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The Journal Thursday January 30, 2014 55
NDJ-E01-S2
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Johns scoops local shop of the year award
Tent team makes its marquee for the second time
â– WINNERS: The World Inspired Tents team.
■TEAM EFFORT: The staff at Johns of Instow. JOHNS of Instow has won the Local Shop Of The Year category of the Farm Shop and Deli Awards. “We are all absolutely thrilled to win this award,� said owner Sue Johns. “Thank you to all our valued customers who voted for us and helped us to win. We are lucky to be able to deliver our quality produce and services to both the local community and visitors to the area. “We have always tried to engage our customers with our develop-
ments in person and now via social media too so this accolade means so much to us as it is comes from our customers. “Johns of Instow is very proud to support a wide range of local producers in our deli, cafĂŠ and butchery, which complement our off licence and grocery produce. “Our friendly and knowledgeable team looks forward to serving our current and new customers in 2014.â€?
Johns of Instow was one of 12 category winners and 25 commended entrants. It was chosen after a day of intensive judging by leading speciality retailers and industry figures along with mystery visits conducted throughout December by BBC Radio 2’s Nigel Barden, chairman of judges. Nigel said “It’s gratifying to know that there are so many excellent purveyors of food and drink
in Britain, like Johns of Instow. During the mystery visits I have been delighted, moved and inspired by the people I’ve met and it’s marvellous to find local retailers like Johns of Instow are so much at the heart of their community.� The regional champions will be announced in February with these winners going through to the final with the chance to win Retailer of the Year.
Acorn gains council work RECRUITMENT and training specialist Acorn has won a major contract to provide temporary recruitment to eight local authorities across Devon. It will supply North Devon, Torridge District, South Hams, MidDevon, Torbay, Teignbridge, Dartmoor National Park and West Devon councils. The company’s branches will supply more than 100 commercial, finance and industrial agency workers to the authorities on a daily basis during the three-year contract. Acor n’s Barnstaple and Bideford branches will provide up to 40 staff on a temporary basis to North Devon Council and Torridge District Council. This includes recycling loaders, lorry drivers, street cleaners, and specialist and clerical staff. “We are delighted to expand our portfolio of public sector clients,
which already includes major contracts with two of the biggest local authorities in Devon,� said Natasha Hardy, Acorn’s branch manager for Barnstaple and Bideford. “We are fully committed to looking after our clients, a policy that is reaping great dividends in ensuring we successfully retain and develop our relationships.� North Devon Council leader Brian Greenslade said: “The recruitment and retention of quality staff is fundamental to providing high quality, value-for-money services to all our customers. “We therefore look forward to the next three years, working alongside quality temporary staff who are committed to their role and keen to make a difference.� Torridge District Council leader Philip Collins added: “It is the nature of the type of work that local authorities do that we sometimes need to bring temporary staff in,
ILFRACOMBE-based World Inspired Tents has won the Wedding Industry Award for Best Wedding Marquee Provider in the country. This is the second time the team has won the title in three years. “We were over the moon to have made it through to the finals, but to be up against such strong competition and to win the national title for the second time is such a boost for the whole team,� said managing director Ed Wright. “The number of votes and comments received from our customers has been overwhelming. We are fortunate to have a fantastic team of staff on board, and this latest award is testament to the great work they all do.� The team celebrated among some of the industry’s greatest talents, including the team from Ocean Kave, Bideford, who were shortlisted in the best newcomer category. World Inspired Tents progressed to the national final after winning the South West title in November. The Wedding Industry Awards were established by Damien and Anna Bailey to provide the industry with a credible and independent regional and national awards process and event. The awards are voted for by customers and are judged by a panel of key members of the wedding industry. Ed’s wife and fellow director, Donna Wright, said: “This latest win highlights the growing demand for an alternative to the standard white marquee within the wedding market. “More and more couples are moving away from the formal and traditional wedding and are looking for something a little more original and atmospheric. Our Giant Hat tipis provide the perfect alternative, without compromising on reliability and flexibility.�
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especially in the waste and recycling teams. “Acorn has been successful in the tender process and we look forward to working with them.� Acorn operates from 15 locations throughout the South West, finding jobs for up to 5,500 temps with more than 750 different clients each week. The group also delivers training to more than 3,000 individuals and makes 1,500 permanent placements every year.
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â– MANAGER: Natasha Hardy.
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