Business Action | Spring 2024
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Business Action | Spring 2024

Spring 2024 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news on business and enterprise in the area. This issue includes finalists in the North Devon Business Awards 2024, how to book tickets for the North Devon Business Awards Celebration Event, a focus on Torrington business and articles on manufacturers, local business directory listings plus more.

Spring 2024 issue of the independent North Devon-based business magazine covering news on business and enterprise in the area. This issue includes finalists in the North Devon Business Awards 2024, how to book tickets for the North Devon Business Awards Celebration Event, a focus on Torrington business and articles on manufacturers, 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 />

Online @ business-action.uk | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | News updates @ business-action.co.uk

CONTENTS<br />

Book stands<br />

Bideford – 31 October<br />

Vol 6 Issue 1 – <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> – distribution 2,000<br />

WELCOME<br />

Robert Zarywacz<br />

Editor & Publisher<br />

t: 07971 176044<br />

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

The yearisflyingbyandalready<br />

wehaveorganisedthefirst<br />

BBxpoIlfracombeexhibition,<br />

attractedandjudgedtheNorth<br />

Devon<strong>Business</strong>Awards<strong>2024</strong><br />

entriesandpublishedthisfirst<br />

magazineof<strong>2024</strong>withenough<br />

storiesleftovertofillthe<br />

summerissue.<br />

<strong>Business</strong>isstilltough,but<br />

therearesomanyNorthDevon<br />

businesspeoplewhoare<br />

makingthingshappenby<br />

startingorexpandingtheir<br />

businesses,developingnew<br />

productsandachievingsuccess.<br />

Thisiswhatinspiresthe<br />

magazineandcreateshopefor<br />

thefutureafterfouryearsof<br />

unrelentingchallenges.<br />

Ispeaktomanypeoplein<br />

businesswhoIwanttowrite<br />

about,buttimeandmagazine<br />

spaceislimited.Don’tworry–<br />

youwillbefeatured.<br />

It’shearteningtoseethat<br />

thereissomuchenterprisein<br />

NorthDevonprovidingenough<br />

materialformanymoreissues<br />

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

SPRING <strong>2024</strong> CONTENTS<br />

Book your BBxpo Bideford stand for 31 October....................................<br />

Children’s hospice business club seeks new members....................... 1<br />

Animate your logo.................................................................................................. 1<br />

Welding showcase open to professionals and hobbyists.................... 2<br />

Reflecting excellence worldwide..................................................................... 3<br />

Torrington: Park and marvel.............................................................................. 4<br />

Torrington: Customer service strikes a chord .......................................... 4<br />

Torrington: Pannier Market................................................................................. 4<br />

Torrington: Celebrating a decade of rustic elegance............................. 5<br />

Torrington: Wombles of Torrington Commons knit together.............. 5<br />

Play your part in shaping the workforce of the future........................... 6<br />

Advertise from £30 a year with <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong>...................................... 6<br />

Devon Create Growth Programme.................................................................. 6<br />

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

30 years of z2z.......................................................................................................... 8<br />

Construction firm beats target for mental health support .................. 8<br />

<strong>Business</strong>es need to be more vigilant on AI cybercrime........................ 9<br />

Bideford: A friendly welcome to put a smile on your face .................. 10<br />

Bideford: Traditional stationery and craft store........................................ 10<br />

Awards: Who will win?......................................................................................... 11<br />

Awards: <strong>Business</strong> of the Year sponsor........................................................ 11<br />

Awards: Thank you to our judges................................................................... 11<br />

Awards: New artist awards inspire entries.................................................. 12<br />

Awards: Who are the finalists?......................................................................... 14<br />

Awards: Book tickets for the Awards Celebration................................... 24<br />

ii<br />

BBxpo<br />

BBxpo cream tea: (from left) <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> editor Robert Zarywacz with<br />

Mayor of Ilfracombe Dan Turton. Photo courtesy of Beep Media<br />

An impressive selectionof<br />

exhibitorsbroughtavaluable<br />

rangeofproductsandservices<br />

tothefirstBBxpoIlfracombe<br />

attheLandmarkTheatre.<br />

Triallingthesuccessful<br />

formatfromfiveyearsof<br />

eventsinBideford,theaimis<br />

toestablishanannualspring<br />

eventinIlfracombewithan<br />

autumneventinBideford.<br />

BBxpoBidefordreturnson<br />

Thursday31October–book<br />

exhibitorstandsatbbxpo.uk<br />

Book your Bideford stand now at<br />

bbxpo.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>2024</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 magazine do not constitute business advice. Readers are strongly recommended to seek advice from an appropriate professional before taking any action on<br />

any topic discussed in the magazine and to check full terms and conditions of any products or services promoted in advertisements.<br />

ii<br />

business action | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business-action.co.uk

NEWS<br />

Blights, Serving<br />

North Devon<br />

Motorists for<br />

over 90 Years<br />

Children’s hospice business<br />

club seeks new members<br />

Children’s Hospice South<br />

West(CHSW)isrelaunching<br />

itsbusinessclubandinvites<br />

businessesfromacrossthe<br />

SouthWesttojoinitsregional<br />

networkingclub,connecting<br />

withlike-mindedbusiness<br />

supporterswhocareabout<br />

theircommunity.<br />

Thecharity,whichruns<br />

threechildren’shospices<br />

includingLittleBridgeHouse<br />

inBarnstaple,launchedits<br />

businessclubinitiativein2021<br />

forcompaniestoremain<br />

connectedinthepandemic.<br />

Sincethen,morethan150<br />

membershavejoinedtoshare<br />

ideasandraiseawarenessof<br />

theirbusinessatnetworking<br />

events,whiletheirsupporthas<br />

alsohelpedCHSWtocontinue<br />

providingvitalhospicecare<br />

forhundredsoflocalchildren<br />

andtheirfamilies.<br />

EmmaPerry,headof<br />

fundraisingatLittleBridge<br />

House,saidthecharityhoped<br />

toreachouttoevenmore<br />

businesses–bigandsmall–in<br />

<strong>2024</strong>:“Asaregionalcharity,we<br />

partnerwithbusinessesofall<br />

sizes,fromfamily-runfirmsto<br />

nationalbrands.Ifyoujoin,<br />

youwillhavethechanceto<br />

networkandshareideaswith<br />

thisinspiringcommunityof<br />

like-mindedbusinesses.<br />

Membersalsobenefitfrom<br />

coverageonCHSW’ssocial<br />

mediachannelsandreceive<br />

regularupdatesabouthow<br />

theirsupportismakinga<br />

difference.”<br />

Thecharityisholding<br />

variousclubeventsthroughout<br />

theyear.Ithelditsfirstoneat<br />

LittleBridgeHouseinMarch<br />

andwillhostothersinDevon<br />

on1Julyand16October<strong>2024</strong>.<br />

Asaregionalclub,eventsare<br />

alsoscheduledacross<br />

SomersetandCornwallfor<br />

memberstoattendandmake<br />

newconnections.<br />

Emmaadds:“Itcostsjust<br />

£300tojoinfortheyear,less<br />

than£1aday,andprovides12<br />

monthsofopportunities,as<br />

wellastheknowledgethat<br />

yourbusinessispartofa<br />

familyofsupportersensuring<br />

CHSWisthereforlocal<br />

familiesnowandinthefuture.”<br />

■ Detailschsw.org.uk/<br />

businessclub<br />

Gilbert Stephens Solicitors in Exeter celebrate joining CHSW’s business club<br />

New & Used Cars<br />

MOT's & Servicing<br />

Spar & Costa Co ee<br />

Instavolt Electric Charging<br />

Esso Fuel<br />

Car & Van Hire<br />

Motability<br />

Handy Cross, Clovelly Road, Bideford, EX39 3ET<br />

www. blightsmotors.co.uk<br />

Hocus,inagrandcollaboration<br />

withTheMasquerade,invites<br />

youtoapivotaleventwhere<br />

brandingmeetsbusiness<br />

networkinginBarnstaple.<br />

Thisenchantingeveningwill<br />

notonlyrevealthetransformative<br />

magicofanimationforyour<br />

brandbutalsoopendoorsto<br />

invaluableconnectionswiththe<br />

localbusinesscommunity.<br />

Aslogoscomealiveand<br />

productstelltheirstories,you’ll<br />

havetheopportunitytomingle<br />

withpeers,shareinsights,and<br />

forgenewpartnerships.Each<br />

RSVPguaranteesyouaspotin<br />

AN INVITATION<br />

Animate your logo<br />

thisuniqueconvergenceof<br />

creativityandcommerce,along<br />

withaspecialmemento–a<br />

custom-animatedversionof<br />

yourbrand’slogo.<br />

Joinusforthisinnovative<br />

fusionofnetworkingandbrand<br />

elevation,wheretheextraordinaryhappens.<br />

LetHocus,withthegracious<br />

sponsorshipofTheMasquerade,<br />

castaspellonyourbusiness<br />

presenceandweaveyouinto<br />

thefabricofBarnstaple’s<br />

vibrantcommercialtapestry.<br />

■ RSVPticketsource.co.uk/<br />

13047421/t-lnmdqjv<br />

1933 2023<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business action 1

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 />

MANUFACTURING HEADER<br />

Welding showcase open to<br />

professionals and hobbyists<br />

Wellington Welding Supplies<br />

atRoundswellishostingits<br />

NorthDevonEngineering&<br />

ManufacturingShowcase<strong>2024</strong><br />

onFriday26Aprilfrom9am<br />

to5pmfeaturingindustry<br />

leadersinweldingandcutting<br />

technology,includingKemppi,<br />

ESABandFronius.<br />

Wellingtonlooksforward<br />

towelcomingprofessionalsin<br />

theindustry,hobbyistsor<br />

completenoviceswhoare<br />

curioustofindoutmoreabout<br />

theweldingindustry.<br />

Exhibitors<br />

Avariedselectionofexhibitors<br />

willrepresentthecuttingedge<br />

oftechnologyinthewelding,<br />

cutting,andpowertool<br />

industries,providingvisitors<br />

withinsightsintothelatest<br />

innovationsandsolutions<br />

shapingthesedynamicsectors:<br />

➤ Kemppi,withdecadesof<br />

expertise,bringscuttingedgeweldingsolutionsthat<br />

prioritisequalityand<br />

sustainability,cateringto<br />

professionalsworldwide.<br />

➤ ESAB,aglobalweldingand<br />

cuttingsolutionsprovider,<br />

hasahistorydatingbackto<br />

the1900sandisknownfor<br />

itsinnovativetechnology<br />

andcommitmentto<br />

customersatisfaction.<br />

➤ Fronius,anAustrian-based<br />

company,standsoutforits<br />

rangeofadvancedwelding<br />

equipmentandautomation<br />

systemsaddressingevolving<br />

needsofprofessionalsin<br />

varioussectors.<br />

➤ Hypertherm,akeyplayerin<br />

plasmacuttingtechnology.<br />

➤ Klingspor,arenowned<br />

abrasivesmanufacturer,<br />

offeringhigh-performance<br />

solutionsformetalworking<br />

andsurfacepreparation.<br />

➤ Fein,aGermanpowerhouse<br />

inpowertoolsknownfor<br />

precisionanddurability.<br />

About Wellington<br />

WellingtonWeldingSupplies<br />

UK,foundedin1964,isoneof<br />

theoldestdistributorsof<br />

weldingmachinesintheUK.<br />

Itsuppliesawiderangeof<br />

weldingsupplies,MIG<br />

welders,TIGwelders,welding<br />

toolsandweldingequipment,<br />

frominexpensivebrands<br />

suitableforhobbyiststo<br />

professionalbrandsforthe<br />

industrialwelder.<br />

Italsoprovidesawide<br />

rangeofweldingconsumables<br />

andeverythingnecessaryfor<br />

themodernwelder.<br />

Wellingtonoffersafull<br />

servicefromcradletograveon<br />

weldingandcuttingequipment<br />

viaitsowndedicated,<br />

experiencedandtrained<br />

serviceengineers.Itfully<br />

supportsallequipmentitsells<br />

withserviceandcalibration<br />

availablebothin-houseandon<br />

site.Itsteamoffiveservice<br />

engineers–basedatitssix<br />

depotsinAvonmouth,<br />

Barnstaple,Fareham,<br />

Plymouth,PooleandRedruth<br />

–supportcustomerswiththeir<br />

equipmentservicingor<br />

calibrationrequirements.<br />

Todiscovermore,visit<br />

WellingtonWeldingSupplies<br />

UK’sNorthDevonshowcase.<br />

■ Details01271325333or<br />

wellyweld.com<br />

Contact : info@tawtech.com<br />

01271 377688<br />

www.tawtech.com<br />

2 business action | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business-action.co.uk

HEADER<br />

Reflecting excellence worldwide<br />

Take a closer lookatany<br />

industryandyousoondiscover<br />

multiplelayersofcomplexity.<br />

Forexample,SFLFlues&<br />

Chimneysmanufacturessimple<br />

domesticgasventsandstove<br />

flues,butalsoresearches,<br />

developsandproduceslarge,<br />

verycomplexcommercial<br />

chimneysystems.<br />

Theseaddressnotonlythe<br />

specificrequirementsof<br />

individualsectors–from<br />

bakeries,coffeeroastersand<br />

pizzacompaniestodata<br />

centres,carehomes,hospitals<br />

andoilrigs–butalsolocal<br />

climaticconditionswhereverin<br />

theworldcustomersoperate.<br />

50+ years of expertise<br />

SFLhasestablisheditsindustry<br />

expertiseandglobalreputation<br />

ofitstrusted13brandsover<br />

50+yearsofoperationin<br />

Barnstaple,startingasSelkirk<br />

andnowasanautonomous<br />

memberoftheEuropean-wide<br />

SpheringGroup.<br />

Thisofferscollaboration<br />

withothergroupchimneyand<br />

flueproducersandprovides<br />

supportviaSphering’sWeLab®<br />

R&Dcentre.Theserelationships<br />

alsobringaccesstopartner<br />

companies’complementary<br />

products,enablingSFLto<br />

customisecomprehensive<br />

packagestomeetcustomers’<br />

specificrequirements.<br />

What happens inside the large buildings on North Devon business<br />

estates? Few appreciate the scale of specialist manufacturing which<br />

produces materials, parts and products, a lot of which are exported<br />

across the world. Editor Robert Zarywacz always welcomes the<br />

opportunity to visit these facilities and share stories illustrating the<br />

important role manufacturers play in the area. Recently, he visited SFL<br />

Flues & Chimneys at Pottington to see how they manufacture highquality<br />

products for both UK and international customers<br />

North Devon employer<br />

FirmlybasedinNorthDevon,<br />

SFL’s80+dedicatedemployees<br />

shareawealthofengineering<br />

expertiseandskillsestablished<br />

overdecades.Recognisingthe<br />

valueofitsteam,SFLis<br />

investingintherefurbishment<br />

ofitsemployeefacilities.<br />

Investing to innovate<br />

SFLalsomaintainscontinuous<br />

investmenttoensurethe<br />

productionfacilitiesatits<br />

120,000sqftmanufacturing<br />

plantremainuptodate.<br />

Therecentadditionofahigh<br />

precisionfibrelasercutting<br />

machineandpressbrake,and<br />

othersignificantinvestments<br />

alreadyapprovedmaintain<br />

SFL’spositionattheforefrontof<br />

advancedflueandchimney<br />

innovation,manufacturingand<br />

technology.Thisengineering<br />

excellenceisassociatedwithits<br />

portfolioofbrands,whichare<br />

recognisedinternationallyfor<br />

theirhighquality.<br />

Itisvitalforspecifiers,<br />

contractors,andhouseholders<br />

toknowthattheycanrelyon<br />

productperformancewith<br />

completeconfidence.This<br />

includeseaseandspeedof<br />

installation,whichare<br />

supportedbydesignfeatures<br />

suchastwist-lockjointing<br />

connectionsprovidingrapid<br />

andsecurejoints.<br />

Service and performance<br />

SFLiscommittedtoproviding<br />

excellentcustomerserviceand<br />

offershigh-qualitytechnical<br />

supportateverystageofdesign,<br />

manufactureandsupply.<br />

Thisappliesbothtoits<br />

domesticbrands–aimedat<br />

wood-fired,multi-fuelstoves<br />

andgasandoil-fuelledboilers,<br />

mostlyreadilyavailablefrom<br />

warehousestock–andtomore<br />

complexcommercialproducts.<br />

SFLworksinpartnership<br />

withcustomers,consultingon<br />

individualandspecificmarket<br />

requirementsandvisitingthem<br />

intheUKandoverseas.<br />

WithitsextensiveR&D<br />

centreandtestingfacilitiesin<br />

Barnstaple,SFLtestsproducts<br />

toensuretheymaintainhigh<br />

performance,especiallyin<br />

extremeenvironmentsand<br />

weatherconditions.Testscan<br />

measurethermal,mechanical,<br />

tightnessandfinedust<br />

performance.Forexample,<br />

simulatingeffectsof120mph<br />

continuouswindsexperienced<br />

duringtyphoonsassures<br />

customersinJapanthatSFL<br />

productsdeliverthedemanding<br />

performancetheyrequire.<br />

Selling worldwide<br />

Testingisalsovitalforattaining<br />

andmaintaininginternational<br />

qualityandsafetystandards.<br />

SFLproductsbeartheUL<br />

markforUSandCanadian<br />

markets,aswellasEuropean<br />

CEandUKCAmarks.Inthe<br />

UK,SFLproductsareHETAS<br />

(HeatingEquipmentTesting<br />

andApprovalScheme)<br />

approved,whileitsoperations<br />

areaccreditedtotheglobalISO<br />

9001qualitystandard.<br />

Theseaccreditations<br />

underpinSFL’sinternational<br />

reputation,reflectedinits<br />

exportof30%+ofproduction<br />

totheUSA,JapanandEurope.<br />

ThiswasrecognisedbySFL<br />

winningtheNorthDevon<br />

ManufacturersAssociation’s<br />

ExporteroftheYear2023.<br />

SFL’sachievementsremind<br />

usofmanufacturers’importance<br />

totheNorthDevoneconomy.<br />

■ Details01271326633or<br />

sflchimneys.com<br />

SFL’s recent investment includes a high precision fibre laser cutter<br />

SFL products are shipped from Barnstaple across the world<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business action 3

HEADER<br />

Writing about businessesin<br />

NorthDevonisadreamjob.<br />

Thinkabouttravellingto<br />

Torrington:Ihavetotear<br />

myselfawayfromtheview<br />

fromthecarpark–probably<br />

themoststunningviewofany<br />

Englishtowncentrecarpark–<br />

andthenwalkthroughthe<br />

delightfulPannierMarket.<br />

Asinallourtownsand<br />

villages,tradersarewelcoming<br />

andhelpful,andthequality<br />

andrangeofgoodsand<br />

servicesonofferbeatany<br />

facelesscitymallstuffedwith<br />

lookalikenationalchains.<br />

An idea to openaspecialist<br />

musicshopinTorrington<br />

strucksuchachordwiththe<br />

communitythatithasnow<br />

celebrateditsthirdyearin<br />

businessandattractscustomers<br />

fromacrossthearea.<br />

HighlyStrungisrunby<br />

VickyandBrianConrad,both<br />

musicians,wholaunchedthe<br />

shopduringthepandemicon<br />

thebasisthatsome10%ofthe<br />

populationplayinstruments.<br />

Itnowsuppliesguitars,<br />

banjos,ukuleles,mandolins,<br />

bassguitarsandotherstringed<br />

instrumentsplusstrings,<br />

tuners,capos,gigbags,straps,<br />

standsandotheressential<br />

musicaccessories.<br />

Whereascheapandpoorly<br />

mademusicalinstrumentscan<br />

bepurchasedeasilyonline,<br />

HighlyStrung’sethosisto<br />

supplyonlygenuine,high<br />

qualityproducts.Theyspend<br />

Park and marvel<br />

Yetourmanymarvellous<br />

independentretailersneed<br />

morecustomers.Highstreets<br />

Customer service strikes a<br />

chord with musical customers<br />

timeresearchinginstruments<br />

andaccessories,seekingto<br />

sourceUKandEuropean<br />

productswhereverpossible.<br />

“Everythingintheshop<br />

plays,”saysBrian.“Ifweare<br />

nothappywithaninstrument,<br />

itwon’tleavetheshop.Weare<br />

Pannier Market<br />

TorringtonPannierMarketisaVictorian<br />

panniermarketof12smallindoorshops<br />

(opendaily)–sixeithersideofacobbledlane<br />

builtin1842andrestoredin1999.Thefront<br />

markettownhouseisaGradeIIlistedbuilding.<br />

MarketsareheldeveryFridayandSaturday<br />

from9amto3pm.<br />

■ Formarketdetails,visitfacebook.com/<br />

GreatTorringtonPannierMarketAndArcade<br />

havestilltorecoverafter<br />

pandemicpoliciesclearedthem<br />

ofshoppers.Manypeoplehave<br />

confidentthateverycustomer<br />

walkingouttheshopwillbe<br />

satisfied.”<br />

Customerserviceisthetop<br />

priorityforVickyandBrian.<br />

“Wecaterforalllevelsand<br />

aregoodatstartingjourneys.<br />

Weengageandcanassess<br />

yettorediscoverthesheer<br />

enjoymentoftalkingtoreal<br />

shopkeepers,browsingthrough<br />

qualitymerchandise,receiving<br />

personalattentionandbeing<br />

treatedwithouthurry,notas<br />

anotherfacelessstatistic,but<br />

asavaluedcustomer.<br />

Toexperienceallthis,visit<br />

Torringtonwithitsmanystores<br />

plusPannierMarket(above<br />

centre)andtownsquare<br />

(bottomright).Don’tforgetto<br />

marvelattheviewfromthe<br />

carpark(top)orenjoywalks<br />

along20milesoffootpaths<br />

throughTorringtonCommons.<br />

customers,whatevermusic<br />

theylistento,whereverthey<br />

wanttogosotheyselectthe<br />

mostsuitableinstrument–we<br />

helpthemontheirway.We<br />

startarelationshipandthey<br />

usuallycomeback.”<br />

Peoplealsobringin<br />

instrumentstheyalreadyown<br />

fortheadviceandservicethat<br />

HighlyStrungprovides.Italso<br />

offersrepairsthroughan<br />

experiencedluthierwho<br />

makescustominstruments.<br />

HighlyStrungisverymuch<br />

apartofthecommunityand<br />

providesfreewifithroughout<br />

thePannierMarket.Ithas<br />

providedabenchoutsidethe<br />

storeformusicianstositon<br />

andplay,andorganisesmusic<br />

andbuskersaspartof<br />

communityeventsand<br />

celebrationsinthetown.<br />

■ Fordetailsvisit<br />

FB@HighlyStrungMusicShop<br />

4 business action | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business-action.co.uk

TORRINGTON HEADER<br />

When long-time friends<br />

AlisonBennettandTeena<br />

Wrightstartedamarketstallin<br />

TorringtonPannierMarket,<br />

theyhadlittleideathatthey<br />

wouldgoontocelebrate10<br />

yearsofrunningtheirbusiness<br />

intheirownstore.<br />

Kitch‘n’Cupboard,now<br />

locatedattheentrancetothe<br />

market,promisesatouchof<br />

rusticeleganceinitseclectic<br />

selectionofgiftware,jewellery<br />

andhomeware.<br />

AlisonandTeenaaimto<br />

sourcelocalorfairtrade<br />

Crafty Needlesopenedin<br />

1999andforthepast10years<br />

hasbeenrunbyownerSusan<br />

Shrubsole,whodescribesthe<br />

haberdasherystoreasher<br />

dreambusiness.<br />

Susanisassistedinthestore<br />

byJoHuntandthebusinessis<br />

verymuchateameffort.<br />

Susanlearnedtoknit,<br />

crochetandsewbytheageof<br />

eightandherenthusiasmfor<br />

andenjoymentofmakingis<br />

reflectedinthefrequently<br />

changingwindowdisplays,<br />

featuringcreationsillustrating<br />

differentthemes,suchas<br />

charactersfromclassicand<br />

modernchildren’stelevision<br />

programmes(pictured)–can<br />

youidentifythem?<br />

CraftyNeedlesisareal<br />

Celebrating a decade<br />

of rustic elegance<br />

productswhereverpossibleand<br />

featureanumberofTorrington<br />

makersinthestore.Theyalso<br />

stocklocallymadejamsand<br />

plantsgrowninthearea.<br />

“Westartedasahobby<br />

businessanddevelopeditintoa<br />

full-timebusiness,”saysAlison.<br />

“Wereallyenjoywhatwedo<br />

andhavelotsoffunsourcing<br />

newproducts.Wehavesomany<br />

differentthingsthatthereislots<br />

ofchoiceandwekeepchanging<br />

thingstokeepitfresh.<br />

“Peoplecomeintobuygifts<br />

andweareverywellsupported<br />

locally.Wealsogetcustomers<br />

returningeveryyearonholiday.<br />

“Weprovidepersonalservice<br />

andalwaysgotheextramile.”<br />

Wombles of Torrington<br />

Commons knit together<br />

haberdasheryshop:an<br />

Aladdin’scageofmaterials,<br />

woolandaccessoriesofmany<br />

patternsandcolours.Itcaters<br />

foravarietyofhandicrafts<br />

includingsewing,knitting,<br />

crochetandneedlework.<br />

Susansaysthathandicrafts<br />

arenotonlypractisedbyolder<br />

peoplebutthatanumberof<br />

youngerpeoplearetaking<br />

themupandbecomingvery<br />

proficient.Thestore’sSaturday<br />

assistantalsoknitsandmakes<br />

Teenaaddsthattheyboth<br />

“reallyappreciatetheinvaluable<br />

supportfromlocalsand<br />

customerseverywhere”.<br />

“Torringtonhassucha<br />

lovelycommunity,”saysAlison.<br />

“Peoplewillcomeinforachat<br />

andhelpeachotherout.We<br />

feelpartofthecommunityand<br />

lovebeinginthemarket.<br />

“We’reveryproudtobe<br />

celebrating10yearsinretail.<br />

WesurvivedCovidandcame<br />

outstronger.”<br />

■ Fordetailsvisit<br />

FB@KitchNCupboard<br />

herowncreations,someof<br />

whichfeatureintheshop<br />

windowdisplays.Susansays<br />

thisisimportant,asyouneed<br />

toknowwhatyou’redoing<br />

whenservingcustomers.It<br />

alsomeanstheteamcanlet<br />

theirimaginationsrunriot<br />

whenmakingitemsforthe<br />

shopwindow.Theyhavefun<br />

workingoutthemesandthey<br />

enjoyseeingpeople’sreactions<br />

tothechangingdisplays.<br />

Friendlyservicehasbeen<br />

essentialinretainingloyal<br />

customersallthroughthe<br />

pandemic.Aswellaslocal<br />

customers,CraftyNeedles<br />

attractscustomersfromExeter<br />

andreturningholidaymakers.<br />

■ Details01805624416or<br />

FB@CraftyNeedlesTorrington<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business action 5

PetrocisencouragingNorth<br />

Devonbusinessesto“play<br />

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freshperspective.<br />

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Connecting with local<br />

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Petrociscurrentlyseeking<br />

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Petrocisalsokeentodiscuss<br />

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September<strong>2024</strong>:<br />

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Creative UKiscurrently<br />

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creativebusinessesinDevon<br />

afterhelpingDevonCounty<br />

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fundingapplicationfromthe<br />

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Theprogrammeisaimedat<br />

companies,CICsandcharities<br />

inthedesign,fashion,<br />

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heritage,craftandmedia<br />

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CreativeUKhostedtwo<br />

eventsinBarnstapleinMarch<br />

forbusinessesinterestedin<br />

joiningtheprogrammebefore<br />

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Theprogrammeisdelivered<br />

byCreativeUKinpartnership<br />

withWestofEngland<br />

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designedtogivecreative<br />

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wearecreative.uk<br />

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welcomeCreativeUKasthe<br />

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Award<strong>2024</strong>–seepage14for<br />

thelistoffinalists.<br />

6 business action | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business-action.co.uk

DIRECTORY HEADER<br />

ACCOUNTANTS<br />

Azets<br />

South Molton<br />

t: 01769 572404<br />

t: azets.co.uk<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 />

ARTS & CREATIVE<br />

Creative UK<br />

w: wearecreative.uk<br />

North Devon Arts<br />

w: northdevonarts.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 725393<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 />

Together Financial Solutions<br />

Barnstaple<br />

t: 01271 346123<br />

w: togetherfinancialsolutions.co.uk<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 />

Pedlars<br />

Ilfracombe<br />

t: 01271 863509<br />

w: Facebook @pedlarsofilfracombe<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 />

needitfindit.ukNorth<br />

Devon<strong>Business</strong>Directory<br />

withbusinessnameand<br />

category,logo,phone<br />

number,addressandlinks.<br />

➤ 4issuesofmagazinemailed<br />

directtoyourUKaddress.<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business action 7

CONTENTS HEADER NEWS<br />

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Somehow30yearshaveslippedpast–saysRobertZarywacz,<br />

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mycorporatejobandenteredself-employment.<br />

ThissetmeonajourneythatbroughtmetoNorthDevonand<br />

tostarting<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>magazineandorganisingbusiness<br />

exhibitionshere.<br />

In the beginning<br />

In1994,myfirstclientworkwasproofreadinginthein-house<br />

studioofSafewayStoresatitsheadquartersinHayes,Middlesex.<br />

Whatwasintendedasastop-gaptopaythemortgagewhileI<br />

establishedmyselfasacommercialcopywriterturnedintoa10-<br />

yearrelationship,whichonlyendedwiththetakeoverofthe<br />

companyandclosureoftheHQ.<br />

Earlyon,mybrotherSimonjoinedmeandweformedour<br />

Zarywaczpartnership–usingoursurnameasourbrandbecause<br />

noonecouldspellorpronounceit,buttheydidrememberus.<br />

Inthosedays,theinternetwasjusttakingoffandwhenwebuilt<br />

ourfirstwebsiteinhtmlandwithAdobePageMill–anyone<br />

rememberthat?–wedecidedtochoosetheshortest,most<br />

memorablewebaddresstorepresentus,asweknewnoonewould<br />

beabletotypeoursurname–wehaveowned z2z.comeversince.<br />

Mynext-doorneighboursinWindsor,whohadrecentlystarted<br />

whatwastogrowintoasuccessfulinternationaltravelmagazine,<br />

sawourwebsiteandaskedustobuildoneforthem.Wehadnever<br />

intendedtobuildwebsitesforclients,butthoughtitagood<br />

opportunityandSimonbuiltit.Thentheyaskedustoaddthe<br />

facilityforreaderstopayforsubscriptionsonline–atatimewhen<br />

Construction firm beats target<br />

for mental health support<br />

Construction firm TCihas<br />

brokenitstargetofraising<br />

£10,000foritschosen2023<br />

charity,FamilyCompass,by<br />

raising£12,498.95.<br />

FamilyCompasshelps<br />

childrenandfamiliesto<br />

improvetheirmentalhealth<br />

andwellbeingbeforethey<br />

reachcrisispoint.<br />

“Therehavebeenincredible<br />

effortsfromourTCiteamover<br />

thepastyear,”saidTCi’s<br />

MeganBarnes,who<br />

coordinatedthefundraising.<br />

“Fromdress-downFridays<br />

andsportingsweepstakesto<br />

ourannualChristmasraffle,<br />

we’vemadesurethateveryone<br />

hadachancetogetinvolved<br />

andmakeadifference.”<br />

“Butitdidn’tstopthere.<br />

Ourboardofdirectorshave<br />

takenonsomeepicchallenges<br />

toraisefundsandawareness:<br />

chairmanAdrianSealeyand<br />

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climbed16,100fttothetopof<br />

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directorsCallumBowdenand<br />

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directorAlexSleetookthe<br />

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andconstructiondirectorJim<br />

Capronconqueredanextreme<br />

36kmswim-runendurance<br />

challengearoundtheNorth<br />

Devoncoastline.”<br />

Inthreeyears,BarnstaplebasedTCihasraisedsome<br />

£30,000forcharity.It<br />

specialisesincommercial<br />

constructionandinteriors,<br />

officeandwelfarefurniture<br />

supplyandinstallation.<br />

■ Details03330220824or<br />

tcigb.co.uk<br />

8 business action | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business-action.co.uk

NEWS<br />

peoplewerestilluneasyaboutusingtheircreditcardsonlineand<br />

therewerenosophisticatedshoppingcartsystems.Simon<br />

developedanorderingsystemthatdeliveredpaymentdetailsby<br />

PGPencryptedemailandsoontheywerereceivingemail<br />

subscriptionsfromacrosstheworld–excitingdays!<br />

Writing and journalism<br />

Alongsidethis,wedevelopedourwritingandjournalismservices<br />

andIassumedtheroleoftechnologywriterforthe25,000-<br />

circulationmonthly<strong>Business</strong>MagazineintheThamesValley–we<br />

builtawebsiteforthemtoo.<br />

In2004,MrsZandImovedtoIlfracombe,relievedwhenan<br />

ADSLinternetconnectionwasinstalledonourfirstday,enabling<br />

metoworkremotelywithSimonandallourclientsinLondonand<br />

theSouthEast.<br />

In2009,Iacceptedanoffertowritetwopagesofbusinessnews<br />

fortheweeklyNorthDevonJournal,enjoyinggreatfreedomto<br />

interviewanybusinessIwantedandeventuallyreceivingthetitleof<br />

‘businesseditor’.<br />

Withthescalingbackofthenewspaperandanabrupt‘goodbye’<br />

email,theideatostartanindependentmagazineledtothelaunch<br />

of<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>–originallywithAlanWilliams–asaseparate<br />

businessin2019.<br />

And now . . .<br />

...herewearein<strong>2024</strong>–30yearslater–SimonandIstillworking<br />

together,stillwriting,stillproofreading.<br />

Weareactuallyseeingincreaseddemandforproofreadingand<br />

thefirstthreemonthsofthisyearhavebeenourbestformany<br />

years.ThisisinterestinginthecontextofmorepeopleusingAI<br />

softwaretowritetext–wearestillcalledinastroubleshootersto<br />

rescueclients’marketingandcommunications.<br />

Theoldskillsremainvaluable–we’renotgoinganywhereyet.<br />

Z<br />

2<br />

Z<br />

Copywriting<br />

Deadlines?<br />

Journalism<br />

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business-action.uk | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business action 9

BIDEFORD HEADER<br />

A friendly welcome to put a smile on your face<br />

Many businesses’ planswere<br />

impactedbythepandemic,but<br />

thosejuststartingfacedsome<br />

ofthetoughestchallenges.<br />

AndreaandPaulHumphries<br />

openedCaféCollectivein<br />

GrenvilleStreet,Bideford–on<br />

thecornerwiththeHighStreet<br />

–justfivedaysbeforethefirst<br />

lockdown.Withoutanychance<br />

tobuildcustomerrelationships<br />

orassesstheirbusinessin<br />

action,theyhadtoadapttoa<br />

newworldpresentingvastly<br />

differentchallenges.<br />

Fouryearson,thecaféhas<br />

attractedaloyalclienteleand<br />

establisheditselfasasafeand<br />

welcomingplace.Andrea<br />

attributesthistowelcoming<br />

everycustomerindividually:<br />

“Wedon’tlikefrowns–Idomy<br />

utmosttoputasmileon<br />

people’sfaces.”<br />

Customersalsoreceivea<br />

friendlyhellofromNikita,the<br />

cafe’sfour-footedgreeter,on<br />

handwheneversomeonewalks<br />

throughthedoor.<br />

“Weareverydogfriendly<br />

andhavekepttablesspaced<br />

apartdeliberately,”Andreaadds.<br />

With so much wasteinretail<br />

withlargestoresandonline<br />

retailerssellinggoodsin<br />

greaterquantitiesthanthe<br />

shopperwants,it’srefreshing<br />

tobeabletobuyasinglepen<br />

orsheetofcard.<br />

That’sthejoyofshoppingin<br />

Garlands,Bideford’straditional<br />

stationeryandcraftshopin<br />

AllhallandStreet.<br />

Establishedin1963by<br />

ArthurGarland,thebusiness<br />

wasboughtbyBridgetWyton<br />

andLisaSladein1995andhas<br />

beenownedsolelybyBridget<br />

forthepastfiveyears.<br />

Wide stationery selection<br />

Browsingaroundtheshop<br />

revealsawideselectionof<br />

stationeryandofficesupplies<br />

forbothbusinessandpersonal<br />

use.Thisincludesringbinders,<br />

leverarchfiles,dividers,<br />

documentwallets,(plainand<br />

patterned,plasticand<br />

cardboard),fivedifferent<br />

weightsincopierpaperupto<br />

160g,cardrangingfromsize<br />

A4toA1,envelopesofall<br />

sizes,alargechoiceofpens,<br />

inkcartridges,adhesivetapes<br />

Café Collective’s Paul and Andrea Humphries with Nikita the greeter<br />

Havingbeenofficially<br />

greetedbyNikita,Andreatalks<br />

tocustomerstodiscoverwhat<br />

theylike.Sheisalsovery<br />

patientandtakestimetofind<br />

outhowtheyare.<br />

Thisatmospherehelps<br />

peoplefeelathomeandreflects<br />

thecouple’saimforacafé<br />

wherepeoplefeelcomfortable<br />

tocomeinontheirown.<br />

Aswellasaheartywelcome,<br />

CaféCollectiveprovideshighquality,freshlyprepared<br />

seasonalfood.Paulpreviously<br />

establishedhisreputationasa<br />

chefatWhiddonsBistroin<br />

ChagfordandtheGeorgeat<br />

Uffculme.AschefatCafé<br />

Collective,Paulprepares<br />

breakfasts,burgers,sandwiches,<br />

pittapockets,saladsand<br />

Another delight of publishing <strong>Business</strong> <strong>Action</strong> is discovering so many<br />

people who choose the hard route in business – doing what they<br />

know is right and helping customers and the community. We aim to<br />

include as many of these as possible in the magazine – be patient as<br />

there are many of you, but your turn will come. In this issue, we<br />

feature a welcoming café and an independent stationery store – a<br />

treasure for any writer or creative<br />

Bridget Wyton in Garlands, Bideford’s independent stationery and craft store<br />

Traditional stationery<br />

and craft store<br />

andgluesandmanymore<br />

stationerylines.<br />

Thereisalsoanextensive<br />

selectionofgreetingscards,<br />

includingblanks,birthdayand<br />

sympathycards.Therearealso<br />

materialsforthosewhomake<br />

theirowngreetingscards.<br />

Gifts, art and puzzles<br />

Aswellasbusinessstationery,<br />

GarlandsstocksBasildon<br />

Bond,notelets,addressbooks,<br />

Sheafferballpens,rollerballs<br />

andfountainpens.<br />

Artsuppliesincludeposter<br />

paintsandacrylicsand<br />

homemadesconesandcakes,as<br />

wellascreatinghisown<br />

originalrecipes.<br />

Paul’smeltingpots–from<br />

hunter’schickenwithahintof<br />

chilliinacheddarsauceto<br />

mushroom,squashandstilton<br />

cheeseandpulledporkin<br />

creamyredLeicester–arevery<br />

popularwithcustomers.<br />

AndreaandPaularevery<br />

keennotonlytosourcequality<br />

ingredientsandproducts,but<br />

alsotosupportlocalsuppliers.<br />

TheyserveOwensorganic<br />

roastedDevoncoffeeanduse<br />

17Devonsuppliersincluding<br />

meatfromMCKelly,vegetables<br />

fromHeddonsofBidefordand<br />

drinksfromLuscombes.<br />

Tasteandqualityareof<br />

utmostimportancetoPauland<br />

Andrea,andtheywon’tserve<br />

anythingthattheywouldn’teat<br />

themselves.<br />

Aftersuchatoughstart,<br />

Andreasaysrunningthecaféis<br />

rewarding,especiallywhen<br />

customers’Christmascards<br />

thankthemfortheirfriendship.<br />

■ Details01237238297or<br />

FB@collectivecafe<br />

photocopyingandlaminating<br />

servicesarealsoavailable.<br />

Thereisalsoagoodrange<br />

ofjigsawpuzzlesfromThe<br />

HouseofPuzzles.<br />

Ask and order<br />

Aswithmanyindependent<br />

retailers,Bridgetencourages<br />

customerstoaskforanything<br />

theycan’tfindintheshopand<br />

willorderanyitemsforthem<br />

wheretheyareavailable.<br />

Manyregularcustomers<br />

havevisitedtheshopforyears,<br />

sometravellingtoBideford<br />

fromBarnstapleandBudeand<br />

furtherafield.<br />

“Ilikemeetingthe<br />

customersandenjoycoming<br />

toworkeveryday,”says<br />

Bridget.“Ihavesomelovely<br />

customersandIgetcardsand<br />

presentsfromthem.”<br />

Manypeoplestillenjoythe<br />

experienceofbrowsinginthe<br />

independentstoreandlook<br />

outforthecreativeshop<br />

windowdisplaysthatBridget<br />

creates.Theyoftenask:“What<br />

wouldwedowithoutyou?”<br />

■ Details01237473736or<br />

FB@garlandsbideford<br />

10 business action | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business-action.co.uk

AWARDS HEADER<br />

business<br />

ACTION<br />

The venue is booked.The<br />

entriesarein.Thejudgeshave<br />

decided.Whoarethewinners<br />

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

Awards<strong>2024</strong>?<br />

Youcandiscoverthefinalists<br />

inour14awardscategories<br />

overthefollowingpages,but<br />

you’llhavetoattendthe<br />

AwardsCelebrationatthe<br />

LandmarkTheatre,Ilfracombe<br />

onThursday9Maytodiscover<br />

whothewinnersare.<br />

Ithasbeenanotherbumper<br />

yearforentries–withalmost<br />

120received–andonceagain<br />

thequalityissuperb.<br />

Celebrating achievement<br />

WhilethereisonlyoneNorth<br />

Devon<strong>Business</strong>oftheYearand<br />

onewinnerofeachindividual<br />

category,everysinglefinalist<br />

andentranthelpstocelebrate<br />

TheNorthDevon<strong>Business</strong>of<br />

theYearisselectedbythe<br />

judgesfromthewinnersofthe<br />

14categoryawardsasthe<br />

overallwinnerofwinners.<br />

WearegratefulforPhilipJ<br />

Milton&CompanyPlc’s<br />

sponsorshipofthisawardover<br />

thefiveyearsoftheNorth<br />

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

Withoutthissupport,the<br />

awardswouldnotbepossible.<br />

Philip J Milton & Company Plc<br />

“Itseemsbarelyaweekgoesby<br />

withoutreadinginthelocal<br />

pressofnewbusinesses<br />

openinginNorthDevon,<br />

provingbeyonddoubtthe<br />

strengthofentrepreneurshipin<br />

ourarea.<br />

Amajorcontributiontothe<br />

successoftheawardsisthe<br />

commitmentandfairnessof<br />

ourindependentjudges.<br />

Eachofthemgivesalotof<br />

timevoluntarilytoreadand<br />

weighuptheentriesbeforethe<br />

judgingdaywhenallentries<br />

arediscussedandfinalistsand<br />

winnersselected.<br />

Itisaverydifficulttask<br />

becausewereceivesomany<br />

entriesfromexcellent<br />

Who will win?<br />

thecombinedachievementsof<br />

thearea’sbusinesscommunity.<br />

A celebration for everyone<br />

Thisiswhatwewillcelebrateat<br />

theLandmarkTheatreatan<br />

eventthatisopentoall<br />

businesses–youdon’tneedto<br />

“Whetherthat’sanewfood<br />

enterprise,cutting-edgeartistic<br />

ortechnologyofferingsor<br />

perhapssomethinginthe<br />

servicesector,IbelieveNorth<br />

Devonpuncheswellaboveits<br />

weightinthisarena.<br />

“That’swhyoccasionssuch<br />

astheexcellentNorthDevon<br />

Thank you to our judges<br />

businesses,sowehavetopush<br />

thejudgestomakeadecision.<br />

That’swhyyoushouldnot<br />

worryifyourbusinessdoes<br />

notwin–asanentrantyouare<br />

inexcellentcompanyandyour<br />

turncouldbenext.<br />

Ourjudgesfor<strong>2024</strong>are:<br />

➤ SimoneKesselerofIgnite<br />

CorporateDevelopment<br />

Winners at the North Devon <strong>Business</strong> Awards 2023<br />

haveenteredtheawardstobuy<br />

aticketandjoinus.<br />

Enjoyawelcomeglassof<br />

NorthDevonbubbly,tuckinto<br />

thebuffetandnetworkwith<br />

businessesfromacrossthearea<br />

beforewetakeourseatsinthe<br />

theatreauditoriumforthe<br />

North Devon <strong>Business</strong> of the Year <strong>2024</strong><br />

sponsored by<br />

<strong>Business</strong>Awardsaretheperfect<br />

timetocelebratethese<br />

achievements,butalsothe<br />

awardsencourageandfoster<br />

thisspiritofenterprise,<br />

spurringothersontoachieve<br />

more,perhapstosetupor<br />

diversifytheirownbusinesses–<br />

andofcoursetheyarea<br />

➤ SusieKevernofPoundLane<br />

FinancialManagement<br />

➤ VicMahajanofAramis<br />

Rugby<br />

➤ LindaMiddleton-Jonesof<br />

InternationalTradeMatters<br />

➤ PhilParkerofArtMakers<br />

➤ MartinSlocombeof361<br />

Energy<br />

dramaandentertainmentof<br />

theawardsceremony.<br />

ThankyoutoNFUMutual<br />

BarnstapleandBidefordfor<br />

sponsoringtheAwards<br />

Celebrationforthesecondyear<br />

running–withoutyour<br />

supporttheeventwouldnotbe<br />

possible–seebackcove.r.<br />

See our finalists<br />

Thankyoutoeveryonewho<br />

enteredtheawards–we<br />

appreciatealltheeffortyou<br />

haveputin.<br />

Congratulationstoallour<br />

finalists–seethemoverleaf.<br />

Thankyoutootoallour<br />

categorysponsorsandread<br />

aboutwhytheyaresupporting<br />

theawards.<br />

All welcome – book tickets at<br />

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

fantasticnetworking<br />

opportunitytoo.<br />

“AsaCompany,PhilipJ<br />

Milton&CoPlchasnow<br />

sponsoredtheawardsforfive<br />

yearsandwehavebeen<br />

delightedtodoso.<br />

“Nobusinessexistsin<br />

isolation;weallrelyoneach<br />

othertoanextentanditis<br />

vitallyimportantbothtosupport<br />

oneanother’sbusinessesaswell<br />

asrecognisingandcelebrating<br />

theaccomplishmentsofothers,<br />

tostandasanexampleandto<br />

showcasethemanyexcellent<br />

thingshappeninginNorth<br />

Devon’sthrivingbusiness<br />

community.”<br />

■ Visitmiltonpj.net<br />

➤ FrankStoneofKameleon<br />

➤ MikeMatthewsofLineal<br />

SoftwareSolutions<br />

➤ RachaelTaylorofSWIG<br />

Finance<br />

➤ PeterandAllyWhiteleyof<br />

TogetherFinancial<br />

Solutions<br />

Thankyoutoallourjudges–<br />

youcanmeetthematthe<br />

AwardsCelebration.<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business action 11

AWARDS<br />

Discover how implementing effective and efficient<br />

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

New artist awards<br />

inspire entries<br />

A genuinely excitingfeature<br />

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

Awardsthisyearistheaddition<br />

oftwonewartistawards.<br />

Recognising the art sector<br />

Bothawardsevolvedfroma<br />

suggestionbyArtMakers,run<br />

byPhilParkerandHilary<br />

Beecroft.ArtMakersprovides<br />

invaluablesupportfortheart<br />

andcreativesectorsinNorth<br />

Devonandtheirresearchhas<br />

resultedinArtsCouncil<br />

Englandrecognisingtheareaas<br />

hostingthethirdlargest<br />

communityofvisualartists<br />

afterLondonandCornwall.<br />

Oneofitsaspirationsisto<br />

enableartistsinNorthDevon<br />

todevelopasviablebusinesses<br />

sothattheycannotonlycreate<br />

butalsothrive.<br />

Thiswasdrivenbythe<br />

recognitionthattheart<br />

communitywaslargelyinvisible<br />

bothwithinNorthDevonand<br />

thewiderUK,whichled<br />

ArtMakerstodevelopa<br />

programmeofprojectsin<br />

2022-23.Thisincludedopening<br />

agalleryinBideford,and<br />

exhibitionsattheAppledore<br />

BookFestival,ArlingtonCourt<br />

andtheBatterseaAffordable<br />

ArtFair.<br />

Theseactivitiesfollowon<br />

fromPhil’sextensivework<br />

developingnewtalentinthe<br />

creativeindustriesoverthepast<br />

30years:workwhichranged<br />

fromprojectswithNickPark<br />

andTerryPratchettto<br />

workshopsinBrazil,Kenya,<br />

IndiaandGermany.The<br />

diversityofthiswork<br />

emphasisedtheneedtolink<br />

creativetalentwithbusinesses.<br />

Inadditiontoworkingwith<br />

<strong>Business</strong><strong>Action</strong>todevelopthe<br />

twonewawards,Philhasalso<br />

helpedattractsponsors,without<br />

whomtheawardswouldnot<br />

takeplace.Hehasalso<br />

participatedasanawardsjudge.<br />

Artist <strong>Business</strong> Achievement<br />

Award<br />

ThisawardcelebratesNorth<br />

Devonbusinessesthathave<br />

successfullybalancedthe<br />

pursuitoftheirartisticand<br />

aestheticaimswithsuccessasa<br />

viablecommercialbusiness.<br />

Anybranchofartiseligible<br />

frompaintingandsculptureto<br />

digital,photography,videoor<br />

performanceart.Wewelcome<br />

entriesfromindividualartists,<br />

groupsorcompanies.<br />

Weareverygratefulto<br />

CreativeUKforsponsoring<br />

thisaward.<br />

Artist Support <strong>Business</strong><br />

Excellence Award<br />

ThisawardcelebratesNorth<br />

Devonbusinessesthatplaya<br />

vitalroleinnurturingand<br />

supportingartistbusinessesin<br />

thearea.Theycansupportany<br />

formofartfrompaintingand<br />

sculpturetodigital,<br />

photography,videoor<br />

performanceart.Wewelcome<br />

entriesfromgalleries,venues,<br />

agents,eventorganisers,tutors,<br />

trainersandbusinessadvisers.<br />

Weareverygratefulto<br />

NorthDevonArtsfor<br />

sponsoringthisaward.<br />

Incredible support<br />

Thequalityandnumberof<br />

entriesforbothartistawards<br />

haveexceededexpectations–<br />

seethefinalistsonpage14.<br />

12 business action | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business-action.co.uk

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business-action.uk Exeter City Council, | <strong>Spring</strong> Exeter <strong>2024</strong> University, | business University action of Plymouth, Plymouth Culture and Real Ideas Organisation.<br />

13

COOMBE TOONS<br />

Since2019,KarenFrench’s<br />

CombeToonscommercialart<br />

salesandprofitshaveincreased<br />

yearly.Aimingtoproduce<br />

profitable,highqualityartthat<br />

isaffordableandaccessible,she<br />

sellsonlineandthroughlocal<br />

galleries,exhibitionsandart<br />

markets.Karenhasmovedfrom<br />

traditionalprintmakingto<br />

digitalartandstartedcreating<br />

brandingforbusinesses.<br />

■ combetoons.com<br />

MERLYYN CHESTERMAN<br />

MerlynChestermanisawoodblockprintmakerandSenior<br />

FellowoftheRoyalSocietyof<br />

Painter-Printmakers,whohas<br />

exhibitedattheRoyal<br />

Academy,throughouttheUK<br />

andinternationally.Afulltimeartist,currentlytraining<br />

anapprenticeprintmaker,<br />

Merlynworksbothaloneand<br />

ART MASH<br />

LisaWhitestartedArtMash<br />

whenshebegancreatingfused<br />

glasspiecesforsalesome12<br />

yearsago.Hervisionincludeda<br />

‘makery’spaceforotherartists<br />

towork,teachandexhibit<br />

from.ArtMashisnowahubof<br />

fiveartistsinresidenceand<br />

manyvisitors,andhasafull<br />

teachingworkshopprogramme<br />

ofglass,ceramics,painting,<br />

sculpting,printingandmore.<br />

■ artmash.co.uk<br />

BARKHAM<br />

BarkhampromotesbothNorth<br />

Devonartistsandthosefrom<br />

furtherafieldthroughuseof<br />

its13x5metregalleryspace,<br />

designedprimarilyforclassical<br />

musiciansandperformance.<br />

Thisisidealforinstrumental<br />

andvocalensemblesto<br />

rehearseinandisalsousedfor<br />

AWARDS NEWS<br />

Artist <strong>Business</strong> Achievement finalists<br />

We’reagroupofdiverseandinclusiveprofessionalswhobelieve<br />

inthepowerofthecreativeindustriestochangelives,placing<br />

creativityattheheartoftheUK’sculture,economyandeducation<br />

system.Ourgoalissimple:tocultivateaworldwherecreativityis<br />

championed,valued,andfundamentallynurtured.Weunitethe<br />

creativeindustriesandgenerateopportunitiesforinnovationto<br />

thrivebyinvestinginpeopleandtheirideas.<br />

CreativeUKisdeliveringtheDevonCreateGrowth<br />

Programme,aDepartmentforCultureMediaandSport(DCMS)<br />

fundedinitiativetogetcreativebusinessesinDevonreadyfor<br />

growth.ApplicationsforStage1–asix-monthprogramme<br />

designedforbusinesseswhowanttoexplorecommercialgrowth.<br />

closeon1April<strong>2024</strong>.Stage2applicationsarenowclosed.<br />

■ Visitwearecreative.uk<br />

collaboratively,including<br />

settingupPineFeroda,and<br />

shehasco-writtentwobooks.<br />

■ merlynchesterman.com<br />

JACKSON AND YOUNG<br />

Artist Support <strong>Business</strong> Excellence finalists<br />

NorthDevonArtsisawell-established,not-for-profitmembership<br />

groupforprofessionalandamateurartistsworkingacrossallart<br />

forms,includinginterestednon-practisingmembers.Formed25<br />

yearsagotofulfiltheneedsofartistsworkinginisolationacross<br />

thearea,thegroupprovidesopportunitiestomeetregularly,<br />

exchangeideasandexhibit.Itpublishesamonthlynewsletter,<br />

hostsmonthlymeetingswithaspeaker,organisesregular<br />

exhibitionsandholdsaweeklyArts&CraftsClub.Membersalso<br />

haveagallerypageontheNorthDevonArtswebsite<br />

■ Visitnorthdevonarts.co.uk<br />

recording.Localartistswith<br />

nationalandinternational<br />

reputationsregularlyusethe<br />

spaceandithostsaprogramme<br />

ofpublicperformances.<br />

■ barkham-exmoor.co.uk<br />

sponsored by<br />

sponsored by<br />

JacksonandYoungstartedin<br />

2016withtwofriendsopening<br />

aworkingstudioandgalleryin<br />

CERAMICS ACADEMY<br />

CeramicsAcademycomprises<br />

twoowners,oneapprentice,<br />

oneadminandthreeteachers,<br />

andattractssome70regular<br />

Barnstaple,expandingtooffer<br />

fineartgicleeprintingtoother<br />

artists.BothSarahandCorinne<br />

havewonindividualartawards<br />

andoftenexhibitatprestigious<br />

exhibitionsinMallGalleries,<br />

London.Leadingwildlife<br />

publisherCollierandDobson<br />

distributestheirlimitededition<br />

printstogalleriesnationwide.<br />

■ jacksonandyoung.co.uk<br />

SILK CRYSTAL ART<br />

ArtistsDanandHayleystarted<br />

theirshopinIlfracombe<br />

providinghandscreen<br />

printingandsellingclothing<br />

theycreate.Theyalsopaint<br />

muralsbothbybrushand<br />

spraypaintandcreateart<br />

digitally.Theirartisticaimis<br />

tobringmorearttoIlfracombe<br />

andtieinthecultureand<br />

heritagehistoryasit’stheir<br />

maininspirationandreflects<br />

sointheirwork.<br />

■ silkcrystal.co.uk<br />

serviceusersweeklyinSouth<br />

Molton.Aswellaspottery<br />

classes,itprovidesmentoring,<br />

includingestablishingan<br />

apprenticeshipprogramme,<br />

workexperienceplacements,<br />

exhibitionsandcraftfair<br />

experienceplussubsidised<br />

communitypotteryclasses.<br />

■ ceramicsacademy.co.uk<br />

STUDIO KIND.<br />

StudioKIND.isanartist-led<br />

contemporarygalleryandart<br />

spacewhichmovedfrom<br />

BrauntontoBarnstaplePannier<br />

Market’sCornStoreinJanuary<br />

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14 business action | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business-action.co.uk

AWARDS HEADER<br />

BINGE BOX<br />

TheBingeBoxisahomemade<br />

dessertshopinBarnstaplewith<br />

10membersofstaff.Ithasa<br />

deliberatelycalmrecruitment<br />

processtopreventinterview<br />

nervesandhasworkedwith<br />

Petroctosupportastudent<br />

overcomedifficulties,whois<br />

nowthrivingatbaking.Itis<br />

veryflexibleandeveryonepulls<br />

togethertocoverthebusiness<br />

andsupporteachother.Italso<br />

supportsstaffwithtraining.<br />

■ the-bingebox.org<br />

GETBETTER<br />

GetBetterinBarnstapleisa<br />

smallagencyspecialisingin<br />

personalisedemailmarketing.<br />

Currently,thereareseven<br />

teammembersinbothemail<br />

marketingandtechnician<br />

roles.Employeeshavealotof<br />

flexibilitywithhybrid<br />

working,accesstoco-working<br />

space,andflexiblestartand<br />

finishtimestoensurethey<br />

takecareofthemselvesand<br />

prioritiselifeoutsidework.<br />

■ getbetter.co.uk<br />

BOBBIE’S BAKES<br />

Startinginlockdownwitha<br />

littlechickenhut,Bobbie’s<br />

Bakesnowhasapreparation<br />

kitchenplusashoponCombe<br />

Martinseafront.Itmakesall<br />

productsbyhand–including<br />

itsrenownedlardycake–and<br />

haswon15TasteoftheWest<br />

Awards,includingchampion<br />

awards.Itplaysakeyroleinthe<br />

community,especiallyasoneof<br />

fewshopsopenfromOctober<br />

toDecember.<br />

■ FBBobbie’sBakes<br />

DEVON TRADERS ASSOC<br />

DevonTradersAssociationwas<br />

establishedinFebruary2023<br />

toreinstateweeklymarketsin<br />

BidefordPannierMarket.Itis<br />

acompletelyunfundedgroup<br />

oftradersfromButchersRow<br />

whohaveprovedthatmarkets<br />

arestillviableandthattraders<br />

stillwanttotradeinthe<br />

building.Theassociationis<br />

workingwiththetowncouncil<br />

andhasscheduledmarkets<br />

throughoutcomingmonths.<br />

■ FBDevonTradersAssociation<br />

Best Employer finalists<br />

Best Retailer finalists<br />

SEA<br />

SEAhasdevelopedand<br />

implementedarobusttalent<br />

acquisitionstrategytosupport<br />

rapidbusinessgrowth.With<br />

morethan100newpeople<br />

joiningitsteaminthepast12<br />

months,ithasoverhauledits<br />

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streamlinehowitrecruitsand<br />

onboards.Thisincludes<br />

transparentsalaryandbenefits<br />

onitsadverts,sonothingisa<br />

surprisetoitsapplicants.<br />

■ sea.co.uk<br />

VIBRANT LIFE CENTRE<br />

Husband-and-wife,Rachael<br />

andStevehavebuiltawelltrainedteamof13tosupport<br />

NorthDevonfamilies.Asa<br />

neuroimpulseprotocol(NIP)<br />

practitioner,Rachaelhascreated<br />

aspinalhealthpractitioner<br />

graduatetrainingprogramme<br />

andworkswithfourcertified<br />

practitioners–nootherUK<br />

centreprovidessuchhighlevel<br />

certification.Thisshowsitshigh<br />

commitmenttostaffandclients.<br />

■ vibrantlifecentre.co.uk<br />

HOGWASH SOAP<br />

HogwashSoapshophasrunin<br />

Torringtonasabricks-andmortarshopforeightyears.It<br />

makessoap,creams,body<br />

washes,andbathbombsby<br />

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workshopsforsoapmaking<br />

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makerstorunworkshops.It<br />

onlystocksitemshandmade<br />

inDevon,willopenupon<br />

requestforcustomersandships<br />

worldwidefromitswebsite.<br />

■ hogwashsoap.co.uk<br />

JFJ WOOD FLOORING<br />

JFJWoodFlooringisafamilyrunbusinessinNorthMolton.<br />

Itshowcasesandsellsitshighspecificationengineeredwood<br />

andLVTflooringatits<br />

showroomandalsosellsonline.<br />

Withoneofthebestviewsfrom<br />

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approachtocustomerserviceis<br />

verymuchrootedintraditional<br />

valuesand,byspeakingwithits<br />

customers,takestimeto<br />

understandtheirrequirements.<br />

■ jfjwoodflooring.co.uk<br />

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

COASTAL RECYCLING<br />

BasedinTorrington(and<br />

Exeter),CoastalRecyclingis<br />

theonlyproviderofrecycling<br />

servicesofferinganend-to-end<br />

servicetocollect,separate,<br />

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materialsatitssitesinDevon.<br />

Itworkswith700+businesses<br />

inNorthDevonwhowantto<br />

becomebetterrecyclers,<br />

understandtheirrecyclingrates<br />

againstdifferentwastestreams<br />

andmakechangesforthebetter.<br />

■ coastaluk.co.uk<br />

GETBETTER<br />

GetBetterinBarnstapleisa<br />

smallagencyspecialisingin<br />

personalisedemailmarketing<br />

tohelpbusinessesreachtheir<br />

targetaudienceandfull<br />

potentialthroughKlaviyo<br />

marketingautomation<br />

software.GetBetterhas<br />

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Agencysothatitcanofferthe<br />

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■ getbetter.co.uk<br />

LUX ELECTRICAL<br />

LuxElectricalwasnominated<br />

byVerdantLeisureGolden<br />

Coastwhostatethatit<br />

“exceededourexpectations”<br />

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approachtoproblem-solving<br />

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■ FB@luxelectricalinfo<br />

SAFE WORKING LIFTS<br />

SafeWorkingLiftsisthefastestgrowingindependentlift<br />

companyintheSouthWest.It<br />

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people,andtreatsemployees<br />

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contractedassets,includingcare<br />

homes,doctors,MoDbases,<br />

hotels,retailchains,blocksof<br />

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Advertise from £30 a year<br />

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business-action.uk | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business action 15

THE ILAB<br />

TheiLabisNorthDevon’sfirst<br />

andonlyAppleIndependent<br />

Repairserviceproviderwithits<br />

Apple-certifiedtechnicians.<br />

Havingserviced80,000+Apple,<br />

Samsungandothermobile<br />

phones,tabletsanddevices<br />

since2011,itsclose-knitteam<br />

ofsixstaffarededicatedto<br />

providingthebestservice.The<br />

ilaboffersgenuineAppleParts<br />

sourceddirectlyfromApple<br />

andaccessesApplediagnostics<br />

whenservicingdevices.<br />

■ theilab.co.uk<br />

BARKHAM<br />

Barkhamwasboughtasa<br />

privatehomewithadditional<br />

accommodationinthree<br />

attachedcottagesanda13x5<br />

metregalleryin2018.Ithas<br />

quicklyestablisheditselfasa<br />

venuestagingmusic<br />

performanceofexceptionally<br />

highstandards.Thespaceis<br />

alsousedforretreatsand<br />

workshops,usuallyfor8to20<br />

guests,andisattracting<br />

groupsinternationally,<br />

includingfromtheUSA.<br />

■ barkham-exmoor.co.uk<br />

AWARDS<br />

Consumer Excellence finalists<br />

NEXT STEPS EDUCATION<br />

NextStepsEducationsupports<br />

schoolsandlocalauthorities<br />

ineducatingchildrennotin<br />

school.GrowingoutofNext<br />

StepsTutors’privateworkwith<br />

families,thenewbusiness<br />

workstore-engagechildren<br />

notineducationandworks<br />

with80freelancetutors,three<br />

localauthorities,15schools<br />

and65families.Itprovides<br />

250hoursoftuitionweekly.<br />

■ nextstepseducation.org<br />

Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism finalists<br />

THE FEEL GOOD LARDER<br />

TheFeelGoodLarderisa<br />

coffeeshopinBarnstaple,<br />

servingspecialitycoffeeand<br />

solelygluten-freefood.Runby<br />

SamandStuWalker,itfocuses<br />

onhealthyeatingwithseasonal<br />

vegetables,grains,nutsand<br />

seeds,andadailysaladbar.It<br />

sourcesproducelocally,holdsa<br />

quarterlysupperclub,artchatty<br />

cafésandsocialeventsforother<br />

communitygroups.<br />

■ thefeelgoodlarder.co.uk<br />

SMD PHARMACY<br />

Addressingavitalgapin<br />

pharmaceuticalservicesin<br />

Ilfracombe,SMDpharmacyis<br />

dedicatedtodelivering<br />

personalisedcare.Ittailorsits<br />

servicestodiversecommunity<br />

needsandhascreatedahub<br />

offeringacomprehensiverange<br />

ofNHSservices.SMDattracted<br />

2,000+patientswithinitsfirst<br />

12months,whichhasspurred<br />

expansionofthepharmacy.<br />

■ FB@SMDPharmacy<br />

THE GEORGE<br />

TheGeorgeisanindependent<br />

18th-centurytownhousehotel<br />

inSouthMolton.Itfeatures16<br />

boutiquebedrooms,anda<br />

coffeeloungeandbaropento<br />

everyone. In2023,itlaunched<br />

anoutsidespaceforcustomers<br />

toenjoydrinksoutinthetown<br />

square.TheGeorgeattractsa<br />

highlevelofreturningguests<br />

andnewcustomersoften<br />

arrivebyrecommendation.<br />

■ thegeorgesouthmolton.co.uk<br />

THE WEIGHT IS OVER<br />

TheWeightisOverAcademy<br />

inBarnstaplehelpspeoplego<br />

fromanunhealthyweighttoa<br />

healthyone.Ithascreateda<br />

placeforpeoplewhofeeltoo<br />

self-conscioustogotoother<br />

healthfacilitiestofeel<br />

comfortablefromthemoment<br />

theywalkthroughthedoor.It<br />

hasalsocreatedresourcesina<br />

varietyofformatssothat<br />

peoplecanbenefitfromthe<br />

methodoflearningthatbest<br />

suitsthem.<br />

■ chrismarcoflores.com<br />

OCEAN BACKPACKERS<br />

OceanBackpackers<br />

IndependentHosteloffers<br />

qualitybudgetaccommodation<br />

withawell-equippedselfcateringkitchen,awelcoming<br />

communalliving/diningarea,<br />

freetea,coffee,hotchocolate<br />

andsquash,anduseofbooks<br />

andgames.Itcansleepupto44<br />

guestsin11roomsandoffers<br />

privatehiretolargegroups.It<br />

providesaffordableholidays,<br />

becomingincreasinglypopular<br />

withdiscerningfamilies.<br />

■ oceanbackpackers.co.uk<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

16 business action | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business-action.co.uk

BYBO<br />

KathyRustellisanexperienced<br />

websitedesignerwhoruns<br />

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providersplan,buildand<br />

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websitesthatgetfoundon<br />

Google.Sheworkswithmany<br />

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sitesfeaturingchatbots,API<br />

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funnelbuilding.Sheisnow<br />

introducingAIsoftwareto<br />

makewebsitebuildingeven<br />

moreefficient.Kathyalso<br />

simplifiestechforclientswith<br />

short,easy-to-followvideos.<br />

■ bybodigital.com<br />

GETBETTER<br />

GetBetterinBarnstapleisa<br />

smallagencyspecialisingin<br />

personalisedemailmarketing<br />

tohelpbusinessesreachtheir<br />

targetaudienceandfull<br />

potentialthroughKlaviyo<br />

marketingautomation<br />

software.Currently,thereare<br />

AWARDS<br />

Digital & Online Achievement finalists<br />

AzetsisaUKtop10accountingfirmandthelargestregional<br />

advisortoSMEsacrosstheUK.Weprovidetrustedadviceand<br />

personalisedclientservicesacrossaccounting,tax,audit,<br />

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ownersprecioustime,sotheycanfocusonachievingambitions.<br />

Ourpurposeisourdrivingforce–toimprovethelivesofour<br />

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Andeverythingwedoisunderpinnedbyourinvestmentsin<br />

peopleandtechnology.<br />

OurlocaltrustedbusinessadvisorsinSouthMoltonareon<br />

handtoguideandadviselocalbusinessesthroughoutthe<br />

durationoftheirbusinesslifetohelpachievetheirstrategicaims.<br />

■ Visitazets.co.uk/find-an-office/south-molton/<br />

seventeammembersinboth<br />

emailmarketingand<br />

technicianroles,andthe<br />

businessisgrowingtomeet<br />

clientneeds.GetBetterhas<br />

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Agencysothatitcanofferthe<br />

verybestofthesoftware<br />

servicetoitsclients,offeringa<br />

combinationofstrategic,<br />

visualandtechnicalsupport.<br />

■ getbetter.co.uk<br />

sponsored by<br />

JFJ WOOD FLOORING<br />

JFJWoodFlooring,isafamilyrunbusinessinNorthMolton.<br />

Aswellasshowcasingand<br />

sellingitshigh-specification<br />

engineeredwoodandLVT<br />

flooringatitsshowroom,italso<br />

sellsonline.Itsnewwebsite,<br />

launchedin2023,includes<br />

toolsandfeaturestoprovide<br />

thebestcustomerexperience.<br />

Customerscanworkouttheir<br />

productrequirementswiththe<br />

onlineflooringcalculatorand<br />

viewusefulproductvideos.<br />

Thesehavebothimproved<br />

customerserviceandincreased<br />

sales.JFJWoodFlooring's<br />

approachtocustomerserviceis<br />

verymuchrootedintraditional<br />

values,whicharecomplemented<br />

byusingmoderntechnology.<br />

■ jfjwoodflooring.co.uk<br />

MRS ANIMATION<br />

MrsAnimationwasbroughtto<br />

lifein2020whenSarahLee<br />

Pettiferwasstudyingforher<br />

degree.Sincethenshehas<br />

developedtwobusinesses:Mrs<br />

Animationfeaturestheart<br />

sidewhileHocusArthas<br />

developedtheAR(augmented<br />

reality)appdigitalside.<br />

Together,theymarrytwo<br />

separateartworlds.Sarah’sart<br />

andapphavebeenusedand<br />

seenworldwideandaimtobe<br />

thenewiconicartact.Mrs<br />

Animationartworkshavebeen<br />

usedthroughoutthemusic<br />

industryandlastyearentered<br />

thetheatreindustryalongside<br />

theHocusArtapp.<br />

■ mrsanimation.co.uk<br />

UPSKILL YOUR<br />

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We are defined by the spaces<br />

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CONNECT WITH OUR BUSINESS<br />

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business-action.uk | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business action 17

BOBBIE’S BAKES<br />

Bobbie’sBakesexpandedfrom<br />

itssmallbakeryunittoopening<br />

itsCombeMartinseafront<br />

storein2023.Itsellsonlyits<br />

ownhandmadeproducts,which<br />

itbakesusinglocalingredients<br />

whenpossibleandonlyhighqualityproducts.Ithaswon<br />

15+TasteoftheWestawards,<br />

includingchampionawards.<br />

OwnersBobbieSimonsandIan<br />

HicksbothgrewupinNorth<br />

DevonandtrainedatNorth<br />

DevonCollege.Theyinvestin<br />

newequipmentsotheycan<br />

introducenewproducts.<br />

■ FBBobbie’sBakes<br />

PRINCIPAL DOORSETS<br />

PrincipalDoorsetsisaUK<br />

top-tiertimberdoorsets<br />

manufacturer,emergingafter<br />

theclosureofahistoricfactory<br />

inBarnstaple.Establishedin<br />

2014byRobLlewellynand<br />

StanBond,thecompany<br />

focusesondeliveringpremium<br />

qualityandservice,targeting<br />

high-endmarkets,including<br />

health,commercialand<br />

workplace,education,leisure,<br />

cinema,theatreandacoustic.<br />

AWARDS HEADER<br />

Made in North Devon finalists<br />

sponsored by<br />

Inaneradominatedbymassproductionandgenericaesthetics,<br />

theartofcraftsmanshipstandsoutasabeaconofauthenticity<br />

andindividuality.AtTheSignMaker,wecherishthisethos<br />

wholeheartedly,dedicatingourselvestothecreationofbespoke<br />

signs,memorialsandwheelcoversthatnotonlyadornspacesbut<br />

tellstories,reflectpersonalities,andevokeemotions.<br />

Weprideourselvesoncraftingsignsthatareuniquetoyou,<br />

yourhomeandyourbusiness.Withahugerangeofmaterials,<br />

expertcustomerserviceteamanddedicateddesignerswecan<br />

helpcreatetheperfectsign.<br />

Aspartofourdedicationtocelebratingcraftsmanshipand<br />

supportinglocalartisans,wearethrilledtoannounceour<br />

sponsorshipoftheMadeinNorthDevonaward.Devonisa<br />

regionbrimmingwithtalentandcreativity,andwecouldn’tbe<br />

proudertochampionfellowbusinesseswhoshareourpassionfor<br />

excellence.Weeagerlyanticipatetheopportunitytoconnectwith<br />

andlearnfromtheseremarkableindividualsinthemonthstocome.<br />

■ Visitsign-maker.co.uk<br />

Withastrongemphasison<br />

customerserviceandtechnical<br />

expertise,PrincipalDoorsets<br />

hasexperiencedrapidgrowth,<br />

andcurrentlyemploys70<br />

peopleatitsfactory.<br />

■ principaldoorsets.com<br />

SEA<br />

SystemsEngineering&<br />

Assessment(SEA)delivers<br />

advancedsolutionsthat<br />

maximisedefencemission<br />

capability.Itprovidesstate-ofthe-artapplicationsfornaval<br />

shipandfleetprotection,<br />

maritimecommunications,and<br />

underseasurveillance,allin<br />

serviceandsupportedacross<br />

theglobeanddesignedto<br />

providearapidresponseto<br />

threat,whileensuringsystem<br />

effectivenessandinteroperation.<br />

SEAhasbeenawardedthe<br />

DefenceEmployerRecognition<br />

Scheme(ERS)GoldAwardby<br />

theUKGovernment,in<br />

recognitionofitssupportfor<br />

theArmedForcescommunity.<br />

■ sea.co.uk<br />

THREADLOXX<br />

ThreadLOXXisadreadlock<br />

hairstylist,creatinglocsfrom<br />

astudioinBarnstaple.Salesto<br />

thepublicbeganin2020when<br />

flagshipproductToggleLOXX<br />

wasdeveloped.Thisisaunique<br />

dreadlockhairtiesolution,<br />

whichhassoldinthousands<br />

worldwide.Thereisnoother<br />

companymakingasimilar<br />

productthathasbeensowidely<br />

acceptedbythedreadlock<br />

community,nordoesany<br />

otherdreadlocktiesellas<br />

manyunits.ToggleLOXXis<br />

stockedbysalonsworldwide.<br />

■ threadloxx.com<br />

Excellence in Building & Construction finalists<br />

KAIROS CONSTRUCTION<br />

KairosConstructionisa<br />

specialistbuildingand<br />

constructionfirm,withclients<br />

inEuropebutpredominantly<br />

theUKandDevon.Itsmission<br />

istomakehigh-quality<br />

buildingprojectsmore<br />

accessible.Itspecialisesinthe<br />

designandbuildofresidential<br />

andcommercialprojects.<br />

Kairosalsoworksintheevents<br />

industry,supportingclients<br />

withdesign,buildand<br />

logisticsofinternationalevent<br />

managementrequirements.<br />

Kairoshasexpandedfromone<br />

teammembertofive.<br />

■ kairos-construction.com<br />

LUX ELECTRICAL<br />

LuxElectricalprovides<br />

industrial,commercialand<br />

domesticelectricalservices.It<br />

continuestodevelopits<br />

practicestoremainatthe<br />

forefrontofnewregulations<br />

andenvironmentalchanges<br />

andinvestsinessential<br />

training,suchasNAPIT<br />

accreditation,BPECsolar<br />

qualificationsandEVtraining.<br />

LuxElectricalnowfrequently<br />

employsuptosixelectricians<br />

andtwoalarmengineersalong<br />

withthreecoreteammembers.<br />

■ FB@luxelectricalinfo<br />

SMS SCAFFOLDING<br />

SMShasbeenoperatingfrom<br />

itsSouthMoltonbasefor34+<br />

years,providingscaffolding<br />

servicestothedomestic,<br />

commercial,industrialand<br />

newbuildsectors.Itemploys<br />

25scaffolders,twodirectors<br />

andthreeofficestaff.Allstaff<br />

liveinNorthDevonand95%<br />

ofitsprojectsareinthearea.It<br />

continuestotrainstafftothe<br />

highestlevelsoitcandeliver<br />

anytypeofprojecttoclients<br />

andensurethesafetyofclients<br />

byprovidingscaffoldingofthe<br />

highestquality.<br />

■ southmoltonscaffolding.co.uk<br />

Book your awards tickets<br />

18 business action | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business-action.co.uk

BYBO<br />

KathyRustellisanexperienced<br />

websitedesignerwhohelps<br />

coachesandserviceproviders<br />

plan,buildandlaunchbespoke<br />

high-convertingwebsitesthat<br />

getfoundonGoogle.She<br />

foundedBuildYour<strong>Business</strong><br />

Onlinein2007inBraunton<br />

andworksaloneorwith<br />

freelancerswhererequired.<br />

Kathyhasgrownthebusiness<br />

internationallyandhasclients<br />

inmorethan22countries<br />

worldwide,includingEuropean<br />

countries,multiplestatesinthe<br />

USA,HawaiiandIndia.<br />

■ bybodigital.com<br />

DARTINGTON CRYSTAL<br />

Dartingtonistheonlylargescalecrystalfactoryoperating<br />

intheUKanditsrenowned<br />

crystalcollectioncontinuesto<br />

behandmadeatitsTorrington<br />

factory.Ithasexportedits<br />

crystalandglasswareranges<br />

formorethan50yearstothe<br />

USA,Australia,India,FarEast<br />

andmanymorecountries.<br />

Predominantly,itisthepieces<br />

handmadeinEnglandthat<br />

customersfromabroadwant.<br />

AWARDS HEADER<br />

International Trade & Exports finalists<br />

FoundedbymanagingdirectorLindaMiddleton-Jones,<br />

InternationalTradeMattersLtdprovidesindependenttailored<br />

supporttoSMEsandmicrobusinesses.<br />

Levelsofengagementcanincludeatelephone-basedExport<br />

Responsesupportservice,helpandadvicewithexport<br />

documentationandaccreditations,orafully-embeddedExport<br />

Managertooperateortrainyourexportdepartment.<br />

Whetheryou’rejuststartingyourjourney,readytolaunchor<br />

alreadytradingoverseas,ourspecialistsareabletohelpyou<br />

assessyourprocessesandprovideexpertisetomakeexportinggo<br />

assmoothlyaspossible.<br />

WithacatalogueofBritishChambersofCommerceaccredited<br />

courses,additionaltopicsandbespokeoptions,wehaveabroad<br />

rangeofgreatvaluetrainingpackagestogiveyouandyourstaff<br />

theskillstosucceedonaninternationalplatform.<br />

Deliveryformanycoursesiscurrentlyonline,within-person<br />

eventsavailablewhereandwhenpossible.<br />

■ Visitinternationaltradematters.com<br />

Dartingtonisamemberof<br />

MadeinBritainandproudly<br />

displaysthemarkinits<br />

marketingasthisisan<br />

incrediblyimportanttoolfor<br />

sellinginoverseasmarkets.<br />

■ dartington.co.uk<br />

sponsored by<br />

MOTOCOVERZ<br />

MattSpencerstarted<br />

MotoCoverzafterrealisingthe<br />

incrediblebenefitsfrom<br />

makinghisownsheepskin<br />

motorcycleseatpad.With15<br />

years’experienceofworking<br />

withsheepskin,hestarted<br />

makingseatpadsforothers<br />

whosawandadmiredthe<br />

cover.Afterlaunchingaweb<br />

siteandsellingonEtsyand<br />

Ebay,theproductsstartedtogo<br />

viralandattractedoverseas<br />

buyers.NowMotoCoverzoffers<br />

internationalshippingonthe<br />

websiteandshipsglobally.<br />

■ motocoverz.com<br />

SEA<br />

SystemsEngineering&<br />

Assessment(SEA)has60+<br />

years’experienceindelivering<br />

andsupportingadvanced<br />

solutionsthatmaximise<br />

defencemissioncapability.It<br />

currentlyexportsthreemain<br />

products:TorpedoLauncher<br />

Systems,KraitArrayand<br />

KraitSense.Theseareinservice<br />

acrosstheglobeincluding<br />

countriesinEurope,South<br />

andNorthAmerica,FarEast<br />

andAustralasia.Exportsarea<br />

keypartofSEA’sstrategyand<br />

ithasdiversifiedsaleschannels<br />

toreducerelianceonanyone<br />

marketsectororregion.<br />

■ sea.co.uk<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business action 19

AYURDEVON<br />

AyurDevonisaholistichealth<br />

andwellnessenterprisebased<br />

inBidefordPannierMarket,<br />

specialisinginAyurvedainspiredorganicskincaremade<br />

fromhomegrownherbsand<br />

mindfulnesspracticeincluding<br />

yoga,meditationanddance.<br />

AyurDevonRemediesarea<br />

rangeofproductsinspiredby<br />

thelocallandscapeand<br />

Ayurvedicpropertiesofplants.<br />

Productsaremindfullymade<br />

usingpermacultureprinciples<br />

aimingtobesustainableand<br />

plastic-free.Italsoorganises<br />

workshopsandacommunity<br />

seedlibrary.<br />

■ ayurdevon.com<br />

COASTAL RECYCLING<br />

CoastalRecyclingisDevon’s<br />

onlyfullyindependent,total<br />

wastemanagementand<br />

recyclingbusinessandis100%<br />

employee-owned.Itrecyclesor<br />

recovers90%+ofthewasteit<br />

collects–themaximum<br />

achievable.Itgenerates<br />

electricityforupto4,000<br />

homesfrommethanegas<br />

producedbytheformer<br />

landfillsiteatDeepMoor,<br />

BRUSH & BREATHE<br />

Brush&BreatheinIlfracombe<br />

isacoffeeshopandopenart<br />

studio,opentoartistsofall<br />

agesandabilities.Itoffersspace<br />

forpeopletobringinongoing<br />

projectsorstartanewoneand<br />

hasalargerangeofequipment<br />

andmaterials.Itrunsregular<br />

groupsincludingasocialgroup<br />

forartistswhowanttoconnect;<br />

life-drawinggroup;preschoolergroup;andhome<br />

educationgroup.Itisplanning<br />

workshopsonphotography,<br />

animationandportraitart.<br />

■ FB@brushandbreathe<br />

AWARDS HEADER<br />

Sustainable <strong>Business</strong> finalists<br />

TheNorthDevonUNESCOBiospherereservecelebrateslifeby<br />

recognisingtheconnectionsbetweenpeopleandnature.<br />

AspartoftheglobalUNESCOMABnetwork,ourbiosphere<br />

providesanopenforumforbringingpeopletogetherwiththeir<br />

naturalsurroundings–toempowerthemtounlocktheir<br />

potential,andusingtheirlocalandscientificknowledgetomodel<br />

solutionsforsustainableliving.Weseektoinspirepeopleto<br />

establishnew,meaningfulconnectionstotheirenvironmentand<br />

shareawayoflivingwithnaturethatbuildsapositivefuturewe<br />

canbeproudof.<br />

Peoplelivinginthislandscapecandemonstratetheirwayof<br />

livingwithnaturethroughseveraldifferentprojects,all<br />

contributingtotheSustainableDevelopmentGoals.<br />

WehavelaunchedtheNaturalCapitalMarketplace,anonline<br />

tradingplatformconnectinglandownerswithnewproject<br />

optionstheycanimplementontheirlandthatdiversifyincome<br />

andhelpnaturerecover–justoneofmanyinitiatives.<br />

■ northdevonbiosphere.org.uk<br />

producesnutrient-richsoil<br />

improverfromgardenwaste,<br />

isincorporatingsmartand<br />

hydrogentechnologiesinits<br />

vehiclefleetandismakingits<br />

day-to-daybusinesspractices<br />

moresustainable.<br />

■ coastaluk.co.uk<br />

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

HIVE HEALTH & WELL-BEING<br />

HiveHealth&Well-Being<br />

Centreprovidesaone-stop<br />

shopforclients’exercise,pain<br />

managementandmaintenance.<br />

ItlaunchedafterMatthew<br />

Wallinrealisedthatpeoplecan<br />

consultmultiplepractitioners<br />

whodon’tcommunicatewith<br />

eachother.Thethreepractitionercentredelivers<br />

client-specificpersonal<br />

programmesintegrating<br />

trainingandtherapies.<br />

■ hivehealthandwell-being.co.uk<br />

sponsored by<br />

HAND:PLANT<br />

hand:plantisafamily-runart<br />

galleryinIlfracombewith<br />

contributionsfromsome30<br />

localartistsandmakers.It<br />

servesethicallysourcedorganic<br />

Voyagercoffee,home-made<br />

vegantreats,soupsand<br />

SMD PHARMACY<br />

Addressingavitalgapin<br />

pharmaceuticalservicesin<br />

Ilfracombe,SMDpharmacyis<br />

dedicatedtodelivering<br />

personalisedcare.Ittailorsits<br />

servicestothediverseneedsof<br />

thecommunityandhascreated<br />

ahubofferingacomprehensive<br />

rangeofNHSservices.Ithadto<br />

overcomeregulatoryobstacles<br />

andobtainanewNHSlicence,<br />

whichdemandedresilienceand<br />

patienceover12months.<br />

■ FB@SMDPharmacy<br />

smoothies.Ithostsworkshops<br />

forlocalcreativessuchassoap<br />

andherbalmedicinemaking,a<br />

bi-monthlyRepairCafewith<br />

PlasticFreeNorthDevonand<br />

TheEarthRepairshop.Italso<br />

sellsgiftsalignedwithits<br />

sustainabilityaimsincluding<br />

handmadesoaps,OceanPots<br />

madefromrecycledfishingnet<br />

andRecycledCandleCompany<br />

candles.Houseplantssoldare<br />

grownsustainablyon-site.<br />

■ handplant.square.site<br />

HOGWASH SOAP<br />

ChristineKeeleyhasrun<br />

HogwashSoapfor11yearsin<br />

Torrington.Shemakesallthe<br />

soap,moisturecream,body<br />

washandbathbombsandhas<br />

twomainaims:1)Tooffera<br />

quality,luxuryproducttothose<br />

withdifficultskinwhowanta<br />

changefrom‘medical’style<br />

fragrance-freebodyproducts.<br />

(Productsareaimedatdry<br />

andeczema-proneskin.)2)To<br />

promoteandsupportNorth<br />

Devonwherevershecan.<br />

Hogwashsellsonlineviaits<br />

websiteandhasabricks-andmortarshopthatstocksonly<br />

localproducts.<br />

■ hogwashsoap.co.uk<br />

THE WEIGHT IS OVER<br />

TheWeightisOverAcademy<br />

helpspeoplegofroman<br />

unhealthyweighttoahealthy<br />

one.Ithascreatedresourcesin<br />

avarietyofformatssopeople<br />

canbenefitfromthemethod<br />

oflearningthatbestsuits<br />

them,fromin-personclasses<br />

tostep-by-stepbooklets,plus<br />

onlinesupportand<br />

programmes.Itprovidesa<br />

comfortableplacewhere<br />

peopledon’tfeelself-conscious<br />

andfocusesonpromoting<br />

healthandlongevity.<br />

■ chrismarcoflores.com<br />

20 business action | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business-action.co.uk

TRIXX BOND<br />

Trixx,age12, hasproventobe<br />

atrueentrepreneur,fromher<br />

yearlylemonadestandwhich<br />

shefundsandoperatesherself<br />

makingfreshhomemade<br />

lemonadetogettinginvolvedin<br />

andcontributingtothefamilyrunbusiness:ThreadLOXX,a<br />

dreadlock-orientedbusiness.<br />

Trixxhastakenthetimeto<br />

makeaccessoriessuchaswraps<br />

thatshesellsinthestore.<br />

alwaystalkingaboutwaysshe<br />

canlooktomakeherownway<br />

inthebusinessworld.<br />

■ threadloxx.com<br />

BAILEY DELLAWAY<br />

Whilestillineducation,Bailey<br />

heldpart-timejobstoearnhis<br />

ownmoneybeforehejoined<br />

thefamilybusiness:Safe<br />

WorkingLifts.Aged18,he<br />

startedatthebottomand<br />

workedhiswayuptobeinga<br />

shareholderanddirector.He<br />

didnotachievethisbecausehe<br />

isfamily,butworkedforyears<br />

toprovehimself,obtaining<br />

impressivesalessuccess.<br />

WithoutBailey,now23,Safe<br />

WorkingLiftswouldnothave<br />

AWARDS HEADER<br />

Young Achiever finalists<br />

Petrociscommittedtodrivingforwardeducationalsuccessin<br />

furtherandhighereducation.Weareextremelypassionateabout<br />

raisingtheaspirations,knowledgeandskillsofindividuals,<br />

communitiesandbusinessesinDevonandbeyond.<br />

Excellencethroughlearningisattheheartofwhatthecollege<br />

does.Excellenceiswhatwedoandiswhatwesupportothersto<br />

attain.Petrocwillenablethehighestlevelsoflearner<br />

achievementandthehighestlevelsofcareerandlifefulfilment,<br />

throughlearningthatwillstretchandchallenge.Excellenceis<br />

whatcustomers,businessesandotherorganisationscanexpectto<br />

achievethemselvesthroughworkingwiththecollege.<br />

PetrocismadeupofcampusessituatedinMidandNorth<br />

Devonandoffersawiderangeofcoursesforstudentsofallages<br />

andabilitiesincludingA-levels,vocationalcourses,T-levels,<br />

degrees,apprenticeships,industryshortcoursesandrecreational<br />

courses.Wealsoprideourselvesonthelearningandwellbeing<br />

supportweoffertoallstudentstohelpthembethebesttheycan<br />

beandgofurtherinlife.<br />

■ petroc.ac.uk<br />

growntobethebiggest<br />

independentliftcompanyin<br />

theSouthWestandopened<br />

twomorebusinesses.<br />

■ www.swlifts.co.uk<br />

sponsored by<br />

GEORGINA LEES<br />

Georginastruggledwith<br />

medicalissuesatschool,but<br />

dreamedofbecomingareal<br />

estateagent.Shecompleteda<br />

businessapprenticeshipat<br />

Petroc,thenworkedherwayup<br />

inlocalbusinesses,acquiring<br />

extraexperiencetolearnthe<br />

business.Shealsotookaparttimehousekeepingjobtolearn<br />

aboutholidayrentalsandhow<br />

topreparepropertiestoafivestarstandard.Georginastarted<br />

SeaShoreCottages,herown<br />

luxuryholidayrentalbusiness<br />

inCroyde,Sauntonand<br />

Woolacombe,attheageof20.<br />

■ seashorecottages.co.uk<br />

MATT MACKENZIE<br />

MattstartedwithGetBetteras<br />

adigitalmarketinginternona<br />

placementyearwhilestudying<br />

marketingattheUniversityof<br />

Bristol.Initiallyinterestedin<br />

thevisualsideofemail<br />

marketing,hebecamedeeply<br />

interestedinthetechnical<br />

aspectsoftheemailmarketing<br />

systemused(Klaviyo)andhas<br />

pavedthewayindeveloping<br />

thetechnicalsideofemail<br />

marketingintheagency.Matt<br />

willcontinuetoworkwiththe<br />

agencypart-timewhilehe<br />

completeshisdegree.<br />

■ getbetter.co.uk<br />

ONE COMPLETE<br />

ONLINE SOLUTION<br />

WWW.PEAK-ONLINE.UK<br />

+44 1237 725393<br />

HELLO@PEAK-ONLINE.COM<br />

business-action.uk | <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2024</strong> | business action 21

usiness<br />

ACTION<br />

THURSDAY 9 MAY @ THE LANDMARK THEATRE, ILFRACOMBE<br />

NFU Mutual Barnstaple and<br />

Bideford agency is proud to<br />

sponsor the North Devon<br />

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

Celebrationforasecondyear.<br />

Weweredelightedtobeofferedtheopportunity<br />

to be involved with these awards, recognising and<br />

celebrating the success of local businesses across<br />

NorthDevon.<br />

We have been impressed with the breadth and<br />

qualityoftheentrantsandfeelthatthejudgeswill<br />

havesomedifficultdecisionstomake.<br />

North Devon <strong>Business</strong> Awards Celebration <strong>2024</strong><br />

sponsored by<br />

With over a century of<br />

experience, NFU Mutual has<br />

been part of the fabric of the<br />

local community for many<br />

yearsanditisanimportantpartofwhoweare.<br />

Our friendly team at our agency in Barnstaple<br />

takes pride in establishing direct and long-lasting<br />

relationships with customers, many of whom are<br />

businesses across North Devon who value a<br />

personalapproachandexcellentcustomerservice.<br />

■ Calluson01271829563orvisitatLauderLane,<br />

Roundswell<strong>Business</strong>Park,Barnstaple,EX313TA<br />

BOOK TICKETS AT BUSINESS-ACTION.CO.UK/AWARDS – ALL WELCOME!<br />

NFU MUTUAL BARNSTAPLE<br />

AND BIDEFORD ARE<br />

PROUD TO SPONSOR<br />

THE NORTH DEVON<br />

BUSINESS AWARDS <strong>2024</strong><br />

We offer an attentive, local and personal service for your<br />

insurance, pensions and investments.<br />

For quality insurance you can rely on call us or visit<br />

01271 343592 | 1a Lauder Lane, Roundswell <strong>Business</strong> Park,<br />

Barnstaple, EX31 3TA<br />

J G S May, B C Llewellyn-Rees & M J Latchford is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982).

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