Business Action | December 2019 / January 2020

usiness 

ACTION 

north enterprise 

devon 

growth 

innovation 

news & views 

Small Business Saturday 

Saturday 7 December and every day 

#10to1m campaign 

Spend more with local businesses 

North Devon made 

Manufacturing expertise in action 

Business in 2020 

Future success is in your hands 

business-action.co.uk | December 2019 / January 2020 | @businessactionm

CONTENTS 

Web site | business-action.co.uk 

Online version | business-action.uk 

Vol 1 Issue 6 – Dec 2019 / Jan 2020 – distribution 2,500 

Future success is in your hands................................................................... 1 

Workforce diversity attracts purple pounds............................................ 2 

Protection from cybercrime............................................................................ 2 

Multi-trade building group’s new offices.................................................. 3 

Small Business Saturday................................................................................. 4 

Support small and local businesses all year round............................. 4 

No nonsense health & safety......................................................................... 4 

Refill store offers natural products for a healthy life........................... 5 

Marketing fix for small businesses.............................................................. 5 

A competitive edge for independents......................................................... 6 

Open all year in Lynmouth............................................................................... 7 

In the hot seat: Helen Pedlar of Pedlars Home Hardware................. 8 

Saving you time to spend on running your business.......................... 9 

BBxpo 2019............................................................................................................ 10 

New web site for North Devon Show........................................................... 13 

Manufacturer always moving forward........................................................ 14 

Manufacturing apprentices celebrate success...................................... 15 

Engineering firm continues to invest in apprentices........................... 15 

New regional technology institute gets green light.............................. 16 

Success in manufacturing awards............................................................... 16 

From the Punjab via Exmoor across the world...................................... 17 

People....................................................................................................................... 18 

Business directory – find products and services ................................ 19 

New technical service for dairy farmers.................................................... 20 

Support for improving health services...................................................... 20 

Business Action advertising plans.............................................................. 21 

From £10 to £1 million #10to1m.................................................................... 22 

© Need it Find it 2019. All information in this magazine is published in good faith. 

Any views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, Need it Find it. 

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. 

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business action | December 2019 / January 2020 | business-action.co.uk

ENTERPRISE 

business 

ACTION 

Future success is in your hands 

Can we do it? Yes, we have! 

From Alan Williams’ idea to 

hold a business exhibition came 

BBxpo in October 2018. 

From that first BBxpo event 

came the drive to publish the 

first issue of Business Action, 

in February this year, after 

Robert Zarywacz had been 

thinking about it. 

Here we are a year later, 

having held the second, more 

successful BBxpo and having 

published our first year’s worth 

of magazines. 

Did we have a plan? Sort of, 

but, more importantly, we had 

a vision and the determination 

to achieve it. 

We have adapted our plan, 

so that we started out with big 

ideas for North Devon Enterprise 

Day, but diverted our 

energies when selected as one 

of Small Business Saturday’s 

#SmallBiz100 from businesses 

ADVERTISING 

Alan Williams 

Advertising, Distribution & Publisher 

t: 07970 671192 

e: alan@business-action.co.uk 

across the UK. It’s essential to 

be flexible in business so that 

you can adapt to changing 

circumstances and take up 

unexpected opportunities. 

Can you do it? Yes, you can! 

How about your business? Is 

it doing well or do you need 

EDITORIAL 

Robert Zarywacz 

Editor, Designer & Publisher 

t: 07971 176044 

e: robertz@business-action.co.uk 

@robertz 

to work on it to achieve your 

goals? Actually, everyone needs 

to work on their business. 

If we can make a success of 

BBxpo and Business Action, 

we believe anyone can succeed 

when they put their mind to it 

and we are pleased to support 

North Devon entrepreneurs. 

Use all available resources 

There are many initiatives and 

sources of help for your business 

– use them all: 

➤➤Small Business Saturday 

➤ ➤£10 to £1 million 

➤➤Support agencies 

➤➤Networking 

➤➤And more . . . 

Running a business in uncertain 

times requires us to be 

vigilant and positive. 

Remember that every other 

business is experiencing the 

same uncertainty as you and 

none of us is alone. 

North Devon is a business 

powerhouse and Business 

Action is here to shout about it. 

We believe 2020 will bring 

many opportunities, so let’s 

prepare to take these up and 

make a success of them. 

FOCUS ON 

MANUFACTURING 

Small Business Saturday is 

the national campaign to build 

support for small businesses – 

this year on 7 December. 

Register to join for free at 

smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com 

Business Action has been 

selected as a #SmallBiz100 – 

one of 100 UK businesses – and 

will represent North Devon at a 

House of Lords reception. 

In this issue we celebrate 

small businesses across North 

Devon. We will also be active 

on social media on the day and 

running a competition with 

a prize of free PR advice for 

businesses – follow us on social 

media for a chance to win. 

>>> PAGES 4 – 9 

BBxpo is North Devon’s 

biggest business-to-business 

exhibition and networking 

event and opened its doors 

to visitors on Thursday 24 

October 2019. 

Read about the businesses 

who exhibited, visited, 

attended the free presentations 

and training, and enjoyed 

networking over the biggest 

free lunch in North Devon. 

BBxpo returns for its third 

year on Thursday 29 October 

2020. Past exhibitors are 

already keen to rebook their 

stands, so contact us now 

to ensure your place – book 

stands online at bbxpo.uk. 

>>> PAGES 10 – 13 

Manufacturing is a key sector 

contributing substantially to 

the success of the North Devon 

economy, but it is sometimes 

forgotten because much of 

this activity takes place hidden 

from view in large buildings 

tucked away on business parks. 

It has always been Business 

Action’s intention to give 

manufacturers the publicity 

they deserve and in this issue 

we make several site visits to 

learn about their achievements. 

If you are a manufacturer 

and would welcome a site visit 

and interview for a future 

article, please contact us. We’ll 

be pleased to visit. 

From 10 to a million – that’s 

what we can achieve if just 

over half the population of 

North Devon and Torridge 

switch £10 of spending from 

an online giant or national 

company to a local business on 

one day – £1 million. 

Sounds crazy, but it is 

achievable. All we have to do 

is pause before we make any 

purchase – either personal or 

for business – and consider 

whether we can buy from a 

local business. 

And when we do buy 

locally to share it with the 

#10to1m hashtag. 

Let’s do it! 

>>> PAGES 14 – 17 >>> PAGE 22 

@businessactionm | December 2019 / January 2020 | business action 1

NEWS 

Workforce diversity attracts purple pounds 

A new support service 

aims to help businesses tap 

into £249 billion a year of 

spending power, which many 

are ignoring. That’s the value of 

annual purchases by disabled 

people and their families, which 

they are more likely to spend 

with businesses who employ a 

more diverse workforce. 

The aim of the Be Ready 

Employer Hub is to support 

Devon-based businesses, 

charities and social enterprises 

who can provide meaningful 

employment opportunities for 

people with a disability or longterm 

health condition. 

It is a two-year pilot project 

jointly funded by Devon County 

Council (Learn Devon) and 

the Department for Work and 

Pensions (DWP). The aim is to 

create a central hub of specialist 

knowledge and information, 

supported by employers, service 

providers and Jobcentre Plus, 

with contributions from individuals 

with ‘lived experience’ 

of working with a disability or 

long-term health condition. 

Help and advice 

The Be Ready Employer Hub 

will provide practical assistance 

and knowledge through: 

➤➤An online knowledge 

resource hub providing all 

the information and links 

for employers who are ready 

to take the next step but not 

sure where to start. 

➤➤Training – either delivered 

on-site (for larger organisations) 

or as a group bringing 

together smaller businesses, 

covering topics such as the 

Access to Work scheme, 

the Equality Act 2010 

(Disability as a Protected 

Characteristic), what 

‘reasonable adjustments’ are 

and how easy and low cost 

they can be to implement. 

➤➤A telephone helpline (callback 

service) for specific 

Cyber security is a growing 

concern for many businesses 

and was the topic of a recent 

workshop organised by the 

South West Police Regional 

Cyber Crime Unit (SW 

ROCU) and Lineal Software 

Solutions Ltd. 

30 business people from 

across the South West took 

part in Lego-based group 

exercises highlighting key 

concepts in cybersecurity, 

as they sought to protect a 

fictional utilities company 

from a common real-world 

cyber crime attack. This was 

followed by a short Q&A 

including advice for businesses 

on related topics such 

as network best practice, password 

policy, physical security, 

and the Government’s new 

Cyber Essentials certification. 

Designed to raise awareness 

of coordinated digital threats, 

the workshop is part of a new 

educational initiative being 

run by the Police in the region. 

The winning team defended 

their company by spending 

their budget on the correct 

countermeasures at each stage 

of the exercise and strategically 

limiting the damage from 

questions about any aspect 

of inclusive recruitment for 

people with a disability. 

➤➤Peer networking groups for 

employers to share experience, 

ideas and have open 

and honest conversations 

about employing individuals 

with a disability. 

➤➤Opportunities to achieve 

the different levels of 

the Disability Confident 

scheme, which is often seen 

as a ‘badge of honour’ by 

many disabled people when 

making buying decisions. 

Good business sense 

One of the project’s key objectives 

is to show employers that 

it makes good business sense 

to work with a more diverse 

workforce, such as attracting 

some of the £249 billion a year 

spend. Having people working 

in the business who think 

Protection from cybercrime 

any breaches in security. 

Supported by five Police 

forces, SW ROCU delivers 

specialist capabilities to target 

and disrupt serious and organised 

crime. 

Lineal’s head of technical 

services, Matt Norris, said: 

“We were to delighted to be 

able to organise the Cyber 

Crime Unit to run this very 

special workshop for local 

companies. Many businesses 

struggle to grapple with cybersecurity 

but help and expertise 

are accessible.” 

differently, have developed 

their skills by overcoming 

adversity and have ‘lived experience’ 

of the disabled ‘target 

market’ is a major competitive 

advantage. 

By focusing on ability and 

talent, rather than the disability 

or health condition, employers 

will see the business benefits of 

valuing difference and diversity. 

The Be Ready Employer 

Hub goes live in February 2020 

and while in set-up phase, the 

project team are hosting focus 

groups around the county to 

get the opinions of businesses 

as to what the service should 

cover. The North Devon focus 

group was held in December, 

but the team still want to hear 

from more businesses. 

For more details on how 

to become involved in the Be 

Ready Employer Hub, contact 

project manager Debbie Stafford 

(debbie.stafford@devon. 

gov.uk) or project co-ordinator 

Sue Windley (susan.windley@ 

devon.gov.uk). 

■■Details readydevon.org.uk 

Protect officer Samantha 

Parsons from the SW Regional 

Cyber Crime Unit explained: 

“The overwhelming majority 

of businesses are reliant on 

online services, which exposes 

them to cyber security risks. 

Despite 43% of businesses 

reporting breaches or attacks 

in 2018, only 27% had a formal 

policy or policies covering 

cyber security risks. It was 

great to see so many organisations 

attend the workshop, 

wanting to understand more 

about cyber security and how 

they can protect themselves.” 

■■Details 01271 375999 or 

lineal.co.uk 

2 business action | December 2019 / January 2020 | business-action.co.uk

NEWS 

your link to success 

covering Temporary, Permanent and Contract 

in Manufacturing, Sales and Marketing and Business Support 

offices in Barnstaple and Somerset 01271 349 745 

www.coopergolding.co.uk 

Boden Group managing 

director Steve Boden 

and former local MP Peter 

Heaton-Jones officially 

opened the company’s newly 

refurbished offices in Barnstaple 

in November. Peter 

also discussed the company’s 

significant growth across the 

South West over the past 10 

years with the Boden team. 

Established in 2009, the 

Boden Group has achieved 

rapid expansion to become a 

regional leader in providing 

multi-trade building services 

to commercial, governmental 

and residential clients. The 

group has established itself 

as a trusted partner working 

(from left) former North Devon MP Peter Heaton-Jones with the Boden Group team at its newly refurbished office 

Multi-trade building 

group’s new offices 

within the Ministry of Defence 

(MOD), health, education, 

local government and leisure 

sectors across Southern and 

South West England as well as 

providing services for largescale 

contracts across the UK. 

The group has three core 

divisions – Boden Facilities 

Management, Boden Fire & 

Security and Boden Construction 

– and is the only company 

in the region to hold such 

an extensive range of supply, 

installation and maintenance 

services under one roof. 

The newly refurbished 

offices offer all staff a kitchen 

seating area for their lunches, 

new storage facilities and 

increased office space with 

more desks to support the 

company’s expansion. 

Boden Group has also 

created a purpose-built 

office and storage area for its 

sponsored charity Chemohero, 

which enables it to create and 

pack boxes of kindness given 

to chemotherapy patients 

across North Devon. 

Peter Heaton-Jones, 

former MP, said that Boden 

was “another example of a 

hidden gem in North Devon’s 

economy: an important local 

employer providing a vital 

service across the region”. 

Steve Boden said, “Our 

plans going forward are ambitious 

and we aim to continue 

our story of success through 

further growth across the 

South West and nationwide.” 

■■Details 0845 646 0112 or 

bodengroup.co.uk 

The Fox at Fremington 

Bar, café, pub 

Sunday Carvery £10.95 

(£14.95 including desert) 

Booking advisable 

01271 344161 

Church Hill, Fremington, Barnstaple, EX31 2NT 

facebook.com/thefoxfremington 


SMALL BUSINESS 

Register your business No nonsense health & safety 

As a #SmallBiz100 – one 

of 100 businesses in the UK 

selected to promote Small 

Business Saturday on 7 

December – Business Action 

urges all small businesses in 

North Devon to join the campaign 

and for all consumers to 

support their small businesses. 

If you miss it for 2019, 

register for 2020 – small businesses 

need support 365 days 

of the year. 

Registering enables your 

business to be featured on 

the Small Business Saturday 

map to promote you, as 

well as giving you access to 

marketing materials including 

a downloadable poster you 

can print out. There is also a 

Small Business Saturday app 

and you can send details of 

any special events you plan 

for Small Business Saturday to 

the campaign to be shared on 

social media. 

You might even want to 

consider applying for the 

#SmallBiz100 yourself in 2020 

– we are the only business 

selected in Devon and we need 

more businesses to represent 

the county in future years. 

Social media 

We’ll be tweeting from 

@businessactionm before 

and on the day and you can 

follow @SmallBizSatUK and 

use hashtag #SmallBizSatUK. 

We’ll also post on Facebook, 

Instagram and LinkedIn. 

■■Register your business and 

benefit from the campaign at 

smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com 

Health and safety doesn’t have 

to be so complicated that it 

limits businesses in what they 

do, according to health and 

safety consultant Jane Bass. 

Jane, who moved to Combe 

Martin from the Midlands, 

has considerable experience 

of delivering health and safety 

consultancy and training, and 

has enjoyed roles with a further 

education college, a printing 

equipment supplier and with a 

national consultancy. Now she 

has started her own business: 

JI Health & Safety Consultancy. 

Jane believes health and 

safety need not be a burden 

for businesses and applies a 

common sense approach. She 

aims to build trust with clients 

so that she can offer informal, 

friendly advice. Her qualifications 

include the NEBOSH 

National Diploma in Occupational 

Health and Safety and 

Small Business Saturday is 

a valuable initiative and to 

maintain support for small 

and local businesses all year 

round, we’ve launched the 

‘£10 to £1 million’ campaign 

to encourage buyers to switch 

spending to local providers. 

Anyone can join in for free 

– all you have to do is post on 

social media channels whenever 

you buy local and add the 

hashtag #10to1m. 

See details on the back 

cover, which you can also 

use to display as a poster or 

National General Certificate, 

and she has delivered training 

herself on topics including 

manual handling, working at 

height, fire warden and fire 

safety, accident reporting and 

investigation. With a particular 

interest in training director and 

senior management teams in 

legal compliance, she has also 

delivered the Institution of 

Occupational Safety and Health 

(IOSH) Managing Safely course. 

Now aiming to focus on 

delivering services locally in 

North Devon and the South 

West, Jane says: “I would like 

to expand my business and can 

offer a wide range of services 

including health and safety 

audits, assistance with implementing 

tailored management 

systems, including the provision 

of documentation, and 

training and assistance with the 

Contractors Health and Safety 

Assessment Scheme (CHAS) 

and Safety Schemes In Procurement 

(SSIP) accreditations.” 

While getting to grips with 

health and safety may feel 

daunting, Jane assures that 

“taking a sensible step-by-step 

approach will help employers 

to fulfil their legal duty to 

protect staff.” 

■■Details 07732 328222 

Support small and local 

businesses all year round 

download one from the web 

site at 10to1m.co.uk 

MicroBizMatters Day 

Another day that celebrates 

and supports small businesses 

employing 0–9 people 

is #MicroBizMatters Day on 

Friday 11 January 2020. 

Organised by micro business 

champion Tony Robinson 

OBE and Tina Boden, this 

year’s event takes place in 

Hull, but any business can join 

in anywhere. 

■■Visit microbizmatters.co.uk 


With the trend for eliminating 

unnecessary packaging 

growing fast, Chris and Gill 

Darling have brought the 

concept to Ilfracombe High 

Street by opening Darlings 

Natural Health. 

“My background is in the 

health business,” says Gill. 

“I owned a health clinic 

from 2000, then managed a 

health food store in Buckinghamshire. 

I have completed 

many courses covering the 

use and recommendation of 

vitamins and minerals. My 

qualifications include diet and 

nutrition, counselling and 

aromatherapy, and I became a 

Reiki Healer in 2004, qualifying 

as a Master in 2018. 

“Both Chris and I have 

family in Ilfracombe and I 

used to live in Bideford and 

then Fremington in the 1980s 

before moving to Buckinghamshire. 

We always planned 

to return to Devon and finally 

decided the time was right for 

a new challenge. 

“We are both passionate 

about looking after ourselves 

and the planet. Like most 

people we are horrified 

with the damage to our 

planet with the overuse of 

single-use plastic. We want a 

better environment for our 

grandchildren. 

“Our aim is to encourage 

people to stop using singleuse 

plastic, to look after their 

health, and stop or reduce the 

reliance on pharmaceutical 

drugs and antibiotics. We all 

need to look after our planet, 

sea and air.” 

The ethos of Darlings 

Natural Health is to encourage 

and help customers to do this. 

It stocks a range of organic 


Refill store offers natural 

products for a healthy life 

Chris Darling of Darlings Natural Health in Ilfracombe 

oats, nuts, seeds, pulses, 

pasta and dried fruits, and 

encourages customers to bring 

their own containers and 

refill them. Household refills 

include washing-up liquid, 

laundry liquid, softener, 

toilet cleaner, multi-purpose 

cleaner and sanitiser. Again, 

customers can bring their own 

containers to refill. 

The personal range 

comprises mainly Faith in 

Nature shampoo, conditioner, 

body wash and hand wash. 

Marketing fix for small businesses 

North Devon’s community 

attracts many people to start 

their own business here. After 

spotting a gap in the market, 

Kerrie Anson has launched her 

new business: Marketing Fix. 

“Growing up in Ilfracombe 

and starting out working for 

the local theatres, I have always 

been drawn to immersing 

myself in the local community 

with projects such as connecting 

the theatres to local schools,” 

says Kerrie. “Getting back to 

what I love and working in the 

community again was important 

to me and I noticed that 

there are plenty of wonderful 

local businesses, but that some 

lack the ability to fully market 

themselves. At Marketing Fix I 

love working with sole traders 

looking to raise their business 

profile with digital marketing. 

This could be social media, 

email marketing, web site 

creation or content creation, 

all of which are my areas of 

strength, having worked in the 

industry for nine years. 

“My aim for 2020 is to work 

with more businesses who need 

a Marketing Fix. There are not 

enough hours in the day when 

running a business on your own 

or with a small team. Marketing 

Fix can be that helping hand.” 

■■Details 07814 338170 or 

getmarketingfix.co.uk 

The focus is on products 

that are cruelty-free and 

100% natural with no SLS 

or parabens. The pre-packed 

range Just Natural uses plasticfree 

packaging that is plant 

based and officially certified 

compostable. 

The store’s range continues 

to grow and plans include 

installing at least 10 more 

refill units, a Reiki room and 

a free healing centre. 

Chris and Gill say the 

business has received a good 

response in their first month 

and is growing gradually as 

people get used to having a 

refill shop in the high street. 

They are currently developing 

their web site and are looking 

to offer a local retail / wholesale 

delivery service. They 

already sell on eBay but will 

also open their own online 

store as well. 

Gill adds: “We love local 

produce and would like to 

increase our range. At present 

we have Ilfracombe honey and 

Woolacombe organic eggs. 

We are also looking to start 

in-store demonstrations from 

our suppliers.” 

■■Details 07484 747068 or 

darlingsnaturalhealth.com 

Call 01271 326694. 

info@boomboomedia.co.uk 

visit www.boomboommedia.co.uk 



Finding Jobs for People and People for Jobs 

Temporary & Permanent recruitment solutions throughout North Devon! 

01237 439500 

Britain’s largest dealerowned 

supplier for independently 

owned hardware and 

DIY stores, based in Barnstaple, 

held its 2019 annual 

general meeting, conference 

and trade show over a weekend 

at the Woolacombe Bay Hotel. 

Home Hardware, founded in 

North Devon by local independent 

retailers in the mid-1960s, 

now has more than 400 

independent hardware retailers, 

housewares shops, cook shops, 

ironmongers and garden 

centres as its members across 

the UK. The Woolacombe event 

attracted member retailers 

from across the country to 

www.simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk 

network, attend sessions 

discussing industry topics and 

talk to the 50 suppliers exhibiting 

their products. 

Home Hardware chief executive 

Martin Elliott explained 

that the group was established 

to support independent retailers 

following the appearance of the 

first supermarkets. As a result of 

fast growth it acquired its first 

warehouse in Bideford before 

moving to its present premises 

in Barnstaple. Together 

with its second warehouse in 

Bedford, this gives the group a 

nationwide reach, delivering to 

member retailers from the Isles 

of Scilly to Northumberland. 

No nonsense approach to health and safety 

H&S 

JI Health & Safety Consultancy 

H&S Audit 

H&S Training 

Tailored H&S Management Systems 

Assistance with SSIPs Accreditations 

Risk Assessment / Risk Management 

Jane Bass 07732 328222 

DipNEBOSH jinnes2@sky.com 

“We buy product in bulk 

so that independent members 

can compete with multiples,” 

said Martin. “Everyone buys at 

the same price and enjoys the 

same service with a delivery 

once a week.” 

Home Hardware membership 

gives retailers access to 

20,000 products from 300 

named brands stocked in its 

warehouses, with even more 

available direct from suppliers. 

More importantly, it can help 

support a new retailer as 

they establish their business, 

reducing the start-up risk. This 

includes helping with business 

plans and other advice. 

Follow us: 

A competitive edge for independents 

Home Hardware’s Barnstaple warehouse 

Best stand winner: (from left) Chris Adams (national sales manager, 

Price’s Candles), David Adams (chairman of Home Hardware) 

and Michael Hollings (sales agent, Price’s Candles) 

“Retailing can be a lonely 

business, so this weekend is a 

good networking opportunity 

to share ideas,” Martin added. 

Home Hardware’s success is 

demonstrated by winning the 

title of Britain’s Best Wholesaler 

in the Housewares Innovation 

Awards for three years running 

in 2017, 2018 and 2019. 

Now employing 80+ 

employees in Barnstaple and a 

further 30+ in Bedford, Home 

Hardware enables independent 

retailers to survive and thrive 

in today’s challenging high 

street environment. 

■■Details 01271 337479 or 

homehardware.co.uk 

HOME HARDWARE INDEPENDENT RETAILERS 

Bideford – Blanchards Home Hardware, 51 Mill Street 

Bradworthy – Martin & Co, The Square 

Braunton – Slees Home Hardware, 11-12 The Square 

Crediton – Adams Home Hardware, 119-121 High Street 

Great Torrington – Duffys Home Hardware, 3 High Street 

Ilfracombe – Chas N Pedlar & Son, 27 High Street 

Okehampton – DIY Supplies Home Hardware, 17 St James Street 

South Molton – Exmoor Hardware, 135 East Street 

Tiverton – Heard & Sendell Ltd, The Old Saw Mills, Leat Street 


John Loveless first worked 

at Caravel in Lynmouth as 

a summer job at the age of 

16, but his family had been 

involved with the store even 

before that. 

“It was almost a calling,” 

says John. “My sister had 

worked there for the previous 

two years and my mother had 

worked there, as a bookkeeper, 

for the previous owner. 

“My job was selling ice 

cream, candy floss and fudge. 

It wasn’t a career choice; I 

was studying for extra O 

levels and later electronics, 

mechanics and photography, 

so the seasonal position fitted 

in well.” 

As well as confectionery, 

the shop also sold off-licence 

products, basketware, jumpers 

and kitchen stoneware. 

“Even then, I had recognised 

that Caravel is in an 

excellent position with an 

entrance on both Riverside 

Road and Lynmouth Street. 

The shop has the appearance 

of two knocked into one, but 

in fact the front was a back 

storeroom until after the 

Lynmouth flood in 1952. 

“It has interior supporting 

walls which create a meandering 

throughway, an 

advantage because it slows the 

customer, giving them time to 

see everything. The drawback 

is that it attracts class A rates 

at both entrances.” 

After experiencing city life 

as a student, John decided he 

preferred rural life and started 

a photography business, 

publishing postcards and 

books which he sells around 

Exmoor and Dartmoor. He 

had returned to Caravel in 

his holidays and became 

permanent when one of the 

managers stepped back. In 

time, John and the other 

manager bought out the 

owners, with John eventually 

buying the business outright. 

“We flourished in the 

90s and started opening all 

year. Winter trade boosted 

the turnover and I kept my 

photography business running 

as well. 

“A new format was 

working; the confectionery 

and off licence remained on 

one side, but we’d changed to 

ladies evening wear and home 

gifts on the other. Trade was 

still very seasonally weighted 

but the winters were slowly 

becoming busier. 

“The recession changed 

our customer base so I had 

to change the stock again. 

Evening wear and home gifts 

were sold off and I started 

stocking a few traditional 

wooden toys and games and 

children’s clothes, keeping the 

confectionery and off licence. 

“The toys were popular so I 

increased the range but kept to 

products in the birth to eightyears-old 

region. I found I had 

to ‘cherry pick’ from many 

different companies to achieve 

the look I wanted.” 


John Loveless of Caravel in Lynmouth 

Open all year 

in Lynmouth 

A well-established shop in Lynmouth, owner John Loveless 

talks about how Caravel has adapted to changing tastes and 

circumstances to continue delighting residents and visitors alike 

John keeps plastics to a 

minimum and concentrates 

on sustainable wooden toys, 

which are very tactile. 

“I like them to have some 

educational value and the 

books must encourage the 

child to pick it up in the first 

place. In the new season I will 

be stocking organic children’s 

clothes from a company in 

Dorset.” 

Wherever possible, John 

aims to use local producers for 

ciders, beers and gins as well 

as for confectionery. Caravel 

stocks more than 35 flavours 

of loose fudge and traditional 

confectionery displayed in 

glass stopper jars. 

John acknowledges the 

challenges of the retail sector 

as well as the frustrations. 

“You have to be different; 

find products that are not 

widely available but have a 

general theme, accurately 

assess your customer demographic 

and cater for it.” 

To supplement the retail 

business, John renovated the 

flat above in 2014 as a holiday 

let. This is a useful addition, 

especially when in winter 

footfall falls by 95%. Even 

so, Caravel remains open, 

although for reduced hours. 

“I wish more shops would 

remain open through the 

winter. You may think it’s a 

bonus to have a monopoly, but 

it does the town no favours. 

If tourists only see one or two 

shops open in a town, they are 

less likely to stop – they need 

something that makes it worth 

getting out of their car on 

cold, wet January days.” 

John puts a sign on the 

door showing the shorter 

opening hours. 

“That’s what you have to do 

so people know if it’s worth 

waiting. A Lynmouth business 

needs to be super-efficient 

in the winter. You won’t take 

anything if you’re shut. 

“I even opened during the 

snow falls in March 2018. The 

two-mile walk from home 

included negotiating a fivemetre 

high snowdrift! I had 

posted on social media that we 

would be open and residents 

and visitors who were snowedin 

in Lynmouth made the day 

worth the effort.” 

Caravel’s web site gives a 

taster of what it offers, but the 

only way to appreciate its large 

range is to visit. John posts 

regularly on social media 

and receives a good response, 

affectionately referring to 

customers as ‘Caravellians’. 

Although not his original 

career choice, John enjoys 

running Caravel. 

“I like teasing the 

customers and reps. I love the 

look of excitement on children’s 

faces when they come in 

the toy shop, and the look on 

adults’ faces when they find an 

alcohol section, like an oasis, 

in the middle of it. 

“It all enables me to live 

where I want and I enjoy the 

freedom to sell what I want. It 

may not be the fastest selling 

stock, but I have confidence 

in the products and I can 

make a difference.” 

■■Details 01598 752369 or 

caravellynmouth.co.uk 


IN THE HOT SEAT 

Helen Pedlar of Pedlars, Ilfracombe 

1. What was your first job? 

From about the age of five 

my Dad had me in the shop 

dusting and re-filling shelves! 

But my very first paid job – at 

£1.10 an hour! – was dressing 

up as Bubbles the Bear at 

Watermouth Castle theme park 

meeting and greeting the visitors 

at the entrance. 

2. What is the best 

business advice you’ve 

ever received? 

Always keep your staff happy. 

They are the frontline of the 

business and if they are happy 

and content, then it shows 

through to the customers 

and the staff will always work 

harder for you if you show 

them you genuinely care. 

Customer service is paramount. 

If you go the extra 

mile for the customer, the rest 

will fall into place. Customers 

always remember how much 

you’ve helped them and return 

business follows. 

3. What do you enjoy most 

about business? 

Every single day is different 

in here. Every day has its 

own challenges and I learn 

something new. I love the 

shop being such a big part of 

the community and seeing 

so many generations pass 

through. It’s a privilege. 

4. What essential 

technology could your 

business never be without? 

Pen and paper! We are old 

school and still write lots of 

lists and do paper orders. We 

still hand write all our ledgers, 

although the accountant tells 

me we have to computerise 

Each issue we put a North Devon business personality in the hot 

seat and ask them 10 questions. This issue we asked Helen Pedlar of 

Pedlars Home Hardware in Ilfracombe 

very soon. We have all our 

handwritten ledgers since 

1860. Imagine if they had been 

on floppy disk – we would 

have no way of looking back at 

our history. 

5. Describe your business 

management / style 

Friendly and open. I like to 

think that staff and customers 

can come to me with anything. 

I would never ask the staff 

to do anything I wouldn’t do 

Right Way HR Services 

Safeguard your business 

• Advice on all aspects of employment law 

• Contracts of employment 

• Staff handbook • HR policies 

• Letters, templates and documents 

Call Richard on 07825 090782 

e-mail: richard@rwhrs.com 

myself. I still mop the doorways 

and the pavement every 

morning with the staff, as we 

all work together. 

6. How do you go about 

personal development? 

I encourage learning through 

the workplace. I like to include 

the staff in meeting reps, 

visiting trade shows and having 

A deceptively small department 

store, this shop is a 

positive cornucopia of useful, 

interesting, beautiful and 

essential items. 

Hardware, electricals, 

china, gifts, gardening, 

camping, outdoor leisure, 

menswear and school 

uniforms are all sold here. 

The family business, dating 

back 150 years and now in its 

sixth generation, is part of the 

fabric of the history of Ilfracombe. 

Nowadays, the friendly 

and helpful staff are still happy 

to be of assistance and always 

an input on the products we 

sell. I like to see the staff get 

excited about a new product. 

Enthusiasm sells! 

7. Is there anything about 

yourself that you would like 

to change? 

My time management. There 

never seems to be enough 

hours in the day. 

8. Social media: yes or no? 

Preferred network? 

Yes. We use Facebook and 

Instagram to promote the shop. 

We have found that this is really 

helping us to put us out there 

and show people who haven’t 

shopped with us before the 

wide variety of goods we stock. 

9. How do you wind down 

when not working? 

To be honest, I never stop. My 

shop is always on my mind, that 

and an active seven-year-old. 

I do like to make sure I take 

at least one family holiday a 

year abroad as I love travel and 

the heat. It also makes sure I 

can’t be called on. 

I love gardening with my 

son, Ollie. He loves the spring 

when we can plant the veggies 

and he’s in charge of making 

sure we have a good crop. 

10. Do you have a motto or 

favourite quotation? 

I don’t get tired of my work 

because you can’t get tired of 

something you love and enjoy. 

You can never go wrong 

when you have a great team to 

work with. 

Anyone for coffee? 

ABOUT PEDLARS HOME HARDWARE 

prepared to go that extra mile 

to ensure satisfaction with all 

customers’ purchases. 

As a proud member of the 

national Home Hardware 

group – named Britain’s Best 

Wholesaler in 2017, 2018 and 

2019 – prices remain competitive 

compared with the large 

national retailers. 

From traditional to quirky 

and modern, Pedlars is well 

worth a visit for anyone living 

in or visiting Ilfracombe. 

■ ■ Details 01271 863509 or 

facebook.com/pedlarshomehardware 


After 32 years of working in 

administration and finance, 

Vanessa Glover retains her 

enthusiasm for making businesses 

run smoothly, which 

she now achieves through her 

own business, Exmoorfern. 

VA and audio transcription 

Exmoorfern provides a range 

of virtual assistance services, 

from email newsletter set-up 

and maintenance to CRM 

management, creation and 

re-purposing of marketing 

material, task analysis and 

office manual creation. Along 

with these, Vanessa specialises 

in audio transcription. While 

her introduction to this was 

through her doing the actual 

dictating when working in 

the finance department of 

Portsmouth City Council, 

Vanessa started transcribing 

after moving to Devon in roles 

as a doctors’ receptionist and 

as a legal secretary. 

Vanessa says, “I contentedly 

spent every day connected to 

my headphones and foot pedal 

– pretty much as I do today 

when transcribing dictated 

formal reports for architects, 

conservators and other professionals, 

which typically run to 

75 pages.” 

Now also transcribing 

for surveyors, engineers and 

medical consultants, Vanessa 

is particularly keen to work 

with creative and culinary 

artisans, caterers, photographers, 

florists and milliners, 

as she takes a keen interest in 

these professions. 

Following a career break 

after the birth of her son, 

Vanessa took on the role of 

PA, bookkeeper and office 

manager to a preeminent 

timber conservator doing 

everything he didn’t want, 


Saving you time to spend 

on running your business 

or have time, to do. This 

shaped her role as a VA, as she 

realises first-hand the benefit 

of her services for high-value 

professionals and sole traders 

working under pressure, who 

never seem to have enough 

hours in the day to get everything 

done. 

Productivity and profits 

Vanessa approaches her work 

with a passionate commitment 

to standardising processes 

to bring increased efficiency, 

productivity and profits for 

her clients. 

“My services mean clients 

can delegate their mundane 

admin and accomplish things 

on their ‘to do’ list rather than 

neglecting them or decisively 

and proactively implement 

their next project. 

“It thrills me that technology 

enables me to work 

remotely, which also represents 

a salary saving to my clients.” 

RNLI ambassador 

In addition to office administration, 

Vanessa is a passionate 

RNLI ambassador as a result 

of her spectacular rescue by 

the RNLI from the flooded 

River Taw in Umberleigh on 23 

December 2012 – see the video 

on her web site. She supports 

the cause on behalf of her volunteer 

rescuers who received 

RNLI Bronze Medals for Gallantry 

and the Pride of Britain 

999 Emergency Services Award 

for saving her life. 

■■Details 01598 740210 or 

exmoorfern.co.uk 

NEW YEAR 

NEW DREAMS 

NEW ADVENTURES 

NEW CAREERS 

NEW OPPORTUNITIES 

NEW CHALLENGES 

NEW START 


BBxpo 

Clarity Copiers North Devon has supported both BBxpo events 

(from left) organisers Alan Williams and Robert Zarywacz at BBxpo 

On Thursday 24 October, organisers Alan Williams and Robert 

Zarywacz welcomed exhibitors and visitors from North Devon 

and far afield to the second Bideford Business Expo at Devon Hall, 

Bideford College. 

BBxpo was Alan’s idea and the pair organised the first event in 

2018 to favourable response and were determined to make this 

year’s event bigger and better. 

“We’re grateful to exhibitors like Paul O’Brien of Clarity 

Copiers, who was the first exhibitor in 2018 to book his stand for 

this year and promoted it widely at networking events,” says Alan. 

This year’s event featured a business exhibition, presentations 

and the famous free networking buffet – the largest free lunch in 

North Devon. 

“We’d like to thank Bideford College for their warm welcome 

and excellent facilities and we look forward to BBxpo returning in 

2020,” says Robert. 

Book for 2020 and enjoy earlybird prices 

If you missed out this year – BBxpo will return on Thursday 29 

October 2020 and stand space is available to book now. 

Book and pay for a small stand for £75 or a large stand for £125 

before 30 April 2020 to enjoy earlybird prices, at the same level as 

this year’s. Stand prices will increase to £85 and £145 from 1 May. 

Book for 2020 at bbxpo.uk 

The team from Marsdens Devon Cottages brighten up the event 

The team from Petroc offered advice on apprenticeships 


BBxpo 

Finance providers network at BBxpo 

Bringing businesses together through networking 

One of the main aims of BBxpo is to provide opportunities for 

networking and to build new relationships. 

Co-organiser Alan Williams was delighted to be able to introduce 

a number of finance providers from across the South West. 

SWIG Finance was an exhibitor at the show, while Jeannie Cain 

from ASC had travelled from Truro, and Emily Gibson and Mary 

MacMillan of Leasing Programmes had travelled from Wellington. 

“Mary and I found BBxpo very beneficial,” says Emily. “We 

were instantly welcomed by Alan and introduced to people we 

could connect with. There was a good mix of businesses exhibiting, 

and all were friendly and approachable. The seminars were well 

thought out and the ones we attended worthwhile and helpful to 

our business. We would love to a part of next year’s.” 

Jeannie says: “I found it very worthwhile. I caught up with a few 

old contacts and developed some great new connections too. I was 

particularly impressed with the diverse businesses in attendance, 

and the incredible amount of energy and engagement from all 

the exhibitors. ASC Finance for Business are very much looking 

forward to securing more finance for businesses in North Devon.” 

Advice on all aspects of business 

Finding business advice can be a challenge in North Devon and 

a number of support agencies and business consultancies were 

present to discuss help and support available. 

From Petroc discussing how apprenticeships can help businesses 

to the Heart of the South West Growth Hub showcasing 

the range of support available across the region, there were many 

opportunities for businesses to find the advice they needed. 

Jobcentre Plus attended for a second year to raise awareness of 

the Disability Confident programme that helps businesses discover 

the pool of untapped talent that disabled people offer as employees. 

And consultancies such as Fitzgerald HR showcased how they 

help employers manage, develop and retain their people. 

Deep in conversation at the SWIG Finance stand 

Fitzgerald HR was on hand to discuss managing and developing people 

The Heart of the South West Growth Hub promoted business support on offer 

Jobcentre Plus offered advice on the Disability Confident programme 


BBxpo 

The Sign Maker returned to BBxpo with its stand packed with the many 

varieties of signs it manufactures in North Devon 

Safety Supplies Direct exhibited a small sample of all the products 

available from its Pottington store and through its web site 

Robin Glover of Towergate discussed its range of business insurance 

services including cyber insurance 

Free online training: (from left) Alan Williams with Google Digital Garage 

trainer Silvia Paloschi and Robert Zarywacz 

Plumbing supplies for trade and homeowners from Barnstaple and Ilfracombe 

Steve Bearman started Bearman’s Plumbing Centre at Mullacott when, as a plumber, he had to drive to Barnstaple every time he wanted a 

specific item. He exhibited at BBxpo to promote both the branches he operates, having also opened up in Brannam Crescent, Barnstaple. 

Customers are mostly plumbers and heating engineers, although more DIYers are buying from the stores and Steve is looking to 

increase this trade. He finds his experience and knowledge as an ex-plumber a great advantage in that plumbers and DIYers feel confident 

in asking him for advice about products. Product knowledge is essential in this business. 

Bearman’s specialises in stocking or obtaining items that most plumbers merchants do not. As well as the products most customers 

expect, it carries more unusual items, such as tap cartridges, shower spares and a greater variety of fittings, and it has the ability to source 

almost everything plumbing and heating related. 


BBxpo 

Thank you 

Alan and Robert would like to thank Andy Francis at Tarkatography 

for capturing the day’s activities in the photos featured on 

these pages – find more details of Andy’s photographic services at 

tarkatography.co.uk. 

We would also to thank Paulo Symons for recording and 

editing the BBxpo video, which is now available on the BBxpo web 

site, YouTube and other sites – find more details of Paulo’s video 

marketing services at panotion.co.uk. 

Thank you too to Marley Comms for supplying wifi for the 

event – find out details of Marley Comms at marleycomms.co.uk. 

And, finally, thank you to all our exhibitors, presenters and visitors 

– we hope to see you all again next year at BBxpo 2020. 

Book for 2020 at bbxpo.uk 

The Peak Online team ran a champagne prize draw at BBxpo 

Sponsorship deal: (from left) Andrew Bowers of Peak Online 

with Theresa Soanes, show secretary for the North Devon Show 

New web site for North Devon Show 

BBxpo exhibitor Peak Online 

has partnered with the North 

Devon Show with a five-year 

web site sponsorship deal. 

The web site is a pivotal 

marketing tool for the show 

and with continued mobile 

use increasing, it was time to 

act in time for the 2020 show. 

Show secretary Theresa 

Soanes says: “The North 

Devon Show continues to 

invest in improvements to the 

show and we are delighted to 

work with Andrew from Peak 

Online, and thank them for 

their valued sponsorship and 

support.” 

Andrew Bowers of Peak 

Online says: “Peak Online is 

excited to announce the fiveyear 

web site sponsorship deal 

with the North Devon Show. 

“It works out to be a 

great deal for both parties. 

They were in need of a web 

site upgrade and in return 

it’s great exposure for Peak 

Online to the North Devon 

community. 

“The deal includes a new 

responsive web site and 

ongoing support to maintain 

its presence for years to come. 

“I am very much looking 

forward to meeting everyone 

involved with the show at the 

AGM in February next year.” 

BBxpo experience 

Commenting on BBxpo, 

Andrew says: “This was Peak 

Online’s first BBxpo and we 

will definitely return for 2020. 

Everyone involved was very 

friendly and welcoming. It 

gave us the platform to reach 

out to North Devon businesses 

and discuss how we can help 

them with their web sites and 

digital marketing strategies. 

“We have already began 

working with a few new 

clients because of our stand 

and hopefully a few more will 

follow. I would like to thank 

Robert and Alan for putting 

on a fantastic show.” 

■■Details 01237 721256 or 

northdevon.peak-online.uk.com 

Cranford Business 

Services Limited 

www.accountsindevon.co.uk 

Old Stone, Cranford, Bideford, Devon, EX39 5QW 

07896 204 857 

Does your accountant... 

Listen to you and act on your needs? 

Explain your accounts in terms you understand? 

Arrange meeting at your convenience? 

Leaving you free to concentrate on what you do best! 


graphics design teams produce 

fully functional prototypes so 

that each design can be tested 

to ensure that shapes, folds, 

assembly and visual appearance 

combine to provide the best 

possible product for the client. 

The importance of people 

Complementing this investment 

in equipment and technology, 

Jason emphasises the 

importance of all the people 

working in the business. 

“We have a very loyal 

workforce,” says Jason. “Many 

people have been with us for 

over 20 years.” 

While it’s a challenge to 

keep everyone happy, Jason 

adds that the company aims to 

demonstrate its appreciation 

for everyone’s hard work. This 

includes providing an impressive 

range of benefits including 

MANUFACTURING 

Manufacturer always moving forward 

Atlas Packaging, like many 

manufacturers, operates a 

sophisticated, modern business 

hidden away on a business park. 

As a result, few people in North 

Devon may realise that, as an 

independent corrugated cardboard 

packaging specialist, Atlas 

Packaging supplies packaging 

to household brands including 

Riverford Organics, St Austell 

Brewery, Adidas, Asda, Baileys 

and Johnnie Walker. 

Inside the Atlas Packaging 

plant at Roundswell, Barnstaple, 

a team of 150 works to 

design, print and manufacture 

a range of packaging that is 

shipped to customers across 

the country. The company’s 

success has enabled the team to 

grow from 130 two years ago, 

while continued investment has 

increased its capabilities and 

capacity. In 2012, it invested 

£2.5 million in new machinery 

with further investments of 

£500,000 in 2014 and £1.75m 

in 2016. Planned investment 

in 2020 will increase capacity 

even more. 

Technology in packaging 

Managing director Jason 

Sharman acknowledges that 

there is never certainty in 

business and that all businesses 

need to be prepared to respond 

to changing circumstances, 

whatever they may be: “We 

are always looking at the next 

requirement. Our approach 

to business is always to try to 

move forward.” 

Atlas Packaging approaches 

this in a number of ways. In 

addition to investing in efficient 

machines that print, cut and 

fold cardboard into packaging 

that looks like a work of art, 

Atlas has a fully equipped 

structural design studio which 

uses CAD technology to push 

cardboard engineering innovation 

to its limits. This enables it 

to develop tailored designs for 

individual packaging products 

optimised for transportation, 

storage, assembly and display. 

Alongside this, the graphics 

design team uses proprietary 

and specialist design software to 

ensure that packaging looks as 

good as it functions. Working 

together, the structural and 

Manufacturers play a vital role in the North Devon economy, but 

because many don’t supply consumers their success is not always 

visible. As part of Business Action’s mission to cover all areas of 

business, editor Robert Zarywacz met Jason Sharman, managing 

director of Atlas Packaging, to find out more about the company 

The Atlas Packaging team in Barnstaple 

free gym membership, cycleto-work 

scheme, free fruit 

and childcare vouchers. It also 

provides extensive performance 

data on the company so 

that everyone can understand 

the importance of working 

well as a team to maintain high 

standards and productivity in 

a very competitive marketplace. 

As a growing business, 

Atlas Packaging invests in 

its people and continues to 

employ apprentices to learn 

and develop valuable workplace 

skills on the job. Recognising 

the common challenge of 

attracting new talent to 

manufacturing, it plays an 

active part in the community 

and has partnered with local 

charity Chemohero for 2020. It 

also sponsors the ‘Our School 

Orchard’ project to support 

Philip Sweetland (second left) and Jason Sharman (to his right) receiving 

Atlas Packaging’s Careers Excellence Award from the Gatsby Foundation 

primary school students in 

planting and maintaining 

small school orchards and is 

sponsor of the Annual Bideford 

Cardboard Boat Regatta. As 

well as supplying free cardboard 

to teams constructing 

vessels, in 2019 Atlas Packaging 

enabled three students – Fahren 

Woollacott, Callum Rippon 

and Joe Passmore, all aged 15 

– to develop their concept and 

design it with CAD software 

before building it as part of 

their work experience. Their 

boat still sank! 

The company has also 

aligned with Ilfracombe 

Academy and recently participated 

in its Year 7 roadshow 

to demonstrate the breadth of 

manufacturing careers available, 

from accounts and drivers to 

machine operators, designers 

and IT. As a result of this 

commitment to future manufacturers, 

it was recently awarded 

the Small Employer of the Year 

Award at the Careers Excellence 

Awards 2019 in London run 

by the Careers & Enterprise 

Company in partnership with 

the Gatsby Foundation. 

Environmental care 

Jason adds that Atlas Packaging 

is fully aware of its environmental 

responsibilities as a 

packaging manufacturer. While 

corrugated cardboard is one 

of the most environmentally 

friendly materials, there is 

no complacency. As well as 

holding both ISO 9001-2015 

and BRC – 2015 Certification 

accreditation for quality 

control, the company has 

achieved ISO14001 environmental 

management system 

certification. In addition, its 

FSC® Chain of Custody certification 

ensures checks at every 

stage of the supply chain so that 

customers can be confident 

they are purchasing genuine 

FSC-certified goods. 

With this commitment 

to the environment and its 

approach to investing in technology 

and its people, Atlas 

Packaging maintains its readiness 

to meet the challenges that 

future manufacturers will face. 

■■Details 01271 344055 or 

atlaspackaging.co.uk 


Engineering firm continues to invest in apprentices 

(from left) Lilley Precision Engineering’s Suzanne Lilley, Jacob Bartynski 

with his apprenticeship award and managing director Darrian Lilley 

Jacob Bartynski, one of two 

apprentices at Lilley Precision 

Engineering in Barnstaple, 

was recently awarded Group 

Training & Development’s 

Apprentice of the Year Award – 

3rd Year Mechanical. 

Lilley Precision has been 

working with Group Training 

& Development since 2011 and 

has provided opportunities for 

four apprentices to date. 

“The apprenticeships work 

really well and we feel proud to 

be able to provide them with 

Manufacturing apprenticeship 

specialist Group Training & 

Development recently held its 

annual awards event, attended 

by more than 100 employers, 

apprentices and family 

members, to celebrate the 

successes of all its engineering 

apprenticeship completions 

and award winners. 

Guest speaker Tim Puttick, 

manufacturing director of 

TDK Lambda, Ilfracombe, 

gave an inspirational speech 

to students just starting out in 

their careers in engineering. 

Sponsored and supported 

by local engineering companies, 

the event reaffirmed the 

important role GTD plays in 

providing quality apprenticeship 

training to engineering 

companies across the North 

Devon area. 

2019 awards winners 

1st Year Electrical/Electronic 

Nathan Sinclair – NDE 

1st Year Mechanical 

Victoria Morton – Whiteland 

Engineering 

2nd Year Electrical/Electronic 

Lara Brett – TT Electronics 

2nd Year Mechanical 

Karl Moore – TDK Lambda 

the ability to learn a variety of 

skills at the start of their career 

path,” says administration and 

quality manager Suzanne Lilley. 

“Being a small business, our 

team all work closely together 

and we do feel like a family. 

“It is always sad to see our 

apprentices move on but we 

love that they always keep in 

touch with us.” 

Steve Killner, training 

officer with Group Training 

& Development Ltd, adds: 

“Lilley Precision and Group 

Winning manufacturing apprentices at Group Training & Development’s annual awards celebration 

Manufacturing apprentices celebrate success 

3rd Year Electrical/Electronic 

Charlie White – Eurofins 

3rd Year Mechanical 

Jacob Bartynski – Lilley 

Precision Engineering 

4th Year Electrical/Electronic 

Lewis Burton – SEA Ltd 

4th Year Mechanical 

Jamie Witherington – SEA Ltd 

Special Achievement Award 

Thomas Maslen – Brimar 

Technique 

About GTD 

GTD was established more 

than 40 years ago by a number 

of like-minded North Devon 

Training & Development have 

worked closely together for 

many years training, mentoring 

and supporting engineering 

apprentices with their learning 

to enable them to obtain 

engineering skills and qualifications 

that will stay with them 

throughout their career. We 

look forward to continuing to 

work alongside Lilley Precision 

to train more apprentices 

which will help to strengthen 

their business and increase the 

pool of engineering talent in 

North Devon.” 

manufacturing companies 

to promote and advance the 

provision of apprenticeships, 

primarily within engineering, 

and to provide apprenticeship 

training support to local 

employers and their trainees. 

GTD continues to work 

closely with local businesses 

in a multitude of engineering 

and manufacturing disciplines 

by supporting them in the 

selection of apprentices and 

by tailoring apprenticeships to 

meet the individual training 

needs of each of their trainees. 

■■Details 07805 696783 or 

gtdev.co.uk 

Lilley Precision is also 

committed to working with 

local schools including the 

Park, Pilton, South Molton, 

Ilfracombe and Torrington to 

provide work experience placements 

for students. 

“We’ve provided work 

experience every year for the 

past 10 years and it works 

well,” adds Darrian. “One of 

our previous apprentices was 

as a result of one of our work 

experience placements.” 

■■Details 01271 370601 or 

lilleyprecisionengineering.co.uk 

Looking for independent financial advice? 

Call us on 01237 426450 

for a free initial consultation 

contact@dscottfinancial.co.uk 

https://dscottfinancial.co.uk 

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. 


Universities, colleges and 

employers across the South 

West have signed a partnership 

agreement signalling a 

multi-million-pound investment 

in the region. The South 

West Institute of Technology 

(SWIOT) will train thousands 

of students in technical 

subjects across the region, 

bringing unparalleled skills 

development and career opportunities. 

The government has 

plans for 12 new IOTs to equip 

the British workforce with 

skills across key sectors. 

The SWIOT is a unique 

collaboration between a 

number of partner organisations, 

including Petroc, the 

University of Exeter, University 

of Plymouth, Bridgwater & 

Taunton College, City College 

Plymouth, Exeter College and 

Truro & Penwith College. Each 

will invest in the development 

of state-of-the-art facilities for 

training in technical subjects to 

create Britain’s next generation 

of highly skilled technicians 

and engineers. 

The SWIOT also draws 

on expertise from a group of 

‘anchor employers’ who will 

lead its strategic direction 

and ensure focus on the latest 

industry skills. These include 

TDK Lambda in Ilfracombe, 

Oxygen House and the Met 

Office in Exeter, and Babcock 

in Plymouth. Investment will 

be provided through the Local 

Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) 

for the Heart of the South 

Barnstaple-based SEA Ltd 

has triumphed in the regional 

heats of a major national manufacturing 

awards programme 

organised by Make UK, the 

manufacturers’ organisation. 

The Future Manufacturing 

Awards recognise manufacturing 

excellence in six 

categories as well as in two 

apprentice categories. The 

awards were presented at the 

South annual dinner of Make 

UK, sponsored by Japanese IT 

solutions provider Hulft and 

Menzies LLP. 

Innovation award win 

SEA Ltd, a world-leading 

electronic systems provider 

to the defence, transport and 

offshore energy market, was 

announced regional winner 

in the Innovation category 

sponsored by HVM Catapult. 

The judges commented: 

“This company sought to 

develop a miniaturised 

underwater acoustic sensing 

solution, reducing the size 

dramatically so it could be 

deployed from much smaller 

vessels, opening up a wider 

range of potential applications 

in UK and export markets. 

Whilst the project overcame 

technical and supply chain 

challenges, to deliver a prototype 

as swiftly as they did was 

quite remarkable.” 

MANUFACTURING 

New regional technology institute gets green light 

NEWS IN BRIEF 

Gradsouthwest has launched 

its South West Graduate 

Scheme Directory, which 

provides a guide to graduate 

schemes, graduate programmes 

and graduate traineeships 

available across the region. 

The Graduate Scheme 

Directory aims to help graduates 

wanting to work in the 

South West find graduate 

employment. The directory has 

three sections – a full listing 

of employers offering schemes 

with a graduate web address, 

and then listings by county 

area and by sector. 

Student interest 

Gradsouthwest has produced 

the directory in response to 

student requests for more 

information about what is 

available in the region. Its aim 

is to provide a quick, easy-toread 

guide for students and 

graduates that helps them 

find schemes in the region. It 

does not guarantee that every 

graduate scheme is included. 

In addition, Gradsouthwest 

continues to advertise 

hundreds of graduate job 

vacancies throughout the 

year, both graduate schemes 

and single job vacancies. 

Entries are free to recruiting 

employers – they just have to 

run a scheme offering job roles 

in South West England. 

■■Details gradsouthwest.com 

West and Cornwall and the 

Isles of Scilly. 

Catering for up to 2,500 

students in apprenticeship and 

full-time courses, from post-16 

to Master’s degree level, the 

SWIOT’s combined facilities 

will match the best available in 

the UK and help put the South 

West region at the forefront 

of digital and engineering 

education. Facilities will 

include virtual and augmented 

reality environments, digital 

learning laboratories, artificial 

intelligence arenas, new clean 

workspaces, workshops, emergent 

manufacturing spaces 

with industry level equipment, 

and shared learning spaces. 

Speaking about the multimillion-pound 

partnership 

Success in manufacturing awards 

Triple finalist 

HepcoMotion, in Tiverton, 

was runner-up in three categories. 

Maurice Porter, group 

training manager, was named 

runner-up in the Leadership 

award and Andrew Crew, a 

final year engineering apprentice, 

also received recognition. 

The third award placed HepcoMotion 

as runner-up in the 

Developing Future Talent category, 

with judges commenting: 

“HepcoMotion’s approach to 

talent development gives back 

to the community by taking 

unemployed people, training 

them and injecting a huge 

level of enthusiasm”. 

Caroline Milton, partner 

and manufacturing specialist 

at Menzies, says: “UK manufacturing 

is a great British 

success story. A healthy sector 

is instrumental in driving 

economic growth and plays a 

critical role in rebalancing the 

economy. The Future Manufacturing 

awards recognise the 

importance of manufacturers 

and apprentices across Britain, 

reminding us of their contribution 

and the hard work, 

dedication and ambition going 

on in every part of this vibrant 

sector. We congratulate all 

winners for their achievements 

and wish them the best 

of luck at the national finals.” 

Dick Elsy CBE, chief execu- 

deal for South West Institute 

of Technology, Paul Swan, 

financial director at TDK- 

Lambda UK, says: “As a design 

and manufacturing enterprise 

based in North Devon, some 

distance from large cities and 

universities, attracting and 

retaining sufficient engineering 

talent can often be 

difficult. 

“The South West Institute 

of Technology partnership 

fosters the growth of and 

augments the collaboration 

within the region. We are 

delighted to be involved and 

excited about the new opportunities 

it will bring to young 

people in the South West.” 

■■Details 01271 856600 or 

emea.lambda.tdk.com/uk 

tive of the High Value Manufacturing 

Catapult, added: 

“Innovation is the beating 

heart of a thriving company. 

Mastering its rhythm is key 

to developing great products, 

achieving outstanding productivity 

and putting a business 

ahead of the pack. Innovators 

are the drivers of opportunity. 

They create robust, sustainable 

growth, whatever the 

economic outlook, and deserve 

our recognition and praise.” 

Russell Kirby, senior 

director, Business Development 

EMEA at Hulf, said: 

“Britain is one of the world’s 

biggest manufacturing nations, 

and it is a great privilege to 

be working with Make UK to 

help support and champion 

UK manufacturing. The sector 

is facing significant change, 

as a result of what is being 

referred to as the 4th industrial 

revolution, and it is important 

that businesses are given the 

right opportunities to properly 

position themselves for the 

future. We are looking forward 

to getting out to meet Make 

UK’s members and being part 

of such an important and credible 

awards programme.” 

As a winner, SEA Ltd will 

go forward to the national 

finals to be judged in London 

in December. 

■■Details makeuk.org 


MANUFACTURING 

The Aramis digital scrum machine developed and manufactured in North Devon 

A family business: (from left) Roshni, Ryan and Vic Mahajan 

From the Punjab via Exmoor across the world 

When it comes to rugby 

equipment, all roads lead to 

South Molton where, just off 

the A361, Aramis Rugby has its 

global headquarters. 

A family business established 

in India in 1927, it first 

manufactured hockey sticks 

for the Olympics team before 

making cricket bats. 

The present company is one 

of the world’s leading manufacturers 

of rugby equipment, 

supplying 3,000 rugby clubs, 

rugby schools and universities 

in 23 countries across the world. 

Husband and wife team Vic 

and Roshni Mahajan head the 

business, operating their own 

factories in India and the UK. 

Vic has travelled extensively, 

taking his Master’s in International 

Business in Germany 

and initially settling in France 

to expand the business into 

the European market, which 

led to naming Aramis after 

the famous musketeer. It was 

through Australian connections 

established by Vic’s 

brother, Ajay, that the business 

moved into rugby equipment 

and started manufacturing in 

the UK. 

Vic moved to Devon in 2003 

and, following an arranged 

marriage in India, which 

surprised some people here, 

Roshni joined him in South 

Molton. After the birth of their 

son Ryan, Roshni became fully 

involved in the business. 

“South Molton is home now. 

We all feel part of the community 

and our son goes to the 

local school,” says Roshni. “It’s 

a very beautiful place to live.” 

Building the Aramis brand 

A major step Vic and Roshni 

took in 2012 was to stop 

manufacturing for other brands 

to concentrate on establishing 

Aramis itself as a major, high 

quality, international brand. 

Another step was the development 

and manufacture of its 

own scrum machines in South 

Molton. The company already 

produced rugby balls, training 

equipment and high performance 

kit and clothing – being 

official supplier to many UK 

and worldwide rugby premiership 

teams – when it developed 

its scrum machines in 2013. 

“Scrum machines have existed, 

in one form or another, for 

a while now,” says Vic. “But 

we wanted to take the scrum 

machine on to the next phase, a 

‘next generation’, and the incentive 

to do that has come from 

people within the game.” 

Digital scrum machines 

In 2015, ex-England International 

and British Lion Nigel 

Horton joined Aramis as an 

adviser, while Ajay was keen to 

use the latest technology. 

Nigel used his experience 

of the game to identify 

what rugby players wanted. 

Roshni adds that he suggested 

developing a scrum machine 

that would “not only measure 

weight and force but record 

and analyse figures”. 

Vic’s inventive skills brought 

together Nigel’s knowledge of 

the game, Ajay’s engineering 

input and Roshni’s AutoCad 

abilities, enabling Aramis to 

launch a model that displays 

the forces exerted, records 

them digitally and preserves a 

timeline for further analysis. 

Following an approach by 

sponsors of the Six Nations and 

Scottish Rugby Union for fanfriendly 

models, Aramis scrum 

machines have been featured 

at Murrayfield, the Hong Kong 

Sevens tournament in 2018 

and the Premiership Final at 

Twickenham in 2018 and 2019. 

With input from global corporations 

including Airbus and 

the European Space Agency, 

Aramis’ scrum machines are 

now leaders in the field. 

Record breakers 

Vic and Roshni are keen that the 

business supports the community, 

both in terms of grassroots 

rugby and the local economy. To 

achieve this they are pursuing 

initiatives such as manufacturing 

the world’s biggest rugby 

ball, which recently put South 

Molton under the international 

media spotlight. 

They are also keen to invest 

in local skills through apprenticeships 

and create local 

employment so that Aramis 

has the technical, engineering 

and manufacturing capabilities 

to develop the full potential 

of manufacturing scrum 

machines in North Devon both 

for the UK and export markets. 

■■Details 01769 550284 or 

aramisrugby.co.uk 


Glover Stanbury will be saying 

a fond farewell to senior 

manager Paul Dean at Christmas 

this year when he retires 

after no less than 41 years with 

the firm and its predecessors. 

Paul has always been based 

in the chartered accountants’ 

Bideford Office in Bridgeland 

Street, stretching all the way 

back to 1978. 

Glover Stanbury is also 

very pleased to welcome Toby 

Vanstone, who joins them as 

a manager from another local 

firm. Toby will be taking over 

Paul’s clients from January. 

Slee Blackwell has welcomed 

Andrew Wood to its Clinical 

Negligence department to add 

his many years of experience of 

pursuing compensation claims 

for people who have suffered 

medical accidents. 

Andrew began his career 

working in central London 

before moving in the late 1990s 

to a firm in Kent to specialise 

in personal injury and clinical 

negligence law. He was chair 

of the management committee 

of his local Headway branch, 

a charity that supports victims 

of traumatic head and brain 

injury. Andrew has dealt with 

a large number and variety 

of cases since then, many of 

which have involved claimants 

who have suffered life-changing 

injuries, recovering significant 

sums of compensation in the 

process. He has successfully 

pursued negligence claims 

against GPs, dentists, and 

specialist medical practitioners, 

and is looking to build upon 

that success with Slee Blackwell 

in North Devon. 

Oliver Thorne, head of the 

firm’s Clinical Negligence team 

said, “On the back of another 

PEOPLE 

All change: (from left) Paul Dean and Toby Vanstone outside 

Glover Stanbury Chartered Accountants in Bridgeland Street, Bideford 

The first of new appointments at Slee Blackwell: (from left) Andrew Wood 

has joined the firm’s Clinical Negligence department 

while Cathy O’Grady has joined its Family Law team 

busy year, we’ve had an influx 

of people asking for our help. 

We’ve therefore been looking 

for someone with experience 

in this specialised area of law 

who is empathetic and understanding 

to our clients’ needs. 

Andrew is a great addition to 

the team and brings a wealth of 

experience with him.” 

Another new face is Cathy 

O’Grady, who has joined the 

Family Law team in Barnstaple. 

Cathy specialises in domestic 

abuse cases and children law, 

including care proceedings. 

Senior partner Steve Pearce 

comments: “A number of us 

have worked with Paul for 

almost all of those 41 years 

and are amazed how quickly 

time has flown. Everyone 

at Glover Stanbury wishes 

Paul a very long and happy 

retirement, including one of 

his sons, Stephen Dean, who 

followed in his father’s footsteps 

as a chartered accountant 

based in our Barnstaple 

office. We will all miss Paul 

and, personally, my turn to 

follow him is, rather disturbingly, 

not too far away.” 

The law is Cathy’s second 

career and follows 20 years 

spent in the non-profit sector 

designing and managing 

projects for children affected by 

war. She has travelled widely, 

living in Africa, Asia, Eastern 

Europe and the former Soviet 

Union. 

Partner Paul Jordan, who 

heads up Slee Blackwell’s 

Family Law department, 

welcomed Cathy to the team, 

commenting, “We are thrilled 

that Cathy has joined our team 

of specialist family lawyers. She 

is a very talented individual 

who brings with her many 

years of professional experience 

devoted to the needs and 

interests of children globally. 

Cathy is now applying that 

valuable experience for the 

benefit of children and parents 

at our offices across Devon and 

Somerset.” 

This expansion of the firm’s 

operation in North Devon 

reflects the success the practice 

has enjoyed recently and 

the partners are planning to 

announce further staff acquisitions 

in key areas during the 

firm’s centenary year. 


DIRECTORY 

ACCOUNTANTS 

Glover Stanbury 

Barnstaple & Bideford 

t: 01271 375271 / 01237 471881 

w: gloverstanbury.co.uk 

ADMINISTRATIVe SERVICES 

Exmoorfern 

South Molton 

t: 01598 740210 

w: exmoorfern.co.uk 

ARCHITECTS 

Sam Nolan RIBA Architect 

North Devon & UK 

t: 01271 325 236 

w: northdevonarchitects.com 

Brewery 

GT Ales 

Chivenor 

t: 01271 267420 

w: gtales.co.uk 

Business Advisor 

Susie Kevern 

North Devon 

t: 07801 199671 

w: poundlane.co.uk 

Commercial Property 

James Doble Commercial 

North Devon 

t: 01237 424053 

w: jd-commercial.co.uk 

Copiers & Printers 

Clarity Copiers North Devon 

Barnstaple & North Devon 

t: 01237 374061 

w: claritynorthdevon.co.uk 

Copywriting & communications 

Zarywacz 


t: 01271 879100 

w: z2z.com 

Counselling & Psychotherapy 

North Devon Counselling 

Barnstaple 

t: 07872 501606 

w: northdevoncounselling.co.uk 

HealTh & SAFETY 

JI Health & Safety Consultancy 

Combe Martin 

t: 07732 328222 

Hotels 

The Carlton 

Ilfracombe 

t: 01271 862446 

w: ilfracombecarlton.co.uk 

Human Resources 

Fitzgerald HR 

Barnstaple, Exeter, London & 

Wellington 

t: 01271 859267 

w: fitzgeraldhr.co.uk 

Right Way HR Services 

Highampton 

t: 07825 090782 

Hypnotherapy 

New Life Hypnotherapy 

South Molton 

t: 01769 57471 

w: newlifehypnotherapy.org 

Insurance 

Towergate 

Bideford 

t: 01237 429978 

w: towergate.com/locations/bideford 

Together Insurance Solutions 

Barnstaple 

t: 01271 347147 

w: togetherinsurancesolutions.co.uk 

Locksmiths 

MJS Locksmith 

Bideford 

t: 07532 139388 

w: northdevonlocksmith.co.uk 

SW Locksmiths 

Holsworthy / Bude 

t: 01409 255533 

w: swlocksmiths.com 

Networking groups 

Business Networking in Barnstaple 

Barnstaple 

t: 0843 289 1339 

w: bnibarnstaple.co.uk 

Devon Partnerships 

Devon 

t: 07393 149855 

w: devonpartnerships.co.uk 

North Devon Networking Group 

Barnstaple 

w: northdevonnetworking.co.uk 

Rise 

Barnstaple 

e: martin@duchyifa.co.uk 

Torridge Business Network 

Westward Ho! 

w: torridgebusinessnetwork.co.uk 

Office Supplies 

South West Office Supplies 

North Devon 

t: 01271 889337 

w: swofficesupplies.co.uk 

BUSINESS LISTINGS 

Photography 

Tarkatography 

Westward Ho! 

t: 07977 414798 

w: tarkatography.co.uk 

Printing 

Jamaica Press 

Buckland Brewer 

t: 01237 452333 

w: jamaicapress.co.uk 

Recruitment 

Cooper Golding 

Barnstaple 

t: 01271 349745 

w: coopergolding.co.uk 

Simple Recruitment 

Bideford 

t: 01237 439500 

w: simplerecruitmentltd.co.uk 

Friendly, Reliable, Affordable 

• Accounts 

• Bookkeeping 

• Limited Companies 

• Tax 

• VAT 

• Payroll / CIS 

Over 20 years experience - Free initial meeting 

mail@garethpollardaccountancyservices.com 

T: 01409 254817 M: 07811 164428 

The Old Orchard | Holsworthy | Devon | EX22 6LT 

TRAVEL AGENT 

Clare Flint – Travel Counsellors 


t: 01271 828990 

w: travelcounsellors.co.uk/clare.flint 

Web SITES & DIGITAL 

Itseeze North Devon 

North Devon 

Tel: 07890 633458 

Web: itseeze-northdevon.co.uk 

Peak Online 

Bideford 

t: 01237 721256 

w: northdevon.peak-online.uk.com 

Welding & Sandblasting 

Nott’s Welding 

Ilfracombe & North Devon 

t: 07706 595955 

Wills 

Wills at Home 

West Yelland 

t: 01271 860105 

w: wills-athome.co.uk 

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Chartered accountants and 

business advisers Thomas 

Westcott has launched a new 

technical service for dairy 

farmers. The service gives 

farmers in-depth analysis of 

their milk data and provides 

technical advice on how yield 

can be increased and operations 

made more efficient. 

The Thomas Westcott team 

reports on a farm’s milk yield 

and uses the data to identify 

how to improve performance 

and profitability. Each month, 

a report analyses areas such as 

milk production and feeding 

efficiencies, milk quality and 

energy requirements, somatic 

cell count and fertility. 

The team began developing 

the Dairy Technical Service in 

October 2018. Now that it has 

been tested and developed for 

optimum use, they are offering 

it to clients across the region. 

Peter Brown, director of 

Thomas Westcott’s Agricultural 

Consultancy Service, says: “We 

launched the Dairy Technical 

Service to enable a quick 

response to the milk data that 

is collected every month. 

“There is so much data when 

it comes to milk recording, 

which can be confusing. Our 

programme analyses the data 

and produces a report with key 

action points. 

“The level of interest from 

clients has been high, with 

people asking that our regular 

visits coincide with the production 

of the latest reports.” 

Farms using the service 

include Battledown Farm, near 

HEADER NEWS 

New technical service 

for dairy farmers 

Battledown Farm: (from left) Thomas Westcott’s Peter Brown with Kate Dymond 

Shebbear. Peter Brown and 

colleague Nikki Smale have 

been working closely with Kate 

Dymond and her family on the 

farm for the past three years. 

Yields are increasing monthly 

and feed utilisation improving. 

Reporting has been a big factor 

in these improvements. 

The farm has 250 cows, as 

well as 100 young stock, and 

farms more than 145 hectares 

– 39 of which are owned by 

the family. It supplies Crediton 

Dairy with milk, with 80% of 

its income from milk sales. 

Kate says: “Working with 

the Agricultural Consultancy 

Service has driven us forward, 

made us more sustainable and 

given me more confidence. 

“Thomas Westcott provide 

us with a rounded service. 

Other consultancy firms would 

simply come in and give us 

information, then leave us to it. 

Peter, on the other hand, will 

be constantly available, helping 

us to assess what we have done 

and advising us on what we 

plan to do next. 

“Peter has pushed us to 

focus on improving cow 

comfort, which has led to 

much improved cow welfare 

including reduced cases 

of lameness, mastitis and 

metabolic diseases. We have 

also seen much higher levels 

of milk yield per cow and 

reduced calving index, which 

is something that milk buyers 

and consumers now focus 

more on.” 

■■Details 01409 253297 or 

thomaswestcott.co.uk 

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(from left) Healthwatch champion Sam Scott with Slee Blackwell’s Oliver Thorne 

Slee Blackwell has been 

working with Healthwatch 

Devon since 2016 to help 

improve local health services 

in Devon. 

Healthwatch Devon is the 

independent champion for 

people using health and care 

services. It listens to what 

people like about services 

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Oliver Thorne says, “We are 

proud to have strong links 

with Healthwatch Devon and 

feel we are suitably placed to 

help them with their goal of 

improving patient services.” 

Sam Scott, Healthwatch 

champion for North Devon, 

added, “Healthwatch champions 

listen to people’s experience 

of health and social care 

and help support clients to 

have voices heard.” 

■■For more information visit 

healthwatchdevon.co.uk 


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Business Action | December 2019 / January 2020

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