Chamber Profile Autumn 2022

CONTENTS

CHAMBER PROFILE

MEET

4 Chamber Chief Executive Stuart Elford looks ahead to the Devon Business Show this autumn

FIRST WORD MEMBER NEWS

5 Plymouth business congratulated on world-first transatlantic achievement

6 China Fleet Country Club invests over £100,000 into green energy

6 Services Design Solution to lead National Marine Park Horizons project

7 Full fibre broadband ready for service for thousands more premises

11 Apply for a Queen’s Award for Enterprise and enjoy a host of benefits

12 How Elixel is driving digital change through human-centred design

CHAMBER NEWS

13 Chamber achieves national recognition as ‘go to support point’ for business

18-19 Plymouth Argyle announced as Devon & Plymouth Chamber Patron

20 Identifying challenges roadworks pose for Plymouth residents and businesses

32-41 Pictures from this quarter’s Chamber and member events

42 A warm welcome to all our new Devon & Plymouth Chamber members

SECTOR FOCUS

21

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Is your business ready for the digital age?

22-23

22-23

DIGITAL

Thought Quarter MD named as judge in leading Digital Tech Awards

DIGITAL

Dragons’ Den returns to University of Plymouth for second year

30 PROPERTY

Focus on how rising building costs bring underinsurance risk

CHAMBER PEOPLE

43 Nick Byrne, International Trade Manager at Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DEVON AND PLYMOUTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Front cover: How city college Plymouth is redesigning skills provision for the benefit of the region See pages 24-25.

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FIRST WORD

The countdown is on to the 2022 Devon Business Show, and there’s no better way to start off our autumn edition of Profile than by thanking the businesses who will be sponsoring and exhibiting next month.

Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce is bringing the South West’s largest business event back to Plymouth Pavilions after a long wait and in an exciting new format.

This high-profile forum takes place on 28 September and is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the region’s business calendar.

It provides the perfect platform to showcase how businesses in Devon have rebounded strongly since the pandemic.

A contemporary layout for a new era will feature seven sector zones, with innovative and interactive exhibition opportunities. There will also be a series of podcasts and live broadcasts during the event.

The Chamber is proud that our three headline sponsors will also reflect our strategic priorities for 2022.

We’ve thrilled to have already welcomed on board City College Plymouth, YGS Landscapes Ltd and Real Ideas as our respective, People, Planet and Purpose partners. You can read more about them on pages 8-11 of Profile.

In the build-up to this summer we have hosted a number of interesting, innovative and informative networking events across Devon - in person, online and hybrid.

We hosted our first quarterly 30 Under 30 meeting in June at Real Ideas’ Ocean Studios in Royal William Yard, and visited Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park Stadium for our popular Green Breakfast Networking event, proudly sponsored by YGS Landscapes.

Our members again experienced wonderful views from Foot Anstey HQ in Plymouth for City Conversations in July, which incorporated our 209th AGM.

The event gave us the opportunity to unveil our newly-elected board of directors, with a more diverse team leading the region’s business community (see pages 14-17).

And we were also thrilled to reveal that Plymouth Argyle Football Club has become the newest official Patron of Devon & Plymouth Chamber.

We had a fantastic time at the Mid Devon Show in Tiverton where we held a special breakfast event inside the Members’ Marquee, and heard some amazing and innovative ideas during our second Pitch & Procure event at the University of Plymouth, which was really well received and helped secure local supply chains for major businesses.

If the success of these amazing events are anything to go by, the future certainly looks bright for South West business.

STUART ELFORD CHIEF EXECUTIVE, DEVON & PLYMOUTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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CHAMBER PATRONS

MEMBER NEWS

NEWS FOR & FROM MEMBERS OF DEVON & PLYMOUTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Plymouth business congratulated on world-first transatlantic achievement

become a recognised research platform to conduct future experiments in conditions that would be unsafe or difficult for humans.

MSubs has also been working with the Council, the University of Plymouth as part of the city’s Preventing Plastic Pollution project, trialling Waste Sharks in the Cattewater.

The Remote Operated Vehicles that normally survey the surface of our seas, have been deployed to gobble up marine litter. MSubs and Marine AI are looking at adapting and enhancing the technology of the basic Waste Sharks to work autonomously moving around the water to where the plastic waste is collecting.

The team behind the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS400) is celebrating after it became the world’s first full-sized, fully autonomous, unmanned ship to cross the Atlantic ocean earlier this year.

MSubs Ltd is part of the Submergence Group, an advanced maritime research and development company based in Estover.

Their work on the MAS400 saw it set sail from Plymouth UK at the end of April and arrive at Plymouth Massachusetts - via a pit stop in Halifax in Nova Scotia - to a rapturous reception in the States.

Plymouth City Council leader Richard Bingley visited MSubs to congratulate director Brett Phaneuf on his phenomenal achievement.

The voyage attracted massive media attention around the world with the project’s media partner IBM saying it was their most successful project, reaching nearly two billion people.

Cllr Bingley said: “I wanted to personally thank Brett and his team for everything they have done to push the frontiers of marine technology and put Plymouth on the map as a place where extraordinary projects like this can develop.

“Their passion and determination to deliver this exceptional project is inspiring on so many levels. It’s about having a vision, making something extraordinary happen using the latest innovation, research and development.

“MSubs is the epitome of a company with

highly-skilled employees who are pioneering in their field. They are cementing Plymouth’s reputation as a city at the forefront of the UK’s marine autonomy.”

MSubs Ltd currently employs around 80 highly-skilled staff. They design, manufacture and assemble unmanned and manned submersibles for both military and commercial markets.

There is also a daughter company, Marine AI, based at Turnchapel. It currently has 12 employees and is looking to reach up to 50 employees in the next two years.

The Mayflower Autonomous Ship’s transatlantic voyage will inform further research and development of future research vessels and it is hoped that the MAS will

Plymouth has, for centuries, been at the heart of oceanic developments and is already a key player in the world of marine technology.

It is a global centre of excellence for marine science and technology with one of the largest clusters of expertise in Europe. This extends across marine technology, renewables, cruise and leisure marine to boatbuilding, shipping and marine engineering.

There are currently over 13,000 people deployed in the marine and defence sector in the city with the average advertised salary of £38,800 across over 320 enterprises. This sector has been identified in the city’s growth strategy as a priority sector.

China Fleet Country Club invests over £100,000 into green energy

“We were on site for six weeks, but were able to work discreetly with minimal disruption to the Club and its members. We’re looking forward to working with China Fleet on their plans for further sustainable projects.”

Dean added: “We have installed many environmentally friendly systems here at the Club. Internally, we have installed low energy light bulbs, reduced our plastic and operate a zero-to-landfill waste.

One of the South West’s leading country clubs, China Fleet in Saltash, has invested more than £100,000 installing state-of-theart solar energy technology.

This has helped the Club to not only reduce its energy costs but, more importantly, helped it to become Carbon Neutral within 10 years.

Dean Bennett, Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to see our new Solar PV system now in place. It’s something we’ve been planning for a number of years and it’s very exciting to see it now installed.”

The impressive 165kWp array of solar panels has been installed on the large roof of the main building by another Cornish company, ZLC Energy Ltd. It will save 95,000kg of carbon per year and will provide 16% of the Club’s energy requirements.

After consulting with ZLC Energy, the Solar PV system became a clear option for the Club in tackling their high demands of energy use. The system provides a high level

of savings in both terms of financial, but carbon savings too.

Dean continued: “As a company we are aiming for Net Zero Carbon use by 2030. The installation of the solar array will help us achieve this, and has the added benefit of substantially reducing our energy costs, especially at a time when energy costs have risen so dramatically.

“One critical element of the installation was that we had to ensure there was an absolute minimum disruption for our visitors and members. It was completed so discreetly, in fact, you wouldn’t even know it was taking place, which allowed us to remain fully open throughout the duration of the installation.”

Matthew Shepherd, Managing Director at ZLC, added: “This was a fairly complicated installation due to the challenges posed by the Club’s slate roof, but our team managed to complete the project on time, to budget, and safely.

“Externally, we have installed electric car charging points, encourage people to cycle here and use our new bike shelter and work with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. We’ve recently planted two wildflower areas and 100 new trees as part of the Queen’s Platinum Canopy and we even have our very own water supply and water treatment works, Nature Trail and 2 bird hides overlooking the Tamar Estuary Nature Reserve.”

China Fleet has also been awarded the Green Tourism and TripAdvisor Gold Green Leaders Award accolades for their continued efforts.

The China Fleet Country Club was established more than 30 years ago to provide rest and recreation facilities for Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel and their families. It has since evolved into a contemporary family-friendly facility that is also open to members of the local community and is a popular venue for tourists, weddings and conferences. It comprises a championship golf course, a leisure complex, health and beauty suite, apartments, café and restaurant, and over recent years, several environmental projects have been at the forefront of its growth.

Princess unveils new range of luxury yachts

Princess Yachts, based in Plymouth and the UK’s largest luxury yacht manufacturer, has announced an eight-yacht line-up will be on display at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival 2022, including the World Premiere of the all-new Princess V50 Open.

The Princess V50 Open features Princess’ latest advancement of their unique deep-V

hull design to deliver impeccable seakeeping and handling. Also on display will be the flagship Princess X95, the sophisticated Y85, all three models from the S Class range, the S78, S66 and S62, plus two models from the V Class range, the V55 and V40. In addition to Princess’ exciting line-up the British brand are delighted to reveal further information

on the latest member of the Y Class, the all-new Y80. The 25-metre motor yacht features multiple configurable layout options to adapt to customers’ lifestyles.

Now in its 45th year, the Cannes Yachting Festival with take place at Vieux Port, with thePrincess stand located at Jetee 114.

“...we are aiming for Net Zero Carbon use by 2030”

Node enterprise centre set to expand

Work is under way on the expansion of Node, the enterprise centre at Roundswell near Barnstaple.

Marsh Barton Railway Station taking shape

Devon’s newest railway station at Marsh Barton, in Exeter, is taking shape as work continues at pace this summer.

The station, located on the eastern edge of Marsh Barton near the Energy from Waste plant, is being developed by GRAHAM on behalf of Devon County Council, and is due to open this winter.

Partners involved in the development of the new station at Marsh Barton were invited to visit the site to see

how work is progressing.

Since the new pedestrian and cycle overbridge at the site was lifted into place in February, two approach ramps have been installed to either side, with the final sections shortly to be added. The bridge, which will provide a traffic free route for pedestrians and cyclists alongside Clapperbrook Lane, is due to open in the autumn.

The station will be equipped with two platforms

and progress has been made on fitting them out with edging slabs, lighting columns and fencing as well as emergency access ramps on each side.

The scheme is being funded by the Department for Transport’s New Stations Fund, Devon County Council, Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, Exeter City Council, Teignbridge District Council, Network Rail and GWR.

Full fibre broadband ready for service for thousands more premises

Another 2,500 homes and businesses across Devon and Somerset are now able to access full fibre broadband thanks to the ongoing rollout through the Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) programme.

Internet Service Provider Airband has announced the latest figures as it continues its gigabit capable fibre build in the region on behalf of CDS.

Access to the live network is now available in the Cheddon Fitzpaine area of Taunton in Somerset, as well as premises in some areas of Exminster, Kenn, Kennford, Kenton, Powderham, Starcross, Teignmouth and Tiverton.

Splicing and testing of fibre is being carried out in Bathpool, Bishops Lydeard, Calverleigh, Cotford St Luke, Cruwys

Morchard, Monkton Heathfield, Nomansland, Norton Fitzwarren, Puddington, Staplegrove, north west Taunton, Tiverton, Tolland, West Monkton and Withleigh.

Karl Tucker, Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: “Investing in digital infrastructure is vital in helping the South West level up, so it’s fantastic to see the recent progress made to bring full fibre broadband to another 2,500 homes and businesses.”

CDS has delivered superfast access to more homes and businesses than any other broadband programme in England, with over 315,000 premises receiving access to superfast broadband as a direct result of investment by CDS. Airband has delivered broadband access to more than 22,400 homes on behalf of CDS.

Devon County Council is providing additional investment along with the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, and the European Regional Development Fund, to support the growth of the centre by creating an extra 537sq m of flexible office space.

Town Square Spaces Ltd (TownSq) operates the centre which opened in February 2021. Node supports SMEs, start-ups, freelancers and local workers in Barnstaple and the surrounding areas of North Devon and Torridge.

It currently has 37 offices, a coworking space for up to 50 people, a number of meeting rooms and an on-site coffee shop.

The aim is to open the second phase expansion next year to cope with growing demand. The centre exceeded its two-year target inside its first year, letting 64% of its office space after just eight months.

Node’s first annual report has revealed that the community already has a combined workforce of more than 120, an achievement far ahead of its initial objectives.

Node is the flagship development at the Roundswell Enterprise Park and the Council has part-funded the project alongside the European Regional Development Fund and Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership.

Counting down to our unmissable DEVON BUSINESS SHOW

Excitement is building for the Devon Business Show which returns to Plymouth Pavilions this autumn bigger and better than ever!

Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to be bringing the South West’s largest business event back on Wednesday 28 September after a long wait and in an exciting new format.

The Show is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the region’s business calendar and provides the perfect platform to showcase how businesses in Devon and Plymouth have rebounded strongly since the pandemic.

They will get the opportunity to demonstrate how they are growing while remaining environmentally sustainable and looking after the wellbeing of their people and communities.

Discover the latest strategies and trends and get expert advice and information to help take your business to the next level.

It’s also an ideal opportunity to network with future customers and suppliers to showcase your products and services to a wider range of potential customers and suppliers.

This year’s Show theme also reflects the Devon & Plymouth Chamber’s three strategic priorities for 2022 - People, Planet, Purpose.

‘People’ is all about inclusive recruitment,

employment, skills, education and training.

‘Planet’ is about achieving Net Zero, working towards Sustainable Development Goals, clean growth and transport.

And ‘Purpose’ is about doing business that has positive social impact, creates employment and sustainable growth.

Where these intersect is ‘good business’, which is proven to be productive and profitable – and the Chamber intends to be at the heart of that.

A contemporary layout for a new era will feature seven sector zones, with innovative and interactive exhibition opportunities.

There will also be a series of podcasts and live broadcasts during the event.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and wind down afterwards with drinks in the new first-floor bar area.

Hot food and other tasty snacks will also be served in the main café area of the foyer throughout the day, provided by the students at City College Plymouth.

There will also be free coffee for exhibitors and visitors, courtesy of The Devon Coffee Company.

If you want to be part of this year’s biggest business event, then attending the event is absolutely free and you can register now at devonchamber.co.uk/devon-business-show

All sponsorship packages have been taken, and there are only very limited exhibitor opportunities left. To find out more, visit www.devonchamber.co.uk/devonbusiness-show or email helen.hart@devonchamber.co.uk

An ideal opporunity to network with future customers and suppliers

Meet our Purpose sponsor - Real Ideas

create positive and lasting social change for individuals, communities and organisations.

far south west on the map as an emerging creative tech cluster.

Real Ideas is thrilled to be the Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Purpose’ partner for this year’s Devon Business Show

The Chamber’s strategic priority is about doing business that has positive social impact, creates employment and sustainable growth.

Real Ideas is a social enterprise with purpose woven through everything it does. From supporting young people to develop skills and find work, to helping purposedriven start-ups and enterprises thrive, Real Ideas works to solve problems and

Established in 2007, Real Ideas’ portfolio of work focuses on three principal themes – Creative arts and making, Immersive technology and Environment and local community – through which it offers pathways, support and consultancy for young people, start-ups and established organisations to grow, develop and thrive.

With a track record of renovating and repurposing community assets and breathing new life into listed buildings, Real Ideas has a campus of buildings offering space to work, meet, learn and connect. The campus includes the Grade I listed Devonport Guildhall, Grade I listed Ocean Studios on Royal William Yard and Grade II listed Market Hall in Devonport. Market Hall is Real Ideas’ most recent addition to its campus, opened in July 2021, it features a world class immersive dome environment and is quickly putting the

Real Ideas also delivers on some significant strategic contracts in the region including the Green Minds project, a Plymouthwide initiative funded by the ERDF Urban Innovative Actions (UIA) programme, which provides resources to test innovative solutions to address urban challenges, including nature-based solutions. Real Ideas is also a key partner in the delivery of Plymouth’s Inclusive Growth strategy and has been working with city employers to think differently and more inclusively in their talent planning and recruitment. Whatever your business, whether you are an established organisation looking to do more to support your people and local community, an SME looking for inspiring spaces to work and connect, or a start-up needing support and advice to get going, Real Ideas can help. Visit www.realideas.org to find out more.

Meet our Planet sponsor - YGS Landscapes

Being the Devon & Plymouth Chamber’s partner for the ‘Planet’ theme, we saw this as an opportunity to raise awareness on the environmental agenda, to share with our peers and members of the Chamber.

To raise the agenda in a fun but innovative way, we are doing something a little different. We believe it will be Devon’s first ever pop-up micro forest. This involves us building a micro forest, which will be adjacent to the Pavilions entrance. Every visitor and

exhibitor will literally have to walk through our forest when they arrive.

Our aim, as a company, is to teach people about micro forests and their carbon sequestering and biodiversity properties. We have devised a way of using micro forests to help corporate companies offset their carbon and want to demonstrate how they can get involved with sponsoring a forest being planted into schools.

Our goal is to plant a sponsored

micro forest in every school in Plymouth, and then Devon!

We are also delighted to announce we are one of the finalists of the PlymouthLive Business Awards in the category of Built Environment and Infrastructure Award. This is

something we are very pleased with and are looking forward to the awards.

Our recent accounts show that our company turnover has grown by 16%, while our overall workforce has grown by 14%.

We are currently working on 22 separate housing sites across Devon and Cornwall, as well as Sherford, and three other major projects in Plymouth which are soon to be announced.

It is the strongest pipeline we have ever had, and growth plans show we should create a further 15 jobs next year.

Our MD, Steve Warren-Brown, has recently become a Devon & Plymouth Chamber director. Steve wants to continue to raise awareness of the green agenda but also help corporate members engage with some of the excellent local CICs.

Meet our People sponsor - City College Plymouth

It’s set to be the biggest and best yet - City College Plymouth is proud to be the “People sponsor” at Devon’s premier business event!

As the learning destination of choice, we provide people with essential skills to help them into successful and rewarding careers and we are here for the people of Plymouth and the wider region.

The Devon Business Show will be the culmination of months of meticulous planning and close attention has been paid to the show’s overarching themePeople, Planet, Purpose.

With a similar vision and aims, the College considers Plymouth & Devon Chamber an important strategic partner as both organisations look to bring about positive social change by empowering people, protecting the plant and growing the local economy.

Jamie Rowley, the College’s Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Solutions, said: “The Devon Business Show is the county’s premier networking event. We’re hugely looking forward to seeing the organisers’ hard work come to fruition and we are proud to support what is sure to be the highlight of the 2022 business calendar.

“As an organisation that exists primarily to benefit people, it seemed fitting to support this event as a headline sponsor for people. City College is Plymouth’s anchor provider for skills and by preparing people for successful careers, we are transforming futures. But on top of this, we also recognise the people right at the heart of our organisation, our staff.

“Our strategic action for people is the foundation on which our vision sits. An organisation is only ever as good as its people, and at City College, we ensure our culture impacts positively on the wellbeing and health of staff.

“We empower our people to be brave, to take risks, to innovate and to dream. Staff have a thirst for knowledge and

passion for being part of the fabric of Plymouth.

“That is why we are pleased to support an event such as this that celebrates business success but also promotes a set of priorities that reflect our own. Collaborating with partners like the Chamber is how we can have a lasting impact on Plymouth’s economy and community, and we look forward to supporting events such as this one.”

There will also be a distinct international feel to the event with the cafe serving up a selection of delicious dishes, ably supported by City College’s own hospitality students who will be undertaking some valuable work experience.

There will be representatives from across the College at the event, with employers

encouraged to visit stands 36 and 40 to find out about bespoke training, Apprenticeships and how the College can provide support with identifying the skills needed within your business. You can also talk about the College’s new short courses that are specifically for businesses and its adult education provision.

Our new Curriculum Lead and Development Officers will be on hand throughout the event to speak with employers.

In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about how the College is working with employers or to be part of a growing network, please e-mail the College’s Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, Jamie Rowley via jrowley@cityplym.ac.uk

Exhibitors list

At the time of print, the Devon Business Show is nearly sold out and exhibitors include...

• Brights Solicitors

• The Big Ant Group

• St Luke’s Hospice

• FSB

• Growth Hub

• Richard J Smith

• Plymouth Charter (Breakfast Sponsor)

• DCC - Made in Devon & Buy With Confidence Devon CC (Bus Support Zone sponsor)

• SSG

• PCC Meet the Expert

• Funky Media Agency

• Nexus

• Bluescreen IT

• Praestantia Technology

• Airband (Bus Support Zone sponsor)

• PB Media

• Adopstar

• Acronyms (Goodie bag sponsor)

• Big Wave Media (Programme Partner)

• Cornwall College Business

• The Family Law Co

• Seetec Plus

• Plymouth Electron Microscopy (University of Plymouth)

• CSW

• South Devon College

• Zone Sponsor

• City College (People Sponsor)

• Encore

• Print Copy Scan

• Roger Young

• Enterprise Holdings

• Coralline Health

• ADG

• Rebecca Day 360

• Arborcure

• YGS Landscapes (Sponsor - Planet)

• Plymouth Citybus (Environment zone sponsor)

• Cottages.com

• Conference Plymouth

• Plymouth Cricket Club

• St Mellion Estate

• Sir Fix-A-Lock

• PL1 Events

• New Continental Hotel

• Block

• Boringdon Golf & Sekoya

• Azets

• BNI Pilgrim

• Higos Insurance

• Emmerson Wills

• Totus

• Real Ideas Headline Sponsor (PURPOSE)

• SW Norse Group

• Bailey Partners

• TS Partners

• Waterways (Marine, Manufacturing & Construction Zone sponsor)

• Marine Energy Systems

• SW Fabrications

• PCC_ Low Carbon City

• Logan Air (TBC)

• CHSW

• Brain Tumour Research

• Complete Comms

• Cornerstone Vision

• China Fleet

• Pavilions

• Cornerstone Vision Ltd

Driving digital change through human-centred design

Tip 1 - SET A GOAL

What is the aim of the project?

Tip 2 - RESEARCH

Over the last three years our team of researchers, designers and developers have redesigned how customers buy insurance, how drivers manage deliveries and are currently working on gamifying visitor attractions.

We wanted to share some pointers on how to start a digital transformation project in your organisation. Without proper research and understanding, jumping straight to a solution can be expensive and disruptive to business. 70% of digital transformation projects fail.

So, here are our tips for starting on the right foot on any digital project and becoming the 30%.

Are you trying to increase efficiency? If so, work out how much time you are hoping to slash and what the cost saving will be (salary x hours). Also look at if there are any other time or cost savings anywhere else in the process. Submitting the paperwork into a digital system, financial impact of making a mistake, cost of printing on paper. This will help you to start to establish a budget for the project.

Whenever you are designing a new process or implementing a new piece of software you need to understand the people in the process. Don’t assume because you were on the ground doing the role five years ago the problems are still the same. Do a service safari, sit with your team to see how tasks are performed, where are the friction points? Where is time wasted? Duplication of work? From this you will discover what needs to be changed.

Tip 3 - PRIORITISE

From doing your research you may come up with 100 ideas of improvements. The next step is to place all of the ideas in an impact vs feasibility grid. On the Y axis Impact (how much will this benefit your organisation) from low to high on the X axis Feasibility (how easy it is to fix). Ideas positioned at the bottom left get binned, ideas in the top right are the no brainers.

You should now have an idea of budget, research and priorities for moving forward. If you need a bit of help to get the ball rolling, give us a shout. www.elixel.co.uk

The best investment a business can make right now is in its Customer Experience (CX)

We ask Local customer experience specialist and chamber member, Rhian (Ryan) Huxtable for his views on the outlook for businesses over the next 12 months. Growing up in South Devon, Rhian, enjoyed a corporate career in retail, healthcare and pharmacy – working initially for Sainsbury’s and culminating at Boots as Head of Retail Operations, where customer experience was his key accountability.

Rhian, how would you view the standard of customer experience being delivered currently?

Businesses have had a tough time over the past couple of years, but unfortunately this trend looks set to get worse not better as we see the impact of the cost of living hitting the economy and customers hard. To survive, and thrive in an increasingly competitive market, businesses need to be investing in their customer experience (CX), as the value of service and the importance of making a human connection with customers has rarely been starker.

What is CX Rhian?

CX is the overall perception – the

thoughts and feeling – a customer gets from interacting with your business. We can all think of positive and negative experiences we have had as customers. Good or bad, these interactions shape our opinions of brands, products, and services we interact with.

Why is it so important for a business to get the customer service experience right? Delivering a positive customer experience will not only make your customer(s) happy but also increase the likelihood they will return, remain loyal or recommend you to others. Crucially for businesses, our research tells us that great customer experience will positively impact the bottom-line. Customers are prepared to spend 15% more if they receive a great client experience.

Why is it important to measure how you are doing?

Quite simply you don’t know what you don’t measure!

We know that 94% of customers will look at a business’s reviews before they purchase so I

always start by asking a client; are you reactive, passive, or proactive in asking customers for feedback? Most will look at me rather blank! Proactively asking for customer feedback and then actively managing the responses –communicating back to customers and making positive changes – is a great place to start on your CX journey.

Without quality insight and data, you can’t truly understand how your customers view your business and if you are delivering on the promises you make.

Ask your Local CX Specialist for some help: If you would like to find out what your customers think about your business or improve your CX strategy, speak to Rhian about insight6’s world-class, feedback, insight and review platform ‘instant insight’ and their industry-leading customer experience reviews. Chamber members will receive a 20% discount.

Contact Rhian on 07810 516887

Email rhian.huxtable@insight6.com

Visit www.insight6.com for more details

This year signals a decade since Elixel was founded. Here, Managing Director Gavin Jones looks at how the Digital Innovation Studio focuses on changing the way businesses use digital to improve, reshape and revolutionise the way they work.

DEVON & PLYMOUTH CHAMBER

achieves national recognition as ‘go to support point’ for business

Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce has been commended as the ‘go to support point’ for the region’s companies by the leading national organisation for business.

British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has renewed the Chamber’s national accreditation after a lengthy and robust assessment process by the UK’s biggest business network.

It means Devon & Plymouth Chamber is the only nationally accredited Chamber in the county, judged on the high quality standard and range of services delivered to businesses.

The assessment recognised:

• Devon & Plymouth is a well-run Chamber, with a cohesive team dedicated to serving member businesses in the region.

• It has been resilient and innovative during the Covid-19 pandemic, managing to increase membership despite the obvious challenges - demonstrating the strength of service offered.

• The Chamber has exceptional strategic relationships with local authorities meaning it has become the ‘go to support point’ for businesses.

The re-accreditation comes after the Chamber innovated in the way it supports members through the unprecedented challenges of lockdown. This included dedicated one-to-one support, helping more than 400 young people into work via the Kickstart scheme, free interactive webinars on digital business skills and hosting a series of high value, practical online and hybrid events.

Stuart Elford, CEO of Devon & Plymouth Chamber, said: “The result of this rigorous assessment process crowns a remarkable period for our Chamber, where our team has produced innovation after innovation in the face of the most difficult business environment of living memory.

“I could not be more proud of how the Chamber team has supported members, connected them, helped them be resilient and even deliver growth in the most challenging of times.

“We have plans to grow our offer with our strategic priorities of People, Planet and Purpose supporting the South West’s unique Blue Green economy in 2022 and beyond. We can’t wait to welcome members new and old to our impressive upcoming series of events and help them connect, grow and succeed.”

Liz Willingham, Chair of the UK Accreditation Board at British Chambers of Commerce, said: “I am delighted to confirm Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce has been re-accredited and as a result I can confirm it will continue to be part of the BCC Accredited Chamber Network.

“We recognise that the Chamber has to invest in the accreditation process. This investment helps ensure the quality represented by the BCC Accredited brand continues to be upheld.”

The Chamber has exceptional strategic relationships with local authorities

Meet our new Devon & Plymouth Chamber BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Devon & Plymouth Chamber has unveiled its newly elected board of directors, with a more diverse team leading the region’s business community.

The annual Board Elections were held throughout June, with several new director seats available this year.

Members voted for their chosen candidates via an online ballot – and we are proud to welcome a number of newcomers for 2022 in Jabo Butera, Carola Becker, Emily Pearson, Steve Warren-Brown, Ollie Jackman and Tom Lavis.

Our Board members are experienced, knowledgeable and leaders in their fields, providing the Chamber and its members

with strategic and practical direction and advice.

Together, they help make key decisions on Chamber strategy and each brings a certain specialism that provides expertise to the different functions of the Chamber.

Long-serving director Richard Stevens, has again been re-elected as Chair, bringing his wealth of experience, knowledge and contacts to one of the region’s most important business roles.

Richard, also Managing Director of Plymouth Citybus, said: “I’m delighted to have been re-elected and would like to say a big thank you to all the members who took part in the process.

“This is a unique job, with a unique responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I think the Chamber does incredibly important work connecting businesses and lobbying and working for the best possible conditions for them to thrive.

“I believe we have elected a Board capable of delivering this, from a more diverse range of organisations. I’m excited for what we can achieve together with the hundreds of members we serve.”

Our new directors were formally appointed at our AGM during July’s City Conversations event at Foot Anstey in Plymouth, the flagship strategic business event in the city.

CAROLA BECKER

Carola Becker is a nutritionist, fitness instructor and international wellbeing speaker who, seven years ago, founded Life is Good Nutrition / The Nutrition Coach. Since then, she has worked with hundreds of businesses and individuals - including Devon & Plymouth Chamber members - helping them to increase their physical and mental wellbeing.

OLLIE JACKMAN

Ollie Jackman has been involved in the local business community for over 10 years and has made a huge contribution to a number of Devon & Plymouth Chamber events in that time. He is a driven and passionate professional who, together with his business partner James, has recently started Agile Comms - a fresh, modern communications technology company.

EMILY PEARSON

Emily Pearson is the Head of Employer Engagement at South Devon College, leading on all aspects of employer engagement, supporting local, regional and national business communities to invest in skills and education while developing people and workforce.

JABO BUTERA

Jabo is the co-founder and Managing Director of Diversity Business Incubator (DBI), a Plymouth-based hub which helps to elevate business success in the minority communities and reduce the economic disparities within. Jabo is an active member of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnicities community (BAME) in the region and is passionate to see the members of these communities thriving economically.

TOM LAVIS

Tom has worked in the charitable sector for over 25 years, most recently as the CEO of YMCA Plymouth and Discovery College. This has enabled him to establish great connections within the business community, serving as a member of the Plymouth Area Business Council and the Devon & Plymouth Chamber, of which he is a great supporter.

STEVE WARREN-BROWN

Steve Warren-Brown from YGS Landscapes Ltd has lived in Plymouth all his life and is passionate about our wonderful city. He’s been involved with the Devon & Plymouth Chamber for more than 20 years and is keen to continue to support our members as a director.

RICHARD STEVENS

Richard joined our Board in 2014 and is the current Chair. As well as being Managing Director of Plymouth Citybus, he is also the chair of the Plymouth Area Business Council and the Plymouth Growth Board, and holds many other roles across the region. In his spare time - if he has any - Richard enjoys sailing!

PAUL PHILPOTT

One of our new Vice Chairs, Paul is Managing Director of Fresh Air Studios. A former presenter for Plymouth Sound Radio (many years ago), he turned his love of audio into creating one of the UK’s most respected independent production companies, Fresh Air Studios, which also produces the Chamber’s ‘In Conversation With…’ series of podcasts.

JAMES SMITH

Our new Vice Chair alongside Paul Philpott, James spent 22 years in the Royal Navy before launching Primal Europe Ltd in 2012. Two years ago James launched his own consultancy business, which has been integral in supporting entrepreneurs who want to import and introduce new brands into the UK market. This has included the new Perry eHopper eBike and the Perry P4 e-scooter.

RICHARD ADAMS

Rich is Business Engagement Manager at University of Plymouth after joining in 2011 following a career in both public and private sectors. With a background in innovation and business support Rich leads on business engagement activities across the whole university as well as project and partnership development with industry stakeholders.

PAULINE HANDS

Pauline is Executive of Commercial Operations at City College Plymouth. An advocate of skills to bring new talent into a company or the upskilling of existing staff, Pauline enjoys seeking opportunities that have impact, which was a contributory factor in becoming a Chamber Board Director, as well as joining the Plymouth Area Business Council board.

PAUL JAMES

Paul has significant board experience as a director, company secretary and trustee of various organisations. His initial experience was in the commercial sector and then shaped and developed through the charity and social enterprise sectors. He has a breadth of expertise in finance, HR, employee development, commercial and manufacturing operations.

LINDA MIDDLETON-JONES

Linda Middleton-Jones is the founder and Managing Director of International Trade Matters. She has worked with manufacturers and service providers throughout and beyond the South West for many years, encouraging them to recognise the opportunities in selling in, and/or buying from, overseas markets. Linda is known as a champion of international trade.

CRAIG MOORE

Craig is a solicitor with more than 20 years’ experience in commercial property and finance. He is the Plymouth office head for Womble Bond Dickinson and his experience includes acting for a wide variety of businesses, public bodies, charities and education institutions. He is also President of the Plymouth Law Society.

JAMES GREENACRE

As Head of Commercial Operations at Plymouth Argyle, James’s current role requires working with a broad, and everincreasing, portfolio of both internal and external stakeholders across the region –primarily focusing on the commercial side of the business but also collaborating heavily with the Argyle Community Trust.

TOM MOORE

Tom is the Business Development Director at Acronyms, an IT support company based at Plymouth Science Park. With Tom’s contribution and journey to becoming company director, Acronyms has grown year on year, and celebrated continued growth in 2020 by opening an office in Bristol and acquiring Cornish IT firm IT-OK.

GEOFFREY ROGERS

Geoffrey is a Bideford boy who was born, schooled and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in North Devon, before moving to Bristol to work all over the UK for KPMG on international audits. He then joined Allied Breweries as the group financial accountant before moving to Plymouth in the mid 1970s and becoming a partner in a local accountancy practice.

Babcock begins first Type 23 post-LIFEX upkeep

Babcock International has started a postlife extension (LIFEX) on the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll at Babcock Devonport’s Facility.

It is the first Type 23 to begin their postLIFEX upkeep, adopting a new innovative approach to re-certification at the Frigate Support Centre (FSC).

Babcock will be overhauling key equipment and carrying out design changes for new capabilities such as communications upgrades and mixed crewing. The Duke Class frigate will also receive a full spray coat on the outer bottom and ship side.

Sarah Hilder, Project Manager for HMS Argyll’s upkeep, said: “HMS Argyll presents a huge opportunity to demonstrate Babcock working in collaboration with our customer throughout the planning period and by implementing new efficient and innovative processes we are striving to complete the project in a vastly reduced time scale compared to a standard upkeep.”

Work began immediately with the vessel currently being prepared for a Lloyds structural survey to achieve an early full ship assessment in just nine weeks.

Commissioned in 1991, HMS Argyll is the longest-serving Type 23 frigate and was the first to undergo upkeep within the LIFEX programme in 2015. After she returned to the Royal Navy in 2017 Babcock has continued to extend the life of the Type 23 fleet.

Babcock’s recent milestones across the programme have included HMS Somerset achieving ready for sea date and commencing Sea Trials earlier this year, HMS Iron Duke recently undocking to continue her upkeep within 2 Basin and HMS St Albans preparing to flood up.

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE announced as Devon & Plymouth Chamber Patron

Plymouth Argyle has become an official Patron of Devon & Plymouth Chamber.

The city’s leading football club was founded more than 130 years ago and is based at Home Park Stadium. The Pilgrims’ first team currently plays in League One of the English Football League under manager Steven Schumacher.

The Chamber is delighted that our exciting new partnership with the Pilgrims will also shine the spotlight on Argyle Community Trust (www.argylecommunitytrust.co.uk).

Argyle Community Trust is the official charity for the Devon club, and uses the prestige of football and the reach of the Greens to inspire, engage and help people of all ages to achieve their full potential.

The Trust has a clear vision, along with its national partners, to be an active, inspirational and inclusive community hub for the South West.

Their dedicated team aims to have a positive impact on a range of groups within

Dwain Morgan, Head of Business and Impact at Argyle Community Trust, talking during our City Conversations event at Foot Anstey in July.

Picture by John Allen

society and to provide the local community with the opportunity to explore their full potential, improve their life chances and aspirations through the power of football and Plymouth Argyle FC.

It is hoped that this new patronage with the Devon & Plymouth Chamber will open up new opportunities for the Trust and the important work it continues to carry out in the city and beyond.

Dwain Morgan, Head of Business and Impact at Argyle Community Trust, said: “Argyle Community Trust are incredibly excited to become a Patron of the Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.

“For us, we see this as a unique chance to increase our local visibility and become better connected with many of the region’s strongest businesses.”

The populations that Argyle Community Trust serves face barriers in relation to health, wellbeing, education, employment, levels of physical activity, high deprivation in some areas and low attainment levels.

One new initiative that aims to break down those barriers is Project 35, a brand-

new community social impact project for Plymouth in partnership with Ginsters and Argyle.

This landmark social action initiative is aimed at reducing poverty in the city, through a comprehensive campaign of fund-raising, awareness raising, social outreach, food donations, education, and charity support.

The Project’s titular number, 35, represents the percentage of children in Plymouth reported to be living in poverty in some wards of our city, according to the most recent (2019) pre-pandemic data.

Project 35 will also adorn the front of the Greens’ men’s, women’s and Academy shirts for the duration of the 2022/23 season to raise awareness of the harsh reality that many local families are facing amid a cost-of-living crisis. Find out more here.

www.pafc.co.uk/news/making-project-35

Dwain added: “We are excited about the opportunity to explore synergies that exist between local businesses’ strategic directions and that of our own.

“We believe that our work in the sport, health and wellbeing, and community development space aligns closely to many members’ CSR strategies, and we are passionate about collaborating with those to create a positive societal change across the region.”

Argyle Community Trust also runs the Plymouth Argyle Women’s Team (www.pafc. co.uk/players/958), who play their matches under manager Ryan Perks at Manadon Sports and Community Hub and occasionally at Home Park.

We’re thrilled to announce that as part of Argyle’s patronage, the Chamber is now the Official Women’s Team Digital Partner.

Chamber Chief Executive Stuart Elford said: “Plymouth Argyle has a proud history, and its Community Trust plays a crucial part in the community throughout the South West and across the world.

“We’re also thrilled to be the Official Women’s Team Digital Partner, and we’re looking forward to watching the players in action during the forthcoming season.

“This new relationship with the Chamber aims to strengthen the reach and impact the club is already having here in the South West and beyond.

“Our Patrons play a unique role in developing the future of our region and the Chamber is far stronger with Argyle’s support and Patronage.”

Identifying the challenges roadworks pose for Plymouth residents and businesses

In the face of increasing roadworks across Plymouth, Cllr Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport has penned this letter to residents and businesses.

Dear Plymouth residents and businesses,

Over the past few months we have become very aware of the frustration from drivers across Plymouth, particularly those who have to travel to and from the north of the city, about the number of roadworks currently under way.

As Cabinet Member for Transport, I am aware of these frustrations. I read the many emails in my inbox, the comments on social media and the newspaper headlines. I know that being stuck in traffic is not good and delays travel times. Therefore, I want to start by saying sorry. We do understand.

Whilst we do try to regularly explain the reasons why roadworks are essential, I know that for many people this doesn’t help if they are late for work, miss an appointment or generally just spend a long time travelling a short journey. So, I want to try to explain a bit more about the works on our roads, the complexities involved and the challenges that we face in the future.

What are the works?

I know that for many people all works that impact the roads are the same, and it doesn’t matter who is responsible for them, or what they are trying to achieve. But it does matter. There are generally three types of works that affect our roads:

• Strategic and sustainable transport improvements – these involve significant financial investment to support the growth of the city.

• General highway improvements – our day-to-day work to make sure our roads are in good state of repair, for example fixing potholes, resurfacing roads and maintaining signals.

• Utility works – essential works carried out by third parties such as OpenReach and Western Power Distribution. Many of these works do involve road closures.

Why are so many happening now?

No matter what the works, we are all in ‘catchup’ mode. The pandemic has meant that we are still addressing the backlog that mounted up over the course of the last few years. There are thousands of potholes on our very long list. We are getting through them. But to do them well, we can’t rush it, and sometimes parked cars or obstructions mean we are unable to make the repair and need to attend again at a later date.

Mitigating the impact

While travelling in the city, you may just see cones, cars and queues. I have seen the comments where people think there isn’t a well thought-out schedule. This could not be further from the truth. But it is complicated and reliant on so many variables. We also have to be flexible and sometimes our plans need to shift. If we waited for one scheme to end before starting another – nothing would ever get done.

Whilst all of these works are essential, the Council is aware of the significant impact they have on local communities, commuters, businesses and visitors to the city. Therefore, we work hard to mitigate disruption, for example by adjusting signal timing, closure times, diversions and so on.

We really understand the frustration. I want to reassure everyone that we are working so fast and hard to get them all done.

Keeping you informed

What we can do though is help you plan your journeys a bit better, making sure you are informed in advance of any planned works. We can also help you consider other forms of travel.

Why do we need to do the works?

As a city council, one of our objectives is to support our city’s economic growth, transforming Plymouth’s long-term prosperity, ensuring that local people can benefit from high quality services and facilities.

As our local economy expands, our population is also growing. We expect that by 2034 Plymouth will have nearly 300,000 residents. That is a huge jump from where we are now. We need to make sure there are quality homes and higher-value jobs for all those people.

If we do not take action to improve the city’s road and transport network, it will not be able to cope with the additional demands in the future.

Added to this, the utility companies are also trying to catch up. We are not responsible for these works and very often we cannot say no to their requests, particularly in an emergency. But we do work closely with the contractors to ensure works are communicated in advance and carried out safely. And when there are issues, we will hold them to account.

Furthermore, many of our long-term transport projects, the ones that are vital to Plymouth’s growth and economy, are funded by the government. That funding means local council tax payers don’t have to foot the bill – but it often comes with very tight deadlines to spend the money. Unfortunately, it does mean some of the works will happen at the same time. We have no choice. If we don’t achieve the work in the set timescales, we don’t get the money and Plymouth will lose out.

Thousands of pounds are being invested into our cycling infrastructure and our Plymotion Travel Programme. We are also aware that there have been a number of obstacles in recent months in getting people onto buses, including some services being cancelled and staffing issues. Local bus providers are fully aware of the issues and we are lobbying the government for additional funding to improve public transport.

Hopefully this letter will help you feel a bit more informed about the challenges we face and the journey we are all on together to keep Plymouth moving. There is no quick fix. But I hope that you all now understand a bit more about our direction of travel.

Thank you again for your time and your patience. It will be worth it.

Cllr Jonathan Drean Cabinet Member for Transport

Is your trading and customs compliance ready for the digital age?

How companies trade around the world has been transformed by digital customs and technology, including border controls and trading compliance systems to customs declarations and bills of lading.

After five years of preparation, The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) will be the long-term replacement for the current CHIEF (Customs Handling Imports and Export Freight) platform - replacing a system based on 30-year-old technology with a platform fit for the digital age.

Trading businesses must make Import clearances using CDS after 30th September 2022, and Exports switch over in March 2023. Companies (like yours) need to be ready for the additional data that your customs intermediaries will need.

To find out more email international-trade@devonchamber.co.uk

Make the digital transition now and avoid problems down the road

ChamberCustoms can support your transition to CDS and provide free customs clearance software, bringing your company the following benefits:

• Embracing CDS will save time and help avoid problems later (lacking data evidence costs firms dearly in VAT reclaims and fines).

• Speed - removing manual input and any potential errors increases efficiency while connecting directly to HMRC, and all port inventory systems around the UK provide faster goods release.

• Using innovative technology allows companies to create a single source of truth between an existing enterprise solution such as SAP and what has been declared to the customs authority by an intermediary like ChamberCustoms.

Are you ready to make the transition? To find out more or email international-trade@ devonchamber.co.uk

Register now for our British Chambers-accredited courses in September and October

Our International Trade Training virtual training courses are taking a break during the summer period, but we’re pleased to announce that we’ve opened early-bird bookings for our sessions this September and October.

These sessions are delivered by expert and experienced trainers from Devon-based

International Trade Matters.

They will cover the key skills that are essential to businesses that trade overseas, including Export Documentation (6 September, Understanding Commodity Codes (7 September) and Understanding Exporting (8 September). Click below to find out more and book.

Princess Yachts hosts special reception in Mallorca

Womble Bond Dickinson enters San Francisco legal market

Transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson announced its combination with San Francisco-based Cooper, White & Cooper LLP, a multi-practice firm with more than a century of experience providing comprehensive representation to clients in the Bay Area and across the US.

Effective 1 September 2022, the expansion further strengthens Womble Bond Dickinson’s capabilities in California and comes on the heels of growth in other innovation centres, including New York and Nashville earlier this year.

British Chambers of Commerce welcomes new UK-Israel trade negotiations

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has announced its support for efforts to develop an improved trade agreement with Israel to boost the supply of services between our countries.

There are also opportunities to cut the costs of exports and imports through strong digital trade rules and more efficient customs regulations.

Princess Yachts hosted an unmissable evening this August in a beautiful setting at Mia’s Boat House in Mallorca, alongside its sister company, Argo Yachting. Owners and guests enjoyed delicious canapes and cocktails to celebrate the wonderful summer boating season on this magical island.

Mia’s Boat House is an exclusive venue adjacent to the Princess office in Cala d’Or, overlooking the beautiful marina in one of the most picturesque areas on the island. The event was a fantastic opportunity to socialise with other boat owners, their guests and our Mallorca based team.

Sam Armondi, the co-founder and Managing Director of Poolbased software development agency, Thought Quarter, has been announced as a judge in the UK’s leading Digital Tech Awards.

Sam, who founded Thought Quarter with his wife Allanah in 2014, has been named as a judge by the British Interactive Media Association (BIMA).

He will be involved in evaluating some of the country’s

most inspiring and industry leading digital projects and initiatives as part of his new role.

The awards were established in 1985 and have since become the most prestigious in the digital sector. They exist to set a gold standard in digital-awarding to celebrate and shout about the work in the British digital sector that is truly pushing the limits of what is possible, making a difference in business, culture and society.

THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE REGION’S LEADING SECTOR

Thought Quarter MD named as a judge in UK’s leading Digital Tech Awards SECTOR FOCUS

Sam, who has spent most of his working life in software development and consultancy, said he was honored to be named as a judge alongside some of the most respected names in the digital world.

“It’s a real privilege to be announced as a judge at this year’s awards,” he said. “I’ve worked in this sector for 15 years and I’m extremely enthusiastic about the work we do to help businesses progress in an ever evolving environment. To have been asked to be a judge was a really exciting moment for me, and the agency as a whole.

“At Thought Quarter we’re passionate about promoting digital transformation, and using technology to progress and grow business, so I’m really excited to see the entries and how

they challenge their respective environments, disrupting the norm and carving a new future.”

Earlier this year the company announced its ambitious growth strategy based on its ethos of ‘Progress With Purpose’ and outlined its mission to become one of the leading tech agencies in the Country.

Recognition from BIMA as a judge is something of which Sam is particularly proud. He said: “BIMA is a big name in the Tech and Agency sector. I feel very excited to have been asked to be part of their awards this year.”

The awards are due to be judged in two rounds in September, with the shortlist being announced in October. The winners will receive their award at an awards ceremony in November.

Can augmented reality influence online spending?

Augmented reality (AR) has made the online buying process more tangible by offering consumers greater information about the products they’re buying. Consumers can see how goods complement their existing environments with products like art and home furnishings rendered “in” consumers’ homes — or, when it comes to jewellery or makeup, on consumers themselves.

With AR, consumers’ shopping experiences begin to emulate in-store purchasing. AR offers e-commerce businesses the opportunity to grow sales because it provides customers with the convenience of e-commerce and the confidence of in-person shopping.

AR is a fantastic marketing tool, and it’s a delightful novelty for consumers, too. Leading  with the “fun” that AR offers can help businesses build engaging and positive customer experiences and a lasting brand.

AR integration is spread unevenly across different industries, with some sectors and businesses taking more initiative than others. L’Oréal, DFS and ASOS have been among the largest players in AR integration since 2020.

Industry experts predict that e-commerce businesses in the healthcare and education sectors will benefit the most from AR integration in the future.

Find out more about how AR can influence

online spending on the WorldFirst website: www.worldfirst.com/uk/marketplace-sellers/ecommerce-guides/augmented-reality-onlineshopping/

How to grow a small business after year one

The latest data from the ONS shows that around 10% of businesses fail after year one. Spotting the keys to growing your business after the first year is vital if you’re to escape this cycle and create lasting success.

After a full year of trading, you should be able to use your sales data to identify which products have sold the best and what you’ve done to drive traffic to your website. Therefore, finding what’s most reliable and lucrative for your business should be

relatively straightforward.

If you’re confident you’re already wellpositioned to meet your customers’ needs, you could investigate expanding your brand into new product categories. Growth from diversifying works on two fronts: existing customers recognise your brand in the new products they find, while new customers find an established and reputable brand available to them.

Refining your marketing strategy can

also be an effective way to grow your small business. You can generate revenue by making your advertising more targeted and effective at demonstrating your business’s value.

Find more ways to grow a small business in domestic and international markets on the WorldFirst website: www.worldfirst.com/uk/ marketplace-sellers/e-commerce-guides/ how-to-grow-a-small-business/

DISCOVER STUDENT TALENT

– Work with PhD Students

Enterprise Solutions looks at the benefits of working with the brightest minds to solve your challenges

It has never been a better time for businesses to consider developing their ideas through a PhD. With the need to develop new ideas and new products in a rapidly evolving market place, getting genuinely independent, expert and objective input from a PhD, or Doctorates as they are also referred, is a unique way of accelerating any form of R&D.

PhDs focus on research projects, usually over 3 years that aim to create new, or build on existing solutions. The University of Plymouth has an impressive and diverse range of PhD options across all areas of our world-leading research that total about 1,000 live PhD projects at any given time. Many of these are collaborations to help businesses achieve a market advantage through

innovative research and gaining access to our cutting-edge world-class facilities.

As a business, you can fund a PhD student or engage with a group of doctorate students. This will give you a dedicated and diverse expert resource to focus on a specific business challenge.

We can help you find the talent that’s right for you, whether you’re an employer with an established R&D team, an SME looking for specialist knowledge or an entrepreneur wanting some in-depth thinking for areas of growth.

Get in touch with Enterprise Solutions to discuss your needs and we can help find the best route forward. There are a variety of options available depending on your timescales and the type of expertise needed.

The benefits to your business include:

• Dedicated and diverse expert resource to focus on a specific business challenge.

• Opportunity to explore new in depth thinking for areas of growth.

• Secure an in depth, value free, external perspective to explore new thinking that challenges existing assumptions.

• Accelerate R&D ambitions to gain improved profitability and a competitive market advantage.

• Access to cutting-edge knowledge and technologies.

• Access to international skills markets.

To find out more – Contact our Enterprise Solutions Team by calling 0800 052 5600 or emailing enterprisesolutions@plymouth.ac.uk

City College Plymouth:

Redesigning skills provision for the benefit of the region

With skills provision very much at the forefront of the Government’s ongoing agenda, City College Plymouth has been reflecting on the needs of the city, and what the city is currently receiving in terms of skills provision.

The College is confident in meeting the needs of employers, but in a world that is changing at a faster pace than ever before, a more dynamic and measured approach is needed to ensure the city has the skills it needs to not only fulfil, but exceed, its ambitious vision.

As a city, we need to come together to address the possible barriers that threaten our collective prosperity. Higher levels of skills ultimately lead to more high-value jobs, we know this, but our city has below national levels of attainment for numeracy and literacy. We need to raise aspirations and give people a sense of ownership over their futures so we don’t miss out on our industries’ much-needed future talent.

Like organisations and leaders across the

city, we recognise the role Plymouth can play on the international stage. As the leader of the council stated in a recent blog, highvalue jobs raise aspirations and by raising aspirations, you drive up education standards.

We realise at the College that, particularly from an employer’s perspective, access to skills and training could still be more straightforward. There are millions of pounds in unspent Levy funds and whilst Apprenticeships have changed drastically to deliver the skills employers say they need, we are aware that some organisations still do not take advantage of the training they could access to sustain and grow their business.

As the world changes, so must the College and how we work. We are not only the anchor organisation for skills but we seek to be the learning destination of choice. How we manage the skills we offer is changing, and we have appointed a highly talented team of Curriculum Lead and Development Officers (CLDOs) who have more autonomy over their subject areas than ever before. They will

drive the review and redesign of curriculum delivery models to ensure skills remain at the heart of every decision.

They will also look to develop stronger and more meaningful employer links, and they will strive to ensure the College is meeting the needs of our civic, community, education and employer partners.

These new CLDOs will respond to the Skills Inspection Framework as set out by Ofsted and will work with stakeholders to take our skills provision from good to outstanding. But even more importantly, they will lead teams that continue to stretch, challenge and inspire every adult and every school-leaver who turns to us for direction. Our staff will continue to inspire our community to control their own destiny, to raise the profile of your industries, and be key players in creating a fairer future for all.

Jamie Rowley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Solutions at City College Plymouth, talks about addressing the possible barriers that threaten our collective prosperity.

City College Plymouth’s Curriculum and Development Officers

Name Area Impact these areas will have

Alan Austin Engineering

Rachel Feaviour Access to Higher Education

“My overall aim is to provide the region’s engineering and marine industries with the skilled workforce they need to become worldleaders in these sectors.”

“By allowing more people to access university, we can improve the prosperity of the city and wider region.”

Claire Jones

Debra Joy

Emma Lindsay

Public services and sport

Maths and auto engineering

English, business and ESOL

Hayley Lovebridge Hair and beauty

Larry Moody Hospitality and catering

“As a service city, our students will join the many government and community professions to make our society safer, whilst our sports students will go on to have a meaningful impact on the health of people in the South West by promoting an active lifestyle.”

“Maths is the foundation for key growth areas and STEM subjects, and by enhancing our provision and improving the city’s numeracy skills, we can contribute to the success of these important industries.”

“Business and English are largely about effective communication, and by empowering people with the skills for effective communication, this will raise aspirations and have an overall impact on the area.”

“Our students will positively impact the health and wellbeing of the people in Plymouth by providing services that help them to combat stress, build confidence and make them feel happy.”

“Plymouth’s potential as a tourist destination is still hugely untapped and through exceptional food and hospitality businesses, we have a huge effect on the local economy.”

Steve Murphy

Skills Development and pre-employment

“Everyone should have the opportunity to develop the skills required for work, independent living and a happy healthy lifestyle, and with our courses we are helping to alleviate inequality and creating a fairer society.”

Sam Pomeroy

Rachael Rowing-Parker

Art, media and performance

Health and social care and childcare

Terry Such Construction

Joe Stephenson Science and computing

“My subject areas impact people’s lives in so many ways, from providing them with entertainment which is so important for wellbeing, to allowing people to connect.”

“Not only do these areas offer many career opportunities, we have the chance to have a meaningful impact on the lives of the most vulnerable members in society, improving health, wellbeing and encouraging high aspirations.”

“The construction industry isn’t just important for the local economy but will be a key player in the actions we take to overcome the threat of climate change and help alleviate the inequalities created by homelessness.”

“Science and computing will be the two industries that find the solutions to the problems we face in the future and will overcome the threats facing humanity.”

As employers, we welcome you to engage with us, work with us, talk to us and come on the transformational journey that we are undertaking. You’re welcome to contact Jamie by e-mailing jrowley@cityplym.ac.uk. Jamie can also arrange for you to talk with one of the Curriculum

Lead and Development Officers.

Choose Plymouth Citybus and start your own sustainability journey

In the first of a series of sustainable travel blogs from our Devon & Plymouth Chamber members, Ravi Kirthy, Project Manager at MyNeedToLive CIC, highlights the ease of using Plymouth Citybus to reach your destination.

UK must streamline planning processes to lead energy transition

New research from transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) and leading energy consultancy Cornwall Insight has laid out what the UK government must do to achieve an affordable, sustainable and secure energy system and reach its goal of Net Zero by 2050.

The research into the UK’s energy transition highlights that despite the UK having a head start, several challenges must be overcome for the UK to meet its net zero targets, never mind lead the charge.

It’s been several weeks since I started attending networking events with the Devon & Plymouth Chamber.

I never miss any networking events with the Chamber, and I would highly recommend them to anyone that has not yet signed up with them.

It is never too late to start contributing to a sustainable life and doing your bit for the planet.

While I was enthusiastic about using public transport, it also meant that I had to wake up a little earlier for my journey to The Riverford Field Kitchen for the Chamber’s Green Breakfast Networking event.

Let’s just say, I am not a happy early riser without my coffee!

Using any public transport involves some planning. You must give yourself sufficient time in case of delays and determine the amount of time needed to walk to the bus

stop if it is not accessible close to where you live.

You will find the most accurate bus times on the Plymouth Citybus app. This also gives you an estimate of how long it will take to reach your destination, including any walking to and from bus stops.

If you can’t navigate the maps, feel free to ask anybody you see, and they will be more than happy to help. You can also ask the drivers or contact the Plymouth Citybus Customer Experience Team.

If you catch the train back from Newton Abbot, it should cost you a little over £7. You’ll even get 30% off if you have a rail card (prices as of 14 June 2022 and subject to change).

Happy sustainable commuting!

Ravi Kirthy is Project Manager at MyNeedToLive CIC, a non-profit that is bridging the gap between education and employment.

WBD worked with Cornwall Insight and global industry experts to produce the report The UK and the energy transition: Leading the way? The research offers global context, analysis of different energy markets and expert insights which shine a light on the UK’s progress in the energy transition.

The analysis of different markets which includes solar PV, onshore wind, offshore wind, hydrogen, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), and the consideration of colocation and storage, all highlight that simplifying planning processes among other measures are instrumental to transition to a low carbon, equitable, and secure energy system.

Various energy-related policies that are under review as a result of the UK government’s recent Energy Security Strategy are explored in the report.

The UK and the energy transition: Leading the way? also draws on lessons from around the globe and offers international insight into progress, showing that the UK is well placed to play a key role in global efforts to reduce carbon emissions over coming decades.

Give your garden some summer love without wasting water

Top TV gardener Daisy Payne has teamed up with South West Water to share advice on how to keep your garden in great shape this summer, while also being water savvy.

Following the driest July for England since 1935, with just 35% of its average rainfall, conserving water is at the forefront of people’s minds all over the UK.

With hosepipes using around 1,000 litres of water per hour, the garden is the perfect place to cut down usage, helping save water and reduce bills.

With the continued unprecedented and prolonged period of hot and dry weather predicted to continue throughout the UK, South West Water is urging its customers to avoid any non-essential water use, including the use of a hosepipe for gardening, and washing cars and windows. Here’s what Daisy recommends:

• Think about your planting scheme and introduce more drought tolerant plants such as lavender or salvia.

• Water your plants in the morning or

evening, while it is still cool.

• Reuse water from the home.

• Soak up excess water.

• Protect plants from the sun.

• Don’t worry about your lawn. It will bounce back I promise!

• Really focus on the base of the plant when you’re watering with your watering can.

• Put away your hosepipe. Use your watering can instead.

• First things first, get yourself a water butt. They’re not very expensive and they mean you are maximising what nature gives us when it does rain.

Lisa Gahan, the Director Responsible for Water Resources at South West Water, said: “When it comes to water use, the garden tends to be the outlet for a considerable

amount of water, with hosepipes using around 1,000 litres an hour when in use.

“The current high levels of demand and unprecedented weather conditions mean our reservoirs are lower than usual for this time of year, so we are thrilled to be sharing Daisy’s tips on how to reduce water usage in the garden.”

In the last two years South West Water has doubled the number of leak detection staff and now has 140 leak detectors finding and fixing around 2,000 leaks a month, keeping leakage levels at one of the lowest in the industry.

Find out more online at www.southwestwater.co.uk

Driving the future with BMW i at Ocean

Since the very first BMW electric model was released in 2013, the BMW i range has continued to expand, including models with improved electric range and new technologies that create the ultimate innovative experience in each vehicle.

When making the switch to a fully electric BMW, you can expect to encounter an entirely new, emotionally charged driving sensation. This is optimised

by electrifying dynamics and spontaneous, smooth acceleration that is achieved within a matter of seconds from the powerful torque delivery.

This electric driving era comes with exciting possibilities where innovation, aesthetics and engineering come together to create a state-of-the-art driving experience, with many advantages to owning an electric vehicle like impressive savings

on running and maintenance costs and the most thrilling performance for pure driving pleasure.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN ELECTRIC BMW?

• Emission-free when driving

• Reasonable commuting distance range for optimal everyday utility

• More convenience on long journeys thanks to constant growth in charging infrastructure.

The significantly reduced environmental impact of an electric vehicle is appealing to many drivers, but concerns around the disposal of a car battery at the end of its life remain high. As sustainability is a crucial factor to the BMW Group, we have made changes to ensure we are driving towards a green future with the sole aim of

being the most sustainable car manufacturer.

All used BMW high-voltage batteries are recycled and used in storage systems around the world to integrate renewable energy. Once the batteries we obtain have surpassed their ‘second life’, they are recycled to produce new lithium-ion batteries which are favourable due to their high capacity and energy density, long lifetime, and low self-discharge rate.

As a locally family-owned business since 1984, Ocean Group in Plymouth, Falmouth and Torbay are delighted to be able to provide motorists across Devon and Cornwall with the very best and latest models from BMW, including the innovative and inspiring BMW i range.

Book a test drive today or call in to one of our showrooms and speak to an expert.

All-electric Nissan ARIYA is leading charge for the future

Stepping into an electric vehicle (EV) evokes a whole different feeling than driving a conventional car.

Perhaps it’s the smoothness of the ride, or the quietness. Or maybe it’s the instant power.

The feeling is hard to explain, but those who drive - or have driven - an EV will know what I mean. It’s just… electric!

The new Nissan ARIYA electric crossover is no different in that respect. It’s clearly already winning fans and has been named ‘Car of the Year’ at this year’s Auto Express Awards.

It also represents the Japanese marque’s next step in a long EV journey that started with the release of the Nissan LEAF in 2011.

Back then the LEAF could only manage 109 miles on a single charge. But that made it perfect for city goers and is just one of the reasons it’s sold over half-a-million units since its release.

More than a decade later, the ARIYA picks up the mantle as Nissan’s flagship EV offering.

Despite having more than 20 years’ driving experience, this was only the second time I’d gotten behind the wheel of something that doesn’t rely on petrol or diesel to get you from A to B.

Let’s start with the most important part of EV ownership - the range.

The 63kWh two-wheel drive ARIYA I drove offers a combined range of up to 250 miles. That’s enough to get you from Plymouth to Bristol and back on a single charge, but only just!

Don’t worry about running out of juice, as the ever-improving infrastructure for EVs now means there are more than 42,000 charging points across the UK.

Download the NissanConnect Services app, and you’ll be able to optimise your electric

vehicle experience by checking and charging the battery remotely and locating chargers through your mobile device.

If you want a bigger range, you can opt for the more expensive 87kWh model which pushes that figure up to 310 miles.

And there’s also a four-wheel drive version - the e-4orce - which comes with the 87kWh motor and returns up to 285 miles.

So, what’s the Nissan ARIYA like to drive?

Obviously, there’s no engine noise which can seem unnerving at first but quickly becomes a welcome relief, particularly if trying to talk to passengers!

Another thing is the instant speed. In an automatic, while not actually having to change up or down, you can still feel it going through the gears.

Electric power, though, is a continuous build-up which never ceases to be exhilarating.

Andy Pyle, content manager at pbmedia, road tests the all-electric Nissan ARIYA from Vospers Nissan Plymouth.

The ARIYA glides over potholes and speed bumps quietly and smoothly as you could reasonably ask of an SUV that weighs almost two tonnes. That’s even more impressive when you consider there’s no engine noise to mask suspension thuds.

There’s also a handy E-Pedal mode, which activates full brake regeneration and effectively means you need to control only the accelerator.

Now onto the appearance, and I’m pleased to say that Nissan’s designers have come up with yet another winner.

The ARIYA is a very goodlooking vehicle. It’s about the same size as the Qashqai, which has gotten better and better with each generation.

I really like the family-friendly X-Trail with its seven seats and huge boot space.

And though I wasn’t a huge fan of the previous Juke, the new version is now undoubtedly one of the best-looking cars in its class.

Nissan describes the ARIYA as “the stunning expression of a new vision”. A single horizon line replaces fussy contours, with thin LED headlights that shine at night and then disappear during the day.

The final touch is a new illuminated badge

which Nissan says is “to light the way forward”. Its appearance puts it in the same group with other popular EVs like the Tesla Model Y and the ‘Marmite’ Hyundai IONIC5 - which you’ll either love or hate (I’m the former).

The futuristic stuff continues inside with large dual displays - including a HUGE screen for the sat-nav - and controls with haptic feedback.

You can also have all your apps in front of you, and use the voice function to play your favourite songs.

There’s plenty of space in the boot, and the back seats can easily accommodate two children’s car seats (tried and tested).

Other things I liked were the (optional) panoramic sunroof, blind-spot assist on the wing mirrors, and the fact you can wave your foot underneath the back bumper to open and close the boot.

The UK Government plans to ban sales of conventional petrol and diesel cars by 2030, so the electric revolution is coming whether you like it or not.

For many, the thought of only being able to buy electric cars might seem a scary one. If that means driving EVs like the Nissan ARIYA, then we should all be very happy.

It’s a brave new world.

Find out more about the ARIYA range by contacting Vospers Nissan Plymouth on 01752 272297 or visit the website here: www.vospers.com/nissan

Ariya £46,535

7.6

emissions: 0 g/km

size: 63kWh

WLTP combined range: Up to 250 miles

Fitted options: Advance model with optional Sky Pack (opening sunroof); two-tone paint

It’s

fans and has been named ‘Car of the Year’ at this year’s

RISING BUILDING COSTS

bring underinsurance risk

For property owners and investors –buildings insurance should provide a crucial safety net, protecting property assets against unforeseen events.

It should step in to cover the cost of repairs or rebuilding work after an insured event like fire or flood, but for all too many property owners, across domestic and commercial property that vital protection may not be all it seems.

In fact, recent research has found that 80% of UK properties are underinsured – to put that in context, that’s around 587,000 high net worth homes and commercial property with a total value of £340 billion standing without adequate buildings insurance.1 What’s more, those numbers are heading in the wrong direction, having risen from 580,000 and £325 billion respectively in the space of 12 months.

Disastrous outcomes

This insurance gap is not something that any property owner or investor can afford to ignore, because it can have a significant financial impact if the time comes to make a claim. Research tells us that on average, underinsured buildings are covered for just 68% of the amount they should be. In practice that could lead to two potentially disastrous outcomes in the event of a claim.

First, the insurer could apply a ‘Condition of Average’, a clause in many building insurance contracts that enables insurers to reduce claims on underinsured properties by the corresponding percentage. For example, a property owner claiming £100,000 to cover repair or rebuild work after an insured incident could only receive £68,000 in settlement if only 68% of the property value is covered by insurance.3

Second, and even worse, in significant cases of underinsurance, the insurer could even say that the policy is void as the client

failed in their duty of fair presentation under the Insurance Act – and remember, it is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that valuations provided for insurance purposes are accurate.3

So what is behind this alarming trend? It boils down to a number of issues.

Inaccurate property valuations

There is a common misconception that a property’s market value and its insurance value are interchangeable. In reality, an insurance valuation refers to the cost of rebuilding a property, which would include a range of costs not covered by a market valuation.

They include materials and labour, but also the cost of site access and the rebuild value of areas surrounding the property, such as car parks, outbuildings, or trees. The bottom line is that a property value for insurance purposes must mirror the definition of buildings set out in the policy.

Rising construction costs

To make matters worse, even buildings that were accurately valued when a policy was taken out may be tipping over into underinsurance now, because of steep rises in the cost of building materials and labour. Clearly, that means the situation is worsening for any property that is already underinsured due to an inaccurate valuation.

The facts are stark. Pent up construction demand built up during COVID-19 lockdowns, along with the effect of Brexit on EU imports and the loss of around 1.5 million foreign workers since the beginning of 2020 have driven construction prices up by as much as 15% in 2021.4

Meanwhile, price rises for specific building materials have been even higher – timber prices have risen by 20-50%, while the cost of sheet materials like oriented strand board has more than doubled. At the same time, heightened demand for construction materials overseas has also extended lead times for virtually all materials, which may again add

costs to a building works.

Indexing and day one uplifts lagging behind?

It would be easy to assume that property owners are insulated against these rising costs by inflation indexing for residential property and day one uplift clauses in commercial buildings insurance, both of which are designed to defend against the impact of inflation on rebuild costs.

However, with building material cost increases far outstripping baseline inflation and the retail price index, this may be a false sense of security - because an inflation linked uplift in cover will almost certainly fall short of the actual increase driven by material and labour costs.

Act now to address underinsurance

The bottom line, according to the research, is that 80% of UK properties are underinsured and those properties are on average only insured for 68% of the true value.

With that in mind, property owners –particularly high net worth residential and commercial properties – should act now to review buildings insurance policies, paying particular attention to the accuracy of rebuild costs and sums insured.

For those in doubt, help is at hand

To find out the reinstatement value of your property, or any other information about our services, please contact your Marsh Commercial account executive or get in touch with our local Plymouth team on 01752 312673.

At Marsh Commercial we work with RebuildCostASSESSMENT to offer our clients the peace of mind that comes with accurate insurance valuations based on multiple data sources.

Visit our property underinsurance hub for more information.

www.marshcommercial.co.uk/campaigns/ rebuild-cost-assessment

Marsh Commercial looks at why property owners and investors simply cannot afford to ignore the ‘insurance gap’.

Devon businesses look forward to networking up North at BBxpo

Business events in North Devon are back on track as BBxpo, the area’s largest independent business exhibition, returns to Bideford after a two-year hiatus on Thursday 27 October 2022.

Co-founded in 2018 by Robert Zarywacz to complement Business Action, the North Devon business magazine he publishes, BBxpo aims to bring together businesses from the area and further afield.

“With a combined population of just 164,000 spread over 800 square miles, North Devon and Torridge businesses face the twin challenges of small markets separated by considerable distances,” said Robert.

“Yet the spirit of enterprise here and the success of some of our world-leading brands are remarkable and we want to share that to

support and inspire all businesses.

“We’d like to invite businesses from across the county as exhibitors or visitors. BBxpo has a friendly, positive atmosphere and includes a free networking buffet generously sponsored by Marsdens Devon Cottages.”

While organising a business exhibition in a rural area presents the challenges of smaller venues and the need to persuade visitors to travel further, BBxpo aims to offer a professional event, welcoming businesses of all sizes, from every sector.

Exhibitor packages are deliberately set at affordable prices to enable any size of business to participate.

Packages include stand space, exhibitor profile in Business Action magazine (subject to booking deadlines) and on the event website, plus social media promotion to

provide value to exhibitors.

Robert launched BBxpo and Business Action in addition to his long-established Ilfracombe communications partnership, Zarywacz, which provides the event organisation and promotion. Due to its growth, Robert now welcomes as event co-organiser Andrew Bowers, of Bidefordbased web site design and digital marketing company Peak Online, to expand and develop BBxpo further.

“It’s wonderful to have on board Andrew, who supports our aims of building and supporting open business relationships,” added Robert.

“We’re delighted that Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce will be attending BBxpo and will be thrilled to welcome Chamber members from across the county to extend everyone’s networks.”

To book exhibition stands or register for free visitor places, please visit www.bbxpo. uk or call 07971 176044.

Marjon a hive of activity as Plymouth artist teams up with Pollenize

Pollenize CIC is always keen to call upon the local community within Plymouth to amplify its important mission of pollinator conservation.

Since being founded by born and bred Plymothians Matthew Elmes and Owen Finnie in 2018, a wide range of inspiring creatives have helped to transform the beehives dotted around the city into spectacular colourful homes for bees.

Last year, in proud partnership with Marjon University, Pollenize expanded the Plymouth apiary network to include a new site within the campus allotment, which sits just adjacent to the student village.

This was all part of united efforts to conserve and extend local populations of the native dark honey bee.

Marjon Arts Centre put out an open call seeking local artists who would be interested in a commissioned project to design and paint a Pollenize beehive.

Several applications were considered but there was one proposal from artist William Luz which secured him the role of beehive artist.

William has created work for Aesop, The Barbican, Nike, and Facebook. He has exhibited in shows internationally and is one-third of Nous Vous, a collective of artists who have been working together since 2007.

If you are local to Plymouth, you may already be familiar with his magnificent creations, one of which is the enormous wall mural that can be seen as you walk up Union Street, designed and installed by Will in collaboration with Stephen Smith of Neasden Control Centre, and commissioned by Nudge Community Builders.

William said: “My work is about finding a balanced and tightly composed set of abstract shapes that looks quite effortless but I think would topple if an element was removed.

“For the hive, as is often the case, I spent some time up at the allotment looking and noticing and drawing the shapes around then took them back to work them into a composition. I wanted to quite simply express how a community (like the bees and university and the human/non human) is made up of different elements and forms but they all fit together and all have their own place and are all as important as each other to the whole. “This is also reflected in the painted wooden shapes that are dotted and half hidden around the allotment, to hint at the less visible aspects that make up a positive community.”

Find out more about Pollenize CIC here: www. pollenize.org.uk

YMCA Plymouth launches

MY Future mentoring programme for young people

Business women throughout the city came together to attend the launch of the YMCA Plymouth MY Future programme, kindly hosted by The Crowne Plaza.

From the world of finance, construction, business and hospitality, over 70 women have pledged their time to sign up and take part.

MY Future is a youth mentoring programme that helps to inspire and empower young people through mentoring with inspiring individuals from a range of businesses and industries who kidney volunteer their time.

The programme engages young people aged 16 to 19 and involves a structured programme of mentoring activities across the academic year.

It has two cohorts (Ys Women and Ys Guys) with a mentor being assigned to each young person. A set structure is followed with resources and training available for all mentors.

MY Future works in conjunction with the

Discovery College careers team to ensure that each young person gets the most from their time with their mentor. It was created in response to research carried out by YMCA Plymouth to students aged 16 to 19.

The programme lead, Sarah Newberry, from the YMCA, launched the programme as a result of their findings with those surveyed highlighting their fears and anxieties in relation to various topics including jobs, money, family and life.

She said: “Our young people are in need of support more than ever before. With help and advice on their career aspirations, life and employability skills these mentors can really make a positive impact on a young person’s future.”

Since the launch of the Ys Women and the incredible support on social media, more businesses have signed up and now over 170 are involved with the programme, with several

sponsors already confirmed including Crowne Plaza, Rowe IT and DBI, whose donations will help to fund materials and resources.

The second launch was scheduled for 9 August, with over 50 more companies offering to support the programme.

Tom Lavis, CEO of YMCA Plymouth, added: “At YMCA Plymouth, we’re keenly aware of the hardships young people have faced in the past couple of years and are determined to help support and inspire them in their future aspirations.

“MY Future will make a transformational difference to the lives of our young people and we’re incredibly grateful to all the individuals from local businesses, who have joined with us to make it possible.”

For more information and to sign up for MY Future, please contact Sarah Newberry on 01752 761000 or email sarah.newberry@ymca.plymouth.org.uk

Thousands of people take part in Plymouth’s Big Blue Splash

More than 2,000 local people got in, on and by the water in Plymouth Sound as part of this year’s Big Blue Splash.

The event took place over the 23-24 July weekend and was all about removing barriers to being involved with the water, while helping everyone better understand, respect and enjoy our stunning natural environment that we’re proud to call the UK’s first National Marine Park.

Adults and children were given the opportunity to try out something new with a bumper range of free taster sessions - from stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and guided snorkelling, to beach exploring, rockpooling and art workshops.

The Big Blue Splash was funded through the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park Heritage Horizon Award, which has been made possible with a £9.5 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.

Here are some wonderful pictures from an unforgettable weekend.

The most exciting race on water returns to Plymouth Sound

SailGP made its eagerly-anticipated return to Plymouth Sound over the 30-31 July weekend, putting into action some of the most progressive technological and sustainable clean energy innovations the sporting world has ever seen.

The Great Britain Sail Grand Prix became the most sustainable on-water event ever with the largest number of electric solutions integrated across Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and the entire race village 100% powered by clean energy.

Spectators got the opportunity to see a SailGP debut on home waters for Sir Ben Ainslie, who also welcomed on board HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, Royal Patron of the 1851 Trust, for a friendly Commonwealth race.

Here are some of our favourite pictures of the action and race village, courtesy of John Allen.

Green Breakfast Networking

30 Under 30

We hosted our first quarterly 30 Under 30 meeting in June at Real Ideas’ Ocean Studios in Royal William Yard. Exciting conversations and great company.

Bank of England Roundtable

We were at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park Stadium in July for our popular Green Breakfast Networking event, proudly sponsored by YGS Landscapes Ltd.

Our speakers included Steve Warren-Brown from YGS Landscapes; Brendon Houghton, Director at ME Contracting; Christian Kent, Head of Venue, Hospitality & Events at Plymouth Argyle Football Club; Glen Gardner, Cruise New Business Development Manager and Sustainable Tourism Project Manager at Destination Plymouth; Gareth Thomas, Director at Zedify Plymouth; and Chaz Lawrence from Inspired Energy Plc.

Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Torbay Business Forum’s August Business Breakfast

Babcock Day

We had an excellent time at Babcock International Group’s supplier engagement day in June. Thanks to everyone who came to chat to us at our stand!

We had a great time at Torbay Business Forum’s August Business Breakfast, held at the Hampton by Hilton Torquay. It was fantastic to see the hotel’s new facilities and talk to some wonderful people.

Dragons’ Den

Clare Baker from our Devon & Plymouth Chamber team was invited by Plymouth Children in Poverty to be on the panel for their latest Dragons’ Den National Citizen Service (NCS) pitches at Home Park Stadium.

Here she is with fellow ‘Dragons’ Gary Pratt from Handelsbanken and Carolyn Giles from Go South West and Plymouth Citybus. Also on the panel were Tom Lea from Princess Yachts and Steve Patey from PwC.

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner to welcome our new Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce directors and thank our leaving directors. A huge thank you to our hosts Womble Bond Dickinson and sponsors Go South West. Directors Dinner

Clare Baker, our membership experience manager, visited Nash & Co Solicitors HQ in July for our Quarterly Bank of England Roundtable meeting, where the hosts were represented by Dave Briggs, Austin Blackburn and David James. Malindi Myers, Bank of England Agent for the South West, gave guests an update on the Bank’s view of the economy and heard about what is happening on the ground with businesses in Devon to feed back to the Bank and help form policy.

Beautiful Devon is the star of the show

Helen, Clare, Olivia and Kelly from our Devon & Plymouth Chamber team had a fantastic time at the Mid Devon Show in Tiverton this July.

We enjoyed the perfect start on the Saturday when we held our Devon & Plymouth Chamber Mid Devon Show

Breakfast inside the Members’ Marquee.

It was great to be exhibiting and supporting a true celebration of our county with an eclectic mix of breathtaking entertainment, food, shopping, music, horticulture and farm life.

A huge thank you to everyone who came

to see us - we met so many amazing new connections, not to mention a number of wonderful familiar faces.

We were also honoured to present the Best Trade Stand Award again this year. We hope you all had a great time, too!

Our second Pitch & Procure event at the University of Plymouth

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our July Pitch & Procure event at the University of Plymouth.

Promoting and facilitating local procurement is a key strategic priority of the Devon & Plymouth Chamber, and these events aim to bring enterprising local businesses together with several major

procuring organisations, giving you the chance to showcase your products and services.

Thank you to all of those who pitched, everyone who came to watch and, of course, our panel of senior procurement leaders from Babcock International Group, Plymouth City Council, University of Plymouth, Princess

Yachts and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.

We’ve already had several requests from businesses and entrepreneurs who want to pitch at future events - please email Kelly.Smith@devonchamber.co.uk for an application.

Zedify Plymouth launches from new ‘Meanwhile Use’ base in city centre

Zedify UK is an innovative sustainable delivery company that aims to transform urban

logistics and create a healthier, cleaner and more liveable city that is better for everyone. They are based on Old Town Street in one of the city centre’s unused spaces that has been given a creative new lease of life

Spaces in the city centre lying empty will be reborn as powerful light installations, welcoming social spaces, fledgling experimental businesses and inspiring learning centres.

The first projects were chosen following an open call to the creative community in Plymouth and will take place in unused spaces thanks to partnerships with city landlords and property managers.

The chosen projects have also been able to develop their plans within a programme supported by organisations including Outset Plymouth business startup advice service.

The Meanwhile Use scheme is being spearheaded by Plymouth Culture, Plymouth City Council and Plymouth City Centre Company.

Hannah Harris, CEO of Plymouth Culture - the organisation dedicated to

creating opportunities for the creative and cultural sector in the city, said: “There’s a need to diversify away from relying on retail in our city centre that’s backed up by multiple reports and studies.

“Meanwhile Use gives us a chance to use empty shops to give our cultural community a platform to display their talents and spark everyday cultural encounters for everyone who comes to the city centre.

“The response to our call for proposals was inspiring with an extraordinary array of creativity on show. We’re extremely excited to see the results and the project take shape from this spring and through the year. We very much see this as a first phase and will be inviting further proposals when other property has been identified.”

The ‘meanwhile use’ programme is funded through Historic England (Heritage Action Zone Culture Programme), Interreg (C-Care), Plymouth City Council and City Centre Company.

Congratulations to Zedify Plymouth on their official launch at one of the ‘Meanwhile Use’ spaces in Plymouth City Centre.

thanks to the ‘Meanwhile Use’ scheme brought to Plymouth by Plymouth Culture.

Pictures by John Allen

Plymouth tickled pink for St Luke’s Hospice Midnight Walk

Hundreds of ladies tickled Plymouth pink this July, as they walked across the city to raise vital funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.

the road 365 days a year, giving their compassionate care to patients in the comfort of their own home and supporting their families.

Head of Fundraising at St Luke’s, Penny Hannah, said: “We are delighted to bring our Midnight Walk 1982 in 2022 to celebrate 40 years of care for your local hospice. It is such a warm and loving event giving the city the chance to remember their loved ones and make many people proud.

This year’s event saw all ages join together to walk in memory of their loved ones, with the introduction of a brand new QR code trail adding an interactive element to the shorter 2.5- and 5-mile family friendly routes.

The theme of the night was 1982, the year the hospice first opened its doors to patients. Four decades later and St Luke’s is still providing compassionate care and support to the terminally ill and their families. For the last 40 years, the charity has held a prominent place in the hearts of many Plymouth families, with Midnight Walk being the perfect occasion to unite in sharing cherished memories.

Sponsored by Drakes Jewellers, the annual flagship event saw participants walk either the 2.5-, 5-, 10- or 15-mile route in memory

of lost loved ones, having fun and making new memories as they celebrated the lives of people special to them who will never be forgotten.

This year, walkers were invited to bring a copy of a favourite photo of their lost loved one and add it to the charity’s Memory Wall on the night, so that their legacy could live on for all to see.

The pink-clad participants were treated to a fun and energetic warm up by the Plymouth based fitness class Cheezifit before embarking on the walk, which took in landmarks including Smeaton’s Tower and the Barbican.

The money raised through sponsorship by participants helps keep the St Luke’s team on

“I would like to thank every single walker for your compassion and kindness. This year we opened the event to younger people, plus we added a wheelchair and pushchair-friendly route, of 2.5 miles, which has been a popular addition. Our kind sponsor, Drakes Jewellers have been complete diamond supporters, everyone involved from volunteers, to the event village venue Argyle, we could not run this event without their kindness, so thank you.

“The event means we can continue caring for future generations to come at home, in Derriford or our specialist unit at Turnchapel. Thank you again to everyone involved.”

Register your interest now for Midnight Walk 2023 here: www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/midnight-walk/

Pictures by Paul Slater Images Ltd

Setting off from Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park stadium, women and children of all ages joined together to celebrate the charity’s 40th anniversary year by taking part in the hotly anticipated mass participation fundraising event, Midnight Walk.

Marketing professionals out in force for first Building Brands UK Marketing Conference

On 25 May 2022, the inaugural Building Brands Marketing Conference was universally acknowledged as the place to be.

The hotly anticipated conference, which was held in the Sherwell Centre at the University of Plymouth, was the brainchild of Dave Briggs, founder of Building Brands, who put together an impressive staple of keynote speakers and workshop hosts, to create a first-class networking event for marketing

professionals.

Dave, who is the Marketing Manager of Nash & Co Solicitors, initially conceived the idea of a Plymouth-based marketing conference in early 2020, just before the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic took hold.

Two years on, his plan was happily resurrected and met with such great enthusiasm by the local marketing community, that all 250 tickets for the event sold out two months before the conference took place.

From its inception the Building Brands event was strongly supported by the University of Plymouth and a host of key sponsors and ‘BB’ ambassadors who were passionate about the conference and aided in a myriad of ways.

Building Brands also showcased the hosting talents of the perennially popular and energetic Chris Bentley, who seamlessly kept the event on track and suitably diverting throughout the day.

EXPERTISE FOR CHANGING TIMES

The Building Brands conference attracted a host of shining marketing talent, including keynote speakers, John Brown CEO of Don’t Cry Wolf (Why Brands Have to Care), Joyann Boyce, Founder of Arima and Co (The Importance of Diversity in Marketing) and John Thornton, Copy and Socials at Innocent Smoothies (How to Tweets and not get fired), all of whom delighted with their insightful, entertaining, and thoughtprovoking talks.

The feedback from conference attendees was abundantly positive, and the

overwhelming takeaways from the keynote speakers were that the speakers had inspired the next generation of marketing leadership by authentically sharing their collective vision.

The conference offered a range of engaging workshops which included: ’How to write blogs that rank on Google’ led by Jon Payne (Noisy Little Monkey), ‘How your brand will improve your strategy’ as advised by Jonathan Alder (Alder and Alder) and Florence Bate Communications presented a guide to ‘What to include in your PR press kit and how to build it’.

The bumper sessions continued with Ambitious PR delivering an ESG workshop, learning how to navigate the messy middle of ‘Paid Media’ with Launch and Cosmic UK focusing us on the incoming ‘Digital Marketing Trends’.

The well-received workshops highlighted strategies for success and shared solutions for both professional and business growth, which attendees could transfer and develop post conference.

ENGAGING MINDS, EMPOWERING SUCCESS

The Building Brands conference generated a huge social media buzz, with positive momentum growing before the event and throughout the day. On LinkedIn alone the event inspired nearly 400 individual posts and an impressive 18k likes, with over 4k comments (and all of them favourable!).

“I don’t think the event could go any better than it did,” said Dave Briggs. “Everything worked, the speakers were superb, and everyone really enjoyed the day. The area has

THE FUTURE

As for the future, we are very happy to report that Building Brands isn’t resting on its marketing laurels and will be hosting another conference at The Forum on the University of Exeter campus on 2 November,

never had anything like this, and the support from the marketing community has been unbelievable.

“I can’t thank the sponsors/partners including the Plymouth Business School, the speakers and the attendees enough. Now, I’m really looking forward to the next one.”

Crucially, the conference offered marketing professionals a timely opportunity to get back together, and a chance to forge new connections and strengthen existing

ones. There were golden opportunities for networking and to develop exciting collaborations, as well share a wealth of knowledge and insider sector tips to take away and put into action.

The first Building Brands conference will be remembered for many positive points, including being a hugely enjoyable affair, but also, we might speculate, for gifting its attendees the most impressive goodie bags this side of the Oscars (probably).

later this year.

The Exeter conference has the potential to be the biggest ever marketing event in the South West and promises to deliver another inspiring day for the Southwest marketing

community it supports.

For more information on the events, the speakers and to purchase tickets, please visit www.building-brands.co.uk

A warm City Conversations welcome to our new directors and newest patron

There was a fantastic turnout for our City Conversations breakfast event in July, which was again hosted and proudly sponsored by Foot Anstey LLP.

The Devon & Plymouth Chamber's flagship invitationonly event provides business leaders with strategic briefings on a wide variety of topics that are of interest to those in senior management roles.

It was amazing to see so many

of you in the room, with everyone connecting and having great conversations.

Our exceptional line-up of speakers included Mark Summers, Low Carbon City Officer at Plymouth City Council; Dwain Morgan, Head of Business and Impact at Argyle Community Trust; Captain Richard Allen, Chief Executive and Harbour Master of the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners; and Dr Alan Butler, Co-Director of Pride in Plymouth.

The event included our 209th AGM, with introductions from Chamber CEO Stuart Elford. It also gave us the opportunity to unveil our newly-elected board of directors, with a more diverse team leading the region’s business community. See pages 14-17.

We were also thrilled to reveal that Plymouth Argyle Football Club has become the newest official Patron of Devon & Plymouth Chamber.

The Chamber will be shining

the spotlight on the incredible work done by the Argyle Community Trust, and we'll also be the Pilgrims' new Official Women’s Team Digital Partner.

This new relationship aims to strengthen the reach and impact the club is already having here in the South West and beyond. See pages 18-19 to find out more.

We’ll be at Foot Anstey again for our next #CityCons on Thursday 10 November. Please email kelly.smith@devonchamber. co.uk if you would like to attend.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

City Conversations

9 September, 2022

Our flagship invitation-only breakfast event provides business leaders with strategic briefings on a wide variety of topics that are of interest to those in senior management roles. The next City Conversations will again be at Foot Anstey LLP in Plymouth, with an exceptional line-up of speakers.

Green Breakfast Networking

15 September, 2022

Join us for our next Green Breakfast Networking event at Venn Valley Vineyard in Barnstaple. If you are passionate about business making positive changes to the environment, then this is a great opportunity to discuss your ideas over breakfast. Proudly sponsored by our Green Partner, YGS Landscapes.

Crunchy Breakfast

13 October, 2022

A fantastic breakfast and networking event with topics you can bite right into. Join us at Crowne Plaza Plymouth and hear from an exciting line-up of speakers that will be announced soon. What’s more, bring a non-member guest and you’ll get your ticket for free. Please email kelly.smith@devonchamber. co.uk for more details on this offer.

The Devon Business Show

September 28, 2022

The Devon Business Show is back for autumn 2022 – and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever!

The leading event for businesses, individuals and organisations to connect across the county returns to Plymouth Pavilions on September 28 in an innovative ‘zones’ format, complete with interactive displays and sessions throughout the day.

There’s still time to book your place. Contact Helen Hart via email helen.hart@devonchamber.co.uk

NEW MEMBERS

The Sign Maker

Yelland Farm, High Bickington EX37 9BX www.sign-maker.co.uk

Fuel Communications Ltd

Studio 3, Officers Quarters, Plymouth PL6 5BX www.fuelcommunications.com

Auction House Devon & Cornwall

Auction House Devon & Cornwall (Unit 3), 2 Cattedown Road, Plymouth PL4 0EG www.auctionhouse.co.uk/ devonandcornwall

MLT Recruitment Services

26 Lockyer Street, Plymouth PL1 2QW www.mltrecruitment.co.uk

ABC Service

69 West Street, Tavistock PL19 8AJ www.abcsservice.co.uk

Countrywide Electrical Testing

Unit 7 City Business Park, Plymouth PL3 4BB www.countrywideelectricaltesting. co.uk

Black Wall Street London

West Johnstone Barn, Johnstone Lane, Bish Mill EX36 3QE www.blackwallstreetlondon.com

Red Bay Consulting Ltd

19 Whitehall Close, South Molton EX36 4EQ www.redbayconsulting.co.uk

Argyle Community Trust

PAFC, Homepark, Plymouth PL2 3DQ www.argylecommunitytrust.co.uk

Hollis Global Limited

3rd Floor, The Senate, Southernhay Gardens, Exeter EX1 1UG www.hollisglobal.com/contact-us/ exeter

South West Cyber Resilience Centre

32 Penhayes Road, Kenton, Exeter EX6 8NR www.swcrc.co.uk

St. Mellion Estate

St Mellion, Saltash PL12 6SD www.st-mellion.co.uk

Fishtek Marine Ltd

Unit 1, Webbers Way, Dartington TQ9 6JY www.fishtekmarine.com

Blu Square Consulting Ltd

96B Grantley Gardens, Plymouth PL3 5AJ www.blusquare.co.uk

Partners&

Woodlands House, 45 Estover Close, Plymouth PL6 7PL www.partnersand.com

Nice Group (SW) Ltd. 1 New Walk, Totnes TQ9 5HA www.nicegroup.io

Fragrance Hotel

– Management Limited C/O The Duke of Cornwall Hotel Millbay Road, Plymouth PL1 3LG thedukeofcornwall.co.uk

Paradise Island Adventure Golf

Soar intu Braehead, Kings Inch Road, Braehead PA4 8XQ www.paradiseislandgolf.com

CCB Training

Tregonissey Road, St Austell PL25 4DJ www.ccbtraining.co.uk

Horizon counselling ltd

3 The Crescent, Plymouth PL13AB www.horizonplymouth.co.uk

Vertex Solutions Ltd Plymouth PL6 5QZ

Planet & People

The Merchant, St Andrews Street, Plymouth EX16 8HR www.mla.ac.uk

A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS FROM ACROSS DEVON & PLYMOUTH

Associated British Ports Port Office, Millbay Docks, Plymouth PL1 3EF www.abports.co.uk

Famas Integrated Geoservices Ltd

Marine Building University of Plymouth 4, Plymouth PL4 8AA www.famasgeoserve.co.uk

Tec Packaging

Baird House, Darklake Close, Plymouth PL6 7TJ www.tecpackaging.co.uk

Equitas Financial (UK) Limited 36 Mannamead Road, Mutley, Plymouth PL4 7AF www.equitasfinancial.net

Easy Storage Devon 49 Balland Park, Ashburton TQ13 7BT www.easystorage.com

Southwest Live - In Care Limited 196 Pike Road, Plymouth PL3 6HJ www.southwestliveincare.co.uk

Access Cleaning Services Limited Pearl Assurance House, Brook Street, Tavistock PL19 0BN www.accesscleaningservicessw. co.uk

The Social Planner Unit 44 City Business Park, Somerset Place, Stoke PL3 4BB www.thesocialplanner.co.uk

Steve Evans Illustration 14 Gleneagle Road, Mannmead, Plymouth PL3 5HJ www.steveevansillustration.art

Ian Williams Limited

Seaton House, 16 William Prance Road, Plymouth PL6 5WR www.ianwilliams.co.uk

Oakway Ltd

Quarry Crescent, Pennygillam Industrial Estate, Launceston PL15 7ED

Courtyard by Marriott Courtyard Exeter, Sandy Park Way, Exeter EX2 7NN www.courtyard.com

Bombardier Transportation (Signal) UK Ltd

Business Services, Derby DE1 0TD uk.bombardier.com

Practice Plus Group Hospitals Limited

Practice Plus Group Hospital, 20 Brest Road, Plymouth International Business Park, PL6 5XP

www.careuk.com/peninsula-nhstreatment-centre

Cormac Solutions Ltd

Higher Trenant, Wadebridge PL27 6TW www.cormacltd.co.uk

Calancombe Estate

Calancombe Estate, Modbury Pl21 0TU www.calancombe-estate.com

MLA College

The Merchant, St Andrews Street, Plymouth PL1 2AX www.mla.ac.uk

Arborcure

Unit 1C, Parkway Industrial Estare, St Mowden Road, Plymouth PL6 5WR arborcure.co.uk

Obedair

Plymouth PL6 5QZ obedair.com

Azets

Lime Court, South Molton EX36 3LH www.azets.co.uk

Peninsular Medical Foundation c/o Metherell Gard, The Memorial Hall, Looe PL13 1PN eninsulamedicalfoundation.org.uk

Name: Nick Byrne

Role: International Trade Manager at Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce

What do you do and why do you do it?

I am responsible for the continued development and delivery of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce International Trade Services. My team and I support companies of all sizes with their international trade requirements and are accredited customs agents and Authorised Signatories for the county. I enjoy the processes and continual change and development that dealing with international trade brings, every day brings a new challenge.

What inspires you?

Where do you see the future of your organisation?

International trade will always be in constant development due to the inherent nature of the business. Both we at the Chamber and nationally with the BCC (British Chambers of Commerce) will continue to influence and guide policy for our customers/ members. We will continue to help and communicate this in new ways to our users.

What’s the best advice you have ever been given? Moisturise!

If you could sum up your CV in

Describe yourself in five words Creative, balanced, pragmatic, bald, dedicated.

How do you balance life and work?

I always have a dedicated space between them that allows a natural break. This is the key to having a balance!

What’s your favourite quote? “Culture shouldn’t be a pacifying thing. It shouldn’t be something that you just passively accept. I think it should be something that, in some ways, is quite disruptive - makes you think and question

last 15 years to be the best I can be.

What are you most proud of? Being part of the Chamber while it has developed and grown over the last six years.

Marketing Manager,