviceHR<br />
consultancy,whichnow<br />
supportsanetworkoflocal<br />
officesacrosstheSouthWest<br />
andSouthEast(Exeter,<br />
Wellington,Bristol,London,<br />
EssexandEastSussex)fromits<br />
headquartersinBarnstaple.<br />
Judgeswereimpressedthat<br />
thebusinesshasnotonly<br />
developedacustomisedservice<br />
withahumantouchinNorth<br />
Devonbutdeliversit<br />
extensivelyoutsidethearea.<br />
Itssuccesshasbeenachieved<br />
byworkinginpartnershipwith<br />
itsclients,offeringadeep<br />
knowledgeofHR.Itactsboth<br />
transparentlyanddiplomatically,<br />
andworksflexiblytomeet<br />
clients’needsviaemail,<br />
<strong>2022</strong> HEADER AWARDS<br />
<strong>Business</strong>-to-<strong>Business</strong><br />
Excellence Award Winner <strong>2022</strong><br />
FITZGERALD HR<br />
sponsored by<br />
0800 587 7707 or getsetforgrowth.com/getset-adapt<br />
telephone,virtualmeetingsand<br />
/oronsite.<br />
Remarkably,Fitzgerald’s<br />
clientportfoliohasgrownby<br />
morethan100clientsinthe<br />
pasttwoyears,despitethe<br />
challengesofthepandemic,<br />
andithasexpandeditsteamto<br />
morethan20employeesandits<br />
servicestomeetclientdemand.<br />
FitzgeraldHRoffersa<br />
flexiblerangeofservicestofit<br />
withbusinesses’needs.These<br />
rangefromon-demandservices,<br />
enablingSMEsandlarger<br />
companiestotapintoandpay<br />
foritsexperienceand<br />
knowledgeonlywhenthey<br />
need,toretainedservices<br />
providingongoingsupport<br />
whichcanincludeapart-time<br />
HRmanager.<br />
The<strong>Business</strong>-to-<strong>Business</strong><br />
Excellenceawardissponsored<br />
byGetSetAdapt–fundedby<br />
DevonCountyCounciland<br />
deliveredbyYTKO–<br />
establishedtohelpDevon<br />
businessesrecoverfromthe<br />
impactoftheCOVID-19<br />
pandemicandbuildstronger,<br />
moresustainablebusinesses.<br />
■ FitzgeraldHR:0330223<br />
5253orfitzgeraldhr.co.uk<br />
Are you a Small <strong>Business</strong> in the North<br />
Devon and Torridge area and would like to<br />
have an input with the Petroc curriculum?<br />
The Big Benefits for Small <strong>Business</strong>es project works<br />
collaboratively with small businesses in North Devon<br />
and Torridge to improve the relevance of skills<br />
provision, maximise innovation and develop training<br />
and skills opportunities.<br />
For more information please e-mail<br />
projects@petroc.ac.uk<br />
in partnership with<br />
16 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
The Hair LoungeinBarnstaple<br />
waspresentedwiththe<br />
ConsumerServiceExcellence<br />
Award<strong>2022</strong>byJevonWhitby<br />
ofLineal,whosponsoredthe<br />
eventwelcomedrink.<br />
ToriKifflaunchedtheHair<br />
Loungein2014andhas<br />
establishedasalonthat<br />
providesatrulypersonal<br />
servicetoclientsfromall<br />
backgrounds.Torisays“I<br />
focusonthepersonbeneath<br />
thehair”anddemonstrates<br />
thisbymakingsureherclients<br />
areatease.Aswellasindustry<br />
trainingfocusingonhair,she<br />
hascompletedherBarberTalks<br />
andMentalHealthFirstAid<br />
<strong>2022</strong> HEADER AWARDS<br />
Consumer Service<br />
Excellence Award Winner <strong>2022</strong><br />
THE HAIR LOUNGE<br />
course.Shehasalsoachieved<br />
BehindTheMaskcertification<br />
regularlyupdateherMASCED<br />
trainingtohelppreventand<br />
educateclientsontherisksof<br />
skincancerandmelanoma.<br />
Thisextensivecommitment<br />
totheall-roundwellbeingof<br />
herclientsimpressedthe<br />
awardsjudges.<br />
Torisaid:“Itwasan<br />
absoluteprivilegetobeeven<br />
consideredafinalistforany<br />
awardsletalonewinning<br />
ConsumerServiceExcellence<br />
Award.Iamoverthemoonto<br />
havebeenrecognisedformy<br />
effortstooffermyclientsthe<br />
bestcustomerserviceIcan.<br />
Myclientsareallthrilledfor<br />
measwell.<br />
“Ihopetocontinue<br />
excellinginmyconsumer<br />
serviceandprogressingto<br />
improvetheclientjourneyand<br />
experiencewithinmysalon.<br />
Tori’sloveiscurlsandsheis<br />
NorthDevon’scurlsspecialist.<br />
■ TheHairLounge:<br />
01271267177or<br />
hairloungebarnstaple.co.uk<br />
Welcome drink ~ Rosefinch<br />
from Ten Acres Vineyard<br />
sponsored by<br />
Souvenir Awards Rugby Ball ~<br />
from Aramis Rugby<br />
supplied by<br />
<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>isgratefulto<br />
Lineal Software Solutionsfor<br />
sponsoringthewelcomeglass<br />
ofsparklingwineatthe<strong>2022</strong><br />
AwardsCelebration.<br />
Oneoftheaimsforthe<br />
eventwastoshowcaseNorth<br />
01271 375999 or lineal.co.uk 01769 550284 or aramisrugby.co.uk<br />
Devonproductsandwewere<br />
delightedthatLineal’s<br />
sponsorshipenabledustooffer<br />
guestsRosefinchsparkling<br />
wineproducedby Ten Acres<br />
VineyardnearWinkleigh.<br />
Wewouldliketoinclude<br />
evenmoreNorthDevon<br />
produceatfutureeventsand<br />
invitelocalproducersto<br />
contactthemagazinewithany<br />
ideasforpromotingthearea’s<br />
remarkablefoodanddrink<br />
offeringmorewidely.<br />
■ TenAcresVineyard:<br />
0183783892or<br />
tenacresvineyardcamping.co.uk<br />
Aramis Rugbygenerously<br />
offeredtoproducealimited<br />
editionSouvenirAwards<br />
RugbyBallforeverybusiness<br />
thatenteredtheawards.<br />
Wepresentedwinnersand<br />
finalistswiththeirballandare<br />
workingtogetballsouttoall<br />
entrants–contactRoberton<br />
07971176044toreceiveyours.<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 17
Stannpwaspresentedwiththe<br />
Digital&OnlineAchievement<br />
Award<strong>2022</strong>byAndrewBowers<br />
fromsponsorPeakOnline.<br />
Stannpwasestablishedin<br />
Barnstaplewiththepurposeof<br />
offeringaSaaS(softwareasa<br />
service)solutiontodirectmail,<br />
offeringcompaniesafully<br />
digital,integratedsolutionto<br />
meettheirdirectmailneeds.<br />
Itsgrowingteamcombines<br />
professionalswithmorethan<br />
30years’experienceinprint<br />
andmail,andadynamic<br />
technicalandoperationsteam,<br />
workingtogethertodelivera<br />
highqualityservicefor<br />
customerseveryday.<br />
Whilephysicalmailmight<br />
appear‘oldtechnology’,the<br />
Stannpplatformhasbroughtit<br />
<strong>2022</strong> AWARDS<br />
Digital & Online Achievement<br />
Award Winner <strong>2022</strong><br />
STANNP<br />
sponsored by<br />
01237 721256 or peak-online.uk<br />
uptodatebygivingclients<br />
digitaltoolstocreateand<br />
sendcampaignsdirect<br />
fromtheirdesktop.Ithas<br />
disruptedthedirectmail<br />
industrybydevelopingits<br />
ownself-servicesoftware<br />
thatenablescustomerstodesign<br />
postcards,lettersandgreeting<br />
cardswithpowerfulmailmerge<br />
toolsandbuilt-intracking.<br />
Stannp’ssystemsusea<br />
cloud-basedinfrastructureand<br />
demonstratehowthecompany<br />
hasfullyembracedtechnology<br />
totakemaximumadvantageof<br />
thepotentialitoffers.<br />
StannpsalesmanagerLorien<br />
Hamiltonsaid:“We,at<br />
Stannp.com,aredelightedto<br />
winDigital&Online<br />
AchievementAwardatthis<br />
year’s<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>Awards.<br />
“Weareproudofour<br />
dynamicin-housedeveloped<br />
softwareenablingthousandsof<br />
customersacrosstheUK,<br />
Europe,theUS,andCanadato<br />
meettheirdirectmailgoals.<br />
Fromhumblebeginningswith<br />
threeemployeesin2014,we<br />
haveevolvedintoadiverseand<br />
thrivingSaaSbusiness,basedin<br />
Barnstaple,withover50<br />
employeesandgrowing.”<br />
SponsorPeakOnline<br />
provideshighqualityweb<br />
designtosuitallbudgets,from<br />
simpletemplatedwebsitesto<br />
customisedWordPressdesigns.<br />
Itsservicesincludewebdesign<br />
andanassortmentofdigital<br />
marketingservices–SEO,<br />
SocialMedia,PayPerClick<br />
(PPC),andemailmarketing.<br />
■ Stannp:01271344507or<br />
stannp.com<br />
18 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
ZW Roofing & Leadworkwas<br />
presentedwiththeExcellence<br />
inConstructionAward<strong>2022</strong><br />
byLeeKift,operations<br />
managerofsponsorRGB<br />
BuildingSupplies.<br />
ZWRoofing,basedin<br />
Ilfracombe,providesa<br />
genuinelyuniqueleadwork<br />
servicewithinNorthDevon<br />
andfurtherafield.<br />
FoundedbyZakWilliams,<br />
thebusinessspecialisesin<br />
heritageandspecialist<br />
leadworkanditsprojectshave<br />
beenfeaturedinindustry<br />
magazinesandshowcasedat<br />
industrytrainingcentres.The<br />
businessnowcomprisesa<br />
teamoffourfull-timestaff.<br />
Zakhasinvestedheavilyin<br />
thebusiness,includingspecific<br />
<strong>2022</strong> AWARDS<br />
Excellence in Construction<br />
Award Winner <strong>2022</strong><br />
ZW ROOFING & LEADWORK<br />
sponsored by<br />
Find your nearest branch at rgbltd.co.uk<br />
traininginheritagemetal<br />
roofing,sothatheisable<br />
toofferaservicefewother<br />
companiesarecapableof<br />
providing.Servicesrangefrom<br />
flat,slateandtileroofing<br />
throughtobespokeleadwork<br />
andchimneyrepairs.<br />
Thefirm’sreputationfor<br />
attentiontodetailandhealth<br />
andsafetyissohighthatit<br />
worksonprojectsfora<br />
numberofreputable<br />
constructioncompanies.<br />
LeeKiftsaid:“RGBis<br />
proudtosponsorthe<br />
ExcellenceinConstruction<br />
award.Theconstruction<br />
industryplaysahugepartin<br />
theNorthDevoneconomy.<br />
“It’simportantthatwe<br />
recogniseoutstanding<br />
businesseswithinourindustry<br />
whoseprofessionalismshines<br />
through.”<br />
RGBBuildingSuppliesisa<br />
leadingindependentbuilders<br />
merchantintheSouthWest<br />
with22locationsacross<br />
Devon,Cornwalland<br />
Somerset.Itstocksawide<br />
rangeofhighqualityproducts,<br />
fromlandscaping,plumbing<br />
andheatingtodecoratingand<br />
generalbuildingmaterials,as<br />
wellasdedicatedkitchenand<br />
bathroomshowrooms.<br />
■ ZWRoofing:07833956261<br />
orzwroofing.co.uk<br />
START<br />
GROW START<br />
Thinking about starting your own business in<br />
Devon or recently started one and looking to grow?<br />
We can help you start-up and build<br />
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Get in touch: Freephone 0800 500 3107<br />
Visit: devon.ytko.com/community-renewal-fund<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 19
The Grove InnatKings<br />
Nymptonwaspresentedwith<br />
theExcellenceinHospitality&<br />
TourismAward<strong>2022</strong>by<br />
sponsorMarsdensDevon<br />
Cottages.<br />
Anindependentvillagepub<br />
attheheartofthecommunity,<br />
theGroveInnprovides,<br />
whereverpossible,locally<br />
sourcedfoodanddrinktoboth<br />
localsandtourists.Itisatruly<br />
familybusinesswithowners<br />
DeborahandRobert<br />
Smallbone’ssonsbothbeing<br />
bornsincetheyboughtthepub<br />
in2003andnowworkinginit.<br />
Theyemploythreemorestaff<br />
includingapprenticechef<br />
RoganKing,whobegan<br />
workingatthepubeightyears<br />
agoasakitchenporter.<br />
<strong>2022</strong> HEADER AWARDS<br />
Excellence in Hospitality &<br />
Tourism Award Winner <strong>2022</strong><br />
THE GROVE INN<br />
sponsored by<br />
01271 813777 or marsdens.co.uk<br />
Recently,theGroveInnwas<br />
named‘Small<strong>Business</strong><br />
ApprenticeEmployerofthe<br />
Year2021’byPetroc.<br />
Duetothedemandsof<br />
business,DeborahandRobert<br />
wereunabletoattendthe<br />
AwardsCelebrationandthe<br />
pubwasrepresentedbyRogan,<br />
whoaccomplishedthissowell<br />
thathewaspresentedwithone<br />
ofthelimitededitionpairsof<br />
whiskytumblersgenerously<br />
donatedbyDartington–with<br />
PhilipMiltonmakingthe<br />
presentation–seephotobelow.<br />
Thepub’shighqualityfood<br />
anddrinkandpersonalservice<br />
havewonitmanyawards.<br />
SponsorMarsdensDevon<br />
Cottageshasbeenproviding<br />
quality,self-cateringholiday<br />
letssince1973.Basedin<br />
Braunton,ithasaportfolioof<br />
morethan350properties.Its<br />
in-houseassessorsworkto<br />
strictcriteriatoensureafair<br />
andaccuratestargrading<br />
throughouttheportfolioand<br />
theirpropertiesmeetits<br />
stringentMinimumEntry<br />
Requirements(MER).<br />
■ TheGroveInn:01769580<br />
406orthegroveinn.co.uk<br />
20 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
Moo Free Chocolateswas<br />
presentedwiththeMadein<br />
NorthDevonAward<strong>2022</strong>by<br />
WarrenGell,global<br />
commercialdirector,of<br />
DartingtonCrystalonbehalf<br />
ofMadeinBritain.<br />
NorthDevonisarguably<br />
betterknownforitsfoodand<br />
drinkproducethanits<br />
manufacturingproducts,<br />
whichiswhyitwasinvaluable<br />
forMadeinBritaintosupport<br />
thisawardandhelpraisethe<br />
profileofthearea’s<br />
outstandingmanufacturers.<br />
MooFreeChocolatesin<br />
Holsworthycombinesboth<br />
foodandmanufacturing.The<br />
businesswascreatedby<br />
AndreaandMikeJessop,who<br />
startedsellingchocolateonline<br />
andthendevelopedarangeof<br />
‘free-from’chocolatein<br />
responsetocustomerrequests.<br />
TheystartedwithEaster<br />
eggs,usingamilkalternative<br />
chocolate,whichwerevery<br />
popular.Asaresult,they<br />
decidedtoinvestinmachinery<br />
andqualityingredientsto<br />
makethisapermanentoption<br />
fortheircustomersandspent<br />
twoyearsresearchingand<br />
<strong>2022</strong> HEADER AWARDS<br />
Made in North Devon<br />
Award Winner <strong>2022</strong><br />
MOO FREE CHOCOLATES<br />
tweakingtheirrecipestomake<br />
suretheydidn’tjusttaste<br />
delicious,butwerealsohigh<br />
qualityandsustainable.<br />
Andreaisglutenintolerant<br />
andMikelactoseintolerant,so<br />
theyaretheperfectduotoget<br />
totaskoncreatinggreat<br />
tasting,dairy-freechocolate.<br />
MooFreehasnow<br />
establisheditselfasanational<br />
brand,availableinanumber<br />
ofsupermarkets,andhaswon<br />
morethan100industryand<br />
consumerawards.<br />
MooFreehasachievedthis<br />
whileoperatingassustainably<br />
aspossibleandgrowinga<br />
diverseworkforcewhich<br />
includesemployeeswith<br />
autismanddyslexia.<br />
WarrenGellsaid,“Itwasan<br />
honourtopresenttheMadein<br />
NorthDevonawardonbehalf<br />
ofMadeinBritain.<br />
“Manufacturingisakey,<br />
butsometimesoverlooked,<br />
driverofthelocaleconomy<br />
anditwasanabsolutedelight<br />
tobeaskedtopresentthis<br />
year’sawardtoHolsworthybasedveganchocolatemaker<br />
MooFree.”<br />
MadeinBritainsupports<br />
andpromotesBritish<br />
manufacturersthroughits<br />
registeredcollectivemark<br />
whichisprotectedandcan<br />
onlybeusedbymembersof<br />
MadeinBritainthatmeet<br />
stringentcriteria–readmore<br />
onpage10.<br />
MadeinBritainmember<br />
DartingtonCrystalisaglobal<br />
brandandthelastremaining<br />
factory-scaleproducerof<br />
blownglassinthecountry.<br />
■ MooFree:01409478070or<br />
moofreechocolates.com<br />
■ ReadmoreaboutMooFree<br />
inourNorthDevonStartup&<br />
<strong>Business</strong>DevelopmentGuide<br />
ADAPT<br />
HELPING DEVON<br />
BUSINESSES<br />
RECOVER, ADAPT<br />
AND GROW<br />
CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE:<br />
BUSINESS<br />
DIAGNOSTIC<br />
1:2:1<br />
SUPPORT<br />
WORKSHOPS &<br />
MASTERCLASSES<br />
ONLINE<br />
LEARNING<br />
getsetforgrowth.com/getset-adapt<br />
Freephone: 0800 587 7707<br />
Funded by<br />
Delivered by<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 21
WayMakerswaspresented<br />
withtheOutstandingNew<br />
<strong>Business</strong>Award<strong>2022</strong>by<br />
sponsorOutsetStart.<br />
AlexKellylaunched<br />
WayMakersinSeptember2020<br />
todeliverjoined-upservicesto<br />
improveopportunitiesand<br />
outcomesforautistic<br />
individualsandforbusinesses.<br />
Itsstrengths-basedand<br />
solution-focusedcoaching<br />
empowersautisticclientsto<br />
maketransitionsintheirlives<br />
andnavigatecertainchallenges.<br />
WayMakersalsosupports<br />
employersbydeliveringautism<br />
awarenesstrainingand<br />
consultancyservices.<br />
Alex’sreasonforstarting<br />
WayMakerswastobringthe<br />
expertiseandknowledge<br />
developedfromacareerin<br />
specialisteducationtosettings<br />
inthewidercommunity,andas<br />
awaytoreachautisticpeopleat<br />
timesintheirliveswhenother<br />
sourcesofsupportforpursuing<br />
afulfillinglifemighthave<br />
droppedaway.<br />
Alexsaid:“Winningthe<br />
<strong>2022</strong>awardforOutstanding<br />
New<strong>Business</strong>isasignof<br />
excitingandprogressivetimes,<br />
<strong>2022</strong> AWARDS<br />
Outstanding New <strong>Business</strong><br />
Award Winner <strong>2022</strong><br />
WAYMAKERS<br />
sponsored by<br />
0800 500 3017 or devon.ytko.com/community-renewal-fund/<br />
bothforWayMakersandfor<br />
NorthDevon.Itsuggeststhat<br />
recognition,understandingand<br />
acceptanceofneurodiversityis<br />
gainingground,beingvaluedas<br />
acorepartofwhatmakesusall<br />
sowonderfullydifferent.<br />
“Withthiscome<br />
opportunitiestosupportmore<br />
individualsandmore<br />
organisationsalike.Inour<br />
opinion,itdoesn’tmatterwhere<br />
businessesandorganisations<br />
arecurrentlyontheirjourney<br />
towardsneuro-inclusion,ifthe<br />
interestandcommitmentare<br />
there,there’salwaysscopeto<br />
buildaccessibilityandinclusion<br />
practicesfurther.”<br />
TheOutstandingNew<br />
<strong>Business</strong>Awardissponsoredby<br />
OutSetStart,aprogramme<br />
fundedbytheUKGovernment<br />
andDevonCountyCouncil,<br />
anddeliveredbyYTKO,which<br />
aimstosupportbusinessesin<br />
theconstruction,retail,tourism<br />
andleisuresectors.OutSetStart<br />
providesgrantsaspartofa<br />
packageofsupporttohelp<br />
start-upandnewbusinessesto<br />
buildskillsandconfidence.<br />
■ WayMakers:07309563563<br />
orwaymakers.co.uk<br />
22 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
Earth Friendly Foodwarewas<br />
presentedwiththeSustainable<br />
<strong>Business</strong>Award<strong>2022</strong>byPhil<br />
ByersofsponsorNorthDevon<br />
UNESCOBiosphere.<br />
EarthFriendlyFoodwarein<br />
Bidefordsuppliescompostable<br />
‘foodanddrinktogo’<br />
packagingand‘hot’<br />
composterstobusinesses,<br />
schoolsandcharitiesacross<br />
theUKandEurope.<br />
Packagingproductsinclude<br />
cupsforhotorcolddrinks,<br />
takeawayboxes,tableware,<br />
woodencutlery,soup/ice<br />
cream/delicontainers,<br />
portionpots,bags,napkins<br />
andcondiments.Allproducts<br />
aremanufacturedfrom<br />
sustainableandrecyclable<br />
plantresourcesandcanbe<br />
recycledwithfoodwaste.<br />
“Wearehonouredtowin<br />
thisaward,”saidAndrew<br />
Cross,founderofEarth<br />
FriendlyFoodware.“Our<br />
commitmenttopromoting<br />
improvedsustainabilityby<br />
ditchingsingleuseoil-based<br />
plastic,promotingcomposting<br />
asawasteoutcomeand<br />
supportinglocalenvironmental<br />
activismthroughvolunteering<br />
timehasbeenkeytoour<br />
successandwearedelightedto<br />
havethisworkrecognised.<br />
<strong>2022</strong> AWARDS<br />
Sustainable <strong>Business</strong> Award<br />
Winner <strong>2022</strong><br />
EARTH FRIENDLY FOODWARE<br />
sponsored by<br />
01392 388647 or northdevonbiosphere.org.uk<br />
“WhenwestartedEarth<br />
FriendlyFoodwarein2017,it<br />
becameimmediatelyobvious<br />
thatdisposalofcompostable<br />
packagingwasofgrave<br />
concerntomany.Usinganonsiteorat-homecomposternot<br />
onlybreaksdowngardenand<br />
foodwastebutallows<br />
compostablepackaginglike<br />
coffeecupsandtakeaway<br />
boxestobereturnedtothe<br />
earthascompost.Atrue,<br />
naturalcirculareconomy.”<br />
SarahJordan,Biosphere<br />
<strong>Business</strong>Partnercoordinator,<br />
said:“I’msopleasedthat<br />
<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>hascreated<br />
theSustainable<strong>Business</strong><br />
Awardandit’stheBiosphere’s<br />
absolutepleasuretosponsor<br />
thiscategory.Iwassoproud<br />
whentheindependentjudging<br />
panelchoseourBiosphere<br />
<strong>Business</strong>Partner,EarthFriendly<br />
Foodware,asthewinner!<br />
“Oncollectingthisaward,<br />
AndrewCrosswashugely<br />
supportiveofourEco-<br />
Accreditationscheme.Ashe<br />
saidinhisacceptancespeech,<br />
‘allyouneedtodoisalittle<br />
bit,becauseallofusinthe<br />
roombenefitfromthenatural<br />
assetsthatsitinNorthDevon.<br />
..protectingthatisreally,<br />
reallyimportant.’<br />
“Itwaswonderfultomeet<br />
otherbusinessesstartingout,<br />
orcontinuingtheir<br />
sustainabilityjourneytoo.Our<br />
schemenowhasover70<br />
enterprisessignedup,andis<br />
opentoallsectors.”<br />
■ EarthFriendlyFoodware:<br />
01237488010or<br />
earthfriendlyfoodware.co.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 23
George RobinsonofSoSweet<br />
waspresentedwiththeYoung<br />
AchieverAward<strong>2022</strong>byJames<br />
WalkerofsponsorPetroc’sBig<br />
BenefitsforSmall<strong>Business</strong>es<br />
supportprogramme.<br />
AfterleavingKingsley<br />
School,Bidefordin2018,where<br />
hewasheadboy,George<br />
workedintheItalianAlpsfor<br />
twowinterseasons.<br />
Whenhislastseasonwascut<br />
shortbythepandemic,George<br />
returnedhomeandstarted<br />
workinginSoSweet,thefamily<br />
business.Withthephysical<br />
sweetshopsimpactedby<br />
lockdownrestrictions,George<br />
setaboutbuildingawebsite<br />
store.Helearntwebsitedesign<br />
andfunctionalityinorderto<br />
overcomevariouschallenges.<br />
Sincelaunchingon30April<br />
2020,thesitehasgenerated<br />
morethan£3millionand<br />
Georgehasbuiltupasocial<br />
followingofmorethan800,000<br />
acrossallplatforms.George<br />
currentlyemployssevenstaff<br />
withinthebusiness.<br />
Georgehasalwayshada<br />
passionforentrepreneurship<br />
andstartedhisownbusinessat<br />
theageof16,makingwedding<br />
<strong>2022</strong> HEADER AWARDS<br />
Young Achiever<br />
Award Winner <strong>2022</strong><br />
GEORGE ROBINSON<br />
sponsored by<br />
01271 345291 or petroc.ac.uk<br />
andpromotionalfilmsandalso<br />
didfreelancemarketingwork.<br />
George,now21,said:“It’san<br />
honourtobenominatedand<br />
runagainstalotofother<br />
fantasticyoungachieversand<br />
entrepreneurs,andtowinisan<br />
absolutehonour.”<br />
BigBenefitsforSmall<br />
<strong>Business</strong>esisbeingdeliveredby<br />
Petrocandfundedbythe<br />
EuropeanSocialFund.Italso<br />
hasthecollaborativesupportof<br />
TorridgeDistrictCouncil,<br />
NorthDevonCounciland<br />
DevonCountyCouncil.<br />
Itaimsto:helpsmall<br />
businessesinTorridgeand<br />
NorthDevontoaccessfully<br />
fundedtrainingopportunities<br />
toallowtheirbusinessesto<br />
grow;andworkcollaboratively<br />
withbusinessestoencourage<br />
themtoparticipateandsupport<br />
Petrocwithitscurriculum.For<br />
example,providingatalkto<br />
learners,orworkingwith<br />
Petroctoensureitsstaffhave<br />
up-to-dateindustryknowledge.<br />
Petrochasseveralother<br />
employersupportprojects<br />
whichcansupportbusinesses<br />
throughfullyfundedtraining.<br />
■ SoSweet:sosweetshop.co.uk<br />
24 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business-action.co.uk
HI to Thrive supports<br />
young people into work<br />
WayMakers–winnerofthe<br />
<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>Outstanding<br />
New<strong>Business</strong>Award<strong>2022</strong>–is<br />
launchingHItoThriveto<br />
support16to25-year-old<br />
neurodivergentpeoplehoping<br />
towork,trainorstudy.<br />
WayMakersisofferingthis<br />
uniqueandtailoredworkplace<br />
readinessprogrammefor<br />
individualsacrossNorth<br />
DevonandTorridgepostcodes.<br />
What is neurodivergent?<br />
Everypersonisunique,butin<br />
shortthisreferstothe<br />
differentwaysaperson’sbrain<br />
processesinformationand<br />
experiencestheworld.It<br />
includesconditionssuchas<br />
dyslexia,dyspraxia,dyscalculia,<br />
autismandADHD.<br />
About the programme<br />
Thisfundedprogrammeisfor<br />
individualswhoarecurrently<br />
unemployed,mightwantto<br />
re-entereducationoraccess<br />
work,andyetfeelthereare<br />
barrierstodoingso.<br />
Thereareplacesfor10<br />
individualsaged16to25who<br />
identifyasneurodivergent,or<br />
presentwithneurodivergent<br />
traits.Theprogrammewill<br />
runweekly,onTuesday<br />
morningsfrom23Augustto<br />
27September<strong>2022</strong>.<br />
What to expect<br />
1. Asafespace–shareand<br />
exploreexperiences,and<br />
problem-solvetogether.<br />
2. Neurodiversityprofiling<br />
tocapturestrengthsand<br />
supportneedsacrossthe<br />
neurodiversityspectrum<br />
usingtheDo-ITprofiler<br />
screeningtool.<br />
3. Groupand1-to-1coaching<br />
–todiscusssharingsupport<br />
needs,prepareforlikely<br />
workplacescenariosand<br />
prepareyourpersonalised<br />
strategiesandadjustments<br />
guidance.<br />
4. Aguestspeaker–tohear<br />
abouttheirexperiences.<br />
Find out more<br />
Anxiousaboutjoiningorwhat<br />
toexpect?WayMakersis<br />
hostingaDiscoverySessionat<br />
Petrocwheremoredetailswill<br />
beprovidedorcalldirectly.<br />
■ Details07309563563or<br />
waymakers.co.uk<br />
HEADER NEWS<br />
Bridgerule Primary School : (from left) Tony Curtis, branch manager at RGB<br />
Holsworthy, pupils Isla and Connor, and principal Anne Bunning<br />
Supplies for school garden project<br />
Bridgerule CofE Primary<br />
Schoolhasbeenvotedasa<br />
winnerofRGBBuilding<br />
Supplies’SurpriseSupplies<br />
initiativeandnowhas£1,000to<br />
spendonmaterialsatRGB’s<br />
Holsworthybranch.<br />
RGBinvitedcharities,<br />
schools,communitygroups<br />
andcarehomesfromacrossthe<br />
regiontogetintouchand<br />
explainhowadonationof<br />
materialswouldhelpto<br />
completeaproject.Bridgerule<br />
PrimarySchoolreceivedthe<br />
mostvotesfollowingapublic<br />
pollandhasreceiveda<br />
donationof£1,000.<br />
Theschoolaimstotransform<br />
anareainitsplaygroundinto<br />
anall-year-roundsensoryand<br />
quietgardenwherepupilscan<br />
talkorenjoysomecalming<br />
space.Thiswillincludeplants<br />
toprovidegentlefragranceand<br />
someseating.<br />
AnneBunning,principalat<br />
BridgeruleCofEPrimary<br />
School,said:“We’redelighted<br />
tohavebeenvotedasaSurprise<br />
Supplieswinnerandthankyou<br />
toeveryparentandmemberof<br />
ourcommunitywhovotedfor<br />
us,andtoRGBforthedonation.”<br />
■ detailsrgbltd.co.uk<br />
RGB Building Supplieshas<br />
selectedtheRoyalNational<br />
LifeboatInstitution(RNLI)as<br />
itscharitypartnerfor<strong>2022</strong><br />
andwillbeorganisingbranchwidefundraisingeventsover<br />
thenext12months.<br />
TheRNLIhasbeensaving<br />
livesatseafornearly200years<br />
andreliesonvolunteersand<br />
supporterstooperateits<br />
lifesavingservices.<br />
Thevolunteerlifeboatcrews<br />
providea24-hoursearchand<br />
rescueserviceanddependon<br />
donationstoensuretheyhave<br />
thebesttrainingandsafest,<br />
mostreliablelifeboatsand<br />
modernstations,butthe<br />
charitydoessomuchmore.<br />
Thisincludesthedeliveryofa<br />
seasonallifeguardserviceon<br />
Devon’sbeaches,andawater<br />
safetyeducationprogramme<br />
thataimstochangepeople’s<br />
behaviouraroundwater.<br />
In2021,RNLIvolunteer<br />
lifeboatcrewsbasedatnine<br />
Builders merchants chooses<br />
RNLI as annual charity<br />
lifeboatstationsacrossDevon<br />
launchedatotalof593times,<br />
andthe18RNLIlifeguard<br />
unitsdealtwith1,537<br />
incidents.Together,the<br />
lifeboatcrewsandlifeguards<br />
intheSouthWestsaved93<br />
lives,a20%increaseinthe<br />
numberoflivessavedin2020.<br />
DaveNicoll,RNLI<br />
fundraisingandpartnership<br />
leadandvolunteercrew<br />
memberinCornwall,<br />
commented:“It’sfantastic<br />
newsthatthestaffand<br />
customersofRGBhave<br />
selectedtheRNLIastheir<br />
chosencharityforthisyear.<br />
Werelyonvoluntary<br />
donationstoensurewecan<br />
savelivesaroundourcoast.<br />
Themoneyraisedwillhelpto<br />
ensurewecancontinueto<br />
carryoutthislifesavingwork<br />
bothatseaandonthebeaches<br />
ofthesouthwest.”<br />
EdLivesey,Branch<br />
ManageratRGBBarnstaple,<br />
added:“Thenumberofawards<br />
andmedalsthatourregion’s<br />
RNLIlifeboatstationshave<br />
receivedistestamenttothe<br />
fantasticworkthecharitydoes<br />
toprotectlocalpeopleand<br />
visitors.We’redelightedtobe<br />
supportingthecharityforthe<br />
next12monthsandhavesome<br />
excitingfundraisingideasin<br />
thepipelinetohelpourlocal<br />
RNLIvolunteercrewsto<br />
continuesavinglives.”<br />
■ detailsrgbltd.co.uk<br />
@businessactionm | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2022</strong> | business action 25