Business Action | Spring 20225

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business action | Spring 2025 | business-action.co.uk

ACCOUNTANTS
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
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 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
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 & PROOFREADING
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
Sims Designs: Website Design & SEO
Croyde
t: 01271 890291
w: stevesims.com
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 UNESCO 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
HOTELS
The Carlton
Ilfracombe
t: 01271 862446
w: ilfracombecarlton.co.uk
DIRECTORY HEADER
INSURANCE
NFU Mutual Barnstaple, Bideford
& Halwill
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
BOOK YOUR LISTING NOW AT needitfindit.uk
➤ Listing in four issues of
magazine with business
name and category, phone
number, web site and town.
➤ 12-month online listing at
needitfindit.uk North
Devon Business Directory
with business name and
category, logo, phone
number, address and links.
➤ 4 issues of magazine mailed
direct to your UK address.
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 & TECHNOLOGY
Tarka Digital
Yarnscombe
t: 01805 970000
w: tarkadigital.co.uk
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
NEW ADVERTISERS IN RED
business-action.uk | Spring 2025 | business action 1

WELCOME
Vol 7 Issue 2 – Spring 2025 – distribution 2,500
SPRING 2025 CONTENTS
Business directory ................................................................................................. 1
Welcome ..................................................................................................................... 2
New Barnstaple branch for building supplies firm .................................. 2
Store celebrates first 100 years and looks to the future ....................... 3
BBxpo Barnstaple event guide: Monday 12 May ...................................... 4
Workshop: If you're in business . . . you're in Sales! ........................ 4
Workshop: Having supportive conversations:
The leadership skill that changes everything ..................................... 4
Start the engine, release the brake: Let’s speed network ............. 5
Exhibitor: Clinic pioneers PEMF treatment .......................................... 5
Exhibitor: Travel agency builds on success ........................................ 5
Exhibitor: Accountancy practice expands ........................................... 6
Exhibitor: Growth Hub Digital Link programme ................................ 6
Exhibitor profiles ............................................................................................. 7
Celebrate the lives of loved ones as they would choose ...................... 10
North Devon Business Awards 2025: Friday 6 June
Celebrating at the Landmark – book your tickets .............................. 11
Judges assess 100+ awards entries ....................................................... 12
North Devon Business of the Year 2025:
Message from Philip J Milton ...................................................................... 14
Awards category finalists ............................................................................. 14
Spring into Business Action
It’s been a long, cold winter and
cheerful primroses – our bright
county flower – herald the
welcome arrival of Spring in
North Devon.
It’s time for businesses – as
well as plants – to come alive
and there’s much to do.
In this issue we cover the
2025 North Devon Business
Awards. Once again, we
received 100+ entries and the
judges have worked hard to
select the finalists and winners.
See the finalists from pages 14
to 21 – the winners will be
announced on Friday 6 June at
the Landmark Theatre – book
your tickets to enjoy this
energising celebration of
enterprise in North Devon.
We also cover BBxpo, which
comes to Barnstaple Pannier
Market on Monday 12 May,
featuring business-to-business
exhibition, speed networking,
talks and workshops. See
details and a selection of
exhibitors from pages 4 to 9.
Entry is free for visitors and
there’s still time to book stands
to exhibit your business.
See you at both events!
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.
New Barnstaple branch for
building supplies firm
Bradfords Building Supplies
is set to welcome customers
through the doors of its new
branch in Barnstaple in North
Devon, the latest outlet to join
Bradfords’ growing portfolio
across the South West, with
more than 45 branches
throughout the region.
Bradfords has been serving
trade and retail customers for
over 250 years, and the new
branch in Barnstaple is
designed to be a one-stop shop
that will bring customers high
quality building materials,
garden and landscaping
products, bathrooms, plumbing
and heating, plant and tool hire,
as well as the expert advice and
support that Bradfords has
become known for.
Alongside this extensive
range of quality products and
service, the new branch is also
creating employment
opportunities
for local people.
Bradfords has
employed 18
new members of
staff at the
Barnstaple
branch,
including two
apprentices,
demonstrating
Bradfords’
commitment to
investing in the future.
Commenting on the
opening of the branch
Bradfords chief executive
officer David Young says:
“We’re delighted to be opening
our doors to the people of
Barnstaple and have the
opportunity to serve the local
community, both in-branch
and through our work outside
of building materials.
“North Devon has always
been a key location for
Bradfords, and with the
opening of the Barnstaple
branch we can now serve the
whole of the region more
efficiently, providing daily
deliveries and top-tier support.
We look forward to welcoming
both new and loyal customers
to the branch over the coming
months!”
To mark the occasion, the
team in Barnstaple will be
celebrating with both suppliers
and customers throughout the
week of the 31 March,
providing opportunities to
meet the staff and receive
brilliant deals and giveaways.
Bradfords’ Barnstaple
branch will open Monday –
Saturday from 31 March.
■ Details 01271 440750 or
visit Bradfords at Unit 1,
Sweet Briar Lane
Roundswell Business Park
Barnstaple, EX31 3ZB
2 business action | Spring 2025 | business-action.co.uk

TOP 10 ACTIONS
Store celebrates first 100 years and looks to the future
Banburys, one of the best
known names in North Devon
retailing, celebrated its
centenary recently with two
days of weekend events and
activities in Barnstaple.
Friday 21 March began with
a ribbon cutting ceremony
attended by special guests
including Deputy Lieutenant
Lady Arran CVO MBE and
Mayor of Barnstaple Janet
Coates, while the first 100
customers enjoyed free
Prosecco and centenary
cupcakes. On Saturday a horse
and carriage along with mascot
Banbury the Bear attended.
Banburys also launched its
official centenary product
range, held a charity raffle in
aid of North Devon Hospice,
Devon Air Ambulance, and
The Fern Centre at North
Devon Hospital, and offered
store-wide discounts.
Business Action covered
Banburys’ history in our
Autumn 2024 issue – read it
online if you missed it – but
how is the company facing the
future in a world where
retailing is changing fast?
Director and store manager
Natasha White says one of the
independent store’s great
strengths is its ability to react
quickly to market conditions,
such as the weather, and can
increase stock fast.
“We aim to make the intown
experience more
pleasurable,” says Natasha,
adding that long-established
relationships with quality brands
ensure the walk through the
store’s two floors inspires
customers.
“People still want to touch
and feel, see the colours and
make an informed choice: it’s a
big opportunity.”
Banburys’ loyal staff are well
known for going above and
beyond, which is appreciated
now more than ever. It’s
important that they spend time
talking with customers on the
shop floor.
Banburys’ ongoing success
confirms bricks-and-mortar
stores’ continuing value to retail.
■ Details 32 High Street,
Barnstaple or banburys.com
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● Topics include business skills, health & safety, health & social care, hospitality
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education, food & catering, freight & logistics, IT & communications,
manufacturing, office & admin, retail, security
☎ 0800 014 1369
www.onlinecoursesbymako.com
business-action.uk | Spring 2025 | business action 3

BBxpo is here!
BBxpo business exhibition
comes to Barnstaple Pannier
Market from 10am to 4pm on
Monday 12 May 2025.
It’s free to visit and you can
also enjoy the stores and
hospitality businesses nearby
in Barnstaple town centre to
fill your entire day.
What’s going on throughout the day?
➤ Business-to-business exhibition – see a
selection of the exhibitors booked to attend
on pages 7 to 9. As well as businesses, there
are business support,
funding and training
providers. Visit our web site
for additions since this
magazine went to print.
➤ Talks and workshops – to
help you develop and grow
your business.
➤ Speed networking – bring your business
cards and marketing materials to share with
new contacts you meet.
Register online for your free place(s) – there’s so
much for your business.
We look forward to meeting you.
See a selection of our business and support exhibitors from page 7 – we’ll be adding more online at bbxpo.uk
Sales workshop
If you're in business . . . you're in Sales!
Ever wondered why the most successful businesses are great at
selling? It’s because sales drive everything, from revenue to
customer relationships. No matter how amazing a product or
service is, it won’t succeed if people aren’t convinced to buy it. In
this workshop, Andreas Nest will walk you through five proven
steps to increase your sales and how you can apply these steps to
your business.
The best businesses know how
to present their value clearly
and make customers feel they
need what’s being offered.
Great sales skills build trust
and credibility. When businesses
communicate effectively,
customers feel confident in
their purchases. This trust leads
to repeat business and referrals,
helping the company grow
without relying solely on
advertising.
Successful businesses also
understand their customers’
needs. Through selling, they
gather insights on what works,
what doesn’t, and what people
truly want. This allows them to
refine their products, improve
services, and stay ahead of the
competition by always offering
something valuable.
Strong sales strategies open
doors to bigger opportunities.
Whether it’s attracting
investors, forming partnerships,
or scaling operations, businesses
that sell well can secure the
resources they need. Investors
want proof that a business can
generate consistent revenue,
and great sales performance is a
key indicator of success.
Selling is much more than
just making money, it’s about
building connections, solving
problems, and creating lasting
value. The most successful
businesses master the art of
selling because they know it’s
the foundation of their longterm
success. If you want your
business to thrive, learning how
to sell effectively is a must.
Register for free at
bbxpo.uk
Andreas Nest is a business
leader with vast experience in
sales and management, from
operating start-up companies
to resurrecting failing multimillion
pound corporate sales
channels. In 2015 he joined the
world’s largest business
coaching firm, ActionCOACH,
and has been coaching
businesses across the south
coast and south west England.
■ For details visit
andreasnest.actioncoach.co.uk
Leadership workshop
Having supportive conversations:
The leadership skill that changes everything
Every business faces twin challenges of retaining motivated
employees and achieving high productivity. Whether you employ
staff or work with associates, effective communication is essential
to building and maintaining contented and productive teams.
However small or large your business, leadership trainer and
coach James Coomber will demonstrate how supportive
conversations can improve your leadership abilities and how you
can tackle difficult conversations with confidence.
Poor communication is one of
the biggest barriers to effective
leadership. In fact, businesses
lose thousands of pounds each
year due to misunderstandings,
lack of clarity, and unresolved
conflicts. Research shows that
60% of employees have seen
workplace issues escalate due to
poor communication, leading
to lower morale, decreased
productivity and higher staff
turnover.
In this workshop, you’ll walk
away with a proven framework
for handling difficult
conversations with confidence,
built on an empathetic and
supportive approach to tough
talks. You’ll walk away with
practical techniques that you
can implement immediately,
making a real impact on your
leadership and workplace
culture from day one.
Outcomes for attendees:
➤ Lead with confidence by
handling challenging
conversations effectively.
➤ Build trust and respect within
your team through open and
honest conversations.
➤ Continue to build a positive
workplace culture where
people feel heard and valued.
➤ Strengthen your leadership
skills with a proven,
structured approach to
communication.
➤ Avoid common mistakes
that escalate conflicts and
damage relationships.
If you want to be a more
effective leader and improve
communication skills in your
workplace, attend this session.
Register for free at
bbxpo.uk
James Coomber is an esteemed
leadership trainer and coach,
specialising in helping create
positive workplace cultures
through effective leadership
skills and strategies. With 20+
years’ experience with UK
emergency services, he has
mastered the art of leading
teams to success by cultivating
supportive environments.
■ Visit jamescoomber.com
4 business action | Spring 2025 | business-action.co.uk

BBxpo
Start the engine, release the brake: Let’s speed network at BBxpo
If you need to get out there and
meet more people in business,
speed networking at BBxpo
gives you the ideal opportunity
to expand your network fast.
With three minutes to chat
to each new contact, you can
discover fast whether there are
opportunities for you to work
together. If not, you can move
on to the next contact.
If you do share business
interests, you can continue
your conversation later or
arrange a meeting in the future.
It’s fast, it’s fun, it’s effective!
1. Bring along your business
cards, leaflets or brochures.
Some water (or other
drink) is also useful.
2. Take your place in the
networking circle.
3. On the announcement,
start your two-minute
conversation with your
first networking contact.
4. The organiser will tell you
when the 90 seconds are
up. If just one of you has
been talking, let the other
talk for the second half.
5. 15-second announcement
prepares you to end your
conversation.
6. Remember to exchange
business cards or contacts.
7. Move to meet the next
networker in the circle.
8. On the announcement,
start your second
conversation.
9. Repeat until we’re all
networked out.
10. Relax.
Speed networking is more
personal because it’s one-toone
and there’s no need to get
nervous about presenting to a
group or plucking up courage
to approach people. And as the
introductions are managed for
you by the organiser, all you
have to do is chat.
Speed networking at BBxpo
is free – just register your
place(s) and turn up!
Register for free at
bbxpo.uk
Clinic pioneers PEMF treatment
When seeking effective
treatment for any health
condition, it is reassuring to
find practitioners with broad
and deep experience in a
number of fields.
Alison Savory of VitaliQi®
Holistic Health Clinic has
always wanted to “make sick
people better” and does so by
drawing on her first class BSc
(Hons) degrees in Biochemistry
& Molecular Biology and
Acupuncture, PhD in Clinical
Medicine, 15 years’ experience
in the pharmaceutical industry
and extensive training in
Chinese medicine.
Alison is applying her
experience to pioneer the use of
pulsed electromagnetic field
therapy (PEMF) in the South
West at her Barnstaple clinic.
PEMF is a non-invasive,
drug-free treatment that uses
low-frequency electromagnetic
waves to stimulate cellular
vitality and healing.
PEMF can support:
➤ women’s health including
fertility, menopause, gynae
➤ pain including acute,
chronic and inflammatory
eg arthritis, bone pain,
osteoporosis
➤ auto-immune/inflammation
➤ cancer support
➤ neuro support
➤ wellbeing, recovery and
detoxification
➤ anti-ageing and longevity
No special preparation is
needed and individuals just lie
down and relax on the PEMF
mat fully clothed.
PEMF can be used alongside
other treatments and extensive
published research on the
treatment has not identified
any side effects.
VitaliQi® has invested in,
and imported from the
USA the top-of-the range
Curatron 3-D PC system,
the highest specification
device on the market
which offers a three
dimensional 50 milli-
Tesla high power full
body mattress. The PEMF
field envelopes and
penetrates the whole body
in all three axes (length,
height and width).
A smaller, higher-intensity
device is also available for use
locally, eg plantar fasciitis,
sports injuries, localised pain
and fractures.
Alison reports clients
enjoying the benefits of PEMF
and is preparing case studies.
PEMF is just one treatment
offered by Alison at her clinic –
see web sites for the full range.
■ Details 07591 173441 or
vitaliqi.co.uk or
oneacupuncture.co.uk
Meet us at BBxpo
Travel agency builds on success
With 16 years’ experience of
running hostels for YHA and
having worked in travel since
2001, Sue Hunter started her
own travel agency, Braunton
Travel, in 2012, working from
home. The business grew so
that in 2014 she was able to
move into premises, enabling
her to maintain a greater faceto-face
presence.
Bideford Travel followed in
2018, giving Sue a wider reach
across North Devon, and both
branches survived the
pandemic without Sue having
to make any redundancies.
In 2024, Sue opened her
third branch in Gammon
Walk, Barnstaple and in 2025
has consolidated the business
in the Barnstaple and
Braunton branches following
the closure of Bideford on
expiry of the lease there.
Sue attributes the success of
her agencies to the reassurance
they give customers by
navigating the complexities of
travel on their behalves.
“We keep on top of what’s
going on,” says Sue, who
ensures that customers are
fully briefed on all they need
to meet the regulations and
requirements of every country
they travel to.
Even with many facilities
for individuals to book their
own travel online, Sue believes
there remains a need for her
style of travel agency.
“We have customers of all
ages: families, young people
going on their first holidays,
bucket list trips.
Sue likes finding finding
solutions to create the client’s
ideal itinerary: “I like being
able to help people and get
them away on their holidays.
“We have a lot of repeat
customers. Customers even
email us when on holiday to
book for next year.
“We’ve built a reputation
across North Devon for good
service and good knowledge.”
With the Barnstaple branch
now firmly established and
continuing to service existing
and new Bideford customers,
Sue and her five members of
staff are keen to help
customers across North Devon
with their travel arrangements.
■ Details 01271 611323 or
barnstapletravel.co.uk and
brauntontravel.co.uk
Meet us at BBxpo
business-action.uk | Spring 2025 | business action 5

BBxpo
TaxAssist Accountants
Barnstaple has expanded,
following a merger with
another practice.
Rob Miles has partnered
with Jamie Leigh Heyda to
grow TaxAssist Accountants’
presence in Barnstaple. Rob
launched his TaxAssist
Accountants practice three
years ago and has forged a new
partnership with J Leigh
Accounting Ltd.
Rob says: “Jamie Leigh and I
are excited to share that we
have merged our practices
under the TaxAssist Accountants
brand, with the clients and
team joining our shop at 36
Bear Street.
“Jamie Leigh has built a fastgrowing
practice based on great
Accountancy practice expands
service levels. Her wealth of
commercial and business
expertise will further strengthen
the brand in the area and
together we can build the
practice to a new level.
“Clients will see a smooth
transition and will continue to
benefit from
core services
including
accounts, tax
returns,
payroll,
bookkeeping,
tax savings
and advice as
well as a wider
range of
complementary services
available under the TaxAssist
brand, including; advisory
services, financial planning,
business restructuring, cash
flow forecasting, R&D tax
credits, inheritance tax
planning, pensions, investments,
mortgages,
protection and
insurance.”
Jamie Leigh
adds: “By
joining forces
with Rob, we
have been able
to form what
will be one of
the largest
practices in
For small business owners
looking to enhance their
digital presence, the Heart of
the South West Growth Hub’s
Digital Link programme
provides essential support.
Alan Mead, a North Devon
coach and trainer, is one
business owner who has
benefitted from this free (fully
funded) service.
“Peter has been brilliant at
helping me navigate the
intricacies of LinkedIn and
social media, and at
challenging my thinking as I
build my new training
programme. He's been a
pleasure to work with, and I
would strongly recommend
his services.”
Businesses can book a free
1-2-1 session with an
experienced digital business
adviser who will offer support
and guidance on how to grow
the Barnstaple area. We both
understand what it takes to
deliver exceptional client service
and enjoy the process of
meeting clients, understanding
their needs, and showing how
our services can add value to
their business.
“I'm confident that the
strong brand identity and
established reputation of
TaxAssist Accountants will
attract a wide range of clients
who value the assurance of
working with a well-recognised
and trusted organisation and
Rob and I are excited for what
our new partnership can
deliver.”
■ Details 0800 0188297
Meet us at BBxpo
Harness the power of digital with the Growth Hub’s
Digital Link programme
through digital tools and
strategies. Whether it’s
refining your social media
strategy, improving your online
presence, or exploring new
digital platforms, the
programme is designed to
empower businesses to thrive
in an increasingly digital world.
Alan’s experience highlights
just how transformative these
personalised sessions can be.
By receiving tailored advice
and actionable insights,
businesses can take their
digital presence to the next
level, just as Alan has done
with his training programme.
■ If you’re looking to enhance
your skills and make the most
of available digital tools, book
a free 1-2-1 session with one of
our digital business advisers
today at heartofswgrowthhub.
co.uk/digital-link/
Meet us at BBxpo
6 business action | Spring 2025 | business-action.co.uk

BBxpo
AS Cars
w: as-cars.uk
t: 01237 722066
At AS Cars, I provide a seamless,
stress-free chauffeured travel
experience for busy professionals
and discerning travellers across
the South West. Specialising in
executive transfers and airport
travel, I ensure you arrive relaxed,
refreshed, and on time – every
time. Whether it’s a crucial
business meeting or the start of a
well-earned holiday, I offer a
discreet, first-class service where
comfort isn’t an extra – it’s the
standard. Let me take care of the
journey so you can focus on what
truly matters.
Barclays Eagle Labs
w: labs.uk.barclays
Barclays Eagle Labs provides a
wealth of fully funded support to
businesses from idea stage
through to scale-up, supporting
Innovation through tech and
industry lead. Businesses can be
connected to mentors, specialists,
programmes and events designed
to help them grow. We also
provide connections to investors
through our Demo Directory,
learning through Eagle Labs
Academy, opportunities for
corporate collaboration across
industry sectors, and access to
our partners and Eco System
connections where businesses
can be put in touch with (and learn
from) their peers.
Braunton Travel &
Barnstaple Travel
w: barnstapletravel.co.uk
t: 01271 611323
Braunton Travel and Barnstaple
Travel are independent travel
agencies in the North Devon
region and are both members of
ABTA. We offer package and
tailor-made holidays, city-breaks
(including those by rail), cruises,
flights, bucket-list tours, car hire,
airport parking and travel
insurance and work with a large
range of tour operators to find the
perfect holiday solution for our
customers.
Below are BBxpo exhibitors booked as the magazine went to
print. Check web site for updates. And you can still book stands
Book stands at
bbxpo.uk
Building Growth
South West
w: building-growth.com
t: 0800 169 6563
Building Growth South West is a
government-funded training
provider dedicated to helping
individuals and businesses unlock
new opportunities through skills
development. Whether you’re
aiming to step into a new role,
advance your career, launch and
grow a small business, or gain
industry-specific expertise,
Building Growth South West is
here to support you every step of
the way.
Business Action
BBxpo co-organiser
w: business-action.co.uk
t: 07971 176044
The independent quarterly North
Devon business-to-business
magazine published in print and
online. Now in its seventh year,
Business Action is delivered direct
and mailed to some 2,000
businesses across North Devon.
Cortex-training Ltd
w: cortex-training.co.uk
t: 07824 559724
We work in partnership with clients
to deliver tailored approaches for
individual and team development.
Focusing on self-awareness and
behaviours, enabling people to
understand themselves and
others, producing more effective
working relationships and
communication. We design and
deliver programmes and one-offs
relevant to the needs of the client.
Emotional First Aid Ltd
w: emotional-firstaid.co.uk
t: 0800 4647 681
With the UK national picture
seeing increasing numbers of
people off work due to how they
are feeling emotionally, Emotional
First Aid has been designed to
help people to look after
themselves. Offering employers
training for their staff that provides;
the knowledge, skills and
awareness that promotes
emotionally intelligent and aware
cultures. Emotional First Aid
supports the creation of
workplaces that are smart and
supportive, with a common
language for emotions and with a
broad range of potential solutions.
Solutions that can help to address
the issues that lead to people
being off work and overwhelmed
by how they feel.
Federation of Small
Businesses
w: fsb.org.uk
t: 07912 240 945
We're the UK’s largest membership
organisation for small
businesses and the self-employed.
From legal protection to networking,
HR advice to business banking,
there really is something for every
small business who joins the FSB.
FSB membership gives you
everything you need to work,
connect, and be heard in
government.
Heart of the South West
Growth Hub
w: heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk
t: 03456 047047
Free business advice and support
for businesses in Devon,
Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay.
Our advisers can help you start or
grow your business, linking you to
the best support possible. Book a
fully funded (free) 1-2-1 session
with one of our Digital Business
Advisers. Complete our Get in
Touch form today.
HWH Insurance Brokers
w: hwh-insurance.co.uk
t: 01626 298949
We are an independent insurance
brokerage who are committed to
providing excellent advice and
dedicated support for your
business and risk management
requirements. We work together
with our clients and industry
partners to deliver a proactive and
personal customer experience.
Get in touch today to discuss your
insurance needs.
Kameleon
w: kameleonagency.com
t: 01271 634417
We’re The Creative Growth
Agency® – fun, friendly, and ready
to bring your ideas to life! Based in
Barnstaple, we specialise in
design, print, web development,
and marketing services that not
only look great but deliver results.
Whether it’s a standout logo, a
high-performing website, or a
marketing strategy that turns
heads, we’ve got the tools to
elevate your brand. We’re
passionate about keeping
business local, supporting our
community and growing together.
Let’s chat, collaborate, and make
something amazing happen for
your business today!
Mindful Growth Solutions
w: mindfulgrowthsolutions.co.uk
t: 07436 332610
At Mindful Growth Solutions, we
believe in building workplaces that
truly nurture mental health and
well-being. Our bespoke offerings
are designed to empower
organisations through:
Comprehensive training packages:
providing education to demystify
mental illness, identify contributing
factors, and build confidence in
initiating supportive conversations;
Leadership development: offering
coaching and mentoring for
managers, equipping them with
the essential leadership skills;
Team building & culture
enhancement: facilitated workshops
and team days. We understand
that every organisation is unique,
so we develop a tailored plan that
aligns with the business’s needs.
Let's work together to create a
workplace where mental health
thrives.
North Devon Plus
w: northdevonplus.co.uk
t: 01237 428834
North Devon+ is the economic
delivery agency for northern
Devon, working closely with local
authorities and the private sector
to deliver projects and initiatives
that support our objective to be the
enabler of economic growth for
people, businesses, and
communities in northern Devon.
By providing local business
support services, we aim to help
them flourish and prosper.
business-action.uk | Spring 2025 | business action 7

ONE COMPLETE
ONLINE SOLUTION
WWW.PEAK-ONLINE.UK
+44 1237 725393
HELLO@PEAK-ONLINE.COM
BBxpo
North Devon UNESCO
Biosphere
w: northdevonbiosphere.org.uk
t: 01392 388647
Inspiring a positive future by
connecting people and nature
today. Come and have a chat with
our Nature Tourism Officer about
the resources we have available to
help your tourism business to grow
through all seasons. Plus, find out
about our FREE Eco-Accreditation
Scheme ‘Biosphere Business
Partner’, open to all sectors!
Online Courses by MAKO
w: onlinecoursesbymako.com
t: 0800 014 1369
Online Courses by MAKO Ltd is a
leading UK-based provider of
professional online training,
established in August 2021. The
platform offers over 300
interactive, video-based courses
designed to help individuals and
businesses enhance their skills
and stay compliant with industry
standards but not with the ‘oldstyle
static PDF voiceovers’. Our
courses are fully interactive, set-in
real-life situations using the latest
heat mapping technology making
them more engaging, fun with the
candidate retaining much more
information making the work place
a safer environment for all
concerned.
Peak Online
BBxpo co-organiser
w: peak-online.uk
t: 01237 725393
Peak Online, your local web
design and digital marketing
company. Based in Bideford,
providing a personal service with
clients throughout North Devon.
Web design to suit all budgets,
from our most simple templated
websites to customised
WordPress designs – whatever
your business needs we can help
you find a solution; we support
clients in a wide range of
industries with varying levels of
requirement.
The Sign Maker
w: sign-maker.co.uk
t: 01769 561355
In an era dominated by mass
production and generic aesthetics,
the art of craftsmanship stands out
as a beacon of authenticity and
individuality. At The Sign Maker,
we cherish this ethos
wholeheartedly, dedicating
ourselves to the creation of
bespoke signs, memorials and
wheel covers that not only adorn
spaces but tell stories, reflect
personalities, and evoke emotions.
We pride ourselves on crafting
signs that are unique to you, your
home and your business. With a
huge range of materials, expert
customer service team and
dedicated designers we can help
create the perfect sign.
SWIG Finance
w: swigfinance.co.uk
t: 01872 227930 / 01872 227932
SWIG Finance provides loans and
support to small businesses in the
South and West Country. We have
loans from £500 up to £250,000
available for start-ups and SMEs.
Our lending decisions are made
by people, not computers, which
means that we are well-placed to
support businesses that can’t
secure the funding they need from
algorithm-driven lenders.
TaxAssist Accountants
Barnstaple
w: taxassist.co.uk/barnstaple
t: 01271 233 250
a: 36 Bear Street, Barnstaple,
EX32 7BZ
At TaxAssist Accountants, we
provide a friendly, personal and
professional accounting service
tailored to you. We help start-ups,
sole traders, partnerships, limited
companies, property landlords,
contractors, freelancers and
individual taxpayers. We process
payrolls for any size company and
produce Capital Gains Tax returns.
Travel Counsellors
Clare Flint
w: travelcounsellors.co.uk/
clare.flint
t: 01271 828990
With extensive experience of
working in high street agencies,
smaller independent agents and
my own agency for 19 years, I'm
ready to help busy people take
time and stress out of researching
and making their own travel
arrangements. Let me take your
enquiry by phone, email or in your
home. I offer a variety of services:
tailor-made holidays or complex
trips, group bookings, discounted
worldwide flights and independent
travel arrangements to all
destinations, including the UK.
Plus I can offer a credit account
for large medium or small
business travellers.
Utilities Network
– Nick Parry
w: uw.co.uk
t: 07890 655316
Based in North Devon, I can show
you how to make great savings on
all your household bills with the
added convenience of having
everything on the same monthly
bill! Contact me to find out how
much you could save.
VitaliQi Holistic
Health Clinic
w: vitaliqi.co.uk
w: oneacupuncture.co.uk
t: 07591 173441
VitaliQi Holistic Health Clinic offers
comprehensive therapies including
acupuncture, reiki, reflexology,
massage, nutrition, PEMF therapy,
EFT and coaching from our
gorgeous Georgian building on the
river Taw in Barnstaple. We serve
North Devon with integrated
holistic approaches that honour
natural healing and treat the whole
person—body, mind, and spirit.
8 business action | Spring 2025 | business-action.co.uk

BBxpo
Vu Digital
w: vudigital.co.uk
t: 01803 866430
Vu Digital is a purpose-driven
digital agency specialising in
brand strategy, web design, and
marketing for public sector
organisations, charities, and
regenerative businesses. We
provide ethical, sustainable digital
solutions, helping clients amplify
their impact through strategic
storytelling, SEO-optimised
websites, and eco-friendly hosting,
ensuring measurable growth and
meaningful engagement.
World Class Adventures
w: worldclassadventures.com
t: 01174 52 11 59
Tired of endless searches and
generic package holidays? Skip
the hassle—I create seamless,
tailor-made trips just for you. As an
independent travel agent, I make
touring and adventure travel
effortless and unforgettable. Pop
by my stand at BBxpo, and let’s
bring your dream getaway to life!
Zarywacz
BBxpo co-organiser
w: z2z.com
t: 01271 879100
Did AI write your text? Has a
human checked it? AI is very
clever at recycling old material, but
can’t write anything original. Every
sentence it recycles becomes
blander – people might like it
because it’s ‘nice’, but is that a
reason for you accepting it? We
can proofread and edit your text to
add vigour or write raw, original
text for you. Don’t settle for
mediocre media, write raw.
Zero7
w: zr7.co
t: 01271 370707
a: Commpliment House, Upcott
Park, Pottington Business
Park, Barnstaple
Zero 7 are a local Independent
company, based in Barnstaple that
specialises in Broadband, VOIP
telephone systems and UK Mobile
Network Services. We offer a
consultative approach to find the
best solutions for your specific
needs, with bespoke solutions and
billing options, we can tailor a
package to suit any business.
Keeping you connected to your
customers and suppliers is
paramount, and we strive to ensure
that when issues do arise you are
speaking with somebody who
knows you and your business.
business-action.uk | Spring 2025 | business action 9

FUNERALS HEADER
Hotel | Brasserie
Corporate | Events
Celebrate the lives of loved
ones as they would choose
Losing a loved one is always
hard to experience and many
people accept traditional
options for funerals and end of
life services as the default even
though they might not reflect
the wishes of those who have
passed or enable all those who
want to pay their respects to
participate easily.
Eliot Seabourn-Wren, coproprietor
of the Carlton
Hotel, says: “You can have any
style of service, you can have a
party. You can hire the venue
only or we can provide catering
and even accommodation for
those who travel here.
“There is much more
flexibility.”
Ilfracombe
EX34 8AR
Get relaxed
abouttax
No fuss, fixedfee
tax returnservices.
Book a Free Consultation
Call 01271233250
36 Bear Street, Barnstaple,
EX32 7BZ
01271 862446
ilfracombecarlton.co.uk
www.taxassist.co.uk/barnstaple
The Carlton Hotel and
William Pearce & Son in
Ilfracombe are collaborating
in a new initiative to offer
alternative funerals or end of
life services at the hotel so that
family, friends, colleagues and
acquaintances can pay their
condolences, share memories
and raise a glass without
travelling to the crematorium.
As well as saving travel
time, which can prevent some
well-wishers from attending,
services can be entirely flexible
so that organisers decide how
formal or informal they want
it, whether a priest, minister
or celebrant attends and how
to personalise the event to
reflect the individual being
remembered.
Images can also be
displayed on the hotel’s TV
screens during the service.
Joel Rutherford of William
Pearce & Son explains that the
loved one can be driven to the
Carlton in a hearse and
afterwards will be taken to
Exeter for an unattended
cremation, with their staff in
attendance, and the cremated
remains returned in a casket.
The date and time of the
service is also entirely flexible,
avoiding long waits for public
crematorium services.
Alternative services can be
tailored entirely to meet
individual preferences.
■ Call William Pearce & Son
01271 862242 or The Carlton
Hotel ilfracombecarlton.co.uk
10 business action | Spring 2025 | business-action.co.uk

HEADER
Celebrating at the Landmark
The North Devon Business
Awards return to the
Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe
on Friday 6 June when the 2025
awards winners will be
announced live on stage and
presented with their trophies.
These are the sixth awards
and the fourth time we have
celebrated them at the
Landmark, but the excitement
builds each year.
And this year we aim to fill
the theatre as we celebrate not
only winners and finalists, but
also entrants, sponsors and
judges and all businesses in
North Devon.
An evening of celebration
The evening will start with a
complementary welcome glass
of North Devon sparkling wine
Diary date: Friday 6 June
suppled by Ten Acres Vineyard,
near Winkleigh.
Then guests will enjoy a
buffet served in the Pavilion
before taking their seats in the
theatre auditorium.
Anyone who has attended
previous awards celebrations
will know that these evenings
always offer surprise and
The winners of the North Devon Business Awards 2024
entertainment alongside the
suspense and excitement of the
awards announcements
themselves.
Once again this year, Robert
Zarywacz and Andrew Bowers
will co-present, navigating
quirky incidents which may be
accidental or rehearsed – it’s up
to you to decide.
BOOKS TICKETS business-action.co.uk/awards
And the high spot of the
evening is the announcement
of the winners for each
category by sponsors, judges
and guests with the climax
created by the announcement
of the North Devon Business of
the Year 2025.
Awards trophies this year
are being created by local artist
Miriam Turner.
It promises to be another
memorable evening for all.
Your invitation
Aware of the pressure of costs
for all businesses, we have
priced tickets as attractively as
possible so all businesses can
afford to attend.
➤ Single ticket – £35
➤ Group of six – £198
➤ Group of ten – £300
Book your tickets now!
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 rehabilitation
and coaching facility in North Devon
– 1:1
– small group PT sessions
– 24 hr access
– online coaching
Contact to book an appointment
info@fortis-performance.co.uk
@fortis_performance_
business-action.uk | Spring 2025 | business action 11

AWARDS HEADER
Judges assess 100+ awards entries
The North Devon Business
Awards would not be possible
without the time and hard
work from our generous
volunteer independent judges.
Many thanks to them all –
read their biographies across
these pages.
Our judges volunteer their
time to read through all awards
entries, check out web sites and
assess the information. Then we
all meet together for them to
discuss the entries and decide
the finalists and winners.
Decisions are entirely theirs.
Why is this?
When establishing the
awards, I wanted to ensure
fairness and transparency. For
these reasons I take no part in
the decisions because I often
know entrants too well.
Having previously
participated in awards where
there was little separation
between entrants, sponsors and
judges, I felt this was necessary
to establish awards that would
An important part of judging
is to meet together and discuss
entries in person.
Diary commitments this
year required the judging for
the Art & Creative Business
Phil Parker
ArtMakers
Phil Parker is co-founder of
ArtMakers, which supports the
art and creative sectors in
North Devon and aims to
enable artists in the area to
develop as viable businesses so
that they can not only create
but also thrive.
ArtMakers’ research led to
Arts Council England
recognising North Devon as
be trusted by businesses.
Our judges give serious
consideration to their task and
I am immensely grateful to
them for this.
The challenges of judging
North Devon businesses
include how to weigh up the
contributions of sole traders
with limited resources against
bigger companies with, how to
Art & creative awards judges
Achievement Award to take
place before the main judging
day. With their specialist
experience in the arts field, it
was vital that our arts judges –
Phil Parker and Jane Petch –
hosting the third largest
community of visual artists
after London and Cornwall.
Phil’s extensive work in the
creative sector over the past 30
years ranges from founding the
most successful MA
Screenwriting course in the UK
and setting up the UK/Skillset’s
national training programme to
working with Nick Park and
developing projects with
writers across the world.
Phil developed the concepts
of our art and creative award
and commissioning local artists
to create our awards trophies.
■ Details artmakers.uk
Jane Petch
Dinsdale Petch
Jane Petch and her husband
Dinsdale Petch have run a
small-scale art foundry in
North Devon for the past three
decades and have first-hand
experience of the challenges
balance applications from the
wide variety of sectors – from
hospitality, tourism and retail
to agriculture, manufacturing
and business services – and
how to recognise the many
roles that businesses play in our
small communities.
The judges also challenge me
continuously so that we
question our purpose and focus
discussed the entries together,
especially as the idea and
impetus for this award came
from Phil. Thank you to both
for your time in judging this
award for us.
(and joys) faced by art and
creative businesses.
Jane works for the charity
Libraries Unlimited as a senior
supervisor at Barnstaple
Library. Part of her role is to
enhance the cultural offer at
the library by delivering
innovative events and activities
for the whole community.
Jane is passionate about the
way art (in its broadest forms)
enhances lives.
■ Details dinsdalepetch.co.uk
– a valuable prompt. And they
debate entries vigorously.
While not everyone can win,
every entrant is appreciated for
their motivation, hard work
and achievements.
Running a business starts
with getting out of bed each
day, deciding you’re going to do
something and then doing it – I
always admire that – and we
assessed 100+ examples of this
in our judging.
The awards are not just
about the finalists detailed over
the next pages. They are not
just about the winners who will
be announced on 6 June. They
are not just about the
businesses who were able to
send in entries. They exist to
celebrate everyone in business
in North Devon and to remind
us all of the purpose of
enterprise and the valuable role
it plays in our community.
Robert Zarywacz
Editor
Susie Kevern
Pound Lane
Financial Management
Susie Kevern is a chartered
management accountant with
20+ years’ experience working
in businesses large and small.
Over the past 14 years she has
built an independent
consultancy advising growing
businesses on managing their
finances to secure healthy
profits and stable cash flow.
Currently, her clients
include nationally recognised
brands as well as local
businesses, in sectors ranging
from professional services
firms to manufacturing and
retail businesses.
■ Details 07801 199671 or
poundlane.co.uk
12 business action | Spring 2025 | business-action.co.uk

AWARDS HEADER
Judging the awards: (from left) Rod Martin, Frank Stone, Mike Matthews, Bridget Perriman, Linda Middleton-Jones, Vic Mahajan and Rachael Taylor
Vikas Mahajan
Aramis Rugby
Vikas Mahajan founded
Aramis Rugby (Europe) in
2000 and officially took on the
role of leading Aramis Rugby
Ltd (worldwide) in 2013.
Born in India, Vikas is the
third generation in a family
business established since
1927. He graduated from
university with a degree in
Economics, Business and
Accountancy. In the mid-90s,
he attained a Master’s degree
in International Business with
specialisation in trade with the
European Union. He then
trained with Lufthansa
Airlines at its Customer
Loyalty programme division
in New Delhi. In the late
1990s, he attained his second
Master’s degree in Business
Administration (MBA) from
Bremen University, Germany
with a specialisation in Global
Management and
Entrepreneurship. Aramis
Rugby was appointed an
Official Supporter of Rugby
World Cup 2023 and provided
training, grounds and fitness
equipment, to the 20
participating teams.
■ Details 01769 550284 or
aramisrugby.co.uk
Rod Martin
Together Financial Solutions
Rod Martin began his career in
finance over 25 years ago and
worked for many years in the
property investment industry
in London. He then moved in
to the banking sector, spending
several years working within
the mortgages and wealth
management sectors during
which time he also ran his own
businesses both in the UK and
overseas property markets.
Rod is now happily settled
back in Devon where he works
with Together Financial in
Barnstaple looking after clients’
pensions and investments as a
financial planning adviser.
■ Details 01271 346123 or
togetherfinancialsolutions.co.uk
Mike Matthews
Lineal Software Solutions
Mike Matthews is managing
director of Barnstaple-based
Lineal Software Solutions,
which began in the 1980s as a
business application software
provider (accounts, stock,
MRP), and has grown to
become a comprehensive,
multidisciplinary IT company
with a team of 25+ employees.
Mike is former chairman of
the North Devon Federation of
Small Businesses (FSB) and
takes a keen interest in
supporting North Devon’s
local businesses and economy.
He is a frequent speaker at
business events in the region.
■ Details 01271 375999 or
lineal.co.uk
Linda Middleton-Jones
International Trade Matters
Linda Middleton-Jones is the
founder and managing director
of International Trade Matters.
She is well known in North
Devon for her work with the
North Devon Manufacturing
Association and SWMAS.
Her company advises on
international strategic growth
plans to access new markets,
compliance checks, audits and
authorisations. Linda is also
chairman of the Academic
Board of the Institute of Export
and a former director of Devon
and Plymouth Chamber of
Commerce.
■ Details 01398 332881 or
internationaltradematters.com
Bridget Perriman
World Class Adventures
With a distinguished career in
industry and manufacturing,
Bridget Perriman has built a
strong track record in strategic
leadership, operational
efficiency, and business
transformation.
Now, as a travel consultant
and business owner, Bridget
channels that experience into
delivering exceptional client
experiences, promoting
sustainability, and ensuring
top-tier service.
Bridget is passionate about
supporting North Devon’s
entrepreneurial community,
Bridget says: “I’m honoured to
judge this year’s awards –
celebrating businesses that
embody innovation, resilience,
and excellence.”
■ Details 01174 52 11 59 or
worldclassadventures.com
Frank Stone
Kameleon
Frank Stone is a creative
thinker who started out on the
design trail in 1994, launching
his first business 20 years ago,
and currently director of
Kameleon in Barnstaple.
With no formal training or
qualifications, Frank has
established a business built on
strong reputation, long-term
working relationships and
excellent customer service,
resulting in a mix of clients
large and small, local, national
and international, some with
him since 1999!
■ Details 01271 634417 or
kameleondigital.uk
Rachael Taylor
SWIG Finance
Rachael Taylor has been in
finance for the past 22 years,
moving to North Devon in
2007 where she was a local
commercial manager for
Lloyds Bank.
In 2019 she started with
SWIG Finance as business
manager covering Devon
where she continues to
support SMEs with their
businesses.
■ Details 01872 223883 or
swigfinance.co.uk
business-action.uk | Spring 2025 | business action 13

The North Devon Business of
the Year award is selected by
the judges from the winners of
all the individual category
awards. While it is a tough
enough challenge for the judges
to select the finalists and
winners of the categories,
deciding the winner of this
award is tougher still, because
the quality is so high: the
judges’ debate is intense.
We thank award sponsor
Philip J Milton & Company
Plc for sponsoring this award
from its inception – six years
in a row.
A message from Philip Milton
It really doesn’t seem a year has
passed since the last North
Devon Business Awards and a
lot has happened in the world
since then; not all of it good and
there’s currently a great deal of
uncertainty for all of us.
What is certain is that despite
the government’s attempts to
stifle trade and make business
even harder through a clumsy
budget, North Devon continues
to produce outstanding
businesses and is home to a
great many entrepreneurs who
ART COOMBE SCHOOL TOONS STUDIO
Art School Studio opened in
Ilfracombe in 2024 to bring
people together to enjoy art
while also creating a gallery
space for Jane Perrin, who is a
lifelong artist after studying at
Glasgow School of Art. Its
activities include paint parties
where you can book to take
part in paint and sip classes to
enjoy singly or as a couple or
group; themed evenings;
weekly art clubs for a variation
of ages; and community classes
bringing 50+ people together
to enjoy art in a group and
meet new people.
■ FB Art School Studio
DJEMBE DEVON
Djembe Devon provides
authentic interactive
drumming workshops and
performances with djembes
provided. Its drum circles are
perfect for feeling the energy
and rhythm of African
drumming while learning and
connecting with others. It
caters for all ages and skill
levels, and offers both
interactive workshops and
AWARDS NEWS
North Devon Business of the Year 2025
Art Artist & Creative Business Business Achievement finalists
performance options to fit
individual event requirements.
Djembe Devon is owned and
run by Natasha Vigille,
entrepreneur and ex-founder
of Afrocentric retail store
Black Wall Street London,
which used to host weekly
Djembe drumming workshops
in Barnstaple. A communitybased
business, Djembe Devon
works closely with Barnstaple
Council, local schools and
nurseries, and organisations
such as Together Drugs &
Alcohol and Headway North
Devon to improve wellbeing in
the wider community.
■ djembedevon.com
THE GLASS WORKSHOP
Founded by skilled glass artist
Gigha Klinkeborg, the Glass
Workshop offers a diverse
range of stained and fused glass
pieces. Gigha’s expertise spans
both traditional stained glass
techniques and more
contemporary fused glass
artistry. Beyond her own
creations, the Glass Workshop
provides a hub for learning and
sponsored by
artistic exploration. Gigha
hosts workshops for beginners
and those with experience,
guiding students through the
intricate techniques of
traditional stained glass, copper
foil (Tiffany) work, stained
glass and traditional mosaics,
and fused glass.
■ glassworkshop.co.uk
SILK CRYSTAL ART
Artists Dan and Hayley
established Silk Crystal some
ten years ago and opened its
physical premises in
Ilfracombe five years ago.
During this time they have
applied their skills to street
art, graphic design and
murals, which are well known
around the town. Their artistic
aim is to increase awareness of
Devon’s beautiful surroundings
and the importance of
protecting them. In their retail
premises, they design and
hand screen print their own
clothing brand, completing
every step of the process
themselves. They also work
with local businesses and the
have dared to dream – and dare
I say –succeed.
Whether we look at
longstanding independent
family businesses that have
endured for decades, or startups
pushing the boundaries of
technology and creative
thinking in all directions,
there’s a great deal to celebrate
here in North Devon.
That is why these awards
remain so meaningful and
enable us to pay tribute
properly to many of our
flourishing local businesses and
success stories, whose owners
work tirelessly to provide
excellent service to their
communities and continue to
put our region on the map.
This is the sixth year Philip J
Milton & Company Plc has
sponsored the awards and we
are very pleased to do so as we
celebrate our own anniversary
of 40 successful years.
I would also like to thank
the hard-working Robert
Zarywacz, who created the
awards and has laboured
diligently to ensure they are
such a success – thank you, Rob!
■ Details miltonpj.net
council to create vibrant
murals around the town and
are active members in the art,
culture and heritage team.
■ silkcrystal.co.uk
TARGET DEVON CIC
Target Devon CIC is a North
Devon non-profit organisation
focused on ‘supported
employment’. It aims to
empower individuals with
neurodiverse conditions by
engaging them in creating art
and craft items using
repurposed materials. The
atmosphere is vibrant and filled
with creativity, as participants
transform everyday items into
beautiful pieces of art. This
helps to make them feel
inspired and hopeful, also
making a significant difference
to the broader community. It
fosters inclusivity and
showcases the talents and
contributions of individuals
with neurodiverse conditions.
Art and craft items created are
displayed in local exhibitions to
promote awareness and
encouraging dialogue about
neurodiversity.
■ www.targetdevon.co.uk
14 business action | Spring 2025 | business-action.co.uk

AWARDS HEADER
FYREX
Fyrex specialises in the supply
and maintenance of fire
extinguishers for the safety and
protection of South West
businesses and residences, and
is committed to providing topnotch
service and expertise. Its
mission is to ensure that every
client receives the highest level
of fire safety and protection. It
prides itself on its reliability,
professionalism and dedication
to keeping our community safe.
■ fyrex.co.uk
GET BETTER
Get Better is a digital
marketing agency aiming to
make high-impact, data-driven
email and SMS marketing
accessible and effective for
ecommerce brands of all sizes.
The company was established
by digital marketing experts
who recognised the increasing
complexity of online marketing
and the challenges businesses
face in reaching their audience
in meaningful ways.
■ getbetter.co.uk
Best B2B Business finalists
ONLINE COURSES BY MAKO
Online Courses by MAKO is a
North Devon-based provider of
interactive, video-based online
training courses across many
sectors, including health &
safety, management, hospitality,
health & social care, business
skills, and mental health &
wellbeing. Its flexible, mobilefriendly
learning offers multilingual
options for individuals
and businesses to enhance
skills and ensure compliance.
■ onlinecoursesbymako.com
SUCCESSION RESEARCH
Succession Research specialises
in creating talent pipelines for
specific roles or functions
within a client’s organisation,
enabling that client to access a
deep pool of engaged and
enthusiastic candidates for its
vacancies and helping them
make informed decisions on
succession planning for
business-critical roles. Its clients
include Microsoft, Walmart,
Anglo American and DP World.
■ successionresearch.com
Best Consumer Business finalists
DEVON ANTENATAL
Devon Antenatal Family Centre
offers a purpose-built play café
with sensory room, ‘new to you’
shop with integrated clothes
bank and schemes to directly
support families, including its
loyalty scheme enabling families
to access all services for free for
as long as they feel they are
benefiting. Antenatal, postnatal
and parenting courses and
workshops offer information,
guidance and support.
■ devonantenatal.co.uk
GRAZE AND S’MORE
Graze and S’more is an outside
wedding and events grazing
catering business. It provides
workplace lunches for many
clients across North Devon,
while at weekends it caters for
weddings and events. From
starting small offering food
boxes, Graze and S’more can
now cater for events with 300+
guests. It focuses sharply on
food hygiene and providing
excellent service.
■ grazeandsmore.co.uk
HIVE HEALTH
Hive Health and Well-Being
helps people get out of pain,
improve health and change
lives. It offers a variety of
therapies for clients to achieve
the results they want through
personal training, group
exercise, massage, soft tissue
therapies and acupuncture. It
works from a 1,500 sq ft facility
with two treatment rooms and
studio with five staff including
admin, coaches and therapist.
■ hivehealthandwell-being.co.uk
NORTH DEVON HOG ROAST
North Devon Hog Roast is a
family-run catering business
providing exceptional hog roast
experiences in North Devon.
With a focus on high-quality,
locally sourced ingredients and
personalised service, it has
established a trusted reputation
in the community, catering to
weddings, festivals, and private
events. It takes pride in creating
memorable dining experiences
that bring people together.
■ northdevonhogroast.co.uk
business-action.uk | Spring 2025 | business action 15

THE ILAB
The ilab is an award-winning
retail and repair company,
recognised as North Devon’s
first mobile phone repair centre.
It has built a reputation for
excellence, innovation, and
customer satisfaction. Its
appointment as the first and
only Apple-approved
‘Independent Repair Provider’
in North Devon is a testament
to its commitment to quality
and expertise. The ilab team
consists of six dedicated staff
members, each contributing
unique skills and talents. Their
collaborative spirit sets the ilab
apart, and while each individual
has their own specialised role,
all share a diverse range of
skills, creating a dynamic and
versatile workforce.
■ theilab.co.uk
ILFRACOMBE PREMIER
Joshy Johny started his first
UK business with the Premier
Ilfracombe Convenience Store
in 2014. He has now expanded
this to three stores in the town
and employs 24 staff and three
managers. The business takes a
very positive approach to
development. When a new
employee starts, Joshy watches
to see what their abilities and
interests are and is happy to
teach further skills to develop
their learning if they are
looking to progress. The
business focuses both on the
best service for customers and
also achieving a positive worklife
balance for employees.
■ Ilfracombe Premier Stores
AWARDS HEADER
Best Employer finalists
sponsored by
At Cooper Golding we believe that recruitment is not a one-sizefits
all process. We pride ourselves on being an independent and
boutique recruitment agency, meaning we can focus our time and
energy on delivering the best possible recruitment service to our
clients and candidates. We take the time to get to know our clients
and candidates personally, creating meaningful relationships that
allow us to provide a tailored, high quality recruitment service.
Our team of experienced, passionate recruitment consultants
have a keen eye for talent and a proven record of success in
finding the perfect match of employers and employees. With our
main office in North Devon, Cooper Golding serves clients and
job seekers throughout Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and beyond!
■ Visit coopergolding.co.uk
SEA
SEA has 60+ years’ experience
in delivering and supporting
advanced solutions that maximise
defence mission capability. It
has state-of-the-art applications
for ship and fleet protection,
maritime communications, and
undersea surveillance, all of
which are in-service and
supported across the globe and
designed to provide a rapid
response to threat, while
ensuring system effectiveness
and interoperation. Employing
some 450 people, SEA has UK
offices in Barnstaple, Beckington
and Bristol plus two offices in
Canada. It’s SEA’s people’s
experience, knowledge and
dedication that drive its
strategy and maintain its strong
reputation in the sector.
■ sea.co.uk
SKERN TRAINING & SKILLS
Skern Training & Skills (STS),
located in Bideford as part of
the Skern Lodge group, is an
independent training provider
dedicated to delivering highquality
apprenticeships and
professional development
courses. As an approved Main
Apprenticeship provider, it
offers both end-to-end
apprenticeships as well as
behavioural programmes to
upskill existing employees,
with the client’s values fully
embedded at every stage. STS
is committed to equipping
learners with the skills and
knowledge required to excel in
their chosen fields.
■ skerntrainingandskills.com
A LITTLE DELI
A Little Deli is a licensed
delicatessen opened in Lynton
in August 2020 by husbandand-wife
duo Laura and Daniel
Whitfield. This independent
deli is built on three key values:
connection, passion and
indulgence. In July 2024, they
added a second premises (mere
footsteps from the deli) called
A Little Deli Takeaway where
they offer freshly prepared food
for those on the go!
■ alittledeli.co.uk
BANBURYS
Banburys is a family-run,
independent, fourth generation
department store celebrating
its 100th year, selling from the
same premises in Barnstaple
High Street as it was in 1925. It
stocks 150+ luxury brands in
more than 15 departments. It
also runs a furniture store on
Boutport Street, as well as a
second department store in
Tiverton and a removals
business in Whiddon Valley.
■ Banburys.com
Best Retailer finalists
FIFTY CRATES OF CRAFTS
Fifty Crates of Crafts is a
unique artisan store that
opened in 2024 in Appledore.
The store houses 50 crates
filled with handcrafted arts and
crafts made by local residents.
From ceramics and textiles to
paintings and bespoke gifts,
each piece reflects the creativity
and heritage of North Devon’s
vibrant artisan community,
offering visitors a one-of-akind
shopping experience.
■ FB fiftycratesofcrafts
THE LYN VALLEY DOGHOUSE
Jacquie Dove launched The Lyn
Valley Doghouse online from
her spare bedroom in 2020. It
soon opened its first premises in
Lynton and then moved to
bigger premises. It has launched
its own brands of dog collars
and leads, and dog food. In
2023, The Lyn Valley Dog House
was named a top 100 UK small
business by Small Business UK
and attended a champagne
reception in the House of Lords.
■ thelynvalleydoghouse.com
Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism finalists
MAD 4 SEAFOOD
Mad 4 Seafood opened in 2024
and employs five people. Its aim
is to offer local, chilled seafood,
including seafood platters,
small plates, sandwiches, salads
and specials, all washed down
with lovely wines, local ales and
soft drinks. While not available
for a long time, Mad 4 Seafood
now works with a local charter
fishing boat business so that it
can serve fresh Lynmouth crab
and lobster.
■ mad4seafood.co.uk
SCRIBBLETON
Scribbleton is a children’s role
play centre in the form of a
mini town brought to life,
designed as if it’s sprung from
a colouring book, drawn and
coloured in by the children. 11
beautifully designed role play
areas include post office,
construction site, supermarket,
florist, fire and rescue station,
hospital, police station (with
jail and secret escape tunnel),
vet, farm, diner/café, and park.
■ scribbleton.co.uk
SMYTHAM HOLIDAY PARK
Celebrating its 25 th year,
family-run Smytham Holiday
Park comprises 88 privately
owned static caravans, 97
touring pitches, 3 glamping
pods and 3 luxury log cabin
lodges with ongoing investment
increasing accommodation.
Facilities include two outdoor
heated swimming pools, games
room with soft play, onsite
shop and bar, 33-acre dog
walking field and much more.
■ smytham.co.uk
WATERMOUTH CASTLE
Watermouth Castle is more
than just an attraction – it’s an
immersive journey through
time, combining adventure,
history, and fun. As one of
Devon’s top attractions, it offers
a unique blend of thrilling
rides, interactive play areas,
and historic exploration, set
across 17 acres of beautifully
landscaped, dog-friendly
gardens overlooking North
Devon’s stunning coastline.
■ watermouthcastle.com
16 business action | Spring 2025 | business-action.co.uk

BATEMAN ENGINEERING
Bateman Engineering in
Chulmleigh designs and
manufactures crop sprayers
here in the UK. Relied upon by
countless farmers and
contractors, Bateman’s range of
self-propelled crop sprayers is
designed and built to deliver
outstanding productivity for all
types of spraying work. Every
Bateman Sprayer is engineered
by a dedicated team and backed
up by specialist aftercare. The
company’s goal is ‘to be the
very best in our field so that
you get the most out of yours’.
■ batemansprayers.com
MARWOOD MILK
Jamie and Clarissa Vanstone
run a small, family-run dairy
farm with 120 pedigree
Fleckvieh cows, milked twice a
day. In 2022, they set up
Marwood Milk in a shed at the
end of their lane, on the road
between Prixford and
Guineaford. Marwood Milk
sells their fresh, whole milk
through a vending machine.
The milk is pasteurised on the
farm and then put into the
Farming & Agriculture finalists
sponsored by
NFU Mutual Barnstaple, Bideford & Halwill Agency is proud to
sponsor the North Devon Agriculture & Farming Award. We are
delighted to be offered the opportunity to be involved with these
awards, recognising and celebrating the success of local
businesses across North Devon. We have been impressed with the
breadth and quality of the entrants and feel that the judges will
have some difficult decisions to make. With over a century of
experience, NFU Mutual has been part of the fabric of the local
community for many years and it is an important part of who we
are. Our friendly agency teams in Barnstaple and Halwill takes
pride in establishing direct and long-lasting relationships with
customers, many of whom are businesses across North Devon
who value a personal approach and excellent customer service.
■ Call us on 01271 343592/01409 220191 or visit our offices at
Lauder Lane, Roundswell Business Park, Barnstaple, EX31 3TA
or NFU House, Station Road, Halwill Junction, Beaworthy,
EX21 5XB
vending machine. Marwood
Milk is not homogenised, so
the cream settles on the top.
They also sell flavoured
milkshakes as well as eggs
from their own free range hens.
■ marwoodmilk.co.uk
AWARDS
MOTHER CLUCKING FARM
Mother Clucking Farm is a
family-run business dedicated
to crafting nourishing goat’s
milk skincare. It was born from
years of research into the
soothing benefits – especially
for their daughter’s eczema.
Their journey began with a
mission to create gentle, natural
alternatives for sensitive skin,
leading them to perfect formulas
over two years. Now, with the
addition of a newly built dairy
– using reclaimed materials –
they can ensure the highest
quality, ethical production.
Every bar of goat’s milk soap is
a testament to their passion for
sustainability, skincare and the
healing power of nature.
■ mothercluckingfarm.co.uk
QUINCE HONEY FARM
Quince Honey Farm is a
family-run working honey
farm established in 1949 in
South Molton, now in its third
generation of beekeepers.
It offers a full day out for the
whole family, including
beekeeping demonstrations
and workshops, and sells its
honey and other products on
site and through its online
store. Spread over 54 acres,
Quince Honey Farm is the first
known gardens and woodland
in the UK planted specifically
for bees.
■ quincehoneyfarm.co.uk
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
business-action.uk
www.coastaluk.co.uk
| Spring 2025 | business action 17

ADDITIVE CATCHMENTS
Operating from Barnstaple,
Additive Catchments is an
environmental technology
company specialising in
Catchment Monitoring as a
Service (CMaaS®), providing
cutting-edge water quality
monitoring solutions. By
integrating advanced IoTenabled
sensors, AI applications
and real-time data analytics,
Additive Catchments empowers
water companies, government
agencies and local communities
to monitor and protect vital
water resources effectively. The
company’s innovative approach
ensures continuous, accurate,
and reliable monitoring of
watercourses, promoting
ecological health and public
trust in water management
operations.
■ additivecatchments.com
CARLTON & PEARCE
The Carlton Hotel and
William Pearce & Son in
Ilfracombe have collaborated
to develop a bespoke end of
life (EoL) celebration as an
alternative to a church or
Outstanding New Business finalists
MAGICAL TOTS
Starting in Bradworthy, Magical
Tots offers engaging, inclusive
and creatively entwined dance,
theatre and performing arts
classes for children in Devon
and Cornwall. Founded as
toddler and early years learningthrough-dance
classes for
children aged 18 months to 4
years, it now teaches 300+
children weekly and launched
Magical Days Theatre School
and Magical Cheerleading Club.
■ magicaltots.co.uk
MOTOCOVERZ
After Matt Spencer created a
sheepskin seatpad for his own
motorcycle, MotoCoverz was
born in 2023 when he received
requests from other riders and
spotted a gap in the market.
From starting out on his own
sewing machine, the business
now manufactures seatpads
for motor vehicles and ships
all over the world. MotoCoverz
was a finalist in the British
Entrepreneur Awards 2024.
■ motocoverz.com
AWARDS HEADER
Innovation & Technology finalists
sponsored by
We look after the water and wastewater services for 1.8 million
customers across Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly and parts of
Dorset and Somerset. From treatment and maintenance, to
innovation and improvements, we’re busy every day finding and
fixing leaks, unblocking sewers and going bigger and further in
our environmental work to be a company you can be proud of.
■ Visit southwestwater.co.uk
crematorium funeral service.
This provides a more human
environment where family
and friends have complete
flexibility in how to celebrate
the life and passing of loved
ones, which can be as formal or
informal as they like. The
offering also removes the need
to travel to and from the
nearest crematorium and
eliminates inconvenience
caused by delays in scheduling
services. The service offers
neutrality, total flexibility in
personalising the celebration
and exceptional value.
■ Call 01271 862242
SCRIBBLETON
Scribbleton is a children’s role
play centre in the form of a
mini town brought to life,
designed as if it’s sprung from
a colouring book, drawn and
coloured in by the children. 11
beautifully designed role play
areas include post office,
construction site, supermarket,
florist, fire and rescue station,
hospital, police station (with
jail and secret escape tunnel),
vet, farm, diner/café, and park.
■ scribbleton.co.uk
THORNERY CARE
Tanya Gillett started Thornery
Care in 2022, taking on four
service users and six staff from
a business that was closing
down. It provides supported
living including 24-hour athome
care as well as enabling
services for up to 12 hours for
adults with learning disabilities
and associated difficulties.
Service users have increased
and the business now employs
a team of 49 staff.
■ thornerycare.com
ONLINE COURSES BY MAKO
Online Courses by MAKO is a
leading UK-based provider of
professional online training,
established in 2021. It offers
over 300 interactive, videobased
courses designed to help
individuals and businesses
enhance their skills and stay
compliant with industry
standards but not with the ‘oldstyle
static PDF voiceovers’. Its
courses are fully interactive, set
in real-life situations using the
latest heat mapping technology,
making them more engaging
and fun so the candidate retains
a lot more information, making
EVANA CARLTON-FITZGERALD
Evana Carlton-Fitzgerald has
worked through apprenticeship
levels L2 and L3 (including
Functional Skills at L2) and is
now working through the L4
Hospitality and is a key part of
the management team at Skern
Lodge as a result of self
development and upskilling.
Evanna has found her niche in
the hospitality sector and has
become a vital member of the
team, now training others.
■ skernlodge.com
NAT PARRY
Nat Parry is learning to work
in a functional clinic and the
extra training that comes with
it while studying at Plymouth
to complete his Master’s degree
in physiotherapy. He’s become
an asset to Hive Health and
Well-Being in a short period
through his work there as a
massage therapist. As a 22-
year-old, Nat gains the trust of
older people he advises on
their health and well-being.
■ hivehealthandwell-being.co.uk
Young Achiever finalists
the work place safer for all
concerned. MAKO covers key
areas such as health and safety,
management, hospitality,
wellbeing, care and more.
Courses are accessible from any
device, making learning flexible
and convenient.
■ onlinecoursesbymako.com
SEA
Systems Engineering &
Assessment (SEA) has 60+
years’ experience in delivering
and supporting advanced
solutions maximising defence
mission capability. It has stateof-the-art
applications for
naval ship and fleet protection,
maritime communications,
and undersea surveillance, all
of which are in-service and
supported across the globe.
SEA has developed and
manufactures its Trainable
Decoy Launcher, Ancilia: a
highly modular and flexible
maritime counter-measures
solution, designed to rapidly
and effectively counter
advanced air, surface or
subsurface threats such as
ballistic missiles and torpedoes.
■ sea.co.uk
ORLAGH TURNER
In 2019, Orlagh impressed the
marketing team at SEA while
undertaking a work experience
placement to gain hands-on
corporate experience. SEA
approached Orlagh to join the
team as permanent marketing
and design coordinator in 2022.
Quickly, she moved into a
more specialised digital and
design coordinator role and
has been promoted to digital
design creative.
■ sea.co.uk
CONOR WARREN
As well as supporting the
marketing team at North Devon
Resort, Conor Warren is founder
and chief executive of Spark
UK, which he established at the
age of 14 to ‘spark conversations
around mental health’. Conor
also became managing director
of Growing Greetings in the
Young Enterprise Programme.
At the age of 19, Conor plays a
vital role in the local community
and on the national stage.
■ Sparkuk.co.uk
18 business action | Spring 2025 | business-action.co.uk

DARTINGTON CRYSTAL
Dartington Crystal is the only
large-scale crystal factory
operating in the UK and its
renowned crystal collection
continues to be handmade at
its Torrington factory.
Dartington exports to multiple
international markets, such as
Europe, USA, and Asia, where
there is strong demand for
luxury British glassware.
Dartington Crystal promotes
its products as British-made
and hand-crafted in Devon,
emphasising its heritage,
craftsmanship and quality.
■ dartington.co.uk
LAMBLAND
Lambland offers a diverse
range of products including:
footwear: sheepskin slippers,
moccasins, and boots; home
furnishings: sheepskin rugs,
cushions, and throws;
accessories: bags, wallets,
gloves, hats and belts. It has
transitioned from a local retail
shop to an international online
business by investing in
infrastructure and processes to
establish a reliable mail order
AWARDS HEADER
International Trade & Exports finalists
Founded by managing director Linda Middleton-Jones,
International Trade Matters Ltd provides independent tailored
support to SMEs and micro businesses.
Levels of engagement can include a telephone-based Export
Response support service, help and advice with export
documentation and accreditations, or a fully-embedded Export
Manager to operate or train your export department.
Whether you’re just starting your journey, ready to launch or
already trading overseas, our specialists are able to help you
assess your processes and provide expertise to make exporting go
as smoothly as possible.
With a catalogue of British Chambers of Commerce accredited
courses, additional topics and bespoke options, we have a broad
range of great value training packages to give you and your staff
the skills to succeed on an international platform.
■ Visit internationaltradematters.com
system, efficient order
fulfilment and global shipping.
Lambland leverages its North
Devon heritage and
commitment to British
manufacturing in its marketing
enabling it to establish itself in
overseas markets.
■ lambland.co.uk
sponsored by
ONLINE COURSES BY MAKO
Online Courses by MAKO is a
leading UK-based provider of
professional online training,
established in 2021. It offers
over 300 interactive, videobased
courses designed to help
individuals and businesses
enhance their skills and stay
compliant with industry
standards but not with the ‘oldstyle
static PDF voiceovers’.
Many courses have been
translated into 42+ international
languages, making them ideal
for businesses with a global
presence. Courses are accessible
from any device, making
learning available in any location.
■ onlinecoursesbymako.com
SUCCESSION RESEARCH
Succession Research specialises
in creating talent pipelines for
particular roles or functions
within a client’s organisation,
enabling that client to access a
deep pool of engaged and
enthusiastic candidates for any
planned or unplanned
vacancies that may arise and
helping them make informed
decisions on succession
planning for business critical
roles. Established in 2013, it
has formed long-term
partnerships with some of the
biggest companies in the
world including Microsoft,
Walmart, Electrolux, Anglo
American and DP World.
■ successionresearch.com
business-action.uk | Spring 2025 | business action 19

DARTINGTON CRYSTAL
Dartington Crystal is the UK’s
leading manufacturer of
handcrafted crystal and
glassware, based in Torrington.
Established in 1967, it is
renowned for its high-quality,
elegant glassware, including
wine glasses, tumblers, vases,
and decanters. As the only
remaining large-scale crystal
manufacturer in the UK,
Dartington Crystal supports
British craftsmanship and
continues to create timeless
glassware for homes, businesses,
and special occasions.
■ dartington.co.uk
HARVEST GREEN DEV
Harvest Green Developments
specialises in delivering
tailored renewable energy
solutions, including solar
panels, battery storage, and EV
chargers, to help UK businesses
reduce energy costs, lower
carbon emissions and achieve
net-zero goals. Established in
2018, the company works with
major brands, transforming
unused roof and ground space
into energy generation sites
AWARDS
Made in North Devon finalists
sponsored by
In an era dominated by mass production and generic aesthetics,
the art of craftsmanship stands out as a beacon of authenticity
and individuality. At The Sign Maker, we cherish this ethos
wholeheartedly, dedicating ourselves to the creation of bespoke
signs, memorials and wheel covers that not only adorn spaces but
tell stories, reflect personalities, and evoke emotions.
We pride ourselves on crafting signs that are unique to you,
your home and your business. With a huge range of materials,
expert customer service team and dedicated designers we can
help create the perfect sign.
As part of our dedication to celebrating craftsmanship and
supporting local artisans, we are thrilled to announce our
sponsorship of the Made in North Devon award. Devon is a
region brimming with talent and creativity, and we couldn’t be
prouder to champion fellow businesses who share our passion for
excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect with
and learn from these remarkable individuals in the months to come.
■ Visit sign-maker.co.uk
that decentralise energy
production and reduce
reliance on fossil fuels. These
scalable, replicable solutions
address electricity, transport,
and heating needs.
■ harvestgreendevelopments
.co.uk
MOTOCOVERZ
MotoCoverz has become the
go-to brand for sheepskin
comfort after developing its
sheepskin seat pads for
motorcycles. Matthew Spencer
was taught to sew by his
grandfather and he has honed
his skills to work alone. He
develops all products himself,
working from an industrial
unit at Mullacott Business Park
using industrial sewing
equipment and now employs
stitchers to keep up with
demand. Renowned for its
quality, MotoCoverz’s
sheepskin motorcycle seats
have established a reputation as
the leader across Europe.
■ motocoverz.com
OSTLERS CIDER MILL
Ostlers Cider Mill is a 14-acre,
completely off-grid cider mill
in Goodleigh. Dating back to
1987, Ostlers produces highquality
organic apple cider
vinegar. Ostlers Cider Vinegar
have been awarded gold at
‘Taste of the West’ for 13 years
in a row, and ‘champion’
product twice, most recently
in 2024. Its vinegar is
unfiltered and unpasteurised,
with gut-friendly bacteria in
‘the mother’ – which forms
due to the fact that the vinegar
is still raw. Many renowned
chefs use Ostlers Cider Vinegar.
■ ostlerscidervinegar.com
NFU MUTUAL BARNSTAPLE,
BIDEFORD AND HALWILL ARE
PROUD TO SPONSOR THE NORTH
DEVON BUSINESS AWARDS 2025
We offer an attentive, local and personal service for your insurance,
pensions and investments.
For quality insurance you can rely on contact bbh@nfumutual.co.uk or
talk to us
01271 343592 | Suite 1a, Lauder Lane, Roundswell Business Park,
Barnstaple, EX31 3TA
01409 220191 | NFU House, Station Road Industrial Estate, Halwill
Junction, Beaworthy, Halwill, EX21 5XB
J G S May, B C Llewellyn-Rees, M J Latchford & M J Ley is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No.
20 business action | Spring 2025 | business-action.co.uk
111982).

AWARDS
ADDITIVE CATCHMENTS
Operating from Barnstaple,
Additive Catchments is an
environmental technology
company specialising in
Catchment Monitoring as a
Service (CMaaS®), providing
cutting-edge water quality
monitoring solutions. By
integrating advanced IoTenabled
sensors, AI applications
and real-time data analytics,
Additive Catchments empowers
water companies, government
agencies and local communities
to monitor and protect vital
water resources effectively. The
company’s innovative approach
ensures continuous, accurate,
and reliable monitoring of
watercourses, promoting
ecological health and public
trust in water management.
■ additivecatchments.com
HARVEST GREEN
Harvest Green Developments
specialises in delivering
tailored renewable energy
solutions, including solar
panels, battery storage, and EV
chargers, to help UK businesses
reduce energy costs, lower
carbon emissions and achieve
net-zero goals. Established in
2018, the company works with
major brands, transforming
unused roof and ground space
into energy generation sites
that decentralise energy
production and reduce
reliance on fossil fuels. These
scalable, replicable solutions
address electricity, transport,
and heating needs.
■ harvestgreendevelopments
.co.uk
VICTORIA WILTSHIRE HAIR
Victoria Wiltshire Hair is a
specialist salon dedicated to
providing expert cutting,
Sustainable Business finalists
sponsored by
Coastal Recycling lead the way in waste recycling and recovery,
managing both large-scale public sector contracts, alongside our
management solutions for a diverse portfolio of business clients.
Based in Torrington (and Exeter) we are the only provider of
recycling services who genuinely offer an end-to-end service
where we collect, separate, recycle and manage waste materials at
our own sites throughout Devon.
Our commercial waste services include skips, wheelie bins
collections, green waste, hazardous waste and confidential
shredding. We are proud to service over 1695 clients in the
region, working with them all to increase their recycling rates
and help achieve their net zero goals for waste.
Coastal Recycling is a fully independent, complete waste
management and recycling business and is also proud to be 100%
employee owned.
Employee ownership gives our customers the peace of mind to
know we will never be sold to one of the big national waste
providers whilst allowing us to provide good old-fashioned
customer service locally to our customers. Coastal not only cares
deeply about our employees and customers, but also our
community. We always stay true to our roots – looking after the
businesses, large and small, that form the lifeblood of Devon.
Our genuine care for people and our planet has helped us to
win five awards over two years, including Sustainable Business
and North Devon Business of the Year 2024.
■ Visit coastaluk.co.uk
colouring and styling services,
with a strong focus on curly
and textured hair. Sustainability
is a key focus at Victoria
Wiltshire Hair, and as a North
Devon BioSphere member, the
business aligns with responsible
environmental practices. This
includes eco-conscious haircare
choices, exclusively using brands
that prioritise sustainability,
ethical sourcing and
environmentally friendly
production; reducing waste by
carefully managing materials;
water and energy conservation
by using water-efficient washing
techniques, such as an EcoHead,
and LED lighting; client
education, encouraging
sustainable haircare habits.
■ victoriawiltshirehair.co.uk
OSTLERS CIDER MILL
Ostlers Cider Mill is a 14-acre,
completely off-grid cider mill
in Goodleigh. Dating back to
1987, Ostlers produces highquality
organic apple cider
vinegar. Its vinegar is
unfiltered and unpasteurised,
with gut-friendly bacteria in
‘the mother’ – which forms
due to the fact that the vinegar
is still raw. The farm is
certified organic, and the
apples it uses are handpicked
from its orchards to make its
cider vinegar. It has always
reused containers, following
the tradition of scrumpy cider
producers, and now aims to
make this practice accessible
on a larger scale. As well as
working with zero waste shops
and wholesalers, it has
introduced its own ‘refill and
reuse’ scheme, allowing
customers to return their
containers to be refilled.
■ ostlerscidervinegar.com
business-action.uk | Spring 2025 | business action 21

Artwork, logos and images printed onto
garments, including hoodies, t-shirts,
workwear, bags, etc.
Direct to garment printing, heat press
and supply of printed vinyl transfers.
Dexters
Printing
info@dexters-pb.co.uk
@dexters_print
☎ 01271 614410