Business Action | Winter 2024/25

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ACTION
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devon
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innovation
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Online @ business-action.uk | Winter 2024/25 | News updates @ business-action.co.uk

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business action | Winter 2024/25 | business-action.co.uk

DIRECTORY HEADER
ACCOUNTANTS
Azets
South Molton
t: 01769 572404
t: azets.co.uk
JD Accountants (South West) Ltd
Barnstaple
t: 01271 378606
Tarka Accounts
Barnstaple
t: 07961 741107
w: tarka-accounts.co.uk
TaxAssist Barnstaple
Barnstaple
t: 01271 233250
w: taxassist.co.uk/barnstaple
ANTIQUE MAPS & CHARTS
Old Folding Maps
South Molton
t: 01769 573935
w: foldingmaps.co.uk
ARCHITECTS
RGP Architects
Barnstaple
t: 01271 345304
w: rgparchitects.com
ARTS & CREATIVE
Creative UK
w: wearecreative.uk
North Devon Arts
w: northdevonarts.co.uk
BREWERY
Combe Brewing Company
Ilfracombe
t: 07973 488409
w: facebook.com/
CombeBrewingCompany
BUILDING SUPPLIES
Heritage Cob and Lime
Bideford
t: 01237 477431
w: heritagecobandlime.com
RGB Building Supplies
Branches in Barnstaple, Bideford,
Hatherleigh, Holsworthy,
Ilfracombe, Okehampton, South
Molton, Tiverton
w: rgbltd.co.uk
BUSINESS ADVISORS
Pound Lane Financial Management
North Devon
t: 07801 199671
w: poundlane.co.uk
BUSINESS COACHING
Accelerate Business Consultancy
& Solutions
Bude
t: 07865 098253
w: accelerate-business.co.uk
BUSINESS SUPPORT
Heart of the South West Growth Hub
Devon
t: 0345 604 7047
w: heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk
CAR SALES & SERVICING
Blights Motors
Bideford
t: 01237 472282
w: blightsmotors.co.uk
CLOTHING PRINTING
Dexters Printing
Chivenor
Instagram: @dexters_print
e: info@dexters-pb.co.uk
NEW ADVERTISERS IN RED
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
James Doble Commercial
North Devon
t: 01237 424053
w: jd-commercial.co.uk
CONSTRUCTION
Advanced Scaffolding
Barnstaple
t: 01271 321100
w: advancedscaffoldingltd.co.uk
COPIERS & PRINTERS
Clarity Copiers North Devon
Barnstaple & North Devon
t: 01271 374061
w: claritynorthdevon.co.uk
COPYWRITING & MARKETING
Zarywacz
North Devon & UK
t: 01271 879100
w: z2z.com
DIGITAL & WEB SITES
Kameleon
Barnstaple
t: 01271 375100
w: kameleondigital.uk
Peak Online
Bideford
t: 01237 725393
w: peak-online.uk
DINING
Terrace Tapas & Wine Bar
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 863482
w: terracetapasbar.co.uk
The Royal George
Appledore
t: 01237 424 138
w: trgpub.co.uk
ENVIRONMENT
North Devon Biosphere
North Devon
t: 01392 388647
w: northdevonbiosphere.org.uk
FINANCE
SWIG Finance
North Devon & South West
t: 01872 227 932
w: swigfinance.co.uk
FINANCIAL ADVISERS
D Scott Financial
Bideford
t: 01237 426450
w: dscottfinancial.co.uk
Philip J Milton & Co Plc
Barnstaple
t: 01271 344300
w: miltonpj.net
Together Financial Solutions
Barnstaple
t: 01271 346123
w: togetherfinancialsolutions.co.uk
FIRE SAFETY
Fyrex
Braunton
t: 01271 611081
w: fyrex.co.uk
FITNESS & PERSONAL TRAINING
Fortis Performance
Chivenor
Instagram: @fortis_performance_
e: info@fortis-performance.co.uk
GARDENING & LANDSCAPING
Gardenscapes Devon
Torrington
t: 07799 478318
w: gardenscapesdevon.co.uk
HOTELS
The Carlton
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 862446
w: ilfracombecarlton.co.uk
INSURANCE
NFU Mutual Barnstaple & Bideford
Barnstaple & Bideford
t: 01271 343592
w: nfumutual.co.uk/agent-offices/
barnstaple
Taw Insurance Solutions
Barnstaple
t: 01271 347147
w: tawinsurance.co.uk
INTERNATIONAL TRADE SUPPORT
International Trade Matters Ltd
Bampton
t: 01398 332881
w: internationaltradematters.com
IT
Lineal Software Solutions
Barnstaple
t: 01271 375999
w: lineal.co.uk
MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY
Improved Ways
Bideford
t: 07986 558587
w: improvedwayslimited.co.uk
MANUFACTURERS
The Clovelly Soap Company
Clovelly
t: 01237 432280
w: theclovellysoapcompany.com
Smart Manufacturing
Bideford
t: 01237 471977
w: smart-manufacturing.co.uk
Taw Tech
Pottington
t: 01271 377688
w: tawtech.com
NETWORKING GROUPS
Business Networking in Barnstaple
Barnstaple
t: 0843 289 1339
w: bnibarnstaple.co.uk
North Devon Networking Group
Barnstaple
w: northdevonnetworking.co.uk
Torridge Business Networking
Westward Ho!
w: torridgebusinessnetwork.co.uk
OFFICE SUPPLIES
Rapide Office Supplies
Weston-super-Mare
t: 01934 416392
w: www.rapide-system.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEO
Beep Media
Barnstaple
t: 07967 021307
w: beepmedia.co.uk
We Shoot Any Product
Chivenor
t: 01271 316886
w: weshootanyproduct.com
PRINTING
Jamaica Press
Buckland Brewer
t: 01237 452333
w: jamaicapress.co.uk
RECRUITMENT
Cooper Golding
Barnstaple
t: 01271 349745
w: coopergolding.co.uk
RETAILERS
Pedlars
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 863509
w: Facebook @pedlarsofilfracombe
SIGNS
Doubleuprint
Barnstaple
t: 01271 268 041 / 07866 420436
w: doubleuprint.co.uk
The Sign Maker
High Bickington
t: 01769 561355
w: sign-maker.co.uk
SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Aramis Rugby
South Molton
t: 01769 550284
w: aramisrugby.co.uk
TELECOMS
Zero7
Barnstaple
t: 01271 370707
w: zr7.co
TRAINING & SKILLS
Online Courses by MAKO
Barnstaple
t: 0800 014 1369
w: onlinecoursesbymako.com
Petroc
Barnstaple & Tiverton
t: 01271 345291
w: petroc.ac.uk
Skern Training & Skills
Appledore
t: 01237 809 469
w: skerntrainingandskills.co.uk
TRAVEL AGENTS
Clare Flint – Travel Counsellors
North Devon
t: 01271 828990
w: travelcounsellors.co.uk/clare.flint
World Class Adventures
North Devon
t: 01174 521159
w: worldclassadventures.com
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Harrison Belle Virtual Solutions
Torrington
t: 07703 226343
w: hbvirtualsolutions.co.uk
WILLS
Wills at Home
West Yelland
t: 01271 860105
w: wills-athome.co.uk
BOOK YOUR LISTING NOW AT needitfindit.uk
➤ Listinginfourissuesof
magazinewithbusiness
nameandcategory,phone
number,websiteandtown.
➤ 12-monthonlinelistingat
needitfindit.ukNorth
DevonBusinessDirectory
withbusinessnameand
category,logo,phone
number,addressandlinks.
➤ 4issuesofmagazinemailed
directtoyourUKaddress.
business-action.uk | Winter 2024/25 | business action 1

WELCOME
Winter 2024/2025 CONTENTS
Welcome..................................................................................................................... 2
Take action................................................................................................................. 3
1 – Take control................................................................................................ 3
2 – Networking................................................................................................. 3
3 – Exhibit at BBxpo Barnstaple – Monday 12 May......................... 4
4 – Visit events................................................................................................. 4
5 – Send Business Action your news.................................................... 4
6 – Enter the North Devon Business Awards 2025.......................... 5
7 – Development.............................................................................................. 5
8 – Advertise..................................................................................................... 5
9 – Support other businesses................................................................... 5
10 – Take action............................................................................................... 5
Video courses for all businesses: big and small..................................... 7
Step into 2025 with confidence........................................................................ 9
Preparing for the copper phone switch-off................................................. 9
Top 10 cyber threats in 2025 ............................................................................. 11
Women’s awards success.................................................................................. 11
Recruiter’s expansion includes North Devon hub................................... 12
Two-business launch:
Dexters Printing....................................................................................................... 13
Fortis Performance................................................................................................ 13
Less to landfill.......................................................................................................... 15
Connecting businesses and jobseekers...................................................... 15
South West’s best deli in Lynton..................................................................... 16
Showroom experience for touch and feel.................................................... 17
Young entrepreneurs in action......................................................................... 17
Best UK electrical wholesaler........................................................................... 17
Happy New Year!
WhileIdon’tmakeNewYear
resolutions,therestartafterthe
Christmasholidaysdoescreate
ausefulopportunitytotake
stockofbusinessandhowto
approachtheyearahead.
Thebadnewsisthatin30
yearsofrunningbusinessesand
15yearsasjournalistreporting
onbusinessinNorthDevon,I
havenotpreviouslyseenthe
numberandscaleofdifficulties
thatbusinessesnowface.Nor
haveIseeneverysector–retail,
hospitality,manufacturing,
farmingandmore–soaffected.
Thegoodnewsisthat
whateverhardshipsbusinesses
face,therewillalwaysbe
opportunities,eveniftheydo
requireimmenseefforttograsp.
BusinessAction’sroleisto
supportandpromoteNorth
Devonbusinesses,andinform
youaboutusefuladvice,
initiatives,eventsandmoreto
helpmakeyourbusiness
resilientandsuccessful.
Overthenextthreepages
aresuggestionsfor10actions
totaketomakeyourbusiness
bothresilientandsuccessful.
Mayyouthrivein25!
EDITOR
Robert Zarywacz
Editor & Publisher
t: 07971 176044
e: robertz@business-action.co.uk
Editing & design by
Web site | business-action.co.uk
Online version | business-action.uk
t: 07971 176044
Printed by
© Need it Find it 2025. All information in this magazine is published in good faith. Any views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, Need it Find it. Articles
included in this magazine do not constitute business advice. Readers are strongly recommended to seek advice from an appropriate professional before taking any action on
any topic discussed in the magazine and to check full terms and conditions of any products or services promoted in advertisements.
2 business action | Winter 2024/25 | business-action.co.uk

TOP 10 ACTIONS
Take
now
1 – TAKE CONTROL
Rarelyisanyoneinfullcontrol
oftheirbusiness.
Weplan,webuildprocesses,
weautomate,wegetbusy,we
settleintoaworkingpatternand
reacttochangeifwehaveto.
Ifnotvigilant,weadopta
‘that’sthewaywe’vealways
doneit’mindset.It’simportant
tocheckthatthereasonwhywe
dosomethingremainsvalid.
Thismightidentifychanges,
bigorsmall,wecouldmaketo
improveefficiency,productivity,
profitorallthree.Itcould
includeasharperfocusoncosts
andfinance.Arethere
subscriptionswecouldcancel?
Arewereceivinggoodvalue
fromsuppliers?Doweinvoice
customerspromptly?Dowe
chasedebtors?
Sometimesinvestmentcan
reducecostsoverthelongterm,
Vol 7 Issue 1 – Winter 2024 / 2025 – distribution 2,000
suchasreplacingoldequipment
thatisexpensivetorunwith
newer,moreefficientmodels.
Changecanalsoaffect
businessviability.Shifting
markettrends,newtechnology
andrisingcostsmightmake
ourproductsandservicesless
relevant.Doweneedto
developnewproducts?Dowe
needtoshiftthefocusofour
businesstoadifferentmarket?
Isthebusinessstillviable?Is
ittimetosellorclosethe
businessorretire?Orcanwe
seebigopportunitieswhich
requireatotalrestructureof
ourbusiness?
Answeringthesequestions
andmakinganychangesthey
identifycanimproveoperations
andincreasemotivationwhen
wecanseethatourbusinessis
inexcellentshape.
2 – NETWORKING
Manybusinessownersworkin
isolation,oftenlackingthe
benefitofcollaborationor
simplybeingabletodiscuss
issueswithlike-mindedpeople.
Networkingaspartofa
businessgroupcanresolvethis.
Chooseorganisationsthatsuit
youpersonallyand/oryour
business:
➤ Localnetworkinggroup–
oftencombiningsocial
meetingswithselling
➤ Localchamberofcommerce
–usuallyfocusedon
businessinaspecifictown
➤ Regionalchamberof
commerce–focusingon
businessinacountyor
region,lobbyingregionalor
nationalgovernmentand
offeringawider
geographicalreachwitha
membershipthatincludes
largercompanies
➤ Industryorprofessional
membershiporganisation–
connectwithbusinessesin
thesamesectorasyou,and
accessindustry-specific
adviceortraining
➤ Nationalorglobalgroup–
independentoflocationor
sector,withgeneralaims
Doestablishspecificaimsfor
joiningtojustifythecostof
membershipforayear.For
example,50weeklybreakfast
meetingscouldcost£500+,so
whatwillthisproduceforyou?
BusinessActionisamember
ofDevonChamber.
business-action.uk | Winter 2024/25 | business action 3

3 – EXHIBIT AT BBxpo
BBxpohasgrownintoNorth
Devon’slargestbusiness
exhibitionsinceitslaunchin
2018inBideford.
Eachyearwelookathowto
developtheeventinresponse
toexhibitorandvisitorneeds–
suchastheeventinIlfracombe
in2024.
In2025,weareholdingourfirstexhibitionin
BarnstaplePannierMarketonMonday12May.
Wehavebeenlookingforasuitabletowncentre
venueforsometimeandtherecentlyrestored
PannierMarketisideal.
BBxpo aims
BBxpo’soriginalaimsremainvalidtoday:
➤ Providetheopportunityforface-to-face
promotionwithexhibitionstandsataprice
thatanybusinesscanafford
–small£85orlarge£170
➤ Attractawiderangeof
businesssupportproviders
toattendwhobusinessescan
talktoinpersonunderone
roofaboutadvice,business
development,grants,
fundingandtraining
➤ Opportunitiestonetworkwithawiderange
ofpotentialcustomersandsuppliers
➤ Promoteexhibitorsthroughbusinessprofiles
inthismagazine,ontheeventwebsiteandin
socialmediaposts
■ Totakeadvantageofalltheseopportunities,
bookyourstandtodayatbbxpo.uk
Book stands at
bbxpo.uk
4 – VISIT EVENTS 5 – SEND US NEWS
Whilegovernmentsandtech
corporationsurgedusallto
communicateonlineduring
thepandemic,shortcomings
ofdigitalmessagingandvideo
meetingsarewidelyrecognised.
Thebenefitsofface-to-face
communicationarebeing
appreciatedbymorepeople
oncemore,althoughthat
doesn’tstopmanyindividuals
experiencinganxietyatthe
thoughtofreal-worldevents
andmeetings.
Lockdowns,remoteworking
andstudying,andthegrowing
lonelinessepidemichaveall
exacerbatedthisproblem.
Someindividualshave
withdrawnfromsocialcontact,
whilesomeyoungerpeople
havenothadthechanceto
developthesocialskills
essentialtosucceedatwork
andinbusiness.
Overcoming anxiety
Ifyouexperiencesuchanxiety,
youarenotalone.
BusinessActionaimsto
createawelcomingactivityat
alloureventssothatguests
feelcomfortableandatease–
BBxpoexhibitions,theNorth
DevonBusinessAwards
Celebrationandsmaller
networkingeventsweorganise.
■ Ifyoufeelanxiousabout
attendinganyofour,orany
other,eventsorwouldlikeus
toorganisesmalleventsin
yourarea,pleasedocalleditor
RobertZarywaczon07971
176044forachattoputyouat
yourease.
Don’t miss out on benefits
Weknowfromdiscussing
attendancetrendswithother
eventorganisersthat‘no
shows’arecurrentlyveryhigh.
Lastyear,someeventswewere
scheduledtoattendwere
cancelledduetolowtake-up.
Thisbothwastesorganisers’
timeandcausesbusiness
ownerstomissoutonadvice,
learningandnetworking.It
alsoreducesthechoiceof
eventsinthecalendaras
organisersabandonevents.
Recommended events
➤ IlfracombeBusinessand
CareersExpo–12May
➤ BBxpo–12May,Barnstaple
➤ DevonBusinessAwards–
16May,Plymouth
➤ NorthDevonBusiness
AwardsCelebration–
6June,Ilfracombe
➤ DevonBusinessShow–
15October,Plymouth
➤ Localbusinesseventsin
yourarea
Manyeventsandexhibitions
arefreetovisit,sodotake
advantageofthem.Event
organiserswillbepleasedto
welcomeyouandyouarevery
likelytobenefitfromadvice,
informationyouacquireand
meetingnewcontacts.
■ Ifyouareaneventorganiser,
BusinessActionispleasedto
promoteeventsavailableto
thewiderbusinesscommunity
(notthosepromotingproducts),
sopleasesenddetailsto
robertz@business-action.co.uk
BusinessActionexiststo
supportandpromotebusinesses
inNorthDevon.Wearealways
pleasedtoreceivenewsabout
yourbusiness.
Free exposure
Thereisnochargeforincluding
yournewsinthisprintedand
onlinemagazine–itisfree!
Thismeansthatanybusiness
hasaccesstothemedia–not
justthosewithlargemarketing
budgets–andresultsinan
interestingmixofnewsin
articlesfromallpartsofNorth
Devonineachissue.
Interviews and coverage
Don’tworryifyoudon’thavea
pressreleasewrittenordon’t
haveexperienceofwritingone.
Wepreferinterviewingyou
inpersonwheneverpossibleto
hearyourwholestory–it’sso
muchbetterthanacorporate
pressrelease.Wethenwritethe
articleinourownhousestyle.
Acceptable topics
Articlesfeaturedinthis
magazineneedtobeofinterest
toreaderssomustnotpromote
aproductorservice–it’snot
anadvert,althoughwewelcome
youtopaytoadvertise.
Topicswewanttohear
aboutinclude:
➤ Yourbusinessjourney–
aims,motivation,challenges
➤ Newbusinesslaunches
➤ Businessexpansion
➤ Innovation–newprocesses,
techniquesorproducts
➤ Upcomingeventsrelevantto
localbusinesses
➤ Expertadviceorguidance
onanybusiness-related
topic,egtechnology,law
➤ Newhiresorpromotions
➤ Apprenticeships,trainees
andyoungenterprise
➤ Skillsdevelopmentand
trainingopportunities
➤ Achievements–awards,
qualifications,certifications,
anniversaries
➤ Yoursuggestionsonwhat
willinterestreaders
You on our front cover
Wearealwayslookingfor
stunningbusiness-related
photographstofeatureonthe
frontcoverofthemagazine.
Thesecanbeofindustrial
processes,machinery,eventsor
othersubjectsthatarevisually
stimulating.Landscapesarenot
generallysuitableunlessthey
haverelevanceforbusiness.
Also,weaimnottofeature
logosorbrandingonthecover.
Considerhowmuchvalue
youcanobtainfrom2,000
readerslookingatacover
photolinkedtoyourbusiness.
Use local publications
WhileBusinessActionisthe
dedicatedbusinessmagazine
coveringallofNorthDevon,
therearemanyexcellenttown
andvillagepublications–do
alsousetheirservicestotarget
specificlocalities.
■ Emaileditorialenquiriesto
robertz@business-action.co.uk
4 business action | Winter 2024/25 | business-action.co.uk

HEADER
6 – ENTER AWARDS AWARD CATEGORIES
Our2025NorthDevonBusiness
Awardsareopenforentries.
➤ Anybusinessbasedinor
operatinginNorthDevon
canentertheawards
➤ Entryisfree
➤ Therearenocostsrequired
fromwinnersexceptfor
ticketstoattendtheAwards
Celebration
➤ Enteryourownbusinessin
oneormorecategories.
➤ Nominateotherbusinesses
youthinkdeserveanaward
➤ Closingdateforentriesis
Thursday20February
➤ Finalistsannouncedinspring
issueofBusinessAction
➤ Winnersannouncedliveon
stageatLandmarkTheatre,
IlfracombeonFriday6June
Art & Creative Business Achievement
Best B2B Business
Best Consumer Business
Best Employer
Best Retailer
Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism
Farming & Agriculture
Innovation & Technology
International Trade & Exports
sponsor International Trade Matters
Made in North Devon
Outstanding New Business
Sustainable Business
Young Achiever
Category winners progress to selection for
North Devon Business of the Year 2025
sponsor Philip J Milton & Company PLC
ENTER AT business-action.co.uk/awards
Theawardsareavaluable
waytopromoteyourbusiness
withfinalistsandwinners
publicisedinthemagazine,on
ourwebsiteandinsocialmedia.
Sponsor an award
Thankyoutoourconfirmed
sponsors–pleaseemail
robertz@business-action.co.uk
tosponsortheawards.
New categories
Wearedelightedtointroduce
twonewcategoriesforFarming
&AgricultureandInnovation
&Technology.
Enter awards now
Enterawardsusing
theonlineentry
formsordownload
aWordform.
Goodluck!
7 – DEVELOPMENT
Howeverexperiencedyouare,
thereisalwaysanopportunity
tobroadenanddeepenyour
knowledgeandskills,either
throughself-developmentor
formalstudyortraining.
Ifyoufeelinarutorcan’t
seewhatelseyoucandoto
reenergiseyourbusiness,try
learninganything.Theactof
exercisingyourmindby
studyinganysubject–not
necessarilybusinessrelated–
cansometimesstimulateyour
thoughtsinanotherarea.This
canchangeyouroutlook,
increaseyourenthusiasmand
motivateyoutoimprove.
8 – ADVERTISE
Visibilityisvitalwhenyouneed
toattractnewcustomers.
Advertisingisonewayto
achievethisandBusiness
Actionprovidesaffordable
advertpackageswithinreachof
anybusiness.
Packagesstartwithour
directorylistings(page1)for
£30ayear.Theseprovidea
listingincludingphoneand
webaddressinfourquarterly
magazineissuesplusaweb
listingon needitfindit.ukwith
adirectlinktoyourwebsite.
PerhapsthisiswhyThomas
Jeffersonisquotedassaying:
“…theharderIwork,themore
luckIseemtohave.”
Fortrainingideas,put12
Mayinyourdiarytospeakto
supportprovidersweaimto
attracttoBBxpoinBarnstaple.
OnlineCoursesbyMAKO
(page7)offerstrainingcourses,
Petrocoffersapprenticeships
(page8),theHeartofthe
SouthWestGrowthHub(page
9)providesadviceand
support,andyoucanmeet
businessandcareersadvisers
atIlfracombeBusinessand
CareersExpo(page17).
Startlookingandyouwill
findthereismuchyoucando.
Displayadvertpackages
startat£125ayear–seeinside
frontcoverforallpackagerates
–andincludeyouradvertin
fourquarterlymagazineissues,
youradvertdisplayedat
business-action.co.ukfor12
monthsplusallfeaturesofa
directorylisting(seeleft).
Printmagazinesare
distributedto
2,000businessesin
NorthDevon
quarterlyplusthe
digitalversionis
availableonlineatalltimesat
business-action.uk
9 – SUPPORT OTHERS
Nobusinessoperatesin
isolation–allneedsuppliers,
advisers,serviceprovidersand
customers.Wecanonlythrive
iftheythrivetoo.
Ifwewanttooperateand
liveinvibrantcommunities
withathrivingeconomy,we
eachhavearoletoplayby
supportinglocalbusinesses.
NorthDevonoffersa
marvellousenvironment:the
townsandvillages,landscape,
beaches,remarkablefoodand
drink,culture–allare
invaluableandalsovulnerable.
Themostvisiblechallenges
aretotownsandvillageswhere
manyindependentretailersand
hospitalitybusinessesstruggle
tosurvive.Theirsurvivalis
importantbothforthelocal
economyandformaintaining
cohesivecommunities.Ifhigh
streetbuildingsareabandoned,
towncentresbecomedeserts,
10 – TAKE ACTION
Asyoucansee,therearemany
thingseachofuscandoto
improveourbusinesses.
It’seasytobeoverwhelmed
byfearwhippedupbythe
mediaortoabsorbnegative
attitudesfromsocialmedia.
Wecan’tchangethewhole
noonegoesoutandpersonal
networksdisintegrate.
Supportinglocalbusinesses
requiresconsciouseffort,not
emptypromises.
Itmeansthinkingabouthow
toshoplocallyinsteadof
automaticallybuyingonline
andevenmakingaphysical
journeytopurchase.
Weneedtodothisnow.
Howmanymoretreasured
businesseswilldisappearby
January2026ifwedonot?
Supportingotherscanalso
attractsupportforusinreturn.
Findideason
howtochange
habitstohelplocal
businessesat
buyinshops.uk
Otherwaysofsupport
includerecommending
businessesbywordofmouth
andonline,nominatingthem
inourawardsandusingthose
advertisinginthismagazine.
worldonourown,butwecan
changewhatweourselvesdo.
Takingsmallstepspersistently
canproducebigresults.
Whetheryouchooseto
learnanewskill,refreshyour
marketingmaterialorinvest
inequipment,takeaction!
Andtellushowwellyoudo.
business-action.uk | Winter 2024/25 | business action 5

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6 business action | Winter 2024/25 | business-action.co.uk

A business that launched
onlinevideotrainingduring
thepandemicnowoffers
almost300courseswithsome
availablein42languages.
OnlineCoursesbyMAKO
wasestablishedbyJonRyein
2021afterlockdownsaffected
hisrecruitmentbusiness.He
hadalreadydevelopedvideo
coursestoimprovetheskillsof
temporaryworkersregistered
withhimandspottedthe
opportunitytoexpandthisinto
aseparatebusiness.
JongrewupinDevon,but
hadmovedawayatthetimeof
launchingOnlineCoursesfor
MAKO.Healwaysintendedto
returntotheareaandrecently
relocatedhisofficeintheCotie
centreatPetroc,Barnstaple.
Jonisnowlookingtowork
withPetroc’sT-leveland
apprenticestudentsandiskeen
tohelpNorthDevonbusinesses
withtheirtrainingneeds.
Accredited training
Allcoursesarefullyaccredited
soemployersrequiringstaffto
holdhealthandsafety,health
andsocialcare,businessskills,
HRcompliance,hospitalityor
othercertificationscanarrange
appropriatetrainingquickly
andconveniently.
Jonworkswithateamof
industryexpertsandvideo
producerstocreatethefully
interactivetrainingvideos.
Learnersdon’tjustsitinfront
oftheirscreenbutarerequired
toanswerquestionscorrectlyto
progressthroughacourseto
ensuretheyunderstandthe
subject.Learnersreceiveofficial
certificateswhentheycomplete
theircoursessuccessfully.
Coursescanalsobeusedin
conjunctionwithclassroom
training,asrefreshertraining,
asmodulesaspartofother
qualificationsandinpackages
SKILLS HEADER & TRAINING
Video courses for all
businesses: big and small
Based at Cotie, Petroc in Barnstaple: Jon Rye of Online Courses by MAKO
orbundleswithotherproducts
andservicesthebusinessoffers.
Coursecontentisupdated
quarterly,givingbusinessesthe
assurancethatcoursesreflect
thelatestchangestoregulations
andlegislationandinstruct
learnersinup-to-datepractices.
Convenient delivery
Selectinghowyoustudyis
importantandOnlineCourses
byMAKOofferslearnersthe
choiceofhowandwhenthey
accesscourses:throughlaptops,
desktopcomputersormobile
phonesandtablets.Thisoffers
learnerstheflexibilitytostudy
eitheratworkorelsewhereif
theywanttoconcentratefree
fromdistractionatatime
convenienttothem.
Coursesvaryinlength,from
10minutestotwoorthree
hours,dependingonthelevel
oflearning.
Benefits for all businesses
OnlineCoursesbyMAKOare
designedforanybusiness,big
orsmall,inanysector.
Coursesareaffordableand
costeffectiveforsoletraders
andsmallbusinessesaswellas
largerbusinesses,astheydon’t
requiretravel,specialtraining
facilitiesorequipment.
Singlecoursescanbe
purchasedforadhoctraining,
whileasubscriptionprovides
accesstomultiplecourses,
enablinglargeemployersto
managetheirbudgets
effectivelywhentraininglarge
numbersofstaff.
Businessaccountsfor
multiplecandidatesenablethe
purchaseofgenericcreditand
unlimitedusagesubscriptions
thatcanbeusedagainstany
courseatanytime.
Fullymanagedadmin
packagesincludeadedicated
accountmanager,onboarding
team,trainingportalwiththe
optionforcustombranding,
reminderemailsforlearners,
trackingofusers,user
reportingandmore.
Extensive course range
Examplesofpracticalcourses
forbusinessincludeAchieving
FoodHygieneRatingLevel5;
LicensedPremisesStaff
Training;AntiHarassmentand
Bullying;andKeepingChildren
SafeOnline.
Thefullcourserangecovers:
➤ businessskills
➤ health&safety
➤ health&socialcare
➤ hospitality&leisure
➤ HR&compliance
➤ management
➤ mentalhealth&wellbeing
Training for every sector
Whileaimedatallbusinesses,
specificsectorsinclude:
➤ building&construction
➤ care&residential
➤ education
➤ food&catering
➤ freight&logistics
➤ IT&communications
➤ manufacturing
➤ office&admin
➤ retail
➤ security
Multiple award wins
Jonsaysthatallreviewsof
courseshavebeenpositiveand
thattheinteractivestyleof
courses–includingsubtitlesfor
thosewithhearingdifficulties–
reallydoestrytohelp
candidatesunderstandand
retainlearning.
ThishasresultedinOnline
CoursesbyMAKOwinning
awardsincluding:
➤ GlobalM&AAwards2024
➤ AIGlobalExcellenceAwards
BestHealth&SafetyTraining
CoursesProvider2024
➤ CorporateLivewire
Innovation&Excellence
AwardsWinner2024
➤ CorporateVisionEducation
andTrainingAwards
Winner2023&2024
Supporting local business
JonrecentlyjoinedDevon
ChamberofCommerceand
aimstocontinuesupporting
localbusinessesfromhisnew
NorthDevonbase.
■ Details08000141369or
onlinecoursesbymako.com
business-action.uk | Winter 2024/25 | business action 7

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8 business action | Winter 2024/25 | business-action.co.uk

Here at the Growth Hub,we
offerfreebusinessadviceand
supportservicestobusinesses
inDevon,Somerset,Plymouth
andTorbay.Whetheryouneed
adviceonhowtoaccess
funding,findingbusiness
premises,businessplanningor
haveaspecificbusiness
challenge,wecanhelp.
Aswellasspecificbusiness
supportprogrammes,wecan
accessanetworkofindustry
andlocalauthorityexperts,
usefulresourcesandfree
eventstohelpyourbusiness
growanddevelop.Weoffer:
➤ businesssupportand
guidance
➤ start-upguides
➤ grantsearches
SUPPORT HEADER
Step into 2025 with confidence
Navigate business challenges to foster growth and resilience
➤ 1-2-1digitalbusiness
support
➤ connectiontofundingand
start-uploans
➤ workshops,eventsand
courses
Allthesupportweofferis
fullyfunded,freeofcharge.
Whetheryouareinthe
planningstages,haverecently
launchedyourbusinessor
havebeeninbusinessformany
years,wecanprovidevaluable
resourcestohelpyousucceed.
Wealsoofferourowninhouseprogramme,Digital
Link.Ifyou’reabusinessbased
inDevon,Somerset,Plymouth
andTorbay,youcanget
dedicatedsupportandadvice
fromoneofourexperienced
DigitalBusinessAdvisers:Lisa
andPeter.
Duringthe1-2-1sessions,
you’llworktogethertofind
digitalsolutionsalignedwith
yourbusinessgoals.While
theycan’tfixyourtechglitches
theywillenableyouto
navigatethedigitalworld
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anactionplantailoredtoyour
business,they’llhelpturbochargeyourdigitaljourney.
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Businessresiliencebegins
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growth.
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■ CompleteourGetinTouch
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atheartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/
contact-us
Preparing for the copper phone switch-off
What is the switch off and
when will it happen?
ThePublicSwitchedTelephone
Network(PSTN)willcloseby
31January2027,withthe
majorityofservicesin
populatedareasbeingswitched
offbyDecember2025.
Thecurrentnetworkisold
andcostlytomaintainandcan
nolongercopewiththe
demandsof21stcentury.
Thismeansthatevery
telephonelinewillneedto
upgradedsothatcallscanbe
madeovertheinternetinstead
ofyourtelephoneline.
Youmightalsoneedto
upgradeyourequipment.All
otherservicesthatcurrently
useaPSTNwillneedtobe
upgraded,suchasalarm
systems,doorentrysystems,
pointofsaleandcardpayment
machines,CCTVandmore.
What action do businesses
need to take?
Businesseswillneedtoupgrade
theirphonestoVoIP(Voice
OverInternetProtocol)
telephonesystems,whichuse
yourinternetconnectionto
makeandreceivecalls.
Italsobringsmany
improvementsovertraditional
landlinesandcalls,andcan
evenbecarriedoverWi-Fior
4G/5G.
Tomakethingseasy,all
businessesneedtodoisto
For decades phone users have relied on analogue copper telephone
cables to carry their voice and data communications, but now this is
being retired as digital fibre networks take over. The switch off of
copper is scheduled for January 2027, so what do businesses need to
do to prepare for this? Barnstaple-based telecoms and IT provider
Zero 7 answers your questions
provideuswithacopyoftheir
currentbill,andwewilldothe
rest.Wewillcheckwhat
servicesareavailableandwill
recommendatailoredsolution
withanoutlineofcoststobest
suiteachclient’sneeds.
What are the benefits of
upgrading? Will it cost more?
Themainbenefitistofuture
proofyourbusinessandavoid
anyinterruptioninservice.
Inregardtotheprice,often
wecanactuallysavepeople
moneybyupgradingtheir
servicesandincludingfree
calls.Youcanalsomakeuseof
mobileanddesktopapps,
meaningyoucantakeyour
officeonthego!
OtherbenefitsofaVoIP
systemareadvancedcall
managementoptions,including
on-holdmusic,voicemail,outof-hoursrouting,IVRmenus
(Press1forsales,press2for
financeetc.)andmulti-site/
locationsystems.
Will fibre be available to
everyone, even businesses
based from home?
Openreachiscurrentlyrolling
outthefullfibrenetwork(fibre
tothepremisesorFTTP)in
phasesacrosstheUK.
Pleasegiveusacallandwe
cancheckwhatisavailablefor
yourbusiness.
Do businesses need to
understand the technicalities?
How can Zero 7 help?
Wehandleallthetechnical
stuff,soyoudon’thaveto.
Ouraimistomakethe
wholeprocessassimpleand
easytounderstandaspossible,
andwewillkeepyouinformed
alongtheway.
Wearealwaysonhandto
helpandhavea24/7out-ofhoursservice,shouldyouneed
helpoutsideofofficehours.
Will upgrading cause
disruption to the business?
Notatallandyoucankeep
yourexistingtelephone
numbers.
Weaimtolimitany
disruptiontobusinessandkeep
callsflowingthroughoutthe
wholeprocessandwillaimto
keepyouonlineatalltimes.
What if businesses take no
action?
Businessescannotaffordto
ignorethisasthedecisionhas
alreadybeenmadetoendthe
oldtelephonelines.
However,Zero7endeavours
tomakethewholetransition
simpleandeasyforyou.
■ Details01271370370or
visitzr7.co
business-action.uk | Winter 2024/25 | business action 9

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10 business action | Winter 2024/25 | business-action.co.uk

CYBERSECURITY
Top 10 cyber threats in 2025
What actions can you take to protect your business?
As we enter 2025,it’scrucial
toprepareforthetopcyber
threatsthatwillaffectsmall
businesses:
1.Ransomware:Thisremains
atopthreat,withransomware
attacksbecomingincreasingly
targeted,sophisticatedand
destructive.Ransomware-as-a-
Service(RaaS)willmakeit
easierforcybercriminalsto
launchdevastatingattacks.
2.Phishing and social
engineeringattacksusehuman
psychologytotrickemployees
intodisclosingsensitive
informationorinteractingwith
maliciouslinks.Asartificial
intelligencetechnologyadvances,
thesophisticationofphishing
attacksisexpectedtoincrease,
makingthemmorechallenging
toidentifyandavoid.
3.Data breaches canresultin
theunauthorisedacquisitionof
sensitivecustomerandfinancial
information,whichmay
adverselyaffectanorganisation’s
reputation.Suchincidentscan
alsoleadtosignificantlegaland
financialconsequences.
4.Supply chain:Cybercriminalsactivelytargetthirdpartyvendorsandsuppliersto
breachtheirnetworksand
systems,highlightinga
significantvulnerabilityin
supplychainsecurity.
5.Cloud security threats:As
smallandmediumenterprises
embracecloudtechnologies,
cloudsecuritythreatswill
escalate.Organisationsmust
recognisetherisksof
misconfiguration,unauthorised
accessanddataloss.Taking
decisiveactiontoimplement
strongsecuritymeasuresisnot
onlyadvisable,itisessentialfor
protectingvaluabledataand
ensuringtheintegrityofcloud
environments.
6.IoT security vulnerabilities:
Thegrowingpresenceof
internetofthings(IoT)devices
inworkplacessignificantly
increasessecurityrisks.
Cybercriminalscaneasily
exploitthesevulnerabledevices
toexecuteattacks,makingit
Huet Bartels of Protect the Human gave an informative presentation
on how to protect your business from cyber threats at Bbxpo Bideford
in October 2024. Below Huet suggests the top threats businesses face
in 2025 and how to improve your security
crucialfororganisationsto
prioritiseIoTsecuritymeasures.
7.Insider threats:Malicious
insidersposeaseverethreat.
Theycaninflictsubstantial
damagethroughdatatheft,
systemsabotage,orselling
accesstocybercriminals.Their
actionscansignificantly
undermineanorganisation’s
integrityandsecurity.
8.AI-Powered cyberattacks:
ArtificialIntelligence(AI)is
beingusedmoreandmoreby
cybercriminals,cybersecurity
professionalsandbusinesses.
Cybercriminalsareexpectedto
exploitAItoautomatetheir
attacks,therebyenhancingthe
efficiencyoftheiroperations
andmakingdetectionmore
challengingfordefenders.
9.Cryptojacking:
Cybercriminalshavedeveloped
sophisticatedtechniquesto
secretlyuseyourdevicesfor
cryptocurrencymining,often
withoutyourknowledgeor
consent.Thisunauthorised
miningnotonlydrainsyour
system’sprocessingpowerand
slowsdownperformancebut
alsosignificantlyincreasesyour
energyconsumptionandcosts.
10. Business email
compromise(BEC)attacksare
atypeofcybercrimeinwhich
criminalsimpersonatetrusted
individuals,suchascompany
executivesorbusinesspartners,
todeceiveemployees.These
attackersoftencraftcompelling
emailsandmessagesthat
appearlegitimate,leveraging
socialengineeringtechniques
toexploitthevictim’strust.
Typically,thegoalistotrick
employeesintotransferring
fundstofraudulentaccountsor
disclosingsensitiveinformation,
suchaslogincredentialsor
confidentialfinancialdata.
Protect your business
Toprotectyoursmallor
medium-sizedbusinessfrom
thesethreats,it’scrucialto
implementrobustsecurity
measures,including:
➤ Employee training and
awareness:Educate
employeesaboutphishing,
socialengineering,and
cyberthreats.
➤ Strong passwords and
multi-factor authentication:
Usestrongpasswordsand
enablemulti-factor
authenticationtoprotect
accounts.Considerdigital
keyswhereavailable.
➤ Regular software updates
and patches:Keepall
softwareandsystemsup-todatewiththelatestsecurity
patches.
➤ Network security:Use
firewalls,intrusiondetection
systems,andothersecurity
toolstoprotectyournetwork.
➤ Data backup and recovery:
Regularlybackupyourdata
andhaveadisasterrecovery
planinplace.
➤ Incident response plan:
Developanincident
responseplantorespond
effectivelytocyberattacks.
➤ Third-party risk
management: Assessand
managethesecurityrisksof
yourthird-partyvendors
andsuppliers.
➤ Cloud security best
practices:Followsecurity
bestpracticestoprotect
yourdatainthecloud.
➤ IoT security:SecureIoT
devicesandimplement
networksegmentationto
limitexposure.
➤ Insider threat protection:
Implementmeasuresto
detectandpreventinsider
threats,suchasaccess
controlsandmonitoring.
Bystayinginformedabout
thelatestcyberthreatsand
takingproactivestepstoprotect
yourbusiness,youcanminimise
theriskofacyberattack.
Protect the Human
Withmorethan20yearsofIT
experienceandadecadein
cybersecurity,HuetBartelof
ProtecttheHumanempowers
employeestosafeguardtheir
organisations,families,and
friendsagainstcyberattacks.
Huetprovidescomprehensive
supportacrossvarioussectors,
includingIT,HR,finance,
educationandmanufacturing.
Ifyouhaveanyconcernsor
wanttodiscusscybersecurity
risksthatcouldaffectyour
business,Huetprovidesthe
adviceandguidancetohelp
secureyoursystemsand
protectyourbusiness.
■ Details7368340449or
huet@protectingthehuman.com
Women’s awards success
The 2024 Devon Womenin
BusinessAwardsrecognised
threeNorthDevonbusinesses.
ClairMedhurstof
Barnstaple-basedContinuity
Midwiferywaspresentedwith
theFemale-LedStart-Upof
theYearAward,sponsoredby
FrankmanDesign.Print.
Marketing.Web.
Mindsetcoach,Samantha
HardwickfromTorrington
andBarnstaplewasawarded
HighlyCommendedinthe
FemaleSoleTrader/Freelancer
oftheYearcategory.
SamHastingsofNorth
DevonHogRoastwon
CustomerServiceExcellence,
receivingtheawardfromElsa
PerryfromsponsorHoburne
(DevonBay).
SamHastingswasalso
awardedHighlyCommended
intheContributiontothe
Communitycategory.
■ Details07717130226 or
devonwomeninbusiness.com
business-action.uk | Winter 2024/25 | business action 11

NEW BUSINESS
Stafforce,partoftheNicholas
AssociatesGroupofcompanies,
hasappointedSaraRichardsas
BrandDirector.
Saraisspearheadingthe
expansionofthisleading
recruitmentagencyacrossthe
southoftheUK,openingnew
hubsinBristol,Loughborough,
Newport,Daventry,Blackburn,
TilburyandBarnstaple,based
atNodeCowork.Shewillfocus
onbuildingconnectionsand
deliveringresultsforclients
andcandidatesalike.
BorninBarnstapleand
raisedinAppledore,whereher
familyownedtheSeagatehotel,
Sarahasover20yearsoflocal
recruitmentexperience,
balancinghercareerwith
familyandfosteringstrong
relationshipsacrossthe
industry.BecauseSaraandthe
teamunderstandthelocalarea
sheisawareofitsstrengthsand
weaknessesandisabletofully
supportherclients.
Sara’swealthofexperience
inmanagementandbusiness
developmentwithinthe
recruitmentindustrywillbe
pivotalasStafforcecontinuesits
transformationandgrowth,
Stafforce expansion: (from left) Sara Richards, brand director,
with Kelly Kendall, chief operating officer
Recruiter’s expansion
includes North Devon hub
backedbysignificantinvestment
inresourcesandtalent.
KellyKendall,chief
operatingofficerofNicholas
AssociatesGroup,said:“Weare
thrilledtowelcomeSara
Richardstotheteam.Her
appointmentmarksa
significantstepinourjourney
oftransformationandgrowth,
particularlyintheSouthern
region,wherewesee
tremendouspotential.With
substantialinvestmentinour
peopleandinfrastructure,we
areconfidentthatSarawill
driveStafforcetonewheights,
ensuringwecontinuetomeet
andexceedtheexpectationsof
ourclientsandcandidates."
SaraRichardsadded:“Iam
delightedtojoinStafforceatsuch
apivotaltimeforthecompany.
“Theopportunitytoleadthe
brand’sexpansioninthesouth
oftheUKisincrediblyexciting.
Ilookforwardtoworking
closelywiththeteamtoopen
newbranchesanddeliver
exceptionalserviceandresults
forourclientsandcandidates.”
Sara’sappointmentisa
testamenttoStafforce’s
commitmenttostrengthening
itspresenceandcapabilities
acrosstheUK.
NicholasAssociatesGroup
offerstalentmanagement
solutionsfromapprenticeto
boardroomappointments.The
combinedgrouphasaturnover
inexcessof£100millionand
operatesfromlocationsacross
theUK.
BrandsincludeThe
ApprenticeEmployment
Agency,GraduateCareer
Solutions,Stafforce,Cra-Cro
SiteServices,NicholasAssociates,AshleyKateHR&
Finance,Main-Boardand
Olano.
■ Details01271233229or
stafforce.co.uk
Achieve your ambitions
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to SMEs in the UK, delivering accounting, tax, audit, business and advisory services both
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azets.co.uk
12 business action | Winter 2024/25 | business-action.co.uk

If launching onenewbusiness
isachallenge,howmuchofa
biggerchallengeislaunching
twobusinesses?
Twopeoplewhoknoware
NicolaBennettandPeter
Pinner,whohavelaunched
DextersPrinting–offering
bespokeclothingprinting–
andFortisPerformance–gym
andphysicalfitnesscentre.
Dexters Printingoffers
bespokeprintingofclothing
andworkwearforbusinesses
andotherorganisations,
includinghoodies,jackets,
trousers,shortsandbeanies.
Itsfocusisonproviding
goodqualityorganicgarments
andthosemadefromrecycled
materialsthataregoingtolast.
Environmentalimpactisakey
consideration.
Dextersiskeentoworkas
partofthelocalNorthDevon
businesscommunityaswellas
toservecustomersnationally.
Sincelaunchingintheautumn,
ithasattractedrepeatorders
fromreturningcustomers.
Focusingondetailisvital
sothateachorderiscompleted
tothecustomer’ssatisfaction,
andDextersprovidesa
personalservicetoachieve
DEXTERS PRINTING
NEW BUSINESS
Two-business launch
Nicolahasworkedinthe
fitnessindustrysince2011,
andqualifiedasatrainer/coach
in2014.Withexperienceasan
armyreservist,andoneofthe
firstwomentopassoutasan
infantrysolider,Nicolais
workingtoinspiremorepeople
this.Itcanprintfromdigital
imagesandishappytodiscuss
thesewithcustomerstoensure
theyproducethehighest
qualityresults.
Futureplansincludea
garmentembroideryservice.
■ Details01271614410or
Instagram@dexters_print
todiscoverwhattheirbodies
canachieve.
Peterhasalong-established
andrespectedreputationin
NorthDevonmanufacturing
andwaslookingforachange
ofdirection,whichledto
formingthetwobusinesses
Fortis Performancehas
openeditsfully-equippedgym
andphysicalfitnesscentreon
ChivenorBusinessPark,which
offersthebenefitoffreeparking.
Thegymisthevisionof
NicolaBennett,coachand
personaltrainerspecialisingin
strengthandconditioning(for
menandwomenaswellas
children),injuryprevention
andguidingpeoplebackto
fitnesspostinjury.
FORTIS PERFORMANCE
withNicolawhentheyfound
theidealpremisesforbothon
ChivenorBusinessPark.
Nicolawasseekingpremises
suitablefordevelopinga
bespokecoachingandtraining
facility.Theunittheyfound
hadbeenusedforprinting,so
NicolaandPeterdecidedboth
todevelopthegymandoffer
printingservicesaswell.
andcableequipmentis
availabletomemberstocover
allelementsoffitness,training
andrehabilitation.
Nicolabelievesphysical
fitnesstobejustoneelementin
maintaininggoodoverall
health,andconsidershuman
behaviourandmentalhealthto
beequallyimportant.
“Itdoesn’tmatterwhatyour
goalis,wecanhelpyouachieve
it,”saysNicola.
Theaimistocreateagym
withafriendlyatmospherethat
doesnotfeelimposingand
whichpeoplewanttobepartof.
Membersareabletoaccess
thegymusinga24-hourkey
fobsothattheycantrainand
exerciseattimesconvenientto
themselveswiththeassurance
ofsafetyandsecurity.
Afullrangeofkettlebells,
cardioequipment,strongman
FortisPerformanceoffers
one-to-onecoachingandthe
gymisalsoavailableforuseby
personaltrainersseeking
facilitieswheretheycanwork
withtheirownclients.
SincelaunchinginOctober,
FortisPerformancemembership
hasgrownsteadily.
■ DetailsInstagram
@fortis_performance_or
info@fortis-performance.co.uk
business-action.uk | Winter 2024/25 | business action 13

ADVERTISERS HEADER
JAMAICAPRESS
design • print • signs • web • office
design | concepts | logos | brand identity
print | stationery | forms | brochures | books
signs | posters | banners | exhibitions | signs
web | design | domains | seo | hosting
office | supplies | consumables | furniture
01237 452333
sales@jamaicapress.co.uk
Bespoke personal training
development and coaching facility
– in North Devon
– 1:1
– in person & online
– 24-hour access
Contact to book an appointment
info@fortis-performance.co.uk
@fortis_performance_
14 business action | Winter 2024/25 | business-action.co.uk

HEADER
Independent waste
managementbusinessCoastal
Recyclinghasbecomethefirst
inDevontoturnwasteonce
destinedforlandfillorincinerationintocoal-replacingfuel.
Usinganinnovative
biotechnologysolutionfrom
Advetec,Coastalwillturnsome
5,200tonnesofblackbagwaste
itcollectseachyearintosolid
recoveredfuel(SRF).SRFisa
highlysought-afterfuelthat
emits95%lessCO₂thancoal
andishelpingsomeofthe
world’smostcarbon-heavy
industriesreducetheirreliance
onfossilfuels.
Coastalhasinstalledan
Advetecsystemcomprisingtwo
aerobicdigesterunits,known
asXO22s,atitsprocessingsite
inTorrington. Operatingat
fullcapacity,thesystem
processesupto20tonnesof
BUSINESS AND
CAREERS
EXPO 2025
Publicise yourself as an employer and the
opportunities you can offer to a diverse pool of
candidates, including Ilfracombe Academy’s Sixth
Form.
WEDNESDAY, 12TH FEBRUARY
10:00 to 14:00
North Devon Resort, Ilfracombe
No Cost to Attend
Guest Speakers
01271 855300
Complimentary Lunch for
Exhibitors
Meet Tomorrow’s Workforce
For Bookings:
northdevon.eateam@dwp.gov.uk
Less to landfill
non-recyclablewasteon-site
everydaytocreate10tonnesof
SRFdaily.
Investmentinthis
technologywillhelpCoastal
offerenvironmental
improvementstoits1,600
customersacrossDevon.In
additiontodivertingwaste
fromlandfillandturningitinto
afossil-fuelreplacement,
Advetec’stechnologyalso
reducesthemassofwasteby
50%andthevolumeby70%,
whichmeansfewerwaste
collectionsandrubbishtrucks
ontheroads.
EmilyDelve,group
commercialdirectoratCoastal
Recycling,said:“Advetec’s
technologyallowsustooffer
moreoptionstoourcustomers
inthemovetodecarbonisation,
andwe’reproudtobringthis
innovationtoDevon.By
innovatinginthisway,weare
helpingcustomersreducetheir
carbonfootprintanddoingour
bitforthecommunitieswe’re
partof.”
LeeKnott,chiefexecutiveof
Advetec,said:“Coastalisa
forward-thinkingbusiness
withanappetitetodothings
differently.Asthefirstin
DevontoinvestinanAdvetec
systemfeaturingtwoofour
unitsinonelocation,we
considerthemwaste
innovators.OurXOsystem
willbuildgreaterwastehandlingcapacityintotheir
operationsandprovidegreater
controlovercosts.We’re
delightedtocountthemamong
ourclients.”
Theeight-yearcontractwith
biotechnologybusinessAdvetec
isthelatestinCoastal'swaste
innovationactivities,which
includeusinginfrared
technologytoseparateplastics
moreefficientlyandStarScreen
machinestoprocesscardboard
morequickly.Lastyear,Coastal
wonanawardforSustainability
attheExeterLivingAwards
andwashighlycommendedin
thesustainabilitycategoryat
theExeterPropertyAwards.
CoastalRecyclingwonthe
SustainableBusinessAwardat
lastyear’sNorthDevonBusiness
AwardsaswellasNorthDevon
BusinessoftheYear2024.
■ Details01805623496or
coastaluk.co.uk
Connecting businesses and jobseekers
Ilfracombe Town Council,withJob
CentrePlus,isorganisingtheIlfracombe
andBusinessCareersExpo–on
Wednesday12FebruaryatNorthDevon
Resort–toconnectlocalbusinesseswith
jobseekersandcareerexplorers.
Whetheryou’relookingtotakeyour
firststepsintotheworkforce,findanew
job,orgainvaluableworkexperience,
thiseventisyourchancetomake
meaningfulconnectionsandexplorea
rangeofopportunities.
Theexpobringstogetherbusinesses
fromacrosstheIlfracombeareaunder
onerooftoshowcasejobopenings,
apprenticeships,andworkexperience
placements.Withindustriesranging
fromhospitalityandtourismtoretail,
tradesandprofessionalservices,there’s
somethingforeveryone,regardlessof
yourskillsorcareersgoals.
Opportunities for jobseekers
➤ Jobopportunities:Meetlocal
employerswhoareactivelyrecruiting
➤ Skilldevelopment:Learnaboutwork
experienceprogrammesdesignedto
bridgeyourskillsgap
➤ Networking:Engagedirectlywith
employersandindustryprofessionals
togetinsidertipsandcareersadvice
Opportunities for businesses
➤ Promoteyourbusiness,discoverfresh
talent,andhelpshapethefutureof
thelocalworkforce
Standsareavailablefreeofcharge
withonecomplimentarylunchperstand
andhotdrinksthroughouttheday.
■ TobookstandsspeaktoSarah
MaddocksatIlfracombeTownCouncil
on01271855300oremail
northdevon@eateam@dwp.gov.uk
business-action.uk | Winter 2024/25 | business action 15

HEADER RETAIL
South West’s best deli in Lynton
Just four yearsafteropening,
ALittleDeliinLyntonhas
beennamed‘BestSouthWest
Deli’intheTasteoftheWest
Awards2023/2024.
LauraandDanielWhitfield
startedthebusinessin2020
afternewjobsfellthroughdue
tothepandemic.Lauradrew
onherbakingskillstobake
cakestogenerateincome.The
businessdevelopedfromthis
intoatearoomandcakeshop,
andthecouplealsostarted
sourcingfoodproductsfrom
acrosstheSouthWest.Asthe
pandemiccontinued,the
chairsandtableshadtobe
removedandthebusiness
continuedasaretailoutlet,
buildingupitsrangeof
productsfurther.
“Challengescomeupand
youhavetoadaptandevolve,”
saysDaniel.
Heattributesthecouple’s
successtotheircommitment
tocustomerserviceand
offeringthebestquality
productstheycanfindinthe
SouthWest.
Peakbusinesstimein
Lyntonisduringthesummer
whenthetownattracts
tourists,whileintheslow
South West champions: Daniel and Laura Whitfield of A Little Deli, Lynton
wintermonthsmany
businessesfocusonsurvival.
ForALittleDelithismeans
travellingtomarketstoretail
productswhenthereareno
visitorsanddevelopingtheir
onlinestore,whichenables
customerstoordersavoury
items,sweets,drinksand
alcohol,andbespokehampers.
Danieladdsthatthecouple
liketolookatthebigger
picture:“Collaborationwith
otherbusinessesisimportant.
WealsoworkhardwithVisit
LynmouthandLynton.”
Inafurthertwist,ALittle
Deliisonceagainoffering
homemadefood.First,they
startedofferinggourmetrolls,
devisingamenuwhichproved
popularwithlocalsand
tourists.Theyexpandedthisto
providepackedlunchesto
accommodationprovidersfor
theirguests.
Recently,thecoupletook
upafurtheropportunityto
expandintotheadjoining
propertytoofferatakeaway
foodservice,includingsoups,
toasties,baconsandwiches,
sconesandpuddings.Thisalso
enablesthemtohostpop-up
foodevents.
“Wequitelikechallenges
andbeingresourcefultofind
creativeresponses,”saysDaniel.
“Wehaveendlessoptimism.”
Thecouplewererewarded
fortheirresourcefulnessand
optimismwhenALittleDeli
receivedtheChampionAward
for‘BestSouthWestDeli’
fromTasteoftheWest.
Judgescommented:“The
passion,charismaandcharm
oftheownersreallysetsthis
placeapart.Areally
impressiverangeoflocal,
artisan,award-winning
productsthatbrilliantly
showcaseswhattheSouth
Westhastoofferintermsof
qualityfoodanddrink.A
greatambassadorforTasteof
theWesttoo!”
Andafirst-classambassador
forNorthDevon!
■ Details07952327170or
alittledeli.co.uk
16 business action | Winter 2024/25 | business-action.co.uk

LEISURE HEADER
Showroom experience for touch and feel
Working in a comfortableand
suitablyequippedenvironment
canincreaseproductivity,but
purchasingtherightfurniture
canbetrickyifyoucan’tseeor
touchitbeforeyoubuy.
ThisiswhatLifestyleOffice
&HomeFurnitureoffersatits
two-floorshowroomat
Roundswell,Barnstaplewhere
customerscantryoutan
extensiverangeoffurniture
includingstandardand‘sit
stand’desks,seating,storage
andmore.
Thebusinesswasstartedby
AlanJamesin2005andopened
itsfirstshowroominTiverton
in2016beforemovingto
Barnstaplein2021.Initially
focusedoninstallingnewoffice
furnitureandsellingtheold
furnitureitremoved,the
businesshasexpandedtosell
newdesks,seatingandoffice
storageaswellashomefurniture
includingbedsandmattresses.
Agenuinelyfamily-run
business,Alan’swifeLouiseand
sonsAndrewandSteveallwork
inthecompany.Stevejoinedin
2017andhandlessales,while
Andrewjoinedmorerecentlyto
managemarketingandweb
sites.Louisemakessurethe
businessrunssmoothly.
Installation service
WhatmarksLifestyleoutfrom
competitorsisitspersonal
service,whichincludes
furnitureinstallation.Instead
ofreceivingboxesofparts
whichyouhavetoassemble
yourself,theLifestyleteamwill
pre-assemblefurniturebefore
deliveringtoyourpremisesand
installingitinpositionspeedily.
Thishasledtothebusiness
providingitsservicesnotonly
tocustomersinNorthDevon,
butacrossthecountry,from
Land’sEndtoScotland.
Whetheryouneedonedeskin
ahomeofficeor50desksina
largeofficecomplex,the
Lifestyleteamprovidesthe
samehighqualityofpersonal
service.Italsooffersafree3D
officeplanservicetohelpyou
designthebestenvironmentfor
youandyouremployees.
AndrewattributesLifestyle’s
successtotrustandpersonal
service,asword-of-mouth
recommendationsattractmany
newcustomers:“Peopledolike
thatthefurnitureisdelivered,
installedandplacedwherethey
wantit.”
Home furniture
Followingitssuccesswithoffice
furniture,Lifestylenowoffers
homefurnitureandstocksan
extensiverangeofbeds,
mattressesandotheritemson
thefirstfloorofits
showroom.
Office supplies
In2023,itexpanded
furtherwiththe
launchofLifestyle
OfficeSuppliesand
nowoffers1.6million
productscovering
officeandbusinessneedsfrom
facilitiesmanagementto
stationery,workwear,safety
andPPE,andmore.
NextdayUK-widedelivery
isavailablefromitsdedicated
officesupplieswebsiteat
lifestyleofficesupplies.co.uk.
Make the right selection
Choosingthebestfurniturefor
yourofficeisveryimportant
andLifestyleoffersyoua
comprehensivepurchasing
experiencesothatyouknow
you’remakingtheright
decisionbeforeyoubuy.
■ Details01271624450or
lifestyleofficefurniture.co.uk
Family business: the Lifestyle team
Young entrepreneurs in action
InOctober,entrepreneurial
schoolstudentsattendeda
YoungEnterpriseeventat
NodeCoworkinBarnstaple.
Workingtogetherinteams,
theycompletedasimulated
businesschallengetodevelop
andlaunchanewbusiness.
Theymetwitha‘business
broker’tochoosean
appropriatebusinessandthen
preparedadetailedbusiness
planandbudgettoconvince
the‘investors’topartwith
theircash.
Theythendevelopedtheir
businessthroughaseriesof
hands-onactivitiesbefore
pitchingtheirnewventuretoa
roomfulloftheirpeersaswell
aslocaljudges.Thesesessions
areaneffectivewayforyoung
peopletoworkonacquiring
thekeyskillsinvolvedin
runningabusiness.
Commentsfromtheyoung
entrepreneursincluded:
“Itwasfuntoemergefrom
ourcomfortzonestotakeon
somebrandnewskillsand
experiences.”
“Gaveusaninsightinto
howtostart/runabusiness.”
“Ienjoyedworkingwithmy
friendstocreateabusiness.
Thewholedaywasamazing
andincrediblyfun.”
■ Ifyouwouldliketo
volunteertohelpyoung
entrepreneurs,pleasecontact
EllieDennoatYoung
EnterpriseDevon–call07799
060050oremail
ellie.denno@y-e.org.uk
Best UK electrical wholesaler
Devondale Electrical,with
branchesinBarnstapleand
Bideford,wasnamedWholesaler
oftheYearatthe2024
ElectricalIndustryAwards.
Theawardshighlightthe
outstandingcontributionsthat
companiesandindividuals
havemadetoadvancingthe
electricalindustry.
Devondalewasrecognised
foritsperformanceand
commitmenttoexcellence
acrossareasincludingimproved
marketperformance,staff
developmentandwellbeing,
anduniquesellingpoints.
PaulSteer,regionaldirector
atDevondale,says:
“Wearedelightedtobe
recognisedasWholesalerofthe
Year,anaccoladethatreflects
thededicationofourteamand
ourcommitmenttoour
customers.AtDevondale,we
strivetoexceedindustry
standardsininnovation,
sustainability,andstaffsupport.
Thisawardisatestamenttoour
team’shardworkandour
missiontocontinuously
improveandgrowinaneverevolvingindustry.”
■ Detailsdevondale.net
business-action.uk | Winter 2024/25 | business action 17

Beanie and independent clothing printing
company in North Devon
Quality and environmentally focused
Dexters
Printing
info@dexters-pb.co.uk
@dexters_print
☎ 01271 614410
SUSTAINABLE.
WASTE.
SORTED.
At Coastal Recycling we
aim to maximise your
business recycling
rates, handle your
rubbish responsibly and
help you to reduce your
waste costs.
CONTACT US FOR A FREE
WASTE CONSULTATION
Torrington-based.
Flexible, reliable service.
Responsible recycling and waste disposal.
Employee-owned business.
01271 440600
customer.services@coastaluk.co.uk
www.coastaluk.co.uk