Business Action | Summer 2023
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Business Action | Summer 2023

Summer 2023 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news on business and enterprise in the area. This issue includes details of BBxpo Bideford business exhibition on 26 October 2023, articles on new shops across the area, profiles of all the North Devon Business Awards 2023 winners, more awards scheme you can enter plus local business directory listings.

Summer 2023 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news on business and enterprise in the area. This issue includes details of BBxpo Bideford business exhibition on 26 October 2023, articles on new shops across the area, profiles of all the North Devon Business Awards 2023 winners, more awards scheme you can enter plus local business directory listings.

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usiness<br />

ACTION<br />

north enterprise<br />

devon<br />

growth<br />

innovation<br />

news & views<br />

10<br />

1<br />

ii<br />

Awards galore<br />

Everyone’s a winner<br />

BBxpo returns<br />

Book your exhibition stand<br />

Is cash still king?<br />

Complete our payment survey<br />

Online @ business-action.uk | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | News updates @ business-action.co.uk

CONTENTS HEADER NEWS<br />

New accountancy<br />

practice is growing<br />

Vol 5 Issue 2 – <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> – distribution 2,000<br />

WELCOME<br />

Robert Zarywacz<br />

Editor & Publisher<br />

t: 07971 176044<br />

e: robertz@business-action.co.uk<br />

SURVEY: PAY BY CASH OR CARD?<br />

SUMMER <strong>2023</strong> CONTENTS<br />

Welcome to a packed issueof<br />

<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>magazine.<br />

Awardsareeverywhere–<br />

readaboutmoreschemesto<br />

enterandtheNorthDevon<br />

<strong>Business</strong>Awardswinnerson<br />

pages 10 to 27.<br />

Exhibitionsareback–book<br />

fortheDevon<strong>Business</strong>Showin<br />

Plymouthon11Octoberand<br />

BBxpoinBidefordon26<br />

Octoberoppositeon page 1.<br />

Andnewshopsareopening<br />

acrossthearea–seefouron<br />

pages 4 and 5.<br />

Istakingpaymentmore<br />

difficultandcostly?Takepartin<br />

oursurvey below.<br />

Lately,we’veseenanumberofbusinessesurgingconsumersto<br />

paybycashduetohighcardtransactionfees.Howdothesefees<br />

impactyourbusiness?We’relookingforviewsofretailersand<br />

businessesthattakecustomerpayments.Whatpaymentformsdo<br />

youprefer?Pleasetakepartinoursurvey.<br />

GIVE YOUR VIEW AT Z2Z.CO/PAY<br />

New accountancy practice is growing...................................................... ii<br />

Exhibition – BBxpo – Bideford, 26 October ........................................... 1<br />

Exhibition – Devon <strong>Business</strong> Show – Plymouth, 11 October......... 1<br />

Support: Welcoming new Devon development manager.................. 2<br />

Support: <strong>Business</strong> centre extension opens........................................... 2<br />

Finance: Board expands to manage £230m funds ............................. 3<br />

New shops: Dreadlocks hub attracts clients from far afield........... 4<br />

New shops: Popular dog store expands into bigger premises...... 4<br />

New shops: Tech store expands with new Braunton branch.......... 5<br />

New shops: Customers queue for opening of bakery........................ 5<br />

Manufacturing: Wood and metal furniture under one roof.............. 6<br />

Digital: Agency works to increase your enquiries............................... 7<br />

News: Manufacturer invests £1.4m in expansion................................. 8<br />

News: A flexible approach to digital media and marketing.............. 8<br />

News: Practical architectural design without compromise............. 9<br />

News: Employ trained data experts to improve your business..... 9<br />

Directory: Find products and services..................................................... 19<br />

<strong>Business</strong> Awards<br />

<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> is Devon Chamber awards finalist .......................... 10<br />

Devon Women in <strong>Business</strong> Awards – enter now! ............................... 10<br />

North Devon Manufacturers Association Awards – enter now! .... 10<br />

King’s Awards for Enterprise – enter now!.............................................. 11<br />

Biosphere awards celebrate Pledge for Nature..................................... 11<br />

North Devon <strong>Business</strong> of the Year <strong>2023</strong>: The Sign Maker................ 12<br />

North Devon <strong>Business</strong> Awards <strong>2023</strong> event ............................................ 14<br />

North Devon <strong>Business</strong> Awards <strong>2023</strong> winners........................................ 17<br />

New accountancy practice: Luke Westwood of Tarka Accounts<br />

Anewaccountancypractice<br />

hasachievedsomuchsuccess<br />

thatitismovingintoitsown<br />

officesoonerthanplanned.<br />

LukeWestwoodstarted<br />

TarkaAccountsfromhome<br />

withtheaimofmovinginto<br />

officespaceafteratleast12<br />

monthsofoperating,but<br />

continuousclientgrowth<br />

enabledittoopenupitsoffice<br />

inBarnstapleWorkHubat<br />

PottingtoninJune.<br />

Luke,whogrewupinNorth<br />

Devon,hasacquired<br />

considerableexperience<br />

workingintheaccountancy<br />

field,anddecidedtostarthis<br />

ownpracticewithcustomer<br />

carebeingtoppriority.<br />

“Mostaccountingfirmsare<br />

onlyaccessibleduringthe<br />

standardMondaytoFriday,<br />

9amuntil5pmperiod,”says<br />

Luke.“TarkaAccountsaimsto<br />

beunique,offeringmaximum<br />

flexibilityasweunderstand<br />

thattimeshavechangedand<br />

smallbusinessownersand<br />

individualsaren’talwaysable<br />

togetawayfromtheirdayjob<br />

todealwiththeiraccounting<br />

andtaxresponsibilities.<br />

“TarkaAccountshassetout<br />

fromthestarttomakesurewe<br />

areavailableduringunsociable<br />

timestoensurethatclientcare<br />

remainsthetoppriority.”<br />

Afteropeningupthenew<br />

office,Lukesaysclientsand<br />

potentialclientsaremorethan<br />

welcometopopinforacoffee<br />

andachat.<br />

TarkaAccounts’services<br />

includebookkeeping,annual<br />

accounts,andpreparingand<br />

filingtaxreturns,bothselfassessmentorcorporate<br />

returns.UsingXero/<br />

QuickBooks/Sagesoftware<br />

whereverpossible,Tarka<br />

Accountsprovidesits<br />

accountancyservicestoclients<br />

acrossNorthDevon,therest<br />

ofthecounty,theSouthWest<br />

andtheUK.Cloud-based<br />

systemsenableittomaximise<br />

efficiency,providingclients<br />

withahighstandardsof<br />

serviceatacompetitiverate.<br />

■ Details07961741107or<br />

tarka-accounts.co.uk<br />

Editing & design by<br />

Web site | business-action.co.uk<br />

Online version | business-action.uk<br />

t: 07971 176044<br />

Printed by<br />

© Need it Find it <strong>2023</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>2023</strong> | business-action.co.uk

YOUNGHEADER<br />

ENTERPRISE<br />

BBxpoNorthDevonbusiness<br />

exhibitionandnetworking<br />

eventreturnsonThursday26<br />

OctoberatBidefordCollege.<br />

Theeventoffers:<br />

➤ Affordablepromotionforall<br />

businessesthroughmultiple<br />

channels–inperson,in<br />

printandonline<br />

➤ Connectionswithhighqualitysuppliersand<br />

businesssupportproviders<br />

➤ Opportunitiestoestablish<br />

long-lastingrelationshipsat<br />

ourfreenetworkingbuffet<br />

Allexhibitorsreceive<br />

exhibitionspace,listingsonthe<br />

eventwebsiteandinthis<br />

BBxpo<br />

BIDEFORD<br />

BUSINESS • BOOST • EXPO<br />

Thursday 26 October<br />

10am—4pm<br />

Bideford College<br />

Book at BBxpo.uk<br />

magazine(subjecttodeadline)<br />

andsocialmediapromotion.<br />

Toensureanybusinesscan<br />

affordtoexhibit,standspace<br />

startsat£75–bookyourstand<br />

nowat bbxpo.uk<br />

WewillbepromotingBBxpo<br />

attheDevon<strong>Business</strong>Show–<br />

seebelow–toattractexhibitors<br />

andvisitorsfromacrossDevon.<br />

Onceagain,Zarywaczand<br />

PeakOnlinearesupportingthe<br />

organisationofBBxpo.<br />

■ Details07971176044<br />

Devon <strong>Business</strong> Show<br />

organisedbyDevon&Plymouth<br />

ChamberofCommercereturns<br />

toPlymouthPavilionson<br />

Thursday11October.<br />

Exhibitionzonesatthis<br />

year’sshowinclude:<br />

➤ <strong>Business</strong>Services<br />

➤ Digital,Media&Technology<br />

➤ Retail,Leisure,Tourism&<br />

Hospitality<br />

➤ Sustainability<br />

➤ EducationandSkills<br />

➤ Marine,Constructionand<br />

Manufacturing<br />

Connecting Devon business<br />

Atthe2022show,816people<br />

passedthroughthedoorswith<br />

EXHIBIT OR VISIT<br />

NORTH & SOUTH<br />

Wednesday 11 October<br />

10am—4pm Plymouth Pavilions<br />

Book at devonchamber.co.uk<br />

socialmediareachinexcessof<br />

30,000.Livepodcastsstreamed<br />

overthedayandbusinessesof<br />

everysizeandsectorgained<br />

realcommercialoutcomes,<br />

whilebuildingnewand<br />

deepeningexistingrelationships.<br />

Itiswherebusinessconnectsin<br />

Devonandisahighlightofthe<br />

businesscalendarinthecounty.<br />

Afterattendingasavisitor<br />

lastyear,<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>will<br />

beexhibitingthisyeartobuild<br />

newNorthDevonconnections<br />

acrossthecounty.<br />

■ Details01752220471<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business action 1

SUPPORT<br />

Discover how implementing effective and efficient<br />

►quality<br />

►environmental<br />

►occupational health and safety<br />

►energy<br />

(QEHS&E) management systems can improve<br />

your productivity and profitability<br />

whatever sector your business operates in<br />

Book your FREE<br />

no-obligation<br />

2-hour consultation now!<br />

01237 870480<br />

improvedwayslimited.co.uk<br />

balazs.bagi@improvedwayslimited.co.uk<br />

Apply ISO systems to boost your bottom line<br />

Welcoming new Devon development manager<br />

The Federation of Small <strong>Business</strong>esisa<br />

nationalmembershiporganisation<br />

supportingandrepresentingsmall<br />

businessesandtheself-employed<br />

throughoutthecountry.Recently,we<br />

interviewedCarmenHanif,theFSB’snew<br />

developmentmanagerforDevon,and<br />

askedheraboutherselfandhernewrole.<br />

What is your background?<br />

BeforejoiningtheFSB,Iranmyown<br />

smallbusinessforover10yearsbefore<br />

supportingstart-upbusinessesasa<br />

businessadvisor. WorkingfortheFSBisa<br />

privilegeandaroleIloveasitallowsme<br />

tosupportandadvocateonbehalfof<br />

smallbusinesseswhichissomethingIam<br />

passionateabout.<br />

What does your FSB role involve?<br />

Myroleistosupportlocalbusiness<br />

memberswithanyissuestheymayhave<br />

eitherbyofferingsupportorsignposting<br />

themtothemostappropriateservice.This<br />

maybeoneofthemanyservicestheycan<br />

accessthroughtheirFSBmembership,<br />

suchasfinancialexpertise,legaladvice,<br />

chasinglatepayments,training,etcor<br />

supportservicesofferedbylocalcouncils<br />

andotherstakeholders.<br />

Node CoworkatRoundswell<br />

hasopeneditsnewextension.<br />

Thecomplexoffershireable<br />

officespace,hotdesksand<br />

coworking,andbusinesssupport<br />

forbusinessesinNorthDevon.<br />

SinceopeninginOctober<br />

2021,Nodehasattracted50<br />

membersinitsopenplan<br />

coworkingspaceanditssmall<br />

officesuiteshavealmostreached<br />

fullcapacity,withanother150<br />

peopleoccupyingitsprivate<br />

rooms.Node’steamalso<br />

providesbusinesssupportand<br />

hasrunfully-fundedevents<br />

includingacceleratorsforfastgrowingenterprises,and<br />

startupclubsforthosewanting<br />

tosetupanewbusiness.<br />

Ialsoraiseawarenessofissuesaffecting<br />

ourmembersandworkonprojectsto<br />

supportthem.Thiscanincludeactivities<br />

asvariedasspeakingtoMPsandlocal<br />

councilsaboutwhatisimportanttothe<br />

successofasmallbusiness,throughto<br />

highlightingstoriesinthelocalpressand<br />

media.<br />

Alongsidemycolleaguesinour<br />

Westminsterteam,Iworkwithlocalsmall<br />

<strong>Business</strong> centre extension opens<br />

Thenewextensioncomprises<br />

largeflexibleofficespacesfor<br />

hirewithameetingroom,<br />

kitchenanditsownfacilities,<br />

totalling5,780sqftinsize.The<br />

£2.1millionextensiontothe<br />

buildingwasfundedthrough<br />

theEuropeanRegional<br />

DevelopmentFund(ERDF)<br />

andHeartoftheSouthWest<br />

LocalEnterprisePartnership.<br />

NodeCoworkisoperated<br />

businessestogivethemapowerfulvoice<br />

ingovernment.<br />

How do you help small businesses?<br />

OurmembersacrossDevoncancontact<br />

meanytimeaboutanyissuestheymaybe<br />

facing,andIwilllookatwhatsupportis<br />

availableandhelptodirectthemtothe<br />

rightplace.SometimesIcanintervene<br />

andusemycontactswithlocal<br />

stakeholderstogetanswersoritmaybe<br />

anissuethattheFSBislobbying<br />

governmentaboutandIcanhelpto<br />

highlighttheprobleminthearea.<br />

Oftenmembersmayrequireadviceor<br />

businesssupportwhichtheirFSB<br />

membershipcoversandIcantalkthem<br />

throughourservices,orImaysignpost<br />

themtootherstakeholderssuchasthe<br />

localbusinesshub,forexample.<br />

Ialsoputtogethernetworkingevents<br />

andhelptohighlighttheamazingwork<br />

ourmembersdo.Memberscancontact<br />

meatcarmen.hanif@fsb.org.uk<br />

How can businesses join the FSB?<br />

DevonbusinessescanjointheFSBby<br />

contactingourlocalmembershipadvisor<br />

AnitaJohnsonon 07770637827orat<br />

anita.johnson@fsb.org.uk<br />

bycoworkingandbusiness<br />

supportspecialistTownSquare<br />

SpacesLtd(TownSq)onbehalf<br />

ofDevonCountyCouncil.<br />

Node’scommunitymanager<br />

JulianDymondsaid:“It’san<br />

immenselyexcitingnew<br />

chapterforthespacetonowbe<br />

growingphysicallyaswellasin<br />

membership.Inlessthantwo<br />

yearssincelaunching,we’reso<br />

proudtoseeNodethriving<br />

withsomanyworkersenjoying<br />

thespaceeverydayandwe<br />

lookforwardtobeingableto<br />

welcomeevenmorefantastic<br />

businessesandentrepreneurs<br />

intoourcommunity.”<br />

■ Details01271452442or<br />

nodecowork.co.uk<br />

2 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business-action.co.uk

A nationally recognised<br />

wealthmanagementfirmhas<br />

mademajorappointmentsto<br />

itsboardasthetotaloffundsit<br />

managescontinuestoincrease.<br />

PhilipJMiltonand<br />

CompanyPlchaswelcomed<br />

twohighlyrespectedfiguresin<br />

thefinanceindustrytoits<br />

seniormanagement,who<br />

betweenthembring75years’<br />

experiencetothefirm.<br />

FundmanagerPeterElston,<br />

whohasexceptionalindustry<br />

experience,hasjoinedasa<br />

director,whileglobal<br />

investmentexpertAdamCooke<br />

hasassumedtheboardroleas<br />

non-executivechairman.<br />

Completingthetrioofnew<br />

directorsisfirmincumbent<br />

FelixMilton,whoattheageof<br />

28alreadyhas10years’<br />

experienceunderhisbelt.<br />

Thenewdirectorsjointhe<br />

existingboardofPhilipand<br />

HelenMilton,ScottPickard,<br />

SandraBrightandNikkiBaker,<br />

withmorethan150yearsinthe<br />

financialsectorbetweenthem.<br />

Thefirmcurrentlymanages<br />

£230millionforclientsandis<br />

expandingtheseniorteamto<br />

buildonitsstrengths,addmore<br />

skillsandcreateabroader<br />

foundationofsenior<br />

management.<br />

WelcomingPeterandAdam<br />

tothebusiness,managing<br />

directorPhilipMiltonsaidthe<br />

newarrivalsbroughtagreat<br />

dealtothecompany.<br />

Philipadded:“Thisisvery<br />

muchaboutaddingeven<br />

greaterstrengthanddepthto<br />

ouralreadyexcellentteamand<br />

ourprosperousbusiness.No<br />

onehasleftandIamcertainly<br />

notgoinganywhere–thisisall<br />

aboutexpansion.<br />

“Currentfundsunderour<br />

managementarenotfaroff<br />

fromtheirhighesteverinmore<br />

FINANCE<br />

Board expands to<br />

manage £230m funds<br />

New directors: (from left) Peter Elston, managing director Philip Milton<br />

and Adam Cooke<br />

than37yearsinbusinessand<br />

despitethepandemicanda<br />

difficult2022,wenavigatedthe<br />

difficultiesbetterthanmost<br />

competitors.<br />

“PeterandAdamarehighly<br />

experiencedandskilled.They<br />

bothbringagreatdealtothe<br />

tableincludingastrong<br />

knowledgeofoverseas’markets.<br />

Theyalsobringproventrack<br />

recordsininvestmentandfund<br />

management,especially<br />

coveringinvestmenttrustsand<br />

alternativefunds.<br />

“Felixisalsohighlyqualified<br />

andtalentedandhasmorethan<br />

earnedhisplaceasadirector.”<br />

PeterElstonisaged57and<br />

hasworkedinfundmanagement<br />

(includingasachiefinvestment<br />

officerinafinancialinstitution)<br />

formorethan30years.Halfof<br />

thesethreeorsodecadeswere<br />

spentattwomajorfund<br />

managementcompanies,<br />

mostlyinAsiawherehe<br />

specialised,respectively,in<br />

Asianequitiesandglobalasset<br />

allocation.Backhomesince<br />

2014,morerecentexperience<br />

includesleadinganinvestment<br />

teamandbuildingonhisasset<br />

allocationexperienceaswellas<br />

coveringalternativefundsin<br />

theUKmarket.<br />

Petersaid:“Iamvery<br />

pleasedtojoinaverysuccessful<br />

firminPJM&Co,onewhich<br />

hasagold-platedcultureanda<br />

relentlesslyclient-focused<br />

approach.Thefirmhasstrong<br />

valuestowardsitsclientsand<br />

strivestodotheabsolutebest<br />

forthem.<br />

“Italsohasasensible<br />

approachtoinvestmentrisk,<br />

incorporatingaverywide<br />

rangeofassetsacrossnumerous<br />

sectors,givingclientsthe<br />

broadestpossibleinvestment<br />

opportunities.”<br />

AdamCooke,63,hasspent<br />

fourdecadesintheinvestment<br />

industryandwasadirectorof<br />

threecompaniesupto2015,as<br />

wellaspreviouslybeinga<br />

globalpartneratinternational<br />

giantInvesco.<br />

Adamsaid:“Ihaveknown<br />

Philipandthebusinessfor<br />

nearly30yearsandam<br />

delightedtoplaymypartin<br />

sustainingthecompany's<br />

excellentculture.<br />

“Ihavealwaysadmiredthe<br />

firm’sabilitytolookatalltypes<br />

ofinvestmentsforitsclients.<br />

Furthermore,Ibelievemy<br />

experienceofNorthAmerican<br />

andEuropeanbusinesswillbe<br />

usefulasweapproachplanning<br />

fornetzeroandadaptingto<br />

meetclientrequirementsfor<br />

solidreturnsontheirsavings.”<br />

New director: Felix Milton<br />

FelixMiltoncommented:<br />

“Iamdelightedtobecomea<br />

directorandverymuchlook<br />

forwardtoadoptingnew<br />

responsibilitieswithinthe<br />

boardandbuildinguponmy<br />

existingexperience,especially<br />

inthefieldofinvestment<br />

managementandresearch.”<br />

■ Details01271344300and<br />

miltonpj.net<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business action 3

FEEL ELECTRIC<br />

TRADE UP, PLUG IN<br />

AT BLIGHTS MOTORS<br />

Jon Bondstartedmaking<br />

ToggleLOXXdreadlocks<br />

accessoriesinhisgardenshed<br />

duringthe2020lockdown.<br />

Established brand<br />

Afterinitiallysellingasmall<br />

numberofproductsonEtsy,<br />

salestookoffandstartedto<br />

attractcustomersfromacross<br />

theworld.ThreadLOXXhas<br />

nowfirmlyestablisheditselfas<br />

aqualitybrandamongthe<br />

dreadlockscommunitywith<br />

distributorsinAmerica,<br />

Australia,Netherlands,New<br />

ZealandandSweden.<br />

Aftercreatingand<br />

maintainingdreadlocksforhis<br />

wifeAli,theirthreechildren<br />

andhimselfforanumberof<br />

years,Jonhasalsoworkedhard<br />

toestablishhisreputationasa<br />

professionalloctician,creating<br />

newdreadsforclientsand<br />

helpingtomaintainthem.<br />

NEW HEADER SHOPS<br />

Dreadlocks hub attracts<br />

clients from far afield<br />

Jon and Ali Bond of ThreadLOXX in their Barnstaple UnorthoDOXX Studio<br />

Dreadlocks hub<br />

Itisnosurprisethatallthis<br />

activityandsuccessledtothe<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 />

couplerecentlyopeningthe<br />

UnorthoDOXXStudioin<br />

Barnstaple,whereJontakes<br />

Bideford<br />

HANDY CROSS, CLOVELLY ROAD, BIDEFORD, EX39 3ET<br />

01237 472282<br />

www.blightsmotors.co.uk<br />

clientappointmentsandAli<br />

offersdreadlocksextensions<br />

andpiercingservices.<br />

Jondescribesthestudioasa<br />

‘dreadlockshub’whichis<br />

attractingclientsfromasfaras<br />

PlymouthandWales,withone<br />

Americanclientdroppingin<br />

whilestayingwithfamily.<br />

Spreadovertwofloors,<br />

UnorthoDOXXStudioincludes<br />

adownstairsstorewithdisplays<br />

ofaccessories,beadsand<br />

necklacesforsale.<br />

Lookingtousethesalon<br />

facilitiestotheirfullextent,Jon<br />

isalsobranchingintoloctician<br />

trainingwithhisfirstthree-day<br />

course.Thiscoversallaspects<br />

oflockinghairandcarrying<br />

outroutinemaintenance,<br />

hygienicallyandwithcorrect<br />

techniqueforasmooth<br />

dreadlockjourney.<br />

■ Details07546820650or<br />

threadloxx.com<br />

Popular dog store expands into bigger premises<br />

The new home of Lyn Valley Dog House in Queen Street, Lynton<br />

One of the smallest shopsin<br />

LyntonhasmovedtoOrchard<br />

House,amuchbiggerpremises<br />

inQueenStreet,whichhad<br />

beenemptyformanyyears.<br />

TheLynValleyDogHouse<br />

isnowmorevisibleandhas<br />

expandedfromoneroomto<br />

tworetailrooms,enablingan<br />

increaseintreatsinthedeli<br />

(includingcanineicecream<br />

parlour)andaroomforall<br />

thingsdog–collars,leads,<br />

harnesses,bowls,blanketsand<br />

more.Thisalsoenablesitto<br />

widenitsrangeofDevon<br />

brands,suchasTheDevon<br />

DogCompany,Storeysand<br />

Tails,TheArtisanDog<br />

Company,Billie&Coand<br />

SpringerCottageSoaps,andto<br />

introducemoreeco-friendly<br />

brandssuchasPawsthePlanet<br />

andOceanLeash.<br />

BethfromRulynDog<br />

Grooming(aboveleft)will<br />

nowbebasedattheshop<br />

alongwithhertwodogsKiki<br />

andNimbus,theshopdogs.<br />

Thestore’slaunchparty<br />

welcomedlocalsuppliersand<br />

supportivefriends,anda<br />

hamperwasgiventotheDogs<br />

TrustIlfracombe,itschosen<br />

charityoftheyear.<br />

Theshopwasofficially<br />

openedbyJennyWindsor<br />

(aboveright),alocalcustomer<br />

whousedtoruntheshop<br />

whenitwasabutcher’s.<br />

■ Details07989108186or<br />

thelynvalleydoghouse.com<br />

4 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business-action.co.uk

A Barnstapletechnology<br />

businessisexpandingafterthe<br />

openingofitssecondbranch<br />

inBraunton.<br />

TheTechout,whichsells,<br />

buysandrepairssmartphones,<br />

tablets,watches,computers<br />

andaccessories,hasopened<br />

thenewbranchafterspottinga<br />

needforitsproductsand<br />

servicesinthevillage.<br />

TheTechoutwasstartedin<br />

2020byTroyStaddonand<br />

ChazJenkinswiththeaimof<br />

providingexceptionalservice<br />

totechnologyconsumers.<br />

Continuingsuccessatits<br />

BarnstaplestoreinQueen<br />

Streethasledthepairto<br />

expandthebusinessby<br />

openingtheirsecondbranch<br />

inBraunton.<br />

Theysoughtapremisesina<br />

prominentpositionand<br />

immediatelytookuptheoption<br />

ofthevacantstoreonThe<br />

Square,situatedonthemain<br />

crossroads,oneofthemost<br />

visiblepositionsinthevillage.<br />

Troysays:“There’sno<br />

competitioninBraunton.It’s<br />

beencrazy!”<br />

“Ithasexceededwhatwe<br />

expected,”addsChaz.<br />

“Somanypeopleneedhelp<br />

thatdon’tleavethevillage.<br />

NEW HEADER SHOPS<br />

Tech store expands with<br />

new Braunton branch<br />

The Techout’s new store on The Square, Braunton<br />

Somepeoplecomeinfor<br />

accessories,othersforcleaning<br />

devices,helpwithFacebook<br />

accountsorupgradingphones.<br />

“Customerscomeintosay<br />

howgooditisthatweareinthe<br />

villageandaskushowit’sgoing.”<br />

Popular brands<br />

TheBrauntonstoreoffersthe<br />

Techout’sfullrangeof<br />

refurbisheddevices,<br />

accessoriesandrepairservices.<br />

Mostpopularbrandsare<br />

stockedincludingAcer,Apple,<br />

Google,Motorola,Samsung.<br />

Italsoofferscomprehensive<br />

maintenanceandrepair<br />

servicesforsmartphones,<br />

tablets,laptopanddesktop<br />

computersandother<br />

technologydevices.Thesecan<br />

includebatteryorscreen<br />

replacement,while<br />

unidentifiedproblemscanbe<br />

diagnosedandrepaired.<br />

TheTechoutwebsitealso<br />

featurestechnologyadviceand<br />

tipsforuserstopreventand<br />

solveproblems.<br />

Withthesuccessofthenew<br />

branch,TroyandChazare<br />

lookingtodevelopablueprint<br />

forfurtherexpansioninthe<br />

future.<br />

■ Details01271624368or<br />

thetechout.com<br />

There is no doubt that throughout the country retail is one of the toughest sectors in which to run a business. North Devon retailers face the<br />

same challenges as anywhere else and some shops continue to close in our towns and villages. Yet that’s not the whole story and determined<br />

businesses are surviving and even expanding. On these pages we feature a sample of businesses across the area which have recently<br />

opened new stores. Independent store owners depend on support from the communities they serve and North Devon is fortunate to host<br />

hundreds of high quality stores spanning all products and services.<br />

Customers queue for opening of<br />

new beachfront bakery<br />

Combe Martin residents<br />

queuedinanticipationofthe<br />

openingofanewbakery<br />

overlookingthevillagebeach.<br />

Bobbie’sBakes,runby<br />

BobbieSimonsandIanHicks,<br />

hasconvertedaformerpublic<br />

convenienceintoanattractive<br />

storesellingalargeselectionof<br />

foodandbakeryitems.The<br />

businessstartedduringthe<br />

pandemic,operatingfroma<br />

smallindustrialunit,andbuilt<br />

upitsclienteletothepoint<br />

whereitneededabigger,more<br />

centralretailoutlet.<br />

Thenewstorewasofficially<br />

openedinJunebyCombe<br />

First morning: (from left) Bobbie Simons and Ian Hicks serve the long<br />

queue of customers on opening day at Bobbie’s Bakes<br />

MartinCouncillor<br />

MartinWorthand<br />

supportedbyMayor<br />

ofIlfracombeDan<br />

Turton.<br />

Aswellasbringing<br />

thebuildingbackinto<br />

use,therenovation<br />

usedalotofrecycled<br />

materials.Ian<br />

completedallthe<br />

buildingworkwith<br />

hisfather,Ken,and<br />

recycledwoodfrom<br />

palletsformanyof<br />

theinternalfittings.<br />

Thebusinesswas<br />

closedforweeks<br />

duringtherenovation<br />

andhasnowresumedbaking<br />

bread,cakes,buns,scones,pies,<br />

pastiesandmore.<br />

Freshlymadesandwiches<br />

androlls,bakedpotatoes,<br />

breakfastbapsandcoffeeareall<br />

nowavailable,asarecream<br />

Combe Martin councillor Martin Worth cuts the<br />

ribbon to officially open Bobbie’s Bakes’ new<br />

store, alongside Bobbie Simons and watched by<br />

Ilfracombe Mayor Dan Turton<br />

teas,aselectionofdeliitems<br />

andcolddrinks.Bobbie’sBakes<br />

aimstoopeneverydayduring<br />

thesummerseason.<br />

■ Details07393215558or<br />

FacebookBobbie’sBakes<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business action 5

MANUFACTURING<br />

Copywriting<br />

Print<br />

Digital<br />

Essential conversations with customers<br />

Deadlines?<br />

Journalism<br />

Problems?<br />

Editing<br />

start with effective copywriting<br />

t 0333 0444 354<br />

w copywritingresources.co.uk<br />

Call us!<br />

Dymond Engineering is supplying its wood-and-metal furniture for<br />

serviced offices across the UK<br />

Manufacturing wood and metal<br />

furniture under one roof<br />

Dymond Engineering,an<br />

establishedsupplierof<br />

precisionmetalfabrication<br />

servicesfortheretail,office,<br />

contractfurniture,hospitality,<br />

andleisuresectors,continuesto<br />

innovatewiththelaunchofits<br />

contractfurnituredivision.<br />

MattCraze,withwhom<br />

Dymondhasworkedforyears,<br />

hasjoinedthecompanyto<br />

managetheventure,bringing<br />

withhimvaluableskillsand<br />

experienceinjoineryand<br />

manufacturingfurniturein<br />

wood.Thisnowgivesthe<br />

companytheexpertiseto<br />

manufacturecompletewoodand-metalproductsunderone<br />

roof,reducingbothcostsand<br />

leadtimes.<br />

Thisdevelopmentopensup<br />

anewdimensionforDymond,<br />

enablingittoproducewoodand-metalshopfittings,office<br />

furniture,bookcases,restaurant<br />

tablesandchairs,andmore.<br />

Thecompanyisalready<br />

producingfurniturefor<br />

servicedofficeforprovidersin<br />

LondonandacrosstheUK,<br />

includingbespokeergonomic<br />

sitstanddesksandcantilever<br />

desks,lockersandbenches.Itis<br />

alsoproducingrestaurant<br />

tables,seatingandlockersfor<br />

thehospitalitysector.<br />

Dymondissupportingthis<br />

newservicewithinvestmentin<br />

equipment,includingthe<br />

acquisitionofaCNCcutter<br />

dedicatedtoflatsheetwood<br />

cutting.Aswellasusingthisfor<br />

itsownproducts,itnowoffersa<br />

flatsheetcuttingservicefor<br />

joinerswithoutaccessto<br />

specialistequipment.<br />

Dymondcontinuously<br />

innovatesandhasdevelopeda<br />

numberofnewproductsin<br />

recentyears,includingtheTX3<br />

TotalTrainingTowerhome<br />

trainingrack,EezeeGliderock<br />

androllbedframeforcamper<br />

vansandgamebirdfeeders.<br />

ThisispossibleduetoDymond’s<br />

valueanddesignengineering<br />

capabilities,whichenableitto<br />

delivercomprehensive<br />

manufacturingsolutionsthat<br />

makecustomers’liveseasier<br />

andreducetheircosts.<br />

■ Details01271372662or<br />

dymondengineering.co.uk<br />

6 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business-action.co.uk

Digital agency works to<br />

increase your enquiries<br />

DIGITAL<br />

Dynamik Marketing rewards its team with a meal and drinks in Barnstaple<br />

An establishedBarnstaple<br />

digitalagencythatspecialises<br />

inmarketingmanufacturersis<br />

achievingfurthersuccessasit<br />

offersitsservicestoNorth<br />

Devonbusinessesinallsectors.<br />

Sinceitwasestablished14<br />

years,AMIMarketingfor<br />

Manufacturinghasdeveloped<br />

areputationastheleading<br />

agencyforUKmanufacturers.<br />

NowithaslaunchedDynamik<br />

Marketingspecificallytohelp<br />

localindependentbusinesses<br />

toattractmoresalesenquiries.<br />

Responding to requests<br />

ManagingdirectorCraig<br />

Pallisterexplainsthatthenew<br />

businesswasstartedin<br />

responsetoagrowingnumber<br />

ofrequestsfromNorthDevon<br />

businessesforwebsiteand<br />

digitalservices.<br />

“Weknowwecanhelp<br />

thesesmallcompaniesget<br />

customersmorecost<br />

effectivelyanddonotwantto<br />

turnthemaway,”saysCraig.<br />

Duetoitsfocusonthe<br />

manufacturingsector,some<br />

NorthDevonbusinessesmight<br />

notbeawareofAMI’swide<br />

rangeofdigitalservicesorthat<br />

itworkswithhundredsof<br />

businessesacrossthecountry.<br />

“Wewanttocreateamore<br />

localpresenceandletpeople<br />

knowwearehere,”addsCraig.<br />

“AMIisagreatplaceto<br />

workandwehaveateamof18<br />

withanotherstarterjoiningus<br />

inJuly.”<br />

Broad range of clients<br />

DynamikMarketinglaunched<br />

in2022andhasbuiltwebsites<br />

foranumberoflocal<br />

businessesfromelectriciansto<br />

recruitmentconsultancies,<br />

museums,plumbersandpubs.<br />

“Allcustomersarehappyin<br />

ourfirstyearandaregetting<br />

regularenquiries.”<br />

Generating enquiries<br />

Dynamikoffersclientsaweb<br />

sitepresencefrom£40per<br />

month.Usingtemplatesithas<br />

developedin-house,itcan<br />

buildwebsitesandgetthem<br />

upandrunningfasttostart<br />

generatingcustomerenquiries<br />

assoonaspossible.<br />

DrawingonAMI’s<br />

considerabledigitalmarketing<br />

experienceandexpertise,<br />

Dynamik’swebsitesarehosted<br />

onsuperfastprivateservers,<br />

areresponsiveandoptimised<br />

toworkwellwithGoogle.<br />

Aswellastemplateweb<br />

sites,Dynamikofferscustom<br />

designsandarangeofdigital<br />

services–includingwebsite<br />

hosting,searchengine<br />

optimisation(SEO),Google<br />

Admanagementandsocial<br />

media–andcreativedesign.<br />

Allservicesaregearedupto<br />

increaseenquiries.<br />

TheDynamikteamarealso<br />

accessibleattheirofficesin<br />

QueenStreet,soit’seasyto<br />

speaktotheteamordropinto<br />

seethem.<br />

“Wetakeawaythepainand<br />

worryofwebsites,”concludes<br />

Craig.“Therearenoupfront<br />

costsandhostingisincluded.<br />

Andyoucanspeaktoreal<br />

people.”<br />

■ Details01271458256or<br />

dynamikmarketing.co.uk<br />

Grammar Punctuation Spelling<br />

Can people understand what you write?<br />

Deadlines?<br />

Consistency<br />

Problems?<br />

Accuracy<br />

Proofreading can make it clearer<br />

Call us!<br />

t 0333 0444 354<br />

w proofreadingresources.co.uk<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business action 7

Manufacturer invests<br />

£1.4m in expansion<br />

Smart Manufacturingis<br />

investing£1.4millionin<br />

extendingitsfactoryfrom<br />

1,200to2,000squaremetres.<br />

Workissettostartonthe<br />

siteonClovellyRoadIndustrial<br />

Estate,Bidefordinthesummer<br />

forcompletionintheautumn.<br />

Thebusinesswasestablished<br />

in1986andhasmaintained<br />

considerablegrowththrough<br />

thepandemicandsubsequent<br />

globalcrisis.Italsowon<br />

<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>’s<strong>Business</strong>-to-<br />

<strong>Business</strong>ExcellenceAwardand<br />

wasnamedNorthDevon<br />

<strong>Business</strong>oftheYear2021.<br />

DirectorShaunMcQuillan<br />

alsorevealedthatthecompany<br />

hasrecentlyinvestedinafibre<br />

laserwelderandhasordereda<br />

fullyautomatedAmadaTurret<br />

PressPunchandanAmada<br />

VentisAJlasercutter.<br />

Thisinvestmentinstate-ofthe-artmachinerywillincrease<br />

SmartManufacturer’ssheet<br />

metalcapabilities.<br />

“Itwillenableustogohigh<br />

volumeandoffermore<br />

services,”saysShaun.“Wecan<br />

alsooffershorterleadtimes,<br />

makingusmorecompetitive.”<br />

SmartManufacturinghas<br />

establishedareputationfor<br />

producingveryhighquality<br />

productsforthearchitectural,<br />

automotive,foodand<br />

pharmaceuticalsectors,<br />

includinginvolvementinlarge<br />

nationalprojects.<br />

Operatingwithateamof23<br />

plussub-contractors,the<br />

companyislookingformore<br />

apprenticestodevelopand<br />

expanditsskillsbase.<br />

Withthecompletionofits<br />

expandedfactory,the<br />

commissioningofitsnew<br />

machineryandtheadditionof<br />

apowdercoatingfacility,Smart<br />

Manufacturing’ssheetmetal<br />

capabilitieswillbeamongthe<br />

largestinthearea,<br />

■ Details01237471977or<br />

smart-manufacturing.co.uk<br />

JAMAICAPRESS<br />

design • print • signs • web • office<br />

design | concepts | logos | brand identity<br />

print | stationery | forms | brochures | books<br />

signs | posters | banners | exhibitions | signs<br />

web | design | domains | seo | hosting<br />

office | supplies | consumables | furniture<br />

01237 452333<br />

sales@jamaicapress.co.uk<br />

NEWS<br />

Beep Media: (from left) Grace Rodgers and Phillip Saunders shoot video<br />

A flexible approach to<br />

digital media and marketing<br />

An established North Devon<br />

mediacompanyrecently<br />

rebrandedtohighlightits<br />

moreflexibleapproachto<br />

digitalmediaandmarketing.<br />

PhilSaundersCreativewas<br />

establishedin2006andhad<br />

builtupasubstantialcoreof<br />

clientswhenthepandemic<br />

struckandmosteventswere<br />

cancelled.Philandbusiness<br />

partnerGracerespondedto<br />

thisbyrestructuringand<br />

rebrandingthebusinessas<br />

BeepMedia.<br />

Philsaysthisreflectsthe<br />

flexibleapproachthebusiness<br />

hasadopted,providingamix<br />

ofvideo,liveeventsanddigital<br />

communications.Theseare<br />

createdthroughcollaboration<br />

withacollectiveoftalented<br />

professionalswhoofferarange<br />

ofspecialistmediaskills.<br />

BeepMediaisexperienced<br />

inproducingcorporatevideos,<br />

providinglivestreamand<br />

videoproductionfor<br />

conferences,hybridandlive<br />

events,anddeliveringUX<br />

(userexperience),website<br />

designandhostingservices.<br />

Pastprojectsincludevideos<br />

ofBidefordChristmasLights<br />

Switch-On,anAHV(Animal<br />

HealthVision)tradeshow,a<br />

charityfightnighttournament<br />

andaMoleValleyFarmers’<br />

conferencelivestream–seethe<br />

websitefortheseandother<br />

videoexamples.<br />

Philexplainsthattheteam’s<br />

expertiseextendsfarbeyond<br />

simplycapturingactionon<br />

videoandstartswithpreproductionplanningtocreate<br />

astoryboardthataccurately<br />

reflectsthemessagesthat<br />

clientswanttocommunicate<br />

intheirvideo.Thiscaninclude<br />

writingquestionsforvideos<br />

andanimatingproducts.<br />

Videoiscapturedby<br />

experiencedvideoandaudio<br />

professionalsandthenedited<br />

withprofessionaltools.Aswell<br />

asfilminginNorthDevon,the<br />

teamworksacrossthecountry<br />

includingvideoingeventsat<br />

venuessuchasExCelLondon.<br />

Finalvideocanbeexported<br />

invariousformatsandratios<br />

suitableformediafromweb<br />

sitestosocialmediachannels.<br />

BeepMedia’sflexible<br />

approachextendstoediting<br />

clients’existingfootage,hiring<br />

outindustry-quality<br />

equipmentanddelivering<br />

traininginvideoproduction<br />

andediting.<br />

Websitedevelopment<br />

complementsvideo<br />

productionandBeepMedia<br />

hasrecentlylauncheda£475<br />

websitestarterpackage<br />

offeringfour-pagewebsite,<br />

oneyear’shosting,AIenhancedtext,freeimagesand<br />

brandedemailaddress.<br />

Aswellasthisintroductory<br />

package,BeepMediaoffers<br />

moreadvanceddevelopment<br />

andconsultancyforclients<br />

withmorecomplex<br />

requirementssuchas<br />

ecommercestores.<br />

TogetherBeepMedia’s<br />

videoandwebsiteservices<br />

createaflexibledigitaloffering<br />

thatdeliversprofessional<br />

resultsforclients.<br />

■ Details07967021307or<br />

beepmedia.co.uk<br />

8 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business-action.co.uk

DIRECTORY NEWS<br />

Practical architectural design without compromise<br />

Strong and personalclient<br />

relationshipsandattentionto<br />

detail,frominceptionto<br />

completionofaproject,have<br />

establishedaBarnstaple<br />

architecturalpracticeasa<br />

leaderintheSouthWestover<br />

morethan60years.<br />

RGPArchitectsadoptedthis<br />

ethoswhenstartedbyRegGale<br />

in1960andremainscommitted<br />

tothisapproachasNigelGale,<br />

hisson,handsoverthereinsto<br />

long-timedirectorsDarrelGill<br />

andChrisSanders.<br />

Withthethreehaving<br />

workedtogethersince2006,<br />

Nigelisfocusingonwhathe<br />

doesbest–design–while<br />

DarrelandChristakeonthe<br />

challengesofmanagingthe<br />

practiceamidtheconstant<br />

changefacingeverybusiness.<br />

RGPremainedbusy<br />

throughoutthepandemicand<br />

subsequenteconomic<br />

turbulence,andcontinuesto<br />

attractprojectsfromclientsold<br />

andnew.Itsservicescover<br />

residential,commercial,<br />

communityandconservation<br />

sectors,fromconservatoriesto<br />

largehousingdevelopments.<br />

“Weliketogoaboveand<br />

beyondforeveryclient,”says<br />

<strong>Business</strong>es collect more data<br />

thaneverbeforebutmany<br />

don’tknowhowordon’thave<br />

theresourcestoanalyseand<br />

benefitfromit.<br />

NorthDevonbusinesses<br />

nowhavetheopportunityto<br />

employtrainedandvetted<br />

dataspecialistswhowillhave<br />

completedLevel4DataSkills<br />

BootcampsfundedbyDevon<br />

CountyCouncil.<br />

Skilled data experts<br />

Twogroupsofcandidatesare<br />

currentlybeingtrainedby<br />

trainingproviderCambridge<br />

Sparkandthecompanyis<br />

workingtoplacethose<br />

completingtheprogrammein<br />

permanentjobs.Topics<br />

coveredbybootcampsinclude:<br />

➤ Sortingandprocessingdata<br />

usingprogramming<br />

languagessuchasPython,<br />

SQLandPandas<br />

➤ Datavisualisationand<br />

reportingintoolsincluding<br />

PowerBIandTableau<br />

RIBA-endorsed Chartered Practice: RGP Architects’ new web site<br />

Darrel.Thisincludesofferinga<br />

comprehensiveservicefrom<br />

surveyingandinitialconceptto<br />

planningapplications,building<br />

regulations,specifying<br />

constructiondetails,tendering<br />

andprojectmanagement.These<br />

rangefromcreating2Dand3D<br />

visualisationstodrawingup<br />

structuralengineering,HVAC<br />

(heating,ventilationandair<br />

conditioning),electricaland<br />

firesafetyspecifications.<br />

“Weofferafreeinitialvisit<br />

andconsultationforevery<br />

projectandarehappytomeet<br />

outofhourstofitinwith<br />

clients’schedules,”addsDarrel.<br />

RGPappliesarealistic<br />

approachtoeachprojectto<br />

balanceclients’desireswith<br />

whatcanbeachievedpractically.<br />

“Welookattheengineering<br />

aspectsattheplanningstageto<br />

achievebuildabilitywithout<br />

compromisingondesign,”says<br />

Chris.Thisensuresthatonce<br />

planningpermissionisgranted,<br />

engineeringobstacleshave<br />

beenminimisedtosaveclients<br />

thetimeandexpenseofhaving<br />

toreviseplans.<br />

“We’rehappytohandhold<br />

clientsifit’stheirfirsttime<br />

goingthroughtheprocess,”<br />

addsChris.<br />

RGPhasgreatexpertisein<br />

managingprojects,especiallyin<br />

coastallocations,andDarrel<br />

saysitisexcitingtovisitsitesas<br />

Employ trained data experts to<br />

improve your business<br />

➤ Drawingfromand<br />

communicatingkey<br />

insightswithdata<br />

Candidates’learningranges<br />

fromthefundamentalsof<br />

buildingdatavisualisations<br />

anddashboardsforinforming<br />

betterdecisionmakingto<br />

automatingmanualdata<br />

processingandanalysisto<br />

drivecostandtimesavings.<br />

Qualifiedcandidateswillbe<br />

suitableforrolessuchas<br />

juniordataanalyst,technical<br />

leadandsolutionsengineer.<br />

CambridgeSparkhas<br />

trainedandplacedmanydata<br />

candidatesacrossthecountry<br />

withemployersincluding<br />

ThamesWater,AXAandthe<br />

FinancialConductAuthority.<br />

Increasing employment<br />

Theaimofthebootcampsisto<br />

reskillcandidatesandthen<br />

confirmtheminadata-related<br />

jobrole.Thiswillnotonly<br />

addressasignificantskillsgap<br />

butalsoprovidesocialvalue<br />

byincreasingsocio-economic<br />

upwardmobility.<br />

Withdataofferingmassive<br />

valuetobusinesses,onlythose<br />

organisationswiththe<br />

requisitedataskillscantake<br />

Contact us today:<br />

info@tarka-accounts.co.uk<br />

07961 741107<br />

tarka-accounts.co.uk<br />

projectsprogress.Froman<br />

undergroundhousetoaclifftop<br />

residence,theRGPteam<br />

relishesengineeringchallenges.<br />

Theteamcurrentlynumbers<br />

ninewithmanylong-serving<br />

employees,includingRobert<br />

Cocker,with30+years’service<br />

andsome50years’experience<br />

intheindustry.<br />

RGPalsohasestablished<br />

relationshipswithmanylocal<br />

constructionandengineering<br />

companiesandtradespeople.<br />

Itsclientsrangefromprivate<br />

homeownerstolarge<br />

businesses,andRGPisalso<br />

proudtoworkoncommunity<br />

andenvironmentalprojects,<br />

suchastheredevelopmentof<br />

derelictsitesortheredesignof<br />

internalspacestoretainand<br />

protectthefrontageofhistoric<br />

listedbuildings.<br />

Thenewwebsiteshowcases<br />

manybuildingsRGPhas<br />

workedonacrossNorthDevon<br />

thatresidentsseeeveryday.<br />

DarrelandChrisare<br />

delightedtonurturethehistory<br />

andpedigreeofthearchitectural<br />

practicewhichhasserved<br />

NorthDevonforover60years.<br />

■ Details01271345304or<br />

rgparchitects.com<br />

fulladvantageofthe<br />

opportunitiesitcancreate.<br />

Bootcampgraduatescomplete<br />

thecourseequippedwith<br />

essentialskillsneededtobring<br />

impactandtransformationto<br />

organisations.<br />

Employ a data expert<br />

Tofindoutmoreabout<br />

employingtraineddata<br />

specialists,contactSamGoose<br />

atCambridgeSpark–email<br />

sam.goose@cambridgespark.com<br />

• Annual Accounts<br />

• Tax<br />

• Bookkeeping<br />

• VAT<br />

• Payroll<br />

• Cloud Software<br />

Free consultations available at<br />

times to suit you, with<br />

appointments at our Barnstaple<br />

office or we can even come to you!<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business action 9

AWARDS<br />

business<br />

ACTION<br />

Winning for the community<br />

While this issue focuses onthewinnersofourownNorth<br />

Devon<strong>Business</strong>Awards,thereareanumberofotherserious<br />

businessawardsschemesopentoNorthDevonbusinesses<br />

throughouttheyearandweurgeyoutoenterthem:<br />

➤ Devon&PlymouthChamberofCommerce<strong>Business</strong>Awards<br />

➤ DevonWomenin<strong>Business</strong>Awards<br />

➤ King’sAwardsforEnterprise<br />

➤ NorthDevonBiosphereAwards<br />

➤ NorthDevonManufacturersAssociationAwards<br />

When you’re used to beingan<br />

awardsorganiserratherthanan<br />

entrant,itisastrangefeelingto<br />

beannouncedasafinalist.<br />

<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>wasthrilled<br />

tobenamedoneofthree<br />

finalistsinDevon&Plymouth<br />

ChamberofCommerce’s<br />

Digital<strong>Business</strong>oftheYear<br />

Award,sponsoredbyWildanet.<br />

EditorRobertZarywaczwas<br />

alsonamedoneofthree<br />

finalistsinthechamber’sSteve<br />

WhitewayAwardforthe<br />

individualwhohasmadethe<br />

Devon Women in <strong>Business</strong> Awards<br />

– enter now!<br />

The <strong>2023</strong> Devon Womenin<br />

<strong>Business</strong>Awardsarenowopen<br />

forentries–theclosingdateis<br />

15September.<br />

Thereare12categoriesin<br />

allincludingtwonewawards:<br />

FemaleApprenticeoftheYear<br />

andFemaleLedCommunity<br />

Group/Project/Charity.<br />

Awardssponsorsthisyear<br />

includeSouthDevonCollege<br />

(ApprenticeoftheYear)<br />

DawesAccountants(Startup<br />

oftheYear),Coops&Co<br />

(EmployeeoftheYearand<br />

enlightenHR(Inspirational<br />

LeaderoftheYear)<br />

Winnerswillbeannounced<br />

onSaturday11Novemberat<br />

WinsladePark,Exeter.<br />

Theawardsprogrammeis<br />

collaboratingwithother<br />

AwardschemesinDevon<br />

includingTorbayInspiring<br />

Devon Chamber awards finalist<br />

mostsignificant<br />

individual<br />

contributionto<br />

thecommunity.<br />

Theawards<br />

winnerswere<br />

announcedata<br />

stunningawards<br />

nighton19May<br />

inPlymouth.<br />

Didwewin?<br />

TheDigital<strong>Business</strong>Award<br />

waswonbyMLACollegeand<br />

<strong>Business</strong>Awards,Devon&<br />

PlymouthChamberof<br />

CommerceAwardsandthe<br />

NorthDevon<strong>Business</strong><br />

Awards.Femalefinalistsin<br />

theseschemesareeligibleto<br />

beenteredforthemost<br />

relevantcategory.Theawards<br />

arealsopartneringwiththe<br />

WestCountryWomenAwards<br />

whereits2022winnersare<br />

proceedingstraightintothe<br />

finalsoftheWestCountry<br />

WomenAwards<strong>2023</strong>.<br />

DevonWomenin<strong>Business</strong><br />

welcomesmembersfromacross<br />

thecountywithfourlevelsof<br />

membershipavailabletosuit<br />

allbudgetsandrequirements.<br />

■ Fordetailsandtoenterthe<br />

DevonWomenin<strong>Business</strong><br />

Awards,visit<br />

devonwomeninbusiness.com/<br />

award-categories<br />

Justenteringabusinessawardachievesmultiplewins–whether<br />

ornotyouwintheaward.Whatmattersarewinsfor:<br />

➤ You–forassessingyourselfandyourbusiness–avaluable<br />

processinitself<br />

➤ Yourbusiness–forbringingittotheattentionofjudgeswho<br />

probablydidn’tknowitexisted–valuablefreepromotion<br />

➤ Yourcommunity–forraisingawarenessthatbusinessessuch<br />

asyoursoperateinyourarea–yousupportyourlocaleconomy<br />

Thereisalotmoretoawardsthanbeingnamedwinner.<br />

theSteve<br />

WhitewayAward<br />

waswonbyPaul<br />

Montgomeryof<br />

Sir-Fix-A-Lock.<br />

Congratulations<br />

toboth!<br />

“Itwas<br />

excitingand<br />

nerve-wracking<br />

tobeafinalist,”<br />

saysRobertZarywacz.<br />

“Youcannothelpfeelinga<br />

North Devon Manufacturers<br />

Association Awards – enter now!<br />

The <strong>2023</strong> North Devon<br />

Manufacturers Awardsare<br />

nowopenforentries–the<br />

closingdateis1September.<br />

Theawardsareopenbothto<br />

NDMAmemberandnonmembers,andseektorecognise<br />

andcelebrateallmanufacturing<br />

acrossNorthDevon.<br />

Thereareninecategories,<br />

whicharefreetoenter:<br />

➤ Apprentice<br />

➤ <strong>Business</strong>transformation<br />

➤ Environmentalproject<br />

➤ Exporter<br />

➤ Health&SafetyInitiative<br />

➤ Innovation<br />

➤ Product<br />

➤ Team<br />

➤ Trainee<br />

momentofdisappointmentif<br />

youdon’twin,butthe<br />

excitementandgratitudeof<br />

beingafinalistarelasting.It<br />

wasanhonourtobelisted<br />

alongsidetheothertremendous<br />

finalistsandconnectwiththem.<br />

“Thecomingtogetherof<br />

DevonChambermembers<br />

fromacrossthecountycreated<br />

atangiblebuzzintheroomand<br />

Iwouldrecommendbusinesses<br />

bothjointhechamberand<br />

enterits2024awards.”<br />

■ Detailsdevonchamber.co.uk<br />

Entrantsarealsoeligiblefor<br />

thetitleofChampion<br />

Manufacturer<strong>2023</strong>.<br />

Winnerswillbeannounced<br />

onThursday12Octoberatthe<br />

BarnstapleHotelandticketsare<br />

nowonsale.<br />

Speakingatthe2022awards,<br />

headjudgeJonHurrell<br />

commentedontheimpressive<br />

numberofentriesaswellasthe<br />

difficultyinmakingdecisions<br />

duetotheincrediblyhigh<br />

standardofentries.Healso<br />

expressedhisdelightin<br />

learninghowmuchincredibly<br />

high-qualitymanufacturing<br />

takesplaceinNorthDevon.<br />

In<strong>2023</strong>,theNDMAis<br />

lookingtoattractevenmore<br />

high-qualityentriesfromthe<br />

area’smanufacturers.<br />

■ Fordetailsandtoenter,<br />

visitndma.org.uk<br />

10 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business-action.co.uk

AWARDS<br />

King’s Awards for Enterprise – enter now!<br />

How can you displaytheofficialKing’sAward<br />

forEnterpriseemblemforyourbusiness?<br />

That’swhatMarkAnsell,DeputyLord<br />

LieutenantofDevon,answeredonstageatthe<br />

NorthDevon<strong>Business</strong>Awards.<br />

Afterthesuccessofoneofour2022winners–<br />

MooFreeChocolates–inreceivingtheKing’s<br />

AwardforEnterprise,Markisencouragingmore<br />

NorthDevonbusinessestoapply.<br />

Anybusinesswithtwoormorefull-time<br />

employees(orequivalentpart-timeworkers)can<br />

applyfortheawardsforfree.Theycanenterany<br />

ofthefourcategories:<br />

➤ Innovation<br />

➤ Internationaltrade<br />

➤ Promotingopportunity(throughsocial<br />

mobility)<br />

➤ Sustainabledevelopment<br />

Biosphere awards celebrate Pledge for Nature<br />

Venn Valley Vineyard, winner of the <strong>Business</strong> Award<br />

JustfiveDevonbusinessesreceivedaKing’s<br />

Awardlastyearanditwouldraisetheprofileof<br />

thelocalbusinesscommunityconsiderablyif<br />

moreNorthDevonbusinessesappliedforand<br />

receivedawards.<br />

Aswellasthetwo-employeerequirement,<br />

initialentrycriteriarequireabusinessto:<br />

➤ BebasedintheUK<br />

➤ Haveagood,continuouscompliancerecord<br />

withHMRevenue&Customs<br />

➤ Beaself-containedenterprise<br />

➤ Demonstratestrongcorporatesocial<br />

responsibility<br />

<strong>Business</strong>eshaveuntil12Septembertoapplyfor<br />

thelatestroundofawards,whichwillbe<br />

announcedinMay2024.<br />

■ Details02072156880or<br />

gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise<br />

Read about the North Devon <strong>Business</strong> Awards <strong>2023</strong> winners<br />

130+ guestsattendedthe<br />

BiosphereNatureAwardsat<br />

ThePloughArtsCentre,Great<br />

Torrington,onMonday22<br />

Maytocelebratethe<br />

achievementsoftheNational<br />

LotteryHeritagefunded<br />

‘PledgeforNature’project.<br />

Thishasbeenrunningfor<br />

threeyears,galvanising<br />

communityactionfornature’s<br />

recoveryacrosstheNorth<br />

DevonUNESCOBiosphere<br />

andbeyond.<br />

Some5,000peoplehave<br />

engagedinover1,200actions<br />

tohelpnaturerecover,suchas<br />

installingbirdnestboxes,<br />

plantingtrees,takingpartin<br />

‘NoMowMay’orthe‘Big<br />

ButterflyCount’.Although<br />

mostofpledgeshavebeen<br />

madewithintheNorthDevon<br />

UNESCOBiosphere,pledges<br />

havealsocomeinfromKent,<br />

PenzanceandNorthYorkshire.<br />

Thosewhohavegoneabove<br />

andbeyondfornature<br />

recoveryhavebeenrewarded<br />

eachyearwithaPledgefor<br />

Natureplaqueintheannual<br />

NatureAwards,judgedby<br />

membersoftheProject<br />

SteeringCommittee.<br />

PledgeforNaturecoordinatorJackWoolfenden<br />

said:“Thisyearwereally<br />

wantedtobringpeople<br />

togethertopresenttheawards<br />

inpersonandcelebrate<br />

everyone’ssuccessinhelping<br />

naturetorecover.”<br />

DrMikeMoser,<br />

coordinatoroftheBiosphere<br />

Higher Hacknell Farm, winner of the Farmer / Landowner Award<br />

NatureRecoveryPlansaid:“It<br />

hasbeenfabuloustohearall<br />

thewonderfulthingsthatthe<br />

communityisdoingfornature<br />

–andcongratulationstothis<br />

year’sawardwinners.”<br />

Awards winners<br />

SchoolAward–SouthMolton<br />

CommunityPrimarySchool<br />

YouthAward–Joe<br />

SzymankiewiczfromKingsley<br />

School,Bideford<br />

GardenerAward–Garyand<br />

LynnGreen<br />

CommunityChampionAward<br />

–NeilSpencer<br />

CommunityGroupAward–<br />

AshreigneyandRiddlecombe<br />

NatureRecoveryGroup<br />

Farmer/LandownerAward:<br />

JoandTimBudden,Higher<br />

HacknellOrganicFarm<br />

<strong>Business</strong>Award–VennValley<br />

Vineyard<br />

LotteryPlayerAward:South<br />

MoltonSaveourSwifts<br />

Pupils awards<br />

JulietteReed,WestBuckland<br />

School;AdamSykes,Pilton<br />

CommunityCollege;Lottie<br />

Collins,SouthMolton<br />

CommunityPrimarySchool;<br />

JamesEmptage,Appledore<br />

PrimarySchool;NorahTittle,<br />

BrauntonAcademy;Tymek<br />

Kiliszek,IlfracombeAcademy;<br />

ElsaReeby,BlueCoats<br />

PrimarySchool, Torrington<br />

■ Details01392388647or<br />

northdevonbiosphere.org.uk<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business action 11

AWARDS<br />

North Devon <strong>Business</strong> of the Year<br />

sponsored by<br />

Signs of<br />

North Devon <strong>Business</strong> of the Year <strong>2023</strong>: (from left) Poppy-Lea Price accepts<br />

the award from sponsor Philip Milton watched by editor Robert Zarywacz<br />

Investment in equipment: director and principal designer Shaun Price is<br />

responsible for lasered and engraved signs and CNC programming<br />

Thebiggestchallengeforawardsjudgesistoselectwinnersfrom<br />

exceptionallyhigh-qualityentrants–certainlyachallengeforour<br />

independentjudgeswhoassessed122excellentawardsentries.<br />

JudgesselectedtheSignMakeraswinneroftheMadeinNorth<br />

DevonAward–sponsoredbySeldonsSolicitors.<br />

While navigatingtherecent<br />

economicturmoil,TheSign<br />

Makerhascontinuedtoinvest<br />

inanddevelopitsbusiness.<br />

Thisisreflectedby its<br />

successinwinningtheNorth<br />

Devon<strong>Business</strong>Awardsbelow<br />

andbyreachingthefinalof<br />

Devon&PlymouthChamber’s<br />

Green<strong>Business</strong>oftheYear<br />

Award<strong>2023</strong>andbeingnamed<br />

NorthDevonManufacturers<br />

Association’sChampion<br />

Manufacturer2022.<br />

Made in North Devon <strong>2023</strong><br />

AwardsponsorSeldonsSolicitors<br />

said:“Seldonswerevery<br />

pleasedtohavebeenapartof<br />

the<strong>Business</strong>Awards<strong>2023</strong>and<br />

announcethewinnerofthe<br />

MadeinNorthDevonAward.<br />

“Asalocalandtalented<br />

business,wefeelTheSign<br />

Makerareverydeservingofthe<br />

award.Congratulations!”<br />

<strong>Business</strong> of the Year <strong>2023</strong><br />

AwardsponsorPhilipMilton<br />

presentedTheSignMakerwith<br />

theNorthDevon<strong>Business</strong>of<br />

theYearAward<strong>2023</strong>andsaid:<br />

“Itisalwaysapleasuretobe<br />

involvedwiththeNorthDevon<br />

<strong>Business</strong>Awardsandtoseeall<br />

theentrantsandthenthe<br />

winnersofeachcategory.It<br />

givesmenogreaterpleasure,<br />

however,torecognisethe<br />

overallwinner,TheSignMaker,<br />

andIwishthemtheverybest<br />

astheybuildanddeveloptheir<br />

businessgoingforwards.”<br />

A family business<br />

TheSignMakerisagenuine<br />

familybusiness,started20<br />

yearsagobyKatePrice<br />

(director,financeandwebsites)<br />

andShaunPrice(directorand<br />

principaldesigner),andjoined<br />

bydaughtersPoppy-Lea<br />

(managerandpaintsprayer),<br />

Danielle(castsignage<br />

specialist),Anna(onmaternity<br />

leave)andsonJake(developer<br />

ofitsbespokesoftware).<br />

Poppy-Lea Price at the awards...<br />

Theteamhasgrownto18in<br />

total,with15womenand3<br />

men,andhasalowstaff<br />

turnoverduetothefamilyfeel<br />

ofthebusiness.<br />

Flexibilityplaysabigpart,<br />

enablingindividualstowork<br />

parttimeandevenchange<br />

careerdirection.Threeladies<br />

whostartedworkinginthe<br />

officehavenowtrainedupasa<br />

stonemason,carpenterand<br />

paintsprayer,traditionallyroles<br />

heldbymen.<br />

Materials and products<br />

WhatsetsTheSignMaker<br />

apartinitssectoristhemany<br />

differenttypesofsignit<br />

manufactures.Mostsign<br />

makersarelimitedtooneor<br />

twotypesofmaterialand<br />

product,whereasTheSign<br />

Makerworksinwood,stone,<br />

metal,vinyl,acrylic,fibreglass<br />

andothermaterials,making<br />

productsfromresidential<br />

housesignstomemorials,<br />

businesssignageandmore.<br />

Expertise and equipment<br />

“Weliketokeeponestep<br />

ahead,”saysShaunPrice.<br />

Toachievethis,TheSign<br />

Makerensuresitnurturesthe<br />

appropriateskillsneededto<br />

createproductsfromeachtype<br />

ofmaterial.Theserangefrom<br />

12 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business-action.co.uk

AWARDS<br />

success<br />

Made in North Devon Award<br />

sponsored by<br />

JudgesthenselectedTheSignMakerasoverallWinnerof<br />

Winners–sponsoredbyPhilipJMilton&Companyplc–<br />

earningitthetitleofNorthDevon<strong>Business</strong>oftheYear<strong>2023</strong>.<br />

EditorRobertZarywaczpaidavisittoitsHighBickington<br />

premisesandtouredtheworkshopsandwildlifeareas.<br />

... and spray painting a sign<br />

carpentrytostonemasonry,<br />

metalworking,blacksmithing<br />

andexpertiseinworkingwith<br />

modernmaterials.<br />

Italsoinvestsinstate-ofthe-artequipment,suchas<br />

CNCmachines,andimpact<br />

andlaserengravingmachinery.<br />

Thiscombinationof<br />

traditionalskillsandmodern<br />

productiontechniquesenables<br />

ittoproduceitsbespokehighqualitysigns.<br />

Using challenges to grow<br />

Eventhoughawell-established<br />

business,TheSignMakerhad<br />

toadapttothechallengesofthe<br />

pandemicandenergycrisis.<br />

Afterachievingafirstclass<br />

degreein<strong>Business</strong>Studiesand<br />

experienceinthecorporate<br />

world,Poppy-LeaPricejoined<br />

thebusinessintimetograsp<br />

theopportunitiestostrengthen<br />

itandincreaseresilience.<br />

“Ourworkshopsarelargeso<br />

therewereminimalproblems<br />

withsocialdistancing,”says<br />

Poppy.“Weusecloud-based<br />

systemssoourofficeteam<br />

workedfromhome.<br />

“Thewholeteamhas<br />

adaptedandhavebeenreally<br />

fantastic.Ithasmadeusvery<br />

flexibleandadaptive,andwe<br />

havemadenewproducts.”<br />

Tobuildontherobust<br />

foundationsofthebusiness,<br />

Poppyhasdevelopedastrong<br />

programmeofpromotional<br />

activityincludingtheaddition<br />

ofMillieCaponasmarketing<br />

assistantandPRmanager.<br />

“Westartedspeakingabout<br />

everythingwe’redoingand<br />

vocalisingmore.Wedidvery<br />

littlesocialmediabeforeand<br />

haveboostedthat,”addsPoppy.<br />

Thisincludesentering<br />

awards,andbothPoppyand<br />

Milliehavebeennamedas<br />

Devon&PlymouthChamber’s<br />

‘30Under30’<strong>2023</strong>winners.<br />

New products<br />

TheSignMaker’sapproachhas<br />

alwaysbeen:“Wemakeitjust<br />

thewayyouwantit.”<br />

Thisextendstodeveloping<br />

newproductsinresponseto<br />

customerrequirementsandis<br />

oneofthedriversofitssuccess.<br />

Recently,ithasaddedafull<br />

rangeofwheelcoverproducts<br />

afteracquiringthespecialist<br />

wheelcover.combusiness.<br />

Startedinthe1980s,the<br />

businesshadbuiltaformidable<br />

reputationforqualityand<br />

customercarethatmatched<br />

TheSignMaker’sethos,making<br />

themtheperfectpairingasthe<br />

businesschangedhands.<br />

Beforethesale,Poppyand<br />

seamstressDebbieStevenswere<br />

trainedbythepreviousowner<br />

sothatTheSignMakercan<br />

maintaintheheritageand<br />

reputationofthebusiness.<br />

Environmental action<br />

Carefortheenvironmentis<br />

anotherbigfocusforTheSign<br />

Maker.Ithasinstalledawind<br />

turbineforenergyanda<br />

biomassboilerforheat,while<br />

willowandpoplartreeshave<br />

beenplantedforfuturefuel.It<br />

hasalsodugthreewildlife<br />

pondsandattractedbirdsback<br />

tothefarm,withsomeofthem<br />

nestinginworkshops.<br />

■ Detailssign-maker.co.uk<br />

andsign-maker.net<br />

Made in North Devon Award <strong>2023</strong>: (from left) Millie Capon, Poppy-Lea Price<br />

and Kate Price of The Sign Maker accept the award from Nicola Baddick and<br />

Michael Langworthy of sponsor Seldons Solicitors<br />

wheelcover.com: Providing a wide range of wheel covers,<br />

including metallic finishes and illustrated graphics<br />

New product range: Making wheel covers for wheelcover.com<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business action 13

AWARDS<br />

business<br />

ACTION<br />

North Devon <strong>Business</strong> Awards<br />

<strong>2023</strong> Winners Event<br />

sponsored by<br />

“Weweredelightedtobeofferedtheopportunitytobeinvolved<br />

withtheseawards,recognisingandcelebratingthesuccessoflocal<br />

businessesacrossNorthDevon.<br />

“Wewereimpressedwiththebreadthandqualityoftheentrants<br />

andwouldliketocongratulatethewinnersandnomineesfromthe<br />

night.<br />

“Establishingdirectandlong-lastingrelationshipswith<br />

customersandofferingapersonalisedservicetothelocal<br />

communityisextremelyimportanttous,soitwasgreattobeable<br />

tobepartofaneventshowcasingbusinessesacrossNorthDevon<br />

withthesamevalues.”<br />

MathewLatchford,principal,NFUMutualBarnstapleandBideford<br />

Guests enjoyed complimentary Greenfinch sparkling wine<br />

produced by Ten Acres Vineyard, near Winkleigh<br />

14 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business-action.co.uk

AWARDS<br />

FromNovemberthroughtoMay,theNorthDevon<strong>Business</strong><br />

Awardstookalotoforganisationandmanagement,sothebuzzon<br />

theawardsnightonThursday11MayattheLandmarkTheatre,<br />

Ilfracombemadeitallworthwhile.<br />

Theaimsoftheawardsaretoraiseawarenessofallbusinessesin<br />

NorthDevon,recognisetheeffort,energyandcommitmentthat<br />

peopleputintotheirbusinessesandcelebratesuccesstoinspire<br />

everyoneelseinbusiness.<br />

ThankyoutoAndrewBowersofPeakOnlineforco-presenting<br />

theawards,enablingustostageourdoubleact.<br />

Thankyoutootoallthesponsors,theindependentjudgeswho<br />

gavetheirtimeforfree,everyoneinvolvedinorganisingtheawards<br />

and–mostofall–everyoneofthe122entrants.You’reallwinners!<br />

RobertZarywacz,editorof<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong><br />

Two anonymous cleaners sweep the<br />

theatre before the awards<br />

presentation in the Landmark<br />

Theatre auditorium<br />

A reminder that sometimes we can<br />

let power and success go to our<br />

heads, but that wearing the crown<br />

is not as easy as it appears<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business action 15

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16 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business-action.co.uk

PaulSelvey of the ilabwaspresented<br />

withtheBestRetailerAwardbyjudge<br />

RachaelTaylorofSWIGFinance.<br />

Paulsaid:“We’realwaysexcitedto<br />

attendthe<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>Awardsand<br />

evenmoreexcitedwhenwe’re<br />

announcedasthewinner.It’sa<br />

competitivecategoryinthehighly<br />

skilledNorthDevonregionsobeing<br />

chosenasthewinnerisarealhonour.<br />

“Theawardactsasanendorsement<br />

toourcustomersthattheywillreceive<br />

thebestservicepossible.Italsoactsas<br />

amotivatorforourbrilliantteam.<br />

“<strong>2023</strong>holdsahugeamountof<br />

challengesforbusinessesasenergy<br />

costsandinflationcausesconsumersto<br />

Best Retailer Award<br />

WINNER: THE ILAB<br />

AWARDS<br />

KerryandDanTurtonof Combe Home<br />

CarewerepresentedwithBestEmployer<br />

Award<strong>2023</strong>byjudgeSusieKevernof<br />

PoundLaneFinancialManagement.<br />

CombeHomeCarestartedin2018to<br />

providecareservicestoclientsinand<br />

nearIlfracombe.With20years’<br />

experienceinthecaresector,Kerryand<br />

Dansetupthebusinesstoprovidehigh<br />

qualitycare,fullysupportingitsstaff.<br />

Stickingtoitsprinciples,CombeCare<br />

nowemploysmorethan30staff.<br />

“Wearefirmbelieversingiving<br />

everyoneanopportunitytobetter<br />

themselves,”saysKerry.<br />

“Weoffercontinuousdevelopment,<br />

trainingandsupporttoallourstaffso<br />

watchtheirspendingevenmore.This<br />

meanswehavetoworkharderand<br />

smartertodeliverwhatcustomerswant<br />

–greatvalueandgreatservice.<br />

“We’vehadabrilliantstartto<strong>2023</strong><br />

andareverypositivewecanovercome<br />

themacro-economicchallengesand<br />

thrive.Wearealwaysexpandinginto<br />

newchannels,newproductsand<br />

categoriesandbetter,higherquality<br />

servicetechniques.”<br />

Theilabopenedin2011when<br />

iPhonesbecamemainstreamandiPads<br />

hadbeenlaunched.Itaimstogiveeach<br />

customerapersonalserviceandtake<br />

timetohelpevenwhenthereisnosale.<br />

■ theilab.co.uk<br />

Best Employer Award<br />

WINNER: COMBE HOME CARE<br />

<strong>Business</strong>-to-<strong>Business</strong> Excellence Award<br />

AmeliaAndrew of Safe Working Lifts<br />

waspresentedwiththe<strong>Business</strong>-to-<br />

<strong>Business</strong>ExcellenceAwardbyJevon<br />

WhitbyofLinealSoftwareSolutions.<br />

SafeWorkingLiftsisafamily<br />

businessnowmanagedbysiblings<br />

Jordan,CharliandBaileyDellaway.Itis<br />

afast-growingbusinesswithstrong<br />

demandforitsliftservices,including<br />

maintenance,repairsandemergency<br />

24/7breakdowncover,frombusinesses<br />

inDevonandtheSouthWestand<br />

increasinglyfromacrosstheUK.<br />

CharliandBaileyDellawaysaidthey<br />

were“overthemoontowintheaward”<br />

andthatitwas“anexcellentevening<br />

withlotsofinterestingbusinesses”.<br />

WINNER: SAFE WORKING LIFTS<br />

theycanfulfiltheirpotential.Wealso<br />

understandfamilyandwork-lifebalance<br />

areimportant.”<br />

BothKerryandDanvolunteer<br />

extensivelyinthecommunity,with<br />

Kerryhavingtrainedmanyvolunteersin<br />

IlfracombeaboutdementiaandDan<br />

workingwithyoungpeopleat<br />

IlfracombeRugbyClub.Danis<br />

currentlyMayorofIlfracombe.<br />

“Ifwelookafterourstaffandtreat<br />

themwelltheywillperformtotheir<br />

potentialandlookafterourbusiness.<br />

Treatingallourstaffthiswaymeans<br />

theyfeelpartofthejourneyandour<br />

workfamily.”<br />

■ combehomecare.com<br />

Whilenotgenerallyattheforefront<br />

ofpeople’sminds,liftsareessentialtoso<br />

manybusinessesoperatingoffices,<br />

shoppingcentres,hospitalsandother<br />

buildings.SafeWorkingLifts’clients<br />

includedoctorsandcarehomes,MoD<br />

bases,hotels,nationalretailchains,<br />

blocksofflatsandresidentialproperties.<br />

Itiscommittedtohelpingpeopleona<br />

dailybasis,tobuildingcustomer<br />

relationships,andsupportingbusinesses<br />

tooperateandthrive.<br />

SafeWorkingLiftsisalsocommitted<br />

totrainingandsupportsitsemployees<br />

tocompleteNVQsandapprenticeships<br />

inengineeringandotherareas.<br />

■ swlifts.co.uk<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business action 17

Excellence in Building<br />

& Construction Award<br />

WINNER: SOUTH MOLTON SCAFFOLDING<br />

AWARDS HEADER<br />

DominicStoneman of South<br />

Molton Scaffoldingwas<br />

presentedwiththeExcellence<br />

inBuilding&Construction<br />

Award<strong>2023</strong>byawardsjudge<br />

VicMahajanofAramisRugby.<br />

Dominicsaid:“Iwas<br />

shockedandhonestlydidn't<br />

thinkwewouldcomeouton<br />

top,whichprobablyshowedin<br />

mylackofpreparationfora<br />

speech.<br />

“Theawardshowsthehard<br />

workweareputtinginbehind<br />

thescenesandalternatively<br />

givesmyteamthecreditthey<br />

deserve.Winningtheaward<br />

alsoshowsourcustomersold<br />

andnewthatweareserious<br />

aboutourworkingsectorand<br />

movingwiththetimes.<br />

Commentingontheevent,<br />

Dominicadded:“Itwasawellrun,pleasanteveningwhereI<br />

managedtomeetother<br />

businessesandhavesince<br />

startedworkingwithoneof<br />

them.<br />

“<strong>2023</strong>islookingtobethe<br />

busiestyearyetwithsome<br />

excitingprojectsinthediary<br />

continuingintothecoming<br />

years.Thepastfiveyearshave<br />

beenmassiveforSMSwiththe<br />

companygrowingmassively<br />

andworkingonsomeofthe<br />

bestprojectsacrossDevon.We<br />

haveallowedthebusinessto<br />

growatitsownratelatelyrather<br />

thanpushthingsascustomer<br />

relationsandourserviceswill<br />

alwaysbemymainpriority.<br />

Ratherthangrowthecompany<br />

Iamsettingoutthelong-term<br />

infrastructuretoallowthe<br />

businesstobemoreproactive<br />

andperformflawlessly.”<br />

SouthMoltonscaffolding<br />

employsateamof25<br />

scaffoldersandtwoofficestaff.<br />

alllivingwithinNorthDevon.<br />

■ scaffoldhirenorthdevon.co.uk<br />

Need it<br />

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4 copies of <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong><br />

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HERE<br />

Consumer Service Excellence Award<br />

WINNER: DAISY LAYLAND ESTATE AGENT<br />

DaisyLaylandof Daisy<br />

Layland: North Devon Estate<br />

Agentwaspresentedwiththe<br />

ConsumerServiceExcellence<br />

Award<strong>2023</strong>byawardsjudge<br />

FrankStoneofKameleon.<br />

“Icouldn'tbelieveit,”said<br />

Daisy.“Mysmallbusinesswas<br />

upagainstwell-established<br />

largerbusinessesandthenI<br />

won.IhonestlyneverthoughtI<br />

wouldwin.Itmeanssomuch.<br />

MyclientslovedthefactIwon<br />

butalsoitgivesmeconfidence<br />

thathowIamdifferentand<br />

changingtheindustryinthe<br />

UKiscompletelyworthitand<br />

recognised.<br />

“Theeventwasreallygood.<br />

Idefinitelyrecommendother<br />

businessesattendnextyear.<br />

“IamthebusiestIhaveever<br />

beenandnowhaveafour-week<br />

waitinglistifyouwouldliketo<br />

listyourhomewithme.Ihave<br />

themostfantasticclientsand<br />

can'tbelievethatIgettodothis<br />

asmyjobeveryday.Iamvery<br />

luckyandhonoured.<br />

“Wearealwayslookingfor<br />

newandexcitingwaysto<br />

marketpropertiesandIam<br />

goingtobeonapropertyreal<br />

estateTVshowthisyear,which<br />

isexciting.Formeitisallabout<br />

keepingrealtowhoIamand<br />

ensuringthatmyserviceisthe<br />

mostimportantpartrather<br />

thenjustchasingmore...being<br />

happyandensuringthatIdo<br />

thebestjobpossible.”<br />

■ daisylayland.exp.uk.com<br />

18 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business-action.co.uk

DIRECTORY HEADER<br />

ACCOUNTANTS<br />

JD Accountants (South West) Ltd<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 378606<br />

Tarka Accounts<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 07961 741107<br />

w: tarka-accounts.co.uk<br />

ANTIQUE MAPS & CHARTS<br />

Old Folding Maps<br />

South Molton<br />

t: 01769 573935<br />

w: foldingmaps.co.uk<br />

ARCHITECTS<br />

AGI Architecture<br />

Hatherleigh<br />

t: 01837 811028<br />

w: agi-architecture.co.uk<br />

RGP Architects<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 345304<br />

w: rgparchitects.com<br />

BRANDING<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 COACHING<br />

Accelerate <strong>Business</strong> Consultancy<br />

& Solutions<br />

Bude<br />

t: 07865 098253<br />

w: accelerate-business.co.uk<br />

CAR SALES & SERVICING<br />

Blights Motors<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 01237 472282<br />

w: blightsmotors.co.uk<br />

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY<br />

James Doble Commercial<br />

North Devon<br />

t: 01237 424053<br />

w: jd-commercial.co.uk<br />

CONSTRUCTION<br />

Advanced Scaffolding<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 321100<br />

w: advancedscaffoldingltd.co.uk<br />

COPIERS & PRINTERS<br />

Clarity Copiers North Devon<br />

Barnstaple & North Devon<br />

t: 01271 374061<br />

w: claritynorthdevon.co.uk<br />

COPYWRITING & MARKETING<br />

Zarywacz<br />

North Devon & UK<br />

t: 01271 879100<br />

w: z2z.com<br />

COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY<br />

Devon Counselling Training<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 07522 841009<br />

w: devoncounsellingtraining.co.uk<br />

North Devon Counselling<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 07872 501606<br />

w: northdevoncounselling.co.uk<br />

DIGITAL & WEB SITES<br />

Kameleon<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 375100<br />

w: kameleondigital.uk<br />

Peak Online<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 01237 721256<br />

w: 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 />

Gardenscapes Devon<br />

Torrington<br />

t: 07799 478318<br />

w: gardenscapesdevon.co.uk<br />

HEALTH & SAFETY<br />

Safety Supplies Direct<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 377558<br />

w: safetysuppliesdirect.co.uk<br />

HOTELS<br />

The Carlton<br />

Ilfracombe<br />

t: 01271 862446<br />

w: ilfracombecarlton.co.uk<br />

INSURANCE<br />

NFU Mutual Barnstaple & Bideford<br />

Barnstaple & Bideford<br />

t: 01271 343592<br />

w: nfumutual.co.uk/agent-offices/<br />

barnstaple<br />

Taw Insurance Solutions<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 347147<br />

w: tawinsurance.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 />

LOCKSMITHS<br />

SW Locksmiths<br />

Holsworthy / Bude<br />

t: 01409 255533<br />

w: swlocksmiths.com<br />

MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY<br />

Improved Ways<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 07986 558587<br />

w: improvedwayslimited.co.uk<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 />

Taw Tech<br />

Pottington<br />

t: 01271 377688<br />

w: tawtech.com<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> Networking<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 />

PHOTOGRAPHY<br />

We Shoot Any Product<br />

Chivenor<br />

t: 01271 316886<br />

w: weshootanyproduct.com<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 />

Black Wall Street London<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 07423 062875<br />

w: blackwallstreetlondon.com<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.co.uk<br />

SOLICITORS<br />

Seldons Solicitors<br />

Bideford<br />

t: 01237 479121<br />

w: seldons-solicitors.co.uk<br />

SPORTS EQUIPMENT<br />

Aramis Rugby<br />

South Molton<br />

t: 01769 550284<br />

w: aramisrugby.co.uk<br />

TRAINING & SKILLS<br />

Petroc<br />

Barnstaple & Tiverton<br />

t: 01271 345291<br />

w: petroc.ac.uk<br />

Skern Training & Skills<br />

Appledore<br />

t: 01237 809 469<br />

w: skerntrainingandskills.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 />

✹ New entries shown in red<br />

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business-action.uk | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business action 19

AWARDS<br />

<br />

<br />

Excellence in Hospitality<br />

& Tourism Award<br />

sponsored by<br />

WINNER: NORTH DEVON HOG ROAST<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

SamandAndyHastingsof<br />

North Devon Hog Roastwere<br />

presentedwiththeExcellence<br />

inHospitality&Tourism<br />

Award<strong>2023</strong>byAlexCoyleof<br />

categorysponsorSkern<br />

Training&Skills.<br />

SamandAndycommented:<br />

“Wewerebothreallythrilled<br />

andproudtohavewonsucha<br />

prestigiousaward.<br />

“Theawardmeanstheworld<br />

tousbothandwillhelpus<br />

competewithlargerhogroast<br />

companiesbysettingus‘apart<br />

fromthecrowd.’Ithasalso<br />

helpedgiveourmoraleareal<br />

boostbyhighlightingour<br />

achievementsandthefactthat<br />

peopleenjoyourhogroastsas<br />

muchaswelovedoingwhatwe<br />

do.Itreallywillhelpboostour<br />

credibilityandtrustinthe<br />

industry,aswearearelatively<br />

youngfamily-runcompany<br />

againstmoreestablished<br />

playersandhelpdemonstrate<br />

thatweareforeverdynamic<br />

andinnovativeinlookingfor<br />

additionaldelightstoaddto<br />

ourmenus.<br />

“Theawardwillreallyhelp<br />

builduponandinstil<br />

confidenceinourbusiness,<br />

especiallyintheNorthDevon<br />

areawhereweoperate.Plus,it’s<br />

agreatopportunitytogenerate<br />

publicitythroughsocialmedia<br />

etcaswellasbeingabletouse<br />

theawardforourbranding<br />

acrossourmarketingmaterials<br />

onlineandoffline.<br />

“BothAndyandmyself<br />

thoroughlyenjoyedthe<br />

evening.Oneofthebiggest<br />

benefitswasthewonderful<br />

networkingopportunitiesit<br />

presentedusbothwith.We<br />

metsomewonderfulpeople<br />

whowearecontinuingtobuild<br />

partnershipsandrelationships<br />

with.Thevenuewastruly<br />

spectacularandthe<br />

organisationoftheeventwas<br />

faultlessandtrulyfabulous.”<br />

■ northdevonhogroast.co.uk<br />

20 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business-action.co.uk

AWARDS<br />

Digital & Online Achievement Award<br />

WINNER: TORRS PARK DENTAL PRACTICE<br />

VictoriaJephcoteandtheteam<br />

from Torrs Park Dental Practice<br />

werepresentedwiththeDigital<br />

&OnlineAchievementAward<br />

<strong>2023</strong>byawardsjudgeFrank<br />

StoneofKameleon.<br />

Victoriasaid:“Wewere<br />

absolutelydelightedtobe<br />

announcedwinnerofthe<br />

Digital&OnlineAchievement<br />

Award.Wearealwaysstriving<br />

toensurethatweareoffering<br />

allofourpatientsthebestcare<br />

andtreatmentwepossiblycan,<br />

makingsurethatwearekeeping<br />

attheforefrontoftechnology<br />

andadvancementswithinour<br />

profession,andhopefully<br />

givingthemthebestpatient<br />

journeywithus.Itwassuchan<br />

honourtoberecognisedandit<br />

isstillsinkinginthatwewon!<br />

Weknowthatdigitaltechnology<br />

isheretostayandimproves<br />

resultssoweareveryproudto<br />

beoneoftheonlypracticesin<br />

theSouthWestwiththeset-up<br />

wehaveandwebelieveour<br />

patientsshouldhavethebest.It<br />

isveryhumbling,excitingand<br />

thrillingtohavewon.<br />

“Wearealsohopefulthatwe<br />

areputtingNorthDevononthe<br />

mapforhealthcareprofessionals<br />

toshowthatyoudon’thaveto<br />

liveandworkincitiestoaccess<br />

forefronttechnologyandtobe<br />

abletoprovidethebestforyour<br />

patients.Hopefullyitwill<br />

encouragemorepractitioners<br />

tomovethiswayforthegreat<br />

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canhave.<br />

“Theawardseveningwas<br />

greatandawonderful<br />

opportunitytomeetsomany<br />

otherbusinesses,tonetwork<br />

andjustsupporteachother.To<br />

havesomanylike-minded<br />

peopleinaroomwithsomany<br />

successfulbusinessesreally<br />

doesshowwhatafantasticarea<br />

NorthDevonis.<br />

“Sincewinningtheaward,<br />

wehaveinvestedfurtherin<br />

digitaltechnology,takingusto<br />

beingoneofthetoppractices<br />

intheUKintermsofservices<br />

andtechnology.Wehavestateof-the-artCBCTanddigital<br />

printerswhichincreaseour<br />

scopefordiagnosis,treatment<br />

planningandtreatments.”<br />

■ FB@torrsparkdentalpractice<br />

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business-action.uk | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business action 21

AWARDS<br />

International Trade<br />

& Exports Award<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Specialists in custom designed and manufactured<br />

Machinery and services.<br />

3D Design & Build<br />

New machinery & machinery upgrades<br />

Electrical Panels & Programming<br />

Stainless Steel Fabrication<br />

Hygienic Orbital Welding<br />

CNC Machining & Turning<br />

Project Management<br />

Research & Development<br />

sponsored by<br />

WINNER: SEA<br />

Contact : info@tawtech.com<br />

01271 377688<br />

www.tawtech.com<br />

ONE COMPLETE<br />

ONLINE SOLUTION<br />

ColinEastmanandRichard<br />

Huntof Systems Engineering<br />

& Assessmentwerepresented<br />

withtheInternationalTrade&<br />

ExportsAward<strong>2023</strong>byLinda<br />

Middleton-Jonesofsponsor<br />

InternationalTradeMatters.<br />

AspokespersonforSEA<br />

commented:“TheInternational<br />

Trade&ExportsAward<br />

acknowledgesouroutstanding<br />

achievementsinproducingand<br />

exportingourproducts<br />

globally.Thewinrecognises<br />

ourincreasedexportlevelsfor<br />

theKraitArray,oneofour<br />

flagshipproducts.Itshowsour<br />

workinthemaritimedomain<br />

hasn’tgoneunnoticed,withthe<br />

KraitArrayscoopingmultiple<br />

awardwinssince2018,<br />

includingMakeUK’sNational<br />

awardforinnovation.<br />

“We’dliketothankeveryone<br />

involvedintheproject,allour<br />

partners,and<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong><br />

fortheawardandfor<br />

organisingafantasticevent!”<br />

SEAcomprisesa300-strong<br />

teamdeliveringproductsand<br />

solutionsforthedefenceand<br />

transportindustries.<br />

Itisrenownedforits<br />

innovation,flexibilityandoutof-the-boxthinking,winning<br />

awardsforbothitspeopleand<br />

itsproducts.<br />

Exportingisakeypartof<br />

SEA’sstrategyanditis<br />

diversifyingitssaleschannels<br />

sothatitisnotoverrelianton<br />

anyonemarketsectoror<br />

geographicalregion.<br />

SEAcurrentlyexportstoa<br />

numberofcountries<br />

worldwide,includingcountries<br />

inEurope,SouthAmerica,<br />

NorthAmerica,FarEastand<br />

Australasia,andalsohasa<br />

subsidiarybusinessin<br />

MontrealCanada.<br />

■ sea.co.uk<br />

22 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business-action.co.uk

AWARDS<br />

Sustainable <strong>Business</strong> Award<br />

sponsored by<br />

WINNER: ST MICHAEL’S NURSERY<br />

We are defined by the spaces<br />

we exist within.<br />

We define those spaces<br />

RGP Architects Ltd,<br />

Victoria Street, Barnstaple,<br />

Devon, EX32 9HT<br />

Phone: 01271 345304<br />

Email: rgp@rgparchitects.com<br />

SarahSexonandKatieWeber<br />

of St Michael’s Nurserywere<br />

presentedwiththeSustainable<br />

<strong>Business</strong>Award<strong>2023</strong>byAndy<br />

BellofsponsorNorthDevon<br />

UNESCOBiosphere.<br />

SustainableleadKatie<br />

Webberwasdelightedwiththe<br />

award:“Whataprivilegeand<br />

honouritwastoacceptthis<br />

awardonbehalfofourentire<br />

team,ourwonderfulmanager<br />

Sarahandleaddirectorin<br />

sustainabilitySteveRoberts.<br />

“Ourincrediblechildren<br />

deservethisrecognition<br />

becausetheyaresoinvestedin<br />

thenaturalenvironmentand<br />

howtoprotectourplanet. They<br />

trulycareforcreaturesand<br />

takepartinbirdwatching<br />

surveys,makehabitatsinthe<br />

garden,litterpickalongthe<br />

TarkaTrail,attendboard<br />

meetingstodiscussfuture<br />

plansandplantvegetablesand<br />

wildflowersforourimportant<br />

pollinators.”<br />

TheentireStMichael’steam<br />

thinktheawardisan“amazing<br />

achievement”andare“proud<br />

tobemakingacontributionto<br />

children’seducation”.<br />

NurserymanagerSarah<br />

Sexonwas“proudtoreceive<br />

thisawardonthesameweek<br />

ofour10thanniversary<br />

openingourdoorsat<br />

Sticklepath. It’sanincredible<br />

achievementforachildcare<br />

settingalongwithourPlastic<br />

FreeStatus,provingwecan<br />

shineandsparkleeven<br />

withouttheglitter!”<br />

Winningtheawardis<br />

spurringtheteamonto<br />

extenditsservicesandreach<br />

outtocommunitygroupsand<br />

furtherdevelopitspractice.It<br />

startedonitssustainability<br />

journeyin2019,first<br />

attractingstaffonboard,then<br />

involvingchildren,parents,<br />

suppliersandmore.<br />

Theteamnumbers28staff,<br />

caringforsome110children<br />

fromagesthreemonthsto<br />

fouryearsinasafe,secureand<br />

stimulatingenvironment.<br />

Aswellasimprovingits<br />

immediateenvironmental<br />

impact,StMichael’sNursery’s<br />

workisvitalinimprovingthe<br />

environmentalbehaviourof<br />

upcominggenerations.<br />

■ stmichaels-nursery.org<br />

A Levels<br />

T Levels<br />

Vocational<br />

Apprenticeships<br />

your future starts here<br />

HTQs<br />

Degree level<br />

Adult courses<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business action 23

AWARDS<br />

Young Achiever Award<br />

sponsored by<br />

Outstanding New <strong>Business</strong> Award<br />

WINNER: NEXT STEPS TUTORS<br />

BobbieSimons of Bobbie’s<br />

Bakeswaspresentedwiththe<br />

YoungAchieverAward<strong>2023</strong><br />

byMarcusCoyleofcategory<br />

sponsorPetroc.<br />

BobbieandpartnerIan<br />

HickslaunchedtheirCombe<br />

Martinbakeryinlockdown,<br />

establishingitasavaluable<br />

serviceinthevillage,and<br />

winningTasteoftheWest<br />

Awardsfortheirfood.<br />

WINNER: BOBBIE SIMONS<br />

Bobbiehasalwayspursued<br />

herpassionforcookery,<br />

achievingherNVQattheage<br />

of14andcontinuingtopass<br />

qualifications.<br />

■ ReadaboutBobbie’sBakes’<br />

newbakerystoreonpage5.<br />

LizFancourtandSarahLogan<br />

of Next Steps Tutorswere<br />

presentedwiththeOutstanding<br />

New<strong>Business</strong>Award<strong>2023</strong>by<br />

ClareBakerofDevon&<br />

PlymouthChamberof<br />

Commerce.<br />

SarahLogansaid:“Wewere<br />

bothreallysurprisedtobe<br />

winners.Therewasalotofstiff<br />

competitioninourcategory–<br />

theroomwasfullofinnovators<br />

withnewbusinesses.Wewere<br />

reallypleasedtobeamongthem.<br />

“We’reincrediblyproudto<br />

havewonanditisspurringus<br />

forwardtoournext<br />

developments.LizandIhave<br />

notcomefromabusiness<br />

background–we’reformer<br />

teachers.We’velearnedan<br />

incredibleamountabout<br />

marketing,financeandall<br />

thingsbusinessinthelast18<br />

months,sohavingour<br />

achievementsrecognisedbya<br />

teamofbusinessjudgesfeels<br />

great.<br />

“We’vejusttakenonanew<br />

tuitionroominBidefordand<br />

the<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>Awardis<br />

goingtobeoneofthefirst<br />

thingsmovinginwithus!It’sa<br />

greatthingtoshowofftoour<br />

clientsandstudentsalike.The<br />

awardhelpsusshowthe<br />

legitimacyofourbusinessto<br />

otherswhomightnotrealise<br />

oursize;wehave70tutors<br />

workingwithusacrossDevon<br />

andCornwallnow,<br />

“Theeveningitselfwaswellplanned.Alotofcarehadbeen<br />

takentomakeitanevent<br />

wherewecouldmeetother<br />

businessesaroundNorth<br />

Devon.Itwaseasytosee<br />

Robert’slovefortheNorth<br />

Devonbusinesscommunity<br />

too–areallyinclusiveethos.<br />

We’reafriendlybunchin<br />

NorthDevonandI’dlovetosee<br />

moreopportunitiesfor<br />

networkinglikethis.<br />

“We’vebeenclearaboutour<br />

‘mission’forawhilenow–to<br />

raisetheaspirationsofevery<br />

childintheSouthWest.<br />

We’vealsostartedasecond<br />

businesslinkingparentswith<br />

supportservicesfortheir<br />

children:tutors,mentors,<br />

careeradvisors,other<br />

educationprofessionals.Iknow<br />

asaparentthereweretimes<br />

whenIstruggledtofindadvice<br />

formyson.Wewanttobethe<br />

bridgethatmakesadvice<br />

accessible.”<br />

■ nextstepstutors.com<br />

24 business action | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business-action.co.uk

Outstanding Achievement Awards<br />

Asorganiserofthe North Devon <strong>Business</strong> Awardsandeditorof<br />

<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>,Italktohundredsofbusinessesacrossthearea,<br />

watchthemworktheirwaythroughenormouschallengesand<br />

frequentlyseethemsucceed.<br />

Awardsareinnatelycomplexandselectingwinnersisvery<br />

difficultwhenbalancingonebusinesswithanother–notwoare<br />

exactlyalike.It’soneofthereasonsIdonotsitonthejudging<br />

panelbecauseIcanbetoocloseandknowtoomuch.<br />

Iknowthatnoteverybusinesscanwin,butIseesomanywho<br />

deserverecognitionandthisyearIdecidedtoannouncemy<br />

personaleditor’sawardsforentrantswhoIbelievehaveshown<br />

outstandingachievements.<br />

WINNER: THE TECHOUT<br />

AWARDS<br />

TroyStaddonandChazJenkinsestablished The Techoutin<br />

Barnstaplein2020asavaluableproviderofsmartphones,tablets,<br />

watches,computersandaccessoriesplusrepairservices.<br />

■ ReadallaboutTheTechout’ssuccessandtheopeningofits<br />

newBrauntonbranchonpage5.<br />

WINNER: TIA LEE PERMANENT MAKEUP<br />

TiaLeerecentlyopenedher Tia Lee Permanent Makeupsalonat<br />

theageof20–seearticleinSpring<strong>2023</strong>issue.Tiashows<br />

remarkabledriveand,althoughshecouldnotattendtheawards<br />

event,wasdelightedtoreceivetheawardinhersalon.<br />

■ tialeepermanentmakeup.co.uk<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2023</strong> | business action 25

YOUR BUSINESS,<br />

OUR SAFE HANDS<br />

Have a real conversation about<br />

your insurance<br />

Having a local office means we’re never far<br />

away if you need us. Give us a call or pop into:<br />

1a Lauder Lane, Roundswell <strong>Business</strong> Park,<br />

Barnstaple, EX31 3TA<br />

01271 343592<br />

4 Bridgeland Street, Bideford, EX39 2PS<br />

01237 408097<br />

J G S May & B C Llewellyn-Rees is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered<br />

in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and<br />

regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers.

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