Business Action | Winter 2023
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Business Action | Winter 2023

Winter 2023 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news on business and enterprise in the area. This issue includes the coverage of BBxpo Bideford business exhibition on 26 October 2023, the upcoming launch of the North Devon Business Awards 2024 and articles on businesses in Ilfracombe, local business directory listings plus more.

Winter 2023 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news on business and enterprise in the area. This issue includes the coverage of BBxpo Bideford business exhibition on 26 October 2023, the upcoming launch of the North Devon Business Awards 2024 and articles on businesses in Ilfracombe, local business directory listings plus more.

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usiness<br />

ACTION<br />

north enterprise<br />

devon<br />

growth<br />

innovation<br />

news & views<br />

5 year<br />

anniversary<br />

issue<br />

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

CONTENTS<br />

UPSKILL YOUR<br />

WORKFORCE …with<br />

University Centre Petroc is your<br />

gateway to a highly skilled and<br />

dynamic workforce. Empower your<br />

team through our degree-level<br />

qualifications and higher-level<br />

apprenticeships.<br />

CONNECT WITH OUR BUSINESS<br />

ENGAGEMENT TEAM TODAY.<br />

CALL US ON<br />

01271 852407!<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 />

Vol 5 Issue 4 – <strong>Winter</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 />

Five yearsagowebeganwork<br />

onthefirstissueof<strong>Business</strong><br />

<strong>Action</strong>forNorthDevon.<br />

Once,fiveyearplanswere<br />

common–nowwecan’tplan<br />

fivemonthsahead.<br />

Thelessonisthatifyouhold<br />

yournerveandpersist,youcan<br />

surviveandeventhrive.<br />

Thank you for five years<br />

Thankyoutoeveryadvertiser,<br />

subscriber,awardssponsorand<br />

eventexhibitorforyourtrust,<br />

confidenceandsupportinus.<br />

Therewouldbenomagazine,<br />

awardsoreventswithoutyou.<br />

Looking to 2024<br />

Wearenowpreparingforthe<br />

next12monthswiththelaunch<br />

oftheNorthDevon<strong>Business</strong><br />

Awards2024(page8)andtwo<br />

BBxpoexhibitions–Bideford<br />

andIlfracombe(page12).<br />

Building business resilience<br />

Intoughtimeswehavetomake<br />

ourbusinessesstronger.<br />

Strengthenyourbusiness<br />

withawiderangeoftraining<br />

andsupport–seepages1to6.<br />

WINTER <strong>2023</strong> CONTENTS<br />

Exports course boosts sales............................................................................. 1<br />

Empowering Devon’s businesses: Help to Grow for SMEs................. 4<br />

Skills bootcamps start in January.................................................................. 4<br />

300+ interactive training courses with a difference................................ 5<br />

400 more places added on skills bootcamps............................................. 6<br />

Kick off your business ........................................................................................ 6<br />

Directory: Find products and services......................................................... 7<br />

North Devon <strong>Business</strong> Awards 2024 open 29 December..................... 8<br />

Catch up with North Devon <strong>Business</strong> Awards category winners .... 9<br />

North Devon business women recognised in awards............................ 10<br />

Advertise from £30 a year with <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong>...................................... 10<br />

North Devon lab to help boost UK agritech................................................ 11<br />

BBxpo bounces back in Bideford . . . ........................................................... 12<br />

. . . and on to BBxpo Ilfracombe – Tuesday 5 March 2024.................... 13<br />

A first class welcome............................................................................................ 14<br />

Two established businesses live on............................................................... 15<br />

Partner with <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> in your own magazine supplement... 15<br />

No 28 moves to No 4............................................................................................. 16<br />

Refreshing fruit & veg........................................................................................... 16<br />

Cover story: The village that Bronwen built............................................... 17<br />

Bringing models to life......................................................................................... 17<br />

Succeeding in retail in tough trading conditions..................................... 18<br />

Free Christmas gift guide.................................................................................... 18<br />

Wholesaler wins electrical industry award ................................................ 20<br />

Chimney & flue specialist wins exports award........................................ 20<br />

NDMA Awards winners......................................................................................... 20<br />

From South Molton to the Rugby World Cup............................................. 21<br />

Offices at full capacity.......................................................................................... 22<br />

Store joins Apple certified independent repair programme................ 24<br />

Outdoor living specialist sizzles with excitement.................................... 25<br />

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

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

t: 07971 176044<br />

© Need it Find it <strong>2023</strong>. All information in this magazine is published in good faith.<br />

Any views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, Need it Find it.<br />

Articles included in this magazine and any supplement do not constitute business<br />

ii<br />

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

EXPORTS<br />

Copywriting<br />

Print<br />

Digital<br />

Essential conversations with customers<br />

Linda Middleton-Jones, founder of International Trade Matters<br />

Exports course boosts sales<br />

Demand for helpinexploring<br />

exportmarketshasputtrade<br />

specialistInternationalTrade<br />

Mattersoncourseforarecord<br />

yearassalesincreaseby25%.<br />

Foundedin2017byLinda<br />

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TradeMattershelpssome40<br />

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Salesareincreasingasthe<br />

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Basedontheprinciplesof<br />

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internationalisation.Itgives<br />

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“Therewasamajorgapin<br />

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provideandwhatthe<br />

Departmentfor<strong>Business</strong>&<br />

Tradedelivers;that’swhere<br />

InternationalTradeMatters<br />

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AcquisitionInternational<br />

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managementteamstostay<br />

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Morethan100businesses<br />

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morecoursesarescheduledto<br />

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InternationalTradeMatters<br />

isthesponsorofthe<strong>Business</strong><br />

<strong>Action</strong>InternationalTrade&<br />

ExportsAward.<br />

■ FordetailsofGTBcourses,<br />

contact03337722565or<br />

internationaltradematters.com<br />

Printed by<br />

advice. Readers are strongly recommended to seek advice from an appropriate<br />

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

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CONTENTS TRAINING HEADER<br />

Empowering Devon’s businesses<br />

Help to Grow for small business leaders<br />

Running a small businessin<br />

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landscapeofDevon’sbusiness<br />

community.<br />

Navigating the unexpected:<br />

A Devon business leader’s tale<br />

Forthosewhoneverplanned<br />

toleadabusiness,theHelpto<br />

Grow:ManagementCourse<br />

servesasabeaconofsupport.<br />

Asoneparticipantreflected,<br />

“Itwasgreattohaveamixof<br />

in-personandvirtualsessions.<br />

Thevirtuallearningwasmore<br />

flexibletofitaroundwork,but<br />

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fromeachother.”<br />

InDevon’svibrantbusiness<br />

ecosystem,flexibilityand<br />

sharedexperiencesarecrucial.<br />

Peer collaboration in the Heart<br />

of Devon<br />

Devon’sbusinessesthriveon<br />

collaboration,andtheHelpto<br />

Grow:ManagementCourse<br />

fostersthisspirit.<br />

“Ireallyenjoyedthepeer<br />

groupsessions,”commented<br />

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smallergroupstodiscusswhat<br />

we’dlearnedthatweek,and<br />

thediscussionsalwayswent<br />

broaderthanthat–wegained<br />

alotfromtalkingabouteach<br />

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Thesesessionsserveasa<br />

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Devon'sbusinesscommunity–<br />

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Digital transformation:<br />

Tailored for Devon’s business<br />

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Devonbusinesses,regardless<br />

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“Wefoundthedigital<br />

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TheHelptoGrow:<br />

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businesses,providinginsights<br />

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A holistic approach to<br />

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Devon’sbusinessesoftenhave<br />

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HelptoGrow:Management<br />

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From Devon to the world: a<br />

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TheimpactoftheHelpto<br />

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Affordable transformation:<br />

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Whatmakesthisopportunity<br />

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Seize the opportunity:<br />

Transform Your <strong>Business</strong><br />

Acrossthepicturesque<br />

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Connectwithfellow<br />

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yourplacetodayandjointhe<br />

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benefitingfromthis90%<br />

government-fundedinitiative.<br />

Itmightjustbethebest<br />

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■ BookplaceswithUniversity<br />

ofExeter<strong>Business</strong>Schoolby<br />

clickingtheQRcodelink:<br />

Skills Bootcampsarefully<br />

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opportunitytobuildupsectorspecificskills.<br />

TheSkillsBootcampsare<br />

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position.LearnersfromNorth<br />

Devonareeligibletoapplyfor<br />

theSkillsBootcamps.<br />

BuildingGrowthSouthWest<br />

isdeliveringthefollowingSkills<br />

Bootcampswithvariousstart<br />

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Skills bootcamps start in January<br />

Future of Construction<br />

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digitaltransformation<br />

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

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300+ interactive training courses<br />

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When Jon Rye set outto<br />

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OnlineCoursesbyMAKO<br />

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Whilemanyonlinecourse<br />

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JonexhibitedOnlineCourses<br />

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inOctoberandwillbe<br />

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

TRAINING HEADER<br />

400 more places added on skills bootcamps<br />

Some 400 extra freetraining<br />

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SkillsBootcamps.The<br />

programmeisfundedbythe<br />

NationalSkillsFund.<br />

Aimedatadultsaged19and<br />

over,theflexible,shortcourses<br />

runforupto16weeks,<br />

deliveringskillstrainingacross<br />

anumberofsectors,including<br />

digital,technical,construction,<br />

greenskills,healthandsocial<br />

care,andprofessionalservices.<br />

SkillsBootcampsarefreeto<br />

individualswhowishtoupskill<br />

andchangecareer.Employers<br />

whowishtoupskilltheirstaff<br />

areexpectedtopart-fundthe<br />

costofthetraining.<br />

Wide choice of courses<br />

Morethan30courses,delivered<br />

byarangeoftrainingproviders<br />

acrosstheregion,arecurrently<br />

opentoapplicants,including:<br />

➤ Dataanalysis<br />

➤ Constructionskills<br />

➤ Digitalmarketing<br />

➤ Welding<br />

➤ Electricvehicletechnician<br />

➤ Regenerativefarming<br />

➤ Workinginhealthand<br />

socialcare<br />

➤ Cybersecurity<br />

➤ Projectmanagement<br />

➤ Hospitality<br />

➤ Webdesign<br />

Developed with business<br />

ManySkillsBootcampshave<br />

beendevelopedwithemployers<br />

acrosstheregiontoensurethat<br />

theskillsgainedmeetthe<br />

existingskillsneedsofsectors<br />

andindustry.<br />

Train4Tomorrowcanwork<br />

withanyemployertoprovide<br />

co-fundedSkillsBootcampsto<br />

upskillstaff.<br />

Foremployerslookingto<br />

recruit,Train4TomorrowSkills<br />

Bootcampprovidesaccessto<br />

industry-readytalent,tomeet<br />

immediateskillsneeds.<br />

Bootcamp benefits<br />

SkillsBootcampsaimtohelp<br />

employers,businesses,and<br />

organisationsto:<br />

➤ Upskillstaff–integrating<br />

trainingintostaff<br />

developmentatasmallcost<br />

tohelpimproveretention,<br />

fillhigherlevelsof<br />

employmentbyupskilling<br />

andrecruitinginhouse,and<br />

freeingupentrylevelroles<br />

➤ Recruit–byaccessing<br />

industry-readybootcamp<br />

graduatesatlittlecost<br />

➤ Contribute–collaborating<br />

withotheremployersto<br />

informthecontentand<br />

deliveryofSkillsBootcamps<br />

andhelpingshapepolicyto<br />

emergingneeds<br />

How can employers help?<br />

Employerscanalsosupport<br />

bootcampsby:<br />

➤ Giving30minutesoftimeto<br />

inspirelearnerswithatalk<br />

ontheirsector,industryor<br />

organisation<br />

➤ Offeringtoursofabusiness<br />

ororganisationforSkills<br />

Bootcampgraduatesanda<br />

sit-downchatwiththeir<br />

employees–eitheravirtual<br />

orphysicalvisit<br />

➤ Offeringpracticeorreal<br />

interviewsandemployment<br />

opportunitiestobootcamp<br />

graduates<br />

■ Fordetailsofcoursesand<br />

howtoapply,visit<br />

train4tomorrow.org.uk<br />

Need it<br />

Find it<br />

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

magazine posted to you,<br />

12-month online listing<br />

& 4 business listings<br />

for £30 per year<br />

Book at needitfindit.uk<br />

HERE<br />

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availabletoadults(19+)who<br />

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startingtheirownbusiness.<br />

Thisnationalprogrammeis<br />

designedprimarilytosupport<br />

thoseeitheratanearly,<br />

embryonicstageintheir<br />

businessventure,orattheprestartstage.However,theycan<br />

havealreadystartedabusiness<br />

orregisteredasself-employed.<br />

Theonlinecourseis<br />

completelyfreeandcanbe<br />

completedathome.<br />

Empowering owners<br />

KickOffin<strong>Business</strong>hasbeen<br />

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than10years.<br />

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Itaimstohelpthevastmajority<br />

ofthestart-upcommunity<br />

whowishtosetupa<br />

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marketratherthancreatea<br />

massivecorporation.<br />

Clear and useful<br />

Thefully-funded,shortonline<br />

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usefulinformationand<br />

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theidea.<br />

Thecourse’sno-jargon<br />

approachgivesindividuals<br />

everythingtheyneedtotake<br />

thatleapoffaithandunleash<br />

theirinnerentrepreneur.<br />

Coursecontentincludes:<br />

➤ Personalskillsand<br />

characteristics<br />

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setup<br />

➤ Legalsandinsurances<br />

➤ Researchandbusiness<br />

planning<br />

➤ Money,budgetingand<br />

finance<br />

➤ Buildingaproposition<br />

andbranding<br />

➤ Creatinganidentityand<br />

findingaUSP<br />

➤ Socialmedia,marketing<br />

andpromotion<br />

➤ Launchandtrading<br />

Real business advice<br />

Morethan10,000business<br />

ownershavealreadycompleted<br />

thecourseandstartedtheir<br />

ownbusinessbasedonthe<br />

learningtheyhavereceived<br />

fromrealbusinessowners.<br />

Learningtakesplaceonline<br />

throughinteractivesessionsso<br />

learnerscancompletethe<br />

courseinthecomfortoftheir<br />

homes.Theywillalsoreceive<br />

threemonths’freebusiness<br />

supportoncompletionofthe<br />

courseandreceivetwo<br />

enterprisequalifications.<br />

Toreceivefundingforthe<br />

course,applicantsmustbe<br />

agedover19andinterestedin<br />

exploringself-employmentor<br />

startingabusiness.<br />

■ Fordetailsandtoapply,visit<br />

kickoffinbusiness.co.uk<br />

6 business action | <strong>Winter</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 />

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 />

TELECOMS<br />

Zero7<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 370707<br />

w: zr7.co<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 />

BOOK YOUR LISTING NOW AT needitfindit.uk<br />

➤ Listinginfourissuesof<br />

magazinewithbusiness<br />

nameandcategory,phone<br />

number,websiteandtown.<br />

➤ 12-monthonlinelistingat<br />

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

AWARDS HEADER<br />

business<br />

ACTION<br />

Commitment to independent awards<br />

Fifth year of awards<br />

<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>isdelightedto<br />

launchourfifthNorthDevon<br />

<strong>Business</strong>Awardsandwelcomes<br />

everybusinessbasedor<br />

operatinginNorthDevonto<br />

enterthe2024awardswhen<br />

theyopenon29December.<br />

Independent judging<br />

Theawardshavegonefrom<br />

strengthtostrengthandthe<br />

feedbackfromentrantsisthat,<br />

aboveall,theyvaluethejudging<br />

ofawardsbyourindependent<br />

panel.Wearegratefultoour<br />

judgesandoursponsorsfor<br />

agreeingtoourrulesthatthey<br />

donotentertheirown<br />

businessesintheawards.<br />

Toensureandmaintainthis<br />

independenceandfairness,we<br />

confirmthateveryaward<br />

winnerin2024willbe<br />

selectedbyourpanelof<br />

independentjudges.<br />

NFU Mutual Barnstaple & Bideford sponsored the North Devon <strong>Business</strong><br />

Awards Winners Event <strong>2023</strong> at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe<br />

business-action.co.uk/awards<br />

Inclusive and transparent<br />

Ouraimhasalwaysbeento<br />

providecategoriesenabling<br />

everybusinesstoenterandthe<br />

‘<strong>Business</strong>-to-<strong>Business</strong>’and<br />

‘Consumer’Achievement<br />

Awardscoverallbusinesses,<br />

whileothercategoriesfocuson<br />

specificaspectsofbusiness,<br />

suchas‘New<strong>Business</strong>’and<br />

‘YoungAchiever’.<br />

Therangeofwinnersover<br />

thepastfouryearsdemonstrates<br />

thatitispossibleforany<br />

businesstowinanawardand<br />

thatitreallyisworthwhileto<br />

enteryourbusiness.<br />

Valuable award benefits<br />

➤ Enterawardsforfree<br />

➤ Winners’trophiesand<br />

accompanyingpublicityare<br />

allfree<br />

➤ Nounverifiablepublicvotes<br />

–winnersselectedonmerit<br />

➤ Onlycostisforticketstothe<br />

WinnersEventonThursday<br />

9May2024attheLandmark<br />

Theatre,Ilfracombe<br />

Thank you to sponsors<br />

Wethankallour<strong>2023</strong>sponsors<br />

highlightedintheirsponsored<br />

awardonthesepagesandto<br />

eventsponsorNFUMutual<br />

BarnstapleandBideford.<br />

Wearegratefultothose<br />

renewingtheirsupportin2024.<br />

Enter 2024<br />

awards from<br />

29 December<br />

Wow,whatayear!Ithasbeen<br />

fullofhighs(winningthe<br />

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

<strong>Business</strong>oftheYearmost<br />

certainlybeingoneofthose<br />

highs!)butalsoitschallenges.<br />

Thestartofouryearsawthe<br />

purchaseofanewcompany<br />

(WheelCover.Com)andthe<br />

installationofanewsoftware<br />

programtokeepusrunning<br />

efficientlythatwasdesigned<br />

especiallyforus.<br />

Astheyearcontinued,we<br />

werehitwithenergycosts<br />

increasingandforcingour<br />

handforchangewhichledto<br />

oursolarpanelsbeinginstalled.<br />

Althoughthisdecisionhada<br />

strongfinancialbenefittoour<br />

business,wealsosawitaddto<br />

NORTH DEVON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR <strong>2023</strong><br />

sponsored by<br />

Philip J Milton & Company plc<br />

MADE IN NORTH DEVON <strong>2023</strong><br />

sponsored by<br />

Seldons Solicitors<br />

Winner: The Sign Maker<br />

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

The Sign Maker with sponsor Philip J Milton and editor Robert Zarywacz<br />

Sponsor the<br />

North Devon<br />

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

ourgreenenergyasit<br />

complementstheenergy<br />

producedbyourwindturbine.<br />

Salesfluctuatecontinuously<br />

astheeconomycontinuesto<br />

adjustpost-Covidandinthe<br />

costoflivingcrisis.However,<br />

ourdynamicandcreativeteam<br />

continuetothrive.Thisis<br />

evidentwithournewsister<br />

companyWheelCover.com<br />

goingfromstrengthtostrength<br />

withnewproductranges.<br />

Wehavealsojustbeen<br />

awardedahighlycommended<br />

awardbyDevonWomenin<br />

<strong>Business</strong>forEco<strong>Business</strong>of<br />

theyear.<br />

Wearelookingforwardto<br />

anotherexcitingyearwithlots<br />

ofprojectslinedup.<br />

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

AWARDS HEADER<br />

Catching up with<br />

category winners<br />

It seems a long time since the<br />

Winners Event in May, so we<br />

asked our category winners to<br />

bring us up to date on their<br />

achievements in <strong>2023</strong>. Read<br />

about them below. Will you be a<br />

winner in 2024? Enter the<br />

awards and see!<br />

BEST EMPLOYER <strong>2023</strong><br />

Winner<br />

Combe Home Care<br />

Sincewinningouraward,we<br />

havealsowonHomeCare<br />

ProvideroftheYearandbeen<br />

nominatedforaDevonWomen<br />

in<strong>Business</strong>award.It'sgreatto<br />

berecognisedforhowwellwe<br />

treatallourstaffandservice<br />

users.Fromdayonewehave<br />

madethisourpriority.Thishas<br />

raisedourprofilefordoing<br />

thingstherightwaywhichin<br />

turnhelpsattractstaffand<br />

serviceusersastheyknow<br />

they'llbeinsafehandsaspart<br />

ofourexpandingCombe<br />

HomeCareFamily.<br />

Weareextremelyluckyto<br />

havesuchgreatstaffandso<br />

manylovelyserviceusersto<br />

lookafter.Thenewestmember<br />

ofourteamis‘Murphy’,the<br />

therapydog.Hehasbecomea<br />

realhitwithall.<br />

BEST RETAILER <strong>2023</strong><br />

Winner<br />

The ilab<br />

TheilabonBarnstapleHigh<br />

Streethasbeenestablishedfor<br />

13yearsandhasbeena<br />

regularbusinessawardwinner.<br />

Itwasoneofthefirstphone<br />

repaircentresintheUKand<br />

hasnowgoneonestepfurther<br />

–ithasbecomethefirstand<br />

onlyApplecertified<br />

IndependentRepairProvider<br />

(IRP)inNorthDevon–see<br />

fullstoryonpage24.<br />

Indifficulteconomic<br />

conditionswebelieve<br />

customersarelookingfor<br />

greatvaluebutalsohigh<br />

quality,andthat'sexactlywhat<br />

weattheilaboffer.<br />

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS<br />

EXCELLENCE <strong>2023</strong><br />

Winner<br />

Safe Working Lifts<br />

Followingonfromtheawards<br />

ceremony,SafeWorkingLifts<br />

hassecurednumerousnew<br />

contractsenablingfurther<br />

employmentintheNorth<br />

Devonarea.Duringthistime<br />

wehavealsoopenedour<br />

secondbranchlocatedin<br />

Exeter.Thisfurtherstrengthens<br />

ourworkforceandallowsusto<br />

continueprovidingthehighest<br />

qualityofservicetoourclients<br />

throughouttheSouthWest.We<br />

arelookingforwardtowhat<br />

2024brings.<br />

CONSUMER SERVICE<br />

EXCELLENCE <strong>2023</strong><br />

Winner<br />

Daisy Layland<br />

– North Devon Estate Agent<br />

DIGITAL & ONLINE<br />

ACHIEVEMENT <strong>2023</strong><br />

Winner<br />

Torrs Park Dental Practice<br />

EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING<br />

& CONSTRUCTION <strong>2023</strong><br />

Winner<br />

SMS Scaffolding<br />

It’sbeenanothergreatyearfor<br />

SMS,creatingnewconnections<br />

andclients,dedicatingour<br />

coreworkinNorthDevon.We<br />

continuetosupplyscaffold<br />

packagesfornewbuildsites,<br />

commercial,industrialand<br />

domesticsectors.Weare<br />

pleasedtohavesecuredalarge<br />

newbuilddevelopmentin<br />

WestwardHo!andBradworthy<br />

alongwithdeliveringonour<br />

currentprojects.2024is<br />

lookingpromisingwithmany<br />

tendersanddiscussions<br />

movingclosertoofficial<br />

orders.Iwouldliketothank<br />

myentireteamofstafffor<br />

theirconstanteffortand<br />

commitment.<br />

EXCELLENCE IN HOSPITALITY<br />

& TOURISM <strong>2023</strong><br />

sponsored by<br />

Skern Training & Skills<br />

Winner<br />

North Devon Hog Roast<br />

Whatafantasticyearithas<br />

beenforNorthDevonHog<br />

Roast!Followingthis<br />

prestigiousawardpresentedby<br />

<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>,we’ve<br />

continuedtoshine,receiving<br />

severalotherremarkable<br />

accolades.Theseincludebeing<br />

namedtheBestHogRoast<br />

CompanybyLuxlife’sGlobal<br />

WeddingAwardsandwinning<br />

thetitleofBestHogRoast<br />

Catering<strong>Business</strong>SouthWest<br />

England,asrecognisedbythe<br />

SouthernEnterpriseAwards.<br />

We’realsothrilledtohavewon<br />

theBestSmall<strong>Business</strong>Award<br />

intheDevonWomenin<br />

<strong>Business</strong>Awards<strong>2023</strong>.<br />

INTERNATIONAL TRADE<br />

& EXPORTS <strong>2023</strong><br />

sponsored by<br />

International Trade Matters<br />

Winner<br />

SEA<br />

<strong>2023</strong>hasbeenincredibly<br />

positiveforusatSEA.With<br />

internationalcontractawards<br />

andsuccessesthroughoutthe<br />

year,we’veachievedmanyof<br />

ourmilestoneobjectives.<br />

Investinginourpeople,<br />

however,hasalwaysbeenat<br />

ourcore.Growingbyover100<br />

peopleinthelast12months,<br />

wehaveawealthofnew<br />

knowledgeandexpertise<br />

withinthebusiness,including<br />

severalapprenticesand<br />

graduateswhoareallbeing<br />

mentoredandtrainedacrossa<br />

rangeofengineeringand<br />

businessdisciplines.We’ve<br />

investedinourbenefits<br />

package,offeringrewards,a<br />

fantasticwork/lifebalance,<br />

andexcellentcareerand<br />

trainingopportunitiesforour<br />

people.Wewereproudly<br />

awardedGoldstatusfromthe<br />

ArmedForcesCovenant<br />

EmployerRecognitionScheme<br />

earlierthisyear,forour<br />

ongoingcommitmentand<br />

supporttothearmedforces<br />

community,andthe<br />

InternationalTradeAward<br />

from<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>forour<br />

growingglobalsuccess.<br />

OurBarnstaple<br />

manufacturingfacilityisalso<br />

undergoingsignificant<br />

developmenttoensurethe<br />

higheststandardofdelivery<br />

excellencetoourcustomers<br />

andpartners.We’reexcitedto<br />

seewhat2024bringsforus!<br />

OUTSTANDING NEW<br />

BUSINESS <strong>2023</strong><br />

Winner<br />

Next Steps Tutors<br />

NextStepsTutorsandNext<br />

StepsEducationcontinueto<br />

growacrosstheSouthWest.<br />

Ourworkwiththelocal<br />

authorityandschoolsis<br />

successfullygettinglotsof<br />

excluded,anxiousandSEND<br />

childrenbackintoeducation.<br />

Ourprivatebusinessisgrowing<br />

tooandwe’recurrently<br />

developingmarketingtoreach<br />

moreprivateclients.We’re<br />

extendingourservicesinto<br />

much-neededworksupporting<br />

childrenexperiencingschool<br />

attendancedifficulties.We’re<br />

alwayslookingoutforgreat<br />

mentorsandteachersacross<br />

Devon,CornwallandSomerset<br />

tosupportthis.<br />

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS<br />

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

sponsored by<br />

North Devon UNESCO<br />

Biosphere<br />

Winner<br />

St Michael’s Nursery<br />

WinningtheNorthDevon<br />

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

meanteverythingtous.After<br />

makinghugechangestoour<br />

practiceandthephenomenal<br />

worktheteamdoeveryday,it<br />

wasanincrediblefeelingto<br />

havebeenselectedamongst<br />

theotherworthyfinalists.<br />

WehaveachievedourRHS<br />

level2and3Gardening<br />

Awards.Childrenenjoy<br />

regularvisitstotheforestwith<br />

Sarahandlearnabout<br />

planting,germination,<br />

composting,biodiversityand<br />

ofcourse,harvestingour<br />

produce.Wearecurrently<br />

workingtowardsourlevel4in<br />

enterpriseandthecommunity.<br />

InJune,wewereawarded<br />

the'SchoolsforNature'<br />

certificateaspartofthe'Save<br />

OurWildIsle'campaignand<br />

theWoodlandTrustawarded<br />

usTheBronzeTreeAward.We<br />

werefinalistsintheDevon<br />

Womenin<strong>Business</strong>Awardsin<br />

theEcoFriendly<strong>Business</strong><br />

category.KatieWebberwas<br />

awardedMudChampion<br />

statusbyMuddyFaces.<br />

YOUNG ACHIEVER <strong>2023</strong><br />

sponsored by<br />

Petroc<br />

Winner<br />

Bobbie Symons<br />

Theyearhasbeenbrilliant<br />

sincewewonouraward.Not<br />

longafter,weopenedournew<br />

shopinCombeMartin,and<br />

havehadabusysummer.<br />

Lastweekwewonanother<br />

championawardfromTasteof<br />

theWestandarejustreallyso<br />

happywithourprogress.We’ve<br />

gonefromstrengthtostrength<br />

sowatchthisspace.<br />

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

HEADER NEWS<br />

North Devon business women recognised in awards<br />

North Devon businesseshave<br />

beenrecognisedattheDevon<br />

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

<strong>2023</strong>heldon11November.<br />

StMichael’sNursery,<br />

BarnstapleandTheSign<br />

Maker,Umberleighboth<br />

receivedHighlyCommended<br />

AwardsintheEcoFriendly<br />

<strong>Business</strong>oftheYearAward,<br />

whichwasaveryclosely<br />

foughtcategory.Bothhave<br />

demonstratedasignificant<br />

commitmenttosustainability<br />

andimpressedthejudgeswith<br />

therangeofinitiativesthey<br />

haveimplemented.<br />

StMichael’sNurseryis<br />

<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>’sSustainable<br />

<strong>Business</strong><strong>2023</strong>,whileTheSign<br />

MakerwonourMadeinNorth<br />

DevonAwardandwasnamed<br />

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

Year<strong>2023</strong>.<br />

Another<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong><br />

awardwinnerwasrecognised<br />

whenSamHastingsofNorth<br />

DevonHogRoastwonthe<br />

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

Awards’Small<strong>Business</strong>ofthe<br />

Yearcategory.<br />

MaureenFrostofAstrality<br />

<strong>Business</strong>Services,category<br />

sponsor,said:“Runningasmall<br />

businesscanbechallengingat<br />

thebestoftimes.OurSmall<br />

<strong>Business</strong>oftheYearhasthrived<br />

inthefaceofadversityand<br />

developedherbusinessintoa<br />

respectedandprofitable<br />

enterprise.Supportingthe<br />

localsupplychainand<br />

workingwithlocalcharities,<br />

thisbusinessisfirmlyintegrated<br />

intothelocalcommunityand<br />

hasoutstandingendorsements<br />

fromtheeventmanagersthey<br />

workwith.”<br />

NorthDevonHogRoastis<br />

also<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>’s<br />

ExcellenceinHospitality&<br />

TourismAward<strong>2023</strong>winner.<br />

■ TheDevonWomenin<br />

<strong>Business</strong>Awardswillreturnin<br />

2024.Registerforupdatesat<br />

devonwomeninbusiness.com<br />

The Sign Maker was Highly Commended in the Eco Friendly <strong>Business</strong> of<br />

the Year category. Photo: Poppy Jakes<br />

Sam Hastings of North Devon Hog Roast won the Small <strong>Business</strong> of the<br />

Year category. Photo: Poppy Jakes<br />

Advertise from £30*<br />

a year<br />

with <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong><br />

Select advertising plan<br />

£30 <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Plan – 4 x magazine listings<br />

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

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 />

AGRITECH HEADER<br />

North Devon lab to help boost UK agritech<br />

The Environmental Space<br />

Living Lab(ESLL)was<br />

officiallylaunchedatPetroc<br />

alongsidetherecentlycompleted<br />

phaseIIofitsCotieInnovation<br />

Launchpadfacility.<br />

TheESLLfacilitatesagritech<br />

adoptionintheUKbyfostering<br />

connectivity,collaboration,and<br />

commercialisation,including<br />

theutilisationofsatellite<br />

capabilities.<br />

Driving UK agritech<br />

TonyHigson,business<br />

innovationmanagerforESLL<br />

says:“WehaveaUK-wide<br />

remit,withafocusonsoil,<br />

waterandbiodiversity<br />

underpinnedbyautomation,<br />

connectivity,andgeospatial<br />

data.Wehave5Gpop-upmasts<br />

availableatsitesincluding<br />

Petroc,whichopenedon21<br />

September,andBictonand<br />

Bridgwater&Taunton<br />

Colleges,openinginJanuary<br />

andFebruarynextyear,each<br />

withreal-worldtest<br />

environmentsavailable.<br />

“Eachhasorwillhave5G<br />

masts,accesstoourearth<br />

observationcapabilitiesatthe<br />

SatelliteApplicationsCatapult,<br />

commercialisation/strategy<br />

businesssupport,supportwith<br />

identifyingfundingavenues,<br />

rapidprototyping,sensors,data<br />

visualisationsuits,workspace,<br />

workshops,showcasedays,<br />

roboticsandmuchmore.”<br />

Showcase environment<br />

FundedbytheHeartofthe<br />

SouthWestLocalEnterprise<br />

Partnership(LEP)andledby<br />

theSatelliteApplications<br />

Catapult,theESLLwillactasa<br />

showcaseenvironmenttokickstarttrialsanddemonstrations<br />

ofsustainableagriculturaland<br />

environmentaltechnology.<br />

The official opening of the Environmental Space Living Lab at Petroc: (from<br />

left) Petroc principal Sean Mackney and MP for North Devon Selaine Saxby<br />

TheSatelliteApplications<br />

Catapultisattheheartofthe<br />

satelliteservicesrevolution,<br />

drivingtake-upofspace<br />

technologyandapplicationsto<br />

shape,andsustain,theworldof<br />

tomorrow.Itisoneofnine<br />

Catapultsestablishedto<br />

transformtheUK’scapability<br />

forinnovationinspecificareas<br />

andtohelpdrivefuture<br />

economicgrowth.<br />

TheSatelliteApplications<br />

Catapultisanot-for-profit<br />

innovationandtechnology<br />

companythatisindependent<br />

andbackedbytheUK<br />

government.Itsaimisto<br />

supportUKindustryby<br />

acceleratingthegrowthof<br />

satelliteapplicationsandto<br />

contributetocapturinga10%<br />

shareoftheglobalspace<br />

marketby2030.<br />

Opportunities for farmers<br />

Whilefarmersandlandowners<br />

mightbeuncertainofthe<br />

connectionbetweenspace<br />

technologyandworkingonthe<br />

land,Tonyemphasisesthe<br />

importanceoffarmers’<br />

involvementastheyhavevital<br />

practicalknowledge.<br />

“Itiskeythatwesupport<br />

thesefarminnovators,asthey<br />

understandreal-world<br />

problemsandassuchwillbe<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 />

bestplacedtodesign<br />

commerciallyviableand<br />

scalablesolutionstoagritech<br />

painpoints,”saysTony.<br />

“Iamkeentospeakto<br />

farmersthathaveinnovative<br />

ideasthattheymaycurrently<br />

beusingontheirownlandand<br />

arenotsurehowbesttofurther<br />

develop,scale,commercialise<br />

andmonetise.<br />

“Wearealsointerestedin<br />

farmerswithlandonwhich<br />

theywouldbehappytotrial<br />

newtechnologiesforother<br />

clients.”<br />

TheESLLisalsokeento<br />

workwithinnovatorsmoving<br />

intoagritechfromother<br />

sectors,collaboratorsand<br />

potentialfuturepartners.<br />

Petroc facilities<br />

TheESLLandCotieInnovation<br />

Launchpadareaugmentedby<br />

Petroc’sUniversityCentre,<br />

housedwithintheSouthWest<br />

InstituteofTechnology<br />

building.Together,thesethree<br />

facilitiescoalesceintoadynamic<br />

hubofknowledgetransferto<br />

supporteconomicgrowthand<br />

productivitywithinNorth<br />

Devon’sruralcommunities<br />

Atthelaunch,attendees<br />

experiencedthetransformative<br />

potentialofspace-enabledand<br />

autonomoustechnologies,<br />

includingrobotics,remote<br />

sensing,and5Gconnectivity.<br />

Guestswereabletoseehow<br />

thesetechnologiesarealready<br />

revolutionisingsectorssuchas<br />

agriculture,horticulture,<br />

animalhusbandry,aquaculture,<br />

andhabitatmanagement.<br />

■ Todiscusspotential<br />

innovations,callTonyon<br />

07436076764orvisit<br />

sa.catapult.org.uk/<br />

environmental-space-living-lab/<br />

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

BBxpo bounces<br />

back in Bideford<br />

After a disappointing resumptionin2022followingitsenforced<br />

two-yearabsence,BBxporesumeditspre-pandemicvigourandset<br />

BidefordCollege’sDevonHalla-buzzingwithexhibitorsand<br />

visitorsbusilydiscussingallaspectsofbusiness.<br />

“Whenwestartedtheexhibitionin2018,weknewitwouldtake<br />

threetofouryearstoestablishBBxpoasNorthDevon’sunmissable<br />

businessexhibition,butthepandemicheldusback,”sayscoorganiserRobertZarywacz.<br />

“Ourpersistenceisnowpayingoffandthisyear’seventwasthe<br />

bestever.Thequalityofexhibitorwassuperbwithlocal,regional<br />

andnationalbusinessesandorganisationsexhibiting.<br />

Comprehensivebusinesssupport,trainingandfundingofferings<br />

enabledbusinessestofindallthehelptheyneededinoneplace.<br />

“BBxpohasnowattainedthepositionwhereforward-looking<br />

businessesneedtoaskthemselveswhytheydidnotexhibitorvisit.”<br />

and on to Ilfracombe<br />

<strong>Business</strong>eswhomissedoutdon’tneedtowaitanentireyearforthe<br />

nextBBxpoinBidefordinOctober2024asBBxpoislaunchinga<br />

secondexhibitioninIlfracombeonTuesday5March.<br />

“IhaveorganisedbusinessexhibitionsattheLandmarkTheatre<br />

previouslyandbelievethatalongwithDevonHalltheyarethe<br />

area’stwobestvenuesforthistypeof event,”addsRobert.<br />

“BidefordexhibitorsarealreadysigninguptoattendIlfracombe<br />

andanybusinesscannowbookstandsforBBxpoIlfracombeat<br />

bbxpo.uk–we’llalsobeopeningupbookingsforBBxpoBideford<br />

inOctober2024assoonasthedateisconfirmed.”<br />

Book your Ilfracombe stand now at<br />

bbxpo.uk<br />

Thank you to our helpers<br />

BBxpowouldnothaverunsosmoothlywithoutthehelpofa<br />

numberofbusinessesandwe’dspecificallyliketothank:<br />

■ NorthDevonHogRoast–forsupplyingthesuperbfreelunch<br />

–contact01805603909ornorthdevonhogroast.co.uk<br />

■ CroydeCoffee–foritsfantasticlocallyroastedcoffees–<br />

contact07970963190orcroydecoffee.co.uk<br />

■ BeepMedia–forcapturingtheeventinthesurrounding<br />

photosandvideo–contact07967021307orbeepmedia.co.uk

BBxpo 2024<br />

Ilfracombe – 5 March<br />

Bideford – October<br />

BBxpo<br />

ILFRACOMBE<br />

BUSINESS • BOOST • EXPO<br />

Tuesday 5 March 2024<br />

10am—3pm<br />

Landmark Theatre<br />

Book your Ilfracombe stand now at<br />

bbxpo.uk<br />

in association with

The distribution of <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong><br />

takes editor Robert Zarywacz walking<br />

through many North Devon towns and<br />

villages and he believes it’s the only way to really get to know and<br />

appreciate any place. Every quarter, he visits 1,250+ independent<br />

town centre shops, hospitality and service businesses, which<br />

combine to create a remarkable retail and visitor offering largely<br />

unappreciated both by residents and those living elsewhere in the UK.<br />

ILFRACOMBE<br />

Open all year round<br />

<strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> seeks to remedy this.<br />

In our summer issue we featured<br />

Bideford businesses. This issue we<br />

focus on Ilfracombe. In our next issue we aim to cover Torrington with<br />

more towns featured in 2024. Reading about these valuable<br />

businesses is not enough – we must buy from them. Many businesses<br />

in our towns are open throughout the winter and offer great service<br />

and experiences. Do get in touch if you want your business featured<br />

A first<br />

class<br />

welcome<br />

Many peoplevisitIlfracombe<br />

toenjoythesceneryandcharm<br />

ofthelargelyVictorianseaside<br />

town.Theoriginalbuildings<br />

nowcomprisingtheCarlton<br />

Hotelwerebuiltinthe1830s<br />

andoverthepastnineyears<br />

havebeentransformedby<br />

owneroperatorsMichaeland<br />

Eliottoprovidestylish,modern<br />

accommodationforguests.<br />

Modern accommodation<br />

Toensurethecomfortable<br />

experiencethatguestsseek,all<br />

roomshavebeenrebuilt,with<br />

smalleronesenlarged,and<br />

includeen-suitebathrooms,<br />

doubleglazing,soundproofing<br />

andcontrollablelightingaswell<br />

asfreesuperfastwifi,flat-screen<br />

TVs,in-roomtelephonesand<br />

laptop-sizedsafe.<br />

Roomsveryinsizeupto<br />

Queen,King,Triple,Family<br />

andSuite.Therearealsotwo<br />

speciallyadaptedroomswith<br />

wetroom,grabrailsandspace<br />

forwheeledaccessplusthe<br />

optiontohaveacarerstayin<br />

roomoradjacent.<br />

Fine dining for everyone<br />

Whilethephysicalfabricofthe<br />

buildinghasbeencompletely<br />

refurbishedduringthe£2<br />

millionrestoration–fromnew<br />

heatingtothefullrebuildofthe<br />

restaurantandmeetingrooms–<br />

itishospitalitythatisatthe<br />

heartoftheCarltonHotel.<br />

TheBrasserieisopenseven<br />

daysaweek,bothtohoteland<br />

non-residentguests,serving<br />

breakfast,Sundaylunch,light<br />

bites,afternoonteaanddinner.<br />

EliotandMichael’spassion<br />

forfinediningrunsthrough<br />

everystageofthefoodprocess,<br />

frombuyingfreshlocal<br />

ingredients,inseason,tothe<br />

ritualsofpreparationand<br />

cookingadish.Theytakegreat<br />

prideindeliveryandservice,<br />

andequalpleasureinseeing<br />

theirguestsenjoyingtheirfood<br />

inthepleasantsurroundingsof<br />

theBrasserie.<br />

Theyalsotakegreatcare<br />

overtheprovenanceoftheir<br />

food,whichincludesmeatfrom<br />

nearbyMuddifordandExmoor<br />

King size room at the Carlton Hotel<br />

andmanylocallypickedcrops<br />

fromBraunton.<br />

For businesses too<br />

Whilemanyguestsstayfor<br />

theirholidays,theCarlton<br />

Hotelisjustaswelcomingand<br />

well-equippedforbusiness<br />

gueststoo.<br />

Therefurbishmentincludes<br />

fullyequippedmeetingrooms<br />

andeventspaceswithplentyof<br />

sockets,wifi,smartTVsand<br />

facilitiesincludingsnuglibrary,<br />

well-appointedgymand<br />

cocktailbar.Thesemakethe<br />

Carltonidealfortraining,team<br />

building,workshops,seminars<br />

andconferences,interviews,<br />

tradeshowsanddemos.<br />

TheCarltonHotelis<br />

delightedtobehostingDevon<br />

&PlymouthChamberof<br />

CommerceinMarch2024.<br />

2024 events<br />

TheCarltonHotelisopenall<br />

yearround(closed3–12<br />

January)andhasaprogramme<br />

ofeventslinedupfor2024,<br />

includingBurnsNightSupper<br />

andaPre-Valentineweekend<br />

withdinnerfeaturingfishfrom<br />

Appledore,beeffromExmoor<br />

andwinesfromSaunton<br />

Vineyard,andanopportunity<br />

tomakeyourownchocolatesin<br />

aworkshopatIlfracombe<br />

ChocolateEmporium.<br />

EliotandMichaelextenda<br />

warmwelcometoyouwhether<br />

youjointhemforaspecial<br />

event,relaxingstay,business<br />

meetingorcallinforSunday<br />

lunchorafternoontea.<br />

■ Details01271862446or<br />

ilfracombecarlton.co.uk<br />

14 business action | Print communication supplement | business-action.co.uk

ILFRACOMBE<br />

Two established businesses live on<br />

When Alex McWilliam-Brice<br />

andherfamilymovedfrom<br />

SurbitontoIlfracombe,she<br />

waslookingtorunjustone<br />

business,butnowsheis<br />

runningtwo.<br />

Alex McWilliam-Brice in The Proper Marmalade Shop in Ilfracombe<br />

1. Ocean Backpackers<br />

In2021,thefamilytookon<br />

OceanBackpackersinStJames<br />

Place,anestablishedhostel<br />

whichtheyhaveupgradedto<br />

anexceptionallyhighstandard.<br />

“Weboughtatourism<br />

businessbecauseIknewI<br />

couldrunit,”saysAlex,who<br />

haspreviousexperienceinthe<br />

industry.“Wehaveimproved<br />

ittoprovideahighstandardof<br />

hostelaccommodation–<br />

modern,supercleanandwith<br />

greatfacilities.It’sreally<br />

popular,especiallywith<br />

families.Ihavelovedevery<br />

minuteofit.”<br />

Hostelaccommodation<br />

rangesfromone8-bedand<br />

two5-beddormsto4-and5-<br />

bedfamilyroomsandasingle<br />

room,mosten-suite,aswellas<br />

atopfloorapartmentthatcan<br />

berentedasaself-contained<br />

flat.Theroomscanbebooked<br />

individuallybetween31March<br />

and31October,whilethe<br />

hostelisonlyavailablefor<br />

exclusivehirebetween<br />

1Novemberand31March.<br />

Thecommunalloungeand<br />

diningareaseats24andthe<br />

well-equipped,spacious<br />

kitchencanseatuptoeight.<br />

Beddingisprovidedand<br />

thereisstorageforsports<br />

equipmentandbaggage,ideal<br />

forsurfboardsandbicycles.<br />

TherearealsosmartTVs<br />

showingterrestrialchannels,<br />

freewifi,freeteaandcoffee,<br />

andanoutdoorseatingarea.<br />

Capableofproviding<br />

accommodationforsome40<br />

orsoguests,thehostelhas<br />

beenbookedbylargegroups,<br />

whohavebeendelightedwith<br />

thefacilitiesandatmosphere.<br />

Alexalsoseespeople<br />

revisingtheirideasofhostels<br />

andcommunalliving.<br />

■ Details01271867835or<br />

oceanbackpackers.co.uk<br />

2. The Proper Marmalade<br />

Company<br />

RecentlywhenAlexheardthat<br />

VictoriaCranfieldwaslooking<br />

toretireandcloseTheProper<br />

MarmaladeCompany,based<br />

onIlfracombeseafront,she<br />

jumpedattheopportunityto<br />

maintainthiswell-established<br />

brandwhichhassuchintegrity.<br />

Muchofthemarmalade<br />

stockismadebyhandduring<br />

thewinterwhenthehostelis<br />

closed,makingthebusinesses<br />

agoodcomplementaryfit.<br />

Thebrand’smanyvarieties<br />

ofmarmaladehavewon100+<br />

regional,nationaland<br />

internationalawardsandhave<br />

beenfeaturedontelevisionon<br />

multipleoccasions.Stockists<br />

acrosstheUKincludeThe<br />

RoyalBotanicGardens,Kew<br />

andBoroughMarket,London.<br />

NorthDevonmarmalade<br />

loverscanpurchasejarsfrom<br />

thewebsitefordelivery<br />

throughouttheUKmainland<br />

orinpersonfromthestorein<br />

WilderRoad,Ilfracombe.<br />

“Victoriahastaughtmeall<br />

therecipesandIamlearning<br />

recipesandcookingevery<br />

day,”saysAlex.<br />

“Theethosisthatitis100%<br />

handmademarmaladeput<br />

intojarsbyhand.Itwill<br />

alwaysbehandmade.”<br />

■ Details01271864833or<br />

thepropermarmaladecompany<br />

.co.uk<br />

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business-action.uk | Print communication supplement | business action 15

Residents were saddenedto<br />

hearthatgreengrocerNorman’s<br />

wasclosingafterdecadesof<br />

serviceinIlfracombeHigh<br />

Street,butdelightedthatanew<br />

businessiscontinuingtosell<br />

freshfruitandvegintheshop.<br />

AllSeasonsFruit&Vegis<br />

runbyAlanGerityandMartina<br />

Quinlan,assistedbyLisa<br />

Hobman,providingcontinuity<br />

fromNorman’s.<br />

“Wearereallyenjoyingit<br />

andthesocialsideisreallynice,”<br />

saysMartina.“Itistotally<br />

ILFRACOMBE<br />

No 28 moves to No 4<br />

A popular Ilfracombecoffee<br />

shophasmovedpremisesand<br />

takenitsnumberwithit.<br />

No28TheCookeryinSt<br />

JamesPlacehasmadesucha<br />

nameforitselfthatithas<br />

retaineditsnameeventhough<br />

ithasnowmovedtoNo4.<br />

FoundedbyStuandLucy<br />

CookinApril2019,thecouple<br />

neededtofindnewpremises<br />

whentheirleaseendedand,in<br />

awhirlwindyear,purchaseda<br />

newpropertyforthetheir<br />

homeandbusiness,which<br />

theyreopenedinSeptember.<br />

Stutrainedasachefwhen<br />

hewas14andreturnedto<br />

cateringafter24yearsin<br />

manufacturing.Henowenjoys<br />

bakingawiderangeofcakes<br />

andtreatsfrommillionaire’s<br />

shortbreadandbrowniesto<br />

Victoriaspongesandmore.<br />

Lucybroughtherretail<br />

experiencetothebusinessand<br />

togetherthecoupleprovidea<br />

selectionoflightlunches,<br />

baguettes,jacketpotatoes,<br />

paninisandsoupstotheir<br />

loyalclientele.<br />

Bothareveryparticular<br />

abouttheircoffeeandserve<br />

LiminiCoffee,roastedin<br />

Yorkshire,whichtheybelieve<br />

isthebestavailable.Liminiis<br />

committedtosustainability,<br />

whichalignswithStuand<br />

Lucy’scommitmenttothe<br />

environment.<br />

No28TheCookeryisnow<br />

settlinginatNo4,thanksto<br />

thehelpandassistanceof<br />

manycustomers,whohelped<br />

withthemovebytransporting<br />

equipmentuptheroadand<br />

evenhelpingwithdecoration.<br />

Thenewpremisesaremore<br />

spaciousandincludealarge<br />

pavedgardenwithcovered<br />

Refreshing fruit & veg<br />

Taking their number to their new home: Stu and Lucy of No 28 The<br />

Cookery at No 4 St James Place<br />

All change: (from left) Lisa Hobman<br />

with new owners Alan Gerity and<br />

Martina Quinlan<br />

differenttowhatweareusedto.<br />

We’veneverrunashopanditis<br />

abigchange.”<br />

Justweeksintotheirnew<br />

business,thecouplearestill<br />

learning.Theyaretryingto<br />

maintainwhatisfamiliarfor<br />

customerswhileintroducing<br />

newproductsandservices.<br />

Theyaimtosupplyasmuch<br />

locallygrownproduceas<br />

seating.Thisadditionalspace<br />

makesitpossibletohold<br />

eventsandon14December<br />

therewillbeaChristmas<br />

wreathworkshop,whileon15<br />

and16Decembertherewillbe<br />

ChristmasCarolsandSongsin<br />

thegardenwithhotsoups,<br />

warmmulledwineandcider,<br />

andhotturkeybapsandother<br />

treatsavailable.<br />

Inadditiontothegoodies<br />

availableinthecafé,No28The<br />

Cookeryalsoofferscakesto<br />

orderwithChristmascake,<br />

Christmaspuddingandmince<br />

piesavailableinDecember.<br />

■ Openduringthewinter<br />

months,call07790725933or<br />

visitno28thecookery.co.uk<br />

possiblewhileworkingwith<br />

wholesalersforexoticfruit.<br />

Customerscanmaketheir<br />

ownorganicpeanutbutterin<br />

thepeanutbuttermachineand<br />

soonwillbeabletobuyloose<br />

lentils,pastaandteasintheir<br />

chosenquantitiestotakehome<br />

intheirowncontainersto<br />

reduceunnecessarypackaging.<br />

Thestorealsooffersfruit<br />

hampersandwillbestocking<br />

Christmastrees.<br />

Aswellasservingcustomers<br />

onthehighstreet,Alanmakes<br />

homedeliveriesbyvanand<br />

onlineorderingwillbe<br />

introducedinthefuture.<br />

AllSeasonsFruit&Vegalso<br />

suppliescommercialcustomers,<br />

andAlanandMartinaarekeen<br />

totalktorestaurants,cafésand<br />

accommodationproviders<br />

needingfreshproduce.<br />

AlanandMartinaare<br />

exploringalloptionstoadapt<br />

tradingtoattractmorepeople,<br />

especiallyyoungercustomers,<br />

toshoponthehighstreet.<br />

■ Details01271863105or<br />

40IlfracombeHighStreet<br />

16 business action | Print communication supplement | business-action.co.uk

ILFRACOMBE<br />

The village that Bronwen built<br />

One gingerbread houseisexquisite,but<br />

howdoyoudescribeanentirevillage?<br />

That’swhatBronwenDabnarhasbuiltat<br />

Stacc,Ilfracombe’srenownedpâtisserie,<br />

caféandcocktailbaronthepromenade,<br />

andisfeaturedonourcover.<br />

BronwenandhusbandAlexGrover<br />

openedStaccinDecember2020.The<br />

couplehadmovedtoNorthDevonthe<br />

previousyearandwantedtocreatea<br />

businessprovidinghighqualityfoodand<br />

drinkthatwascomfortable,friendly,<br />

inclusiveandalsowelcomingtodogs.<br />

Bronwenhasalwayslikedbakingcakes<br />

and,aftercompletingherpâtisserie<br />

apprenticeshipandtraininginaFrench<br />

kitcheninLondonfortwoyears,brings10<br />

years’experiencetothebusiness.<br />

Bringing models to life<br />

Scale modelsexcitemany<br />

people,sometimesreminding<br />

themofmodelkitstheymade<br />

asachildorevenactual<br />

planes,trainsorcarsthatthey<br />

workedoninreallife.<br />

Mark’sModelsstocksa<br />

widerangeofplastickitsof<br />

aircraft,cars,militaryvehicles<br />

andshipsplus‘N’and‘00’<br />

gaugerailwayitems,along<br />

withaccessories,paints,and<br />

othermaterials.<br />

MarkLoveridgeopenedhis<br />

shopinIlfracombeinJune<br />

2022,havingrunmodelshops<br />

inBarnstapleandinWiltshire.<br />

MovingbacktoNorthDevon<br />

twoyearsago,hetraded<br />

onlineforawhilebutmissed<br />

thesocialaspectofarealshop.<br />

“Peoplecomeinandtell<br />

anecdotes.That’swhatImissed,”<br />

saysMark.“Theytellstories<br />

aboutflyingaircraft.Icould<br />

listentothemallday.”<br />

Mark’sinterestinkitsbegan<br />

Alex’sexperienceinhospitalityhas<br />

developedhispassionforcocktails,which<br />

henowmakesatStacc,creatingand<br />

shakinghisownpersonalcocktailrecipes.<br />

Staccblendsthecouple’scomplementary<br />

passionsandexpertise,creatingatruly<br />

uniqueenvironmentthatisahitwithboth<br />

Quality cake and cocktails: Stacc’s founders<br />

Bronwen and Alex<br />

visitorsandresidentsforitscake,coffee,<br />

cocktailsandexpandingrangeofevents,<br />

includingopenmicnights.<br />

Alltheseactivitiesaresupportedbya<br />

teamofupto12staffmembersinthe<br />

summerseason,assistedbydachshunds<br />

BettyandMaple.<br />

Bronwenalsocreateshighlyindividual<br />

cakesforweddingsandothercelebrations,<br />

andthecoupleregularlyexhibitatlocal<br />

foodevents.<br />

attheageofeightwhenheand<br />

hisDadmadeaLancaster<br />

bomber.HisDadwasarail<br />

enthusiast,whileMarkiskeen<br />

onaircraft,havingflownwith<br />

theAirTrainingCorps.Both<br />

Pop in for a chat about models with Mark Loveridge at Mark’s Models<br />

havealsoworkedonthe<br />

Lynton&BarnstapleRailway.<br />

Marknotonlysellskitsbut<br />

alsooffersakitmakingservice<br />

foranyonenotableornot<br />

confidenttoassembleamodel.<br />

Healsorenovates,paintsand<br />

customiseskitsandhasmade<br />

amodelofaspecificaircraft<br />

flownbyacustomerin<br />

authenticliveryandwithits<br />

itsindividualregistration.<br />

Markacceptscommissions<br />

tomakemodelsforbusinesses<br />

Withfoodanddrinkspreparedonsite<br />

inthecaféandastrongrelianceonlocal<br />

produceandsuppliers,Stacc’smenuisvery<br />

responsivetothechangingseasons.<br />

Insummeryoucanenjoymascarpone<br />

andfruittarts,whileinwinterwarm<br />

yourselfwithboozyspicedpearmincepies<br />

toppedwithspicedcrumble.There’salso<br />

favouritesincludingcreamteas,brownies<br />

anddoughnutsaswellasBronwen’s<br />

specialitycreations,frombrightlycolored<br />

gingerbreadhousestolavishlydecorated<br />

cakestocelebrateanyoccasion.<br />

Cakescanbeorderedfordeliveryonthe<br />

website.<br />

Havinglaunchedduringthepandemic,<br />

Staccisnowanestablishedfeatureand<br />

aimstowelcomeyouthroughoutthe<br />

wintermonths.<br />

■ Openduringthewintermonths,call<br />

01271267780orstaccbakes.com<br />

andproducesdioramas,such<br />

astheoneabovefeaturedinhis<br />

shopwindow,aswellasrailway<br />

layoutsandbuildings.<br />

Markiskeentoencourage<br />

peopleofallbackgroundsand<br />

agestotakeupmodellingand<br />

runsSaturdaymorningmodel<br />

makingsessionsintheshop<br />

wherecustomerscantrytheir<br />

handatmakingamodelwith<br />

helpandfriendlyadvicefrom<br />

fellowenthusiasts.<br />

Mark’sModelsalsooffersa<br />

discountcardgiving10%onall<br />

purchasesfromtheshop.<br />

■ Details01271867441or<br />

116IlfracombeHighStreet<br />

business-action.uk | Print communication supplement | business action 17

Retail and hospitalitysectors<br />

arebothexperiencingsomeof<br />

thetoughestbusinesschallenges,<br />

butthearea’sbusinessowners<br />

arenoteasilydefeated.<br />

JoshyJonnyopenedhisfirst<br />

PremierExpressconvenience<br />

storeinIlfracombeHighStreet<br />

inFebruary2014andrecently<br />

openedhisthirdstoreinthe<br />

townandco-ownsathriving<br />

restaurantinBarnstaple.<br />

Whatisoutstandingisthat<br />

JoshymovedtoIlfracombe<br />

fromKochininIndiain2008<br />

“toworkhardforabetterlife”<br />

andhadneverrunabusiness<br />

beforeheopenedhisfirstshop.<br />

Joshyexplainsthat,while<br />

workingbeforehestartedhis<br />

business,hestudiedthetown<br />

andwherepeoplecamefrom<br />

andwenttointhehighstreet.<br />

IdentifyingtheoldJobcentre<br />

buildingashavingtheideal<br />

location,noretailerswould<br />

backhimbecauseofhislackof<br />

retailexperience,untilBooker<br />

agreed.Spendingallhissavings<br />

ongettingthestorereadyfor<br />

opening,hehadnomoneyfor<br />

stockandwasgratefulfora<br />

stockloanfromBooker.His<br />

investmentpaidoffandinits<br />

secondyeartheshopgenerated<br />

almost£1millionturnover.<br />

ILFRACOMBE<br />

Succeeding in retail in<br />

tough trading conditions<br />

Cutting the ribbon: (from left): owner of Rainbow Corner Shop Joshy Johny<br />

and Mayor Ilfracombe Dan Turton<br />

“Theshopisalwaysfully<br />

stockedandpricesaremarked,”<br />

saysJoshy.“MystafforIwill<br />

carryoldercustomers’shopping<br />

hometotheCandarifthey<br />

needhelp.”<br />

Joshyiskeentoemploylocal<br />

peopleandtriestolookafter<br />

hisstaffasmuchaspossible.<br />

Thisincludesbeingflexibleso<br />

thatworkfitsroundfamily<br />

responsibilities.Thisapproach<br />

helpsretainstaff,someof<br />

whomhaveworkedinthestore<br />

forsixorsevenyears.Joshy<br />

alsouseslocaltradespeoplefor<br />

shopfittingandmaintenance.<br />

Joshyagreesthattimesare<br />

tough,butbelievesthereare<br />

stillopportunitiesandthat<br />

retailersespeciallycandomuch<br />

toattractandselltocustomers.<br />

Withshopsclosingintowns,<br />

shopkeepersmustaskwhat<br />

theycansellthatpeopleneed.<br />

Byspottingopportunities,<br />

Joshyhasbeenabletoopena<br />

secondPremierExpress<br />

conveniencestoreonthe<br />

seafrontpromenadeandthis<br />

latestthirdstoreonthecorner<br />

ofIlfracombeHighStreetand<br />

NorthfieldRoad.Togetherthe<br />

threestoresemploy25people.<br />

Asifrunningthreeshops<br />

werenotenough,Joshyalso<br />

openedSaltandPepper,an<br />

authenticIndianrestaurantin<br />

Barnstaple,withtwofriends.<br />

Joshyadmitsthatstartingin<br />

thehospitalitysectorwithout<br />

previousknowledgewasa<br />

challengebutsaysthe<br />

restaurantisnowdoingwell.<br />

Foranyonethinkingof<br />

startingabusiness,Joshy’s<br />

successdemonstratewhatitis<br />

possibletoachieve.<br />

■ VisitPremierExpressstores<br />

inIlfracombeHighStreetand<br />

ontheseafront.<br />

■ SaltandPepperdetails<br />

01271329993or<br />

saltandpepper-biz.co.uk<br />

Free Christmas<br />

gift guide<br />

Ilfracombe<strong>Business</strong>&<br />

TourismAssociationhas<br />

producedaChristmasGift<br />

Guideinassociationwitha<br />

numberofthetown’sretailers<br />

andhospitalitybusinesses,<br />

whichfeaturesaselectionof<br />

productsandservicesavailable<br />

inthetown.<br />

■ Theguideisavailableto<br />

downloadforfreefrom<br />

visitilfracombe.co.uk/downloads<br />

AaronLanestarteddecoratingthefamily<br />

homewithChristmaslightstoraisemoneyfor<br />

charityfromtheageof16.Well-knowninthe<br />

town,thisyearhislightdisplaywillberaising<br />

moneyforIlfracombe&DistrictLionsClub.<br />

■ FacebookAaronsCharitychristmaslightshow<br />

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

HEADER<br />

Hotel | Brasserie | Bar | Events<br />

Ilfracombe EX34 8AR 01271 862446<br />

ilfracombecarlton.co.uk<br />

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

HEADER NEWS<br />

Wholesaler wins electrical industry award<br />

Devondale Electrical,which<br />

operatesbranchesinBarnstaple<br />

andBideford,hasbeennamed<br />

WholesaleroftheYearatthe<br />

ElectricalIndustryAwards<strong>2023</strong>,<br />

strengtheningitsreputationas<br />

aleadingindustrysupplier.<br />

Thesenationalawards<br />

recogniseindustryexcellence<br />

andhonouroutstanding<br />

individualachievement,<br />

technicalinnovation,and<br />

supplychaincollaboration.<br />

WinningtheWholesalerof<br />

theYearcategoryacknowledges<br />

Devondale’sdedicationtostaff<br />

trainingandprofessional<br />

development,andthedelivery<br />

ofexceptionallevelsofcustomer<br />

careandservice.Devondale<br />

demonstrateditwasachieving<br />

salesgrowthandmeetingthe<br />

SFL Flues & Chimneyswas<br />

awardedthetitleofExporter<br />

oftheYearattheNorthDevon<br />

ManufacturersAssociation<br />

(NDMA)Awards<strong>2023</strong>.<br />

TheNDMAAwards<br />

recognisemanufacturing<br />

achievementsandcelebrate<br />

world-classmanufacturing<br />

acrossNorthDevon.<br />

FlavioBuccianti,directorof<br />

FLFlues&Chimneys,<br />

acceptedtheaward,saying:<br />

“SFLaredelightedtoreceive<br />

thisprestigiousNDMAaward<br />

andberecognisedforour<br />

manufacturingachievements.<br />

“Thankyou,NDMA.We<br />

areproudtobethewinnersin<br />

the‘ExporteroftheYear<strong>2023</strong>’<br />

category.”<br />

SFLisaleadingUK<br />

manufacturerofprefabricated<br />

chimneyswith50+years’<br />

experienceinflueandchimney<br />

systemsinresidential,<br />

changingdemandsofthose<br />

workingintheindustry.<br />

Thecompanyhasalsobeen<br />

recognisedintheElectrical<br />

WholesaleroftheYearAwards<br />

withitsBudebranchbeing<br />

HighlyCommendedintheBest<br />

The Devondale Bideford branch team<br />

IndividualBranchcategory.<br />

Forbothawards,Devondale<br />

competedwithindependent<br />

andnationalelectrical<br />

wholesalersacrosstheUK.<br />

BenGamble,branch<br />

manageratDevondalein<br />

Chimney & flue specialist<br />

wins exports award<br />

Flavio Buccianti, director of SFL Flues & Chimneys, with the award<br />

commercialandindustrial<br />

markets.SFLhasrecently<br />

rebrandedafteritsacquisition<br />

bytheSpheringGroupin<strong>2023</strong>.<br />

■ Details01271326633or<br />

sflchimneys.com<br />

Bideford,says:“Weare<br />

delightedtohavebeennamed<br />

WholesaleroftheYearatthe<br />

ElectricalIndustryAwards.We<br />

havebeensupplyinghighqualityelectricalproductsand<br />

servicestoprofessionals,<br />

contractors,andthepublicin<br />

theSouthWestsince1981.<br />

“Theawardhighlightsour<br />

commitmenttoexcellenceand<br />

ourdedicationtomeetingthe<br />

needsofourvaluedcustomers.<br />

“Weworkhardtonotonly<br />

ensureweofferthehighest<br />

qualitymaterialsandagreat<br />

service,buttoalsobuild<br />

excellentrelationships,andwe<br />

wouldliketothankourteam<br />

andcustomersfortheir<br />

continuedsupportandtrust.”<br />

■ Detailsdevondale.net<br />

NDMA Award Winners<br />

Thewinnersofthe10<br />

categoriesoftheNDMA<br />

Awards<strong>2023</strong>are:<br />

➤ ApprenticeoftheYear:<br />

LukeWalkeyofCMTG<br />

➤ TraineeoftheYear:Emma<br />

AndrewsofCMTG<br />

➤ TeamoftheYear:Eaton<br />

➤ ProductoftheYear:Accord<br />

➤ InnovationoftheYear:<br />

CMTG<br />

➤ ExporteroftheYear:SFL<br />

➤ Health&SafetyInitiativeof<br />

theYear:TDK<br />

➤ EnvironmentalProjectof<br />

theYear:Accord<br />

➤ <strong>Business</strong>Transformationof<br />

theYear:Eaton<br />

➤ ManufactureroftheYear:<br />

HeathcoatFabrics<br />

■ Detailsndma.org.uk<br />

• Annual Accounts<br />

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• Cloud Software<br />

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appointments at our Barnstaple<br />

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

HEADER NEWS<br />

From South Molton to the Rugby World Cup<br />

Aramis Rugby,thefamily-run<br />

sportsequipmentmanufacturer,<br />

basedinSouthMolton,has<br />

recentlycompleteditsbiggest<br />

everprojectatthe<strong>2023</strong>Rugby<br />

WorldCup.<br />

Thecompany,whichalso<br />

hasafactoryinPunjab,India,<br />

makesrugbyequipment<br />

includingitsuniquedigital<br />

scrummachines,tacklebags,<br />

rugbyballsandsportswear.It<br />

suppliesproductstonational<br />

unionpartnersItaly,Fijiand<br />

Samoaaswellasprofessional<br />

ItaliansideZebreParma.<br />

VikasandRoshniMahajan,<br />

whorunAramisRugby,are<br />

alsocommittedtosupporting<br />

communitysport,proudly<br />

providingequipmenttomore<br />

than4,700localschoolsand<br />

clubsintheUK.<br />

AramisRugby’sbiggest<br />

successtodateisasanOfficial<br />

SupporterofRugbyWorldCup<br />

France<strong>2023</strong>,havingprovided<br />

equipmenttoall20competing<br />

teams,includingitsanalytical<br />

scrummachines,whicharethe<br />

mostadvancedintheworld.<br />

100 years in business<br />

Thebusinesswasstartedby<br />

Vikas’grandfatherin1927,<br />

makinghockeysticksusedby<br />

theIndianOlympicTeamto<br />

wingoldateveryOlympics<br />

from1928until1956.This<br />

winningstreakendedin1960<br />

aftertheteamchangedsupplier.<br />

Thecompany,thenknown<br />

asIDM,expandedintocricket<br />

batsafterVikas’dad,Sukhdip,<br />

tookoverthebusiness.<br />

VikasmovedtoEnglandin<br />

2003andafterthecouple’s<br />

arrangedmarriageandbirthof<br />

theirson,Ryan,Roshnibecame<br />

moreinvolvedwiththebusiness,<br />

drawingonherdesignand<br />

engineeringbackground.<br />

SettlinginSouthMolton,<br />

whichhasnorecognisable<br />

Asiancommunity,Roshnisays:<br />

“Theymightthinkyou’rea<br />

professionallikeadoctoror<br />

nurseorsomething,but<br />

otherwiseit’ssurelygottobe<br />

thatyouarerunninga<br />

restaurantorashop.Somearea<br />

littletakenabackwhenthey<br />

discoverI’madirectorofa<br />

companythatisoneofthe<br />

biggestmanufacturersofrugby<br />

equipmentintheworld.<br />

Sheadds:“SouthMoltonis<br />

homenow;weallfeelpartof<br />

thecommunityandourson<br />

goestothelocalschool.”<br />

Rebranding to Aramis<br />

Vikashastravelledextensively<br />

andtookhisMaster’sin<br />

International<strong>Business</strong>in<br />

Germany.Itwastheplanned<br />

expansionofthebusinessinto<br />

theEuropeanmarketthatled<br />

torebrandingitasAramis<br />

afterthefamousmusketeer.<br />

Themoveintorugby<br />

equipmentandthestartof<br />

manufacturingintheUKcame<br />

aboutthroughAustralian<br />

connectionsestablishedby<br />

Vikas’brother,Ajay.<br />

Aramisisnowoneofvery<br />

fewUKrugbyretailersthat<br />

ownsandoperatesthe<br />

manufacturingsideofits<br />

business,withfactoriesin<br />

EnglandandIndia.<br />

Otherrugbybusinesses<br />

oftenoutsourcethissideofthe<br />

business,butitissomething<br />

Aramisseesgreatvalueinand,<br />

ultimately,iswhatledtothem<br />

developingtheirstate-of-theartscrummachines.<br />

Vikasexplains:“Scrum<br />

machineshaveexisted,inone<br />

formoranother,forawhile.<br />

Butwewantedtotakethescrum<br />

machineontothenextphase,a<br />

nextgenerationifyoulike.”<br />

Digital scrum machines<br />

Guidedbythisphilosophy,they<br />

broughtinformerEngland<br />

internationalNigelHortonand<br />

usedAjay’scivilengineering<br />

experiencetodevelopthisnext<br />

generation.Roshnihelped<br />

realisetheseplanswithher<br />

designskills,whichledto<br />

Aramislaunchingtheirfirst<br />

modelin2016.<br />

Aramis Rugby equipment at the Rugby World Cup <strong>2023</strong> in France<br />

Thescrummachinedisplayed<br />

theforcebeingusedbyaplayer<br />

andalsorecordedthatforce<br />

digitallytopreserveatimeline<br />

whichcouldthenbeusedfor<br />

post-analysis.Thisallows<br />

playerstomonitorandimprove<br />

theirperformance.<br />

Followingitsachievements<br />

attheRugbyWorldCup,<br />

Aramisplanstocontinueto<br />

Aramis Rugby scrum machines manufactured in South Molton leaving for the<br />

Rugby World Cup <strong>2023</strong> in France<br />

innovate,withfivenewmodels<br />

ofscrummachines,andother<br />

traininggear,currentlyin<br />

researchanddevelopment.The<br />

firmiscollaboratingwithExeter<br />

Universityonthiswithaspecial<br />

emphasisonplayersafety.<br />

Roshniconcludes:“Wedon’t<br />

justwantthenameAramisto<br />

beassociatedwiththegame,we<br />

wantittobethenamepeople<br />

thinkoffirst.”<br />

VikasMahajanisoneofthe<br />

independentjudgesforthe<br />

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

■ Details01769550284or<br />

aramisrugby.co.uk<br />

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

NEWS<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 />

Full capacity: (from left) Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council<br />

cabinet member for economic recovery skills, Node general manager Julian<br />

Dymond and Stannp.Com chief executive Sam Heaton<br />

Offices at full capacity<br />

Node Coworkbusinesshubat<br />

Roundswellhasreached<br />

capacityjustfourmonthsafter<br />

its£2.1mextensionhas<br />

opened,provingthegrowing<br />

demandformodern<br />

workspaceinNorthDevon.<br />

NodeCoworkopenedin<br />

October2021andoffers<br />

hireableoffices,coworking<br />

andbusinesssupportto<br />

championentrepreneurshipin<br />

NorthDevonandsupportthe<br />

localeconomy.<br />

Sinceopening,thehubhas<br />

attracted50+membersinits<br />

coworkingspaceandseenits<br />

otherofficesreachcapacity,<br />

promptingtheneedforthe<br />

expansion.<br />

All5,780sqftofthenew<br />

officespace,whichopenedin<br />

June<strong>2023</strong>,havenowbeenlet.<br />

Thisincludeslargeflexible<br />

offices,ameetingroom,a<br />

kitchenandfacilities.<br />

Theextensiontothe<br />

buildingofficiallyopenedin<br />

Mayandwasfundedthrough<br />

investmentfromtheEuropean<br />

RegionalDevelopmentFund<br />

(ERDF)andHeartofthe<br />

SouthWestLocalEnterprise<br />

Partnership,andDevon<br />

CountyCouncil.<br />

Oneofthecompanies<br />

occupyingthenewspaceis<br />

digitaldirectmailplatform<br />

Stannp.com.Itsteamhas<br />

grownbyaquarterinthepast<br />

twoyearsto53membersof<br />

staffandithasmorethan<br />

doubleditscustomerbase.<br />

Stannp.comoperatesacross<br />

theUK,USandCanadaand<br />

nowbasesitselfoutofNode.<br />

SamHeaton,growth<br />

directoratStannp.com,said<br />

spacessuchasNodeandthe<br />

impressivelocaltalentpool<br />

areproofthatNorthDevon<br />

shouldnotbeoverlookedasa<br />

thrivinghubforbusiness.<br />

Samsaid,“Asatech-first<br />

company,wewerelookingfor<br />

somewheremodernthathada<br />

realenergyandafeelof<br />

innovationaboutit.Node<br />

exceededourexpectations–<br />

it’ssorefreshingtobearound<br />

otherlike-mindedcompanies,<br />

notjustsociallybutinthe<br />

collaborativeopportunities<br />

thatcomewiththesharingof<br />

localknowledgeandideas.<br />

“Despiteworkingacrossthe<br />

UKandtheUS,we’venever<br />

wantedtoleaveNorthDevon–<br />

theaccesstotalenthereoften<br />

getsoverlooked,andIfeelthat<br />

themorespaceswehavelike<br />

theEnterpriseHub,themore<br />

opportunitywewillhavetoget<br />

thistalenttogetheranddo<br />

someincrediblethings.”<br />

NodeCoworkisoperated<br />

bycoworkingandbusiness<br />

supportspecialistTownSquare<br />

SpacesLtd(TownSq)onbehalf<br />

ofDevonCountyCouncil.<br />

Node’sgeneralmanager<br />

JulianDymondsaid:“Itfeels<br />

likeonlyafewmonthsagoI<br />

wastalkingabouthowexcited<br />

weweretoseeNodereaching<br />

capacityaheadofthe<br />

extensionopening–andthat’s<br />

becauseitwas!<br />

“Ourcoworkingspaceis<br />

growingandhasarealbuzz<br />

aboutit,ourmeetingrooms<br />

arebecomingincreasingly<br />

popularandourofficesare<br />

oversubscribed.”<br />

■ Details01271452442or<br />

nodecowork.co.uk<br />

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

HEADER<br />

ONE COMPLETE<br />

ONLINE SOLUTION<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

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

The ilabinBarnstaplehas<br />

becomethefirstandonlyApple<br />

certifiedindependentrepair<br />

provider(IRP)inNorthDevon.<br />

ProviderscertifiedbyApple<br />

havetomeetstrictcriteria<br />

includingusingApple-certified<br />

technicianstoperformrepairs.<br />

PaulPavey,co-founderof<br />

theilab,says:“Thisisincredibly<br />

excitingforusasitmeansour<br />

customerscantakeadvantage<br />

ofApple’smanufacturerquality<br />

standards,withrepairscarried<br />

outbyApple-certified<br />

technicians,butwiththeilab<br />

levelofcustomerservice.<br />

“Weunderstandhow<br />

importantcustomers’Apple<br />

devicesaretothem,whichis<br />

whywestrivetoofferthe<br />

highestqualityrepairservices<br />

available.OurApple-certified<br />

techniciansaretrainedand<br />

equippedwiththelatesttools<br />

toensurethatcustomers’<br />

devicesarerepairedtothe<br />

higheststandards,usinggenuine<br />

Applepartswherepossible.<br />

“Asanindependentrepair<br />

provider,wehavegonethrough<br />

therigoroustrainingandtesting<br />

requiredtobecomeanApplecertifiedserviceprovider.This<br />

BBxpo NEWS<br />

Store joins Apple certified<br />

independent repair programme<br />

Apple-certified independent repair centre: ilab team members in Barnstaple<br />

meansthatwehavemetthehigh<br />

standardssetbyApplefor<br />

repairquality,customerservice,<br />

andtechnicalexpertiseand<br />

havefullaccesstoApple’s<br />

diagnostictools,training<br />

documentation,calibration<br />

equipmentandgenuineparts,<br />

boughtdirectlyfromApple’s<br />

UKdistributioncentre.<br />

“Whenyouvisittheilab<br />

Barnstaple,youwillbewell<br />

lookedafter.You’llstillhavethe<br />

optionforgreatquality<br />

aftermarketrepairs,andalso<br />

thechoicetohavegenuine<br />

brandnewApplepartsfitted,<br />

fullycalibratedandtestedto<br />

ensureyourdeviceisbacktoits<br />

originalstandards.”<br />

Theilaboffersawiderange<br />

ofrepairservices,including<br />

batteryreplacement,screen<br />

repairs,waterdamagerepairs<br />

andmore.Italsooffersaquick<br />

turnaroundtime,withmost<br />

repairscompletedthesameday.<br />

“Webelieveintransparency<br />

andhonestywhenitcomesto<br />

ourservices,whichiswhywe<br />

provideafreediagnostic<br />

serviceforallAppleiPhones,”<br />

addsPaul.“Thismeansthatwe<br />

willdiagnosetheissuewith<br />

yourdeviceandprovideyou<br />

withaquotefortherepair<br />

beforeanyworkiscarriedout.”<br />

Inadditiontorepairservices<br />

onalldifferentbrandsand<br />

modelsofphones,theilab<br />

suppliesawiderangeof<br />

accessories,fromcasesand<br />

screenprotectorstochargers,<br />

headphonesandspeakersand<br />

more.Itsknowledgeablestaff<br />

canhelpcustomerschoosethe<br />

bestaccessoriestoprotectand<br />

enhanceaspecificdevice.<br />

“Wehavealwaystakenpride<br />

inwhatwedo,andstriveto<br />

offerourcustomersthebest<br />

qualityparts,”concludesPaul.<br />

“ThankstoApple’sIndependent<br />

RepairProviderProgrammewe<br />

havemanagedtotakethisto<br />

thenextlevel.”<br />

Theilabhaswonmany<br />

awardsincludingTop3Repair<br />

CentreUKand<strong>Business</strong><br />

<strong>Action</strong>’sConsumerService<br />

ExcellenceAward2021and<br />

BestRetailer2022and<strong>2023</strong>.<br />

■ Details01271323036or<br />

theilab.co.uk<br />

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

North Devon’s outdoor living<br />

specialistHeart,Smoke&Soal<br />

iscelebratingitsappointment<br />

asUKdistributorofiQGrills.<br />

Heart,Smoke&Soal’s<br />

dedicatedoutsideliving<br />

showroomonHolsworthy<br />

IndustrialEstateopenedas<br />

recentlyas2020,andthe<br />

businesshasquicklyestablished<br />

itselfasasupplierofpremium<br />

productsdeliveredwithfirstclassservice.<br />

Thebusinessgrewoutof<br />

theenthusiasmofZowieand<br />

GarethReesforopenair<br />

cookingandeating.Zowieis<br />

experiencedincooking<br />

barbecuesforlargenumbers<br />

ofpeopleandafterthecouple<br />

builtupasuccessfulheating<br />

andplumbingbusiness,they<br />

decidedtostartanewbusiness<br />

aroundtheirpassion.<br />

Luxury brand<br />

Theappointmentasdistributor<br />

foriQGrillsisabigvoteof<br />

confidenceinthebusiness<br />

fromaluxurybrand.<br />

iQGrillsarewellknownfor<br />

theirkamadogrills,which<br />

Heart,Smoke&Soalhave<br />

beenpromotingforseveral<br />

years,findingthemvery<br />

popularwithcustomers.<br />

ZowieandGarethalways<br />

testequipmentthemselves<br />

beforeofferingthemto<br />

customersandhaveassessed<br />

manygrills,findingthatthey<br />

prefertheiQGrillsmodels.<br />

“AhugesellingpointforiQ<br />

Grillsisthatalltheaccessories<br />

areincludedandyoucan<br />

literallyunpackitandit’s<br />

readytouse,”saysZowie.<br />

“Wehaveademonstration<br />

modelwhichwe’vetakento<br />

manyeventsandcookedup<br />

lunchesandevenpartiesonit<br />

anduseditatourownhome.”<br />

Kamadogrillsarebasedon<br />

HEADER BBxpo<br />

Outdoor living specialist<br />

sizzles with excitement<br />

claycookersusedintheFar<br />

Eastandaremanufactured<br />

fromheat-resistant,durable<br />

ceramicmaterials.Designed<br />

forcookingwiththelidclosed,<br />

theycookatveryhigh<br />

temperaturesandretainboth<br />

flavoursandsmoke.Thisalso<br />

suitsthemtocookingoutdoors<br />

intheunpredictableBritish<br />

climate.Kamadogrillsare<br />

veryversatile,suitablefor<br />

cookingawiderangeoffood,<br />

andcanbeusedtocook<br />

outdoorsallyearround.<br />

Promoting iQ Grills<br />

“Wealwaysgetsuchgreat<br />

feedbackfromthisproduct<br />

andwejustcan’tshoutaboutit<br />

enough,”addsZowie.<br />

“TheiQGrillsbrandhas<br />

beenintheUKjustovertwo<br />

yearsandwhenthe<br />

opportunityaroseforusto<br />

takeondistribution,wesaid<br />

yesstraightaway.<br />

“Wenowwanttogrowthe<br />

brandintheUKandraiseits<br />

profile.Wearealsolookingto<br />

runcookingcoursesspecifically<br />

oniQGrillsproductshereat<br />

ourshowroomin2024.”<br />

Heart,Smoke&Soalwill<br />

alsobedistributingiQGrills’<br />

owncharcoal,whichincludes<br />

birch,oakanditsrenowned<br />

QuebrachoBlanco,aSouth<br />

Americanwhiteoakandone<br />

ofthehardestwoodsinthe<br />

world.Thishasextreme<br />

density,burnsveryslowlyand<br />

itslargechunkscanbebroken<br />

intosmallerpiecesasrequired,<br />

idealforrestaurantsand<br />

seriousBBQcooks.<br />

Growing UK presence<br />

iQGrillshasasignificant<br />

presenceintheNetherlands<br />

andEuropeandhaswon<br />

awardsforthebestceramic<br />

grillonthemarket.<br />

ZowieaimstogrowitsUK<br />

presencebyappointing<br />

specialistretailersforits<br />

productsacrossthecountry.<br />

Heart,Smoke&Soalwillbe<br />

sellingiQGrillsproductsfrom<br />

itsHolsworthyshowroomand<br />

onitswebsite.<br />

■ Details01409251357or<br />

heartsmokesoal.co.uk<br />

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

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