The Devon Chamber board is voted for by its members in regular elections. They are experienced, knowledgable and leaders in their fields, providing the Chamber and its members with strategic and practical direction and advice.
Board members help make key decisions on Chamber strategy and each brings a certain specialism that provides expertise to the different functions of the Chamber.
If you are interested in contributing to your business community we welcome applications. Please contact CEO Helen Wylde-Archibald to find out more.
CHAIR
Richard is committed to ensuring that our cities, towns, rural and coastal areas receive the focus and investment they need to enable everyone who lives here to be successful and valued. Richard Stevens career is in public transport, and was appointed as Managing Director of Plymouth Citybus, now Go South West, in May 2012.
Richard is also the current joint chair of the Plymouth Area Business Council, chair of the Plymouth Growth Board. Richard sits on the Devonport Task Force, One Plymouth, and the Peninsular Rail Task Force. Richard is also a director of Destination Plymouth, he is committed to working with all strategic partners, to ensure that the voice of business in Devon, and the region is strong, unified and playing to its collective strengths.
VICE CHAIR, PLYMOUTH CHAMBER
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. The firm is proud to have a portfolio of national clients like Three, Royal Mail, two major universities and two of the top five banks.
A driven, creative and passionate business owner, an avid supporter of all things SME and dedicated to delivering the absolute best level of customer service, innovation and support to clients and collaborators.
Paul lives in Plymouth with Gary, his partner of 25+ years, and enjoys fitness (kickboxing in particular) wine and travel – with Budapest being a destination favourite.
DIRECTOR
Craig is a solicitor with over 25 years’ experience in commercial property and finance. He is the Plymouth Office Head for international law firm Womble Bond Dickinson. His experience includes acting for a wide variety of businesses, public bodies, charities and education institutions and he is client partner for a number of organisations in our region and nationally.
Craig grew up in Plympton, and following time at University and Law College, returned to the city as a trainee solicitor with Bond Pearce in 1993. Since then, he has developed an excellent network, as well as experience across the public, private and third sectors, which he believes can make a really positive difference to the Chamber and its members, as well as the wider region.
Craig is currently Vice Chair of the Plymouth Area Business Council, Vice Chair of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and a former President of the Plymouth Law Society. He has previously been a governor of Sherford School.
DIRECTOR
David is a chartered accountant at Westcotts Chartered accountants and business advisors, based in Plymouth. David works as a Corporate Manager with a focus on working with larger SMEs and groups to deliver audit compliance and advisory services. Before joining Westcotts, David worked as an accountant with a large regional retail distributor, allowing him to understand the unique challenges several of his client’s face.
David also serves as director and treasurer of his local rugby club which he also has the joy of playing for most Saturdays. David grew up in and around Plymouth and understands the challenges that the city and the wider area face and is keen to ensure Plymouth and Devon is always championing business where possible.’
DIRECTOR
Amanda has over 20 years marketing experience leading globally recognised brands and is currently Marketing Director at Axminster Carpets. A key aspect of Amanda’s career to date has been in defining marketing strategies and developing ownable integrated marketing communications that achieve brand fame and ensure a consistent brand proposition and profitable growth.
Amanda also has valuable experience at a local level having worked with regional South West businesses and Devon based media across a diverse portfolio of brands.
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Misty Nickells is the Managing Partner of Griffin Chartered Accountants, based in Exeter and Honiton. Misty is a chartered accountant with over 20 years of experience. Misty qualified as a chartered accountant with a large national firm in 2005, when she went on to work as an audit manager for one of the big 4 firms of accountants. She founded Griffin Chartered Accountants in 2015, where she works with a large number of local business, charities and academy schools.
Misty’s main role is as an accountant supporting her clients in tax planning and year end accounts/audit. However, as the founder of her own business she can relate to the issues faced by local business owners. As such, she provides a wider role for a number of her clients as an all-round business adviser.
DIRECTOR
Paul is a company director, writer and broadcaster who specialises in media, business, technology and consumer issues.
For 15 years Paul owned and ran Devon commercial station Radio Exe, building its audience to 100,000 monthly listeners, with an accompanying news website. Working with community partners, he built a digital transmission network across the south of the county. Paul sold Radio Exe to Nation Broadcasting in 2026 and now owns and runs speech station Devoncast Radio and consultancy business Exe Communicate.
Paul’s career began in the south west, with roles in local newspapers, before he joined ITV station TSW. He later moved to the BBC, and then to Visa and the Financial Times, before co-founding copywriting agency Plain Text in 2001. Its clients included the British Council, CSC Digital Brand Services, Energy Saving Trust, HP, Hay Group, Henley Group International, KPMG, Lex and Vodafone.
A graduate of Exeter University, Paul holds an MBA from Bristol Business School, is a member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and has written five books, ‘Creative Business’, ‘Blagging It’, ‘Pigeon Guided Missiles, ‘Ye Olde Good Inn Guide’ and ‘History’s Narrowest Escapes’.
DIRECTOR
Peter Knight is Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, Exeter and Devon’s largest local bus operator, leading a team of over 1,000 staff and operating over 300 buses. Having worked in the Bus Industry for 13 years, Peter started as a Graduate Management Trainee with Stagecoach Group and has worked in a variety of different geographies’ long distance coach and local bus operations, including the set-up, launch and operation of megabus.com Italia.
Peter is an advocate of high quality public transport and is passionate about delivering integrated local bus services that people can rely on. A believer in close partnership working between the private and public sector, Peter understands the role working together plays in delivering better outcomes for all. Peter moved to the South West from Stagecoach’s subsidiary in North East Scotland in December 2022 and brings with him a wealth of leadership experience in challenging times, having lead that business through the pandemic and the tough times that brought for business in 2019.
DIRECTOR
James’ career includes senior global leadership roles for technology brands during times of significant innovation e.g. Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Start Up/Scale Up, Software As A Service and Artificial Intelligence.
In James’ most recent role as CEO Fraser Anti-static Techniques, he built a new leadership team, grew international business and created new go to market partnerships.
An international business leader with 30+ years’ executive experience across the Technology Sector from global multi nationals to cloud transformation to cyber security start-ups.
James grew up in East Devon, worked globally for the first part of his career, then returned to the West Country and is passionate about developing the region’s business ecosystem, technology innovation network and its share of national investment, skills development, retention and attraction.
James is a member of the Exeter University Career Mentor Scheme and provides pro bono services to other UK Universities, young entrepreneurs in the Exeter area and Private Banks focused on Technology Transformation and Customer Experience.
James is a Co-Vice Chair of the Exeter Place Board and Chair of the Exeter Initiative for Science and Technology (EXIST): a STEMM focused group which brings global, national and regional expertise together with Exeter’s businesses through its series of leadership events.
DIRECTOR
Matthew Cousins is commercial director at Apex Scaffolding, Exeter, Starting out as an apprentice, and rising to the board room. This award winning firm has grown to 60 employees and works with blue chip companies including local, national and international contractors mostly in Exeter but across the South West.
Matthew plays an active role in both the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation as the Chair of the Contracts Committee, and sitting on the National Council He is also the chair of “Building Greater Exeter”, an organisation which provides support to the important and high growth construction industry across Exeter, East Devon and Teignbridge, running effective engagement programme with schools and young people to inspire the next generation of construction specialists.
DIRECTOR
James has more than 24 years of experience in the Commercial, Business and Entrepreneurship Banking sectors, working with business owners, leaders and their teams. Ranging from start-ups to corporate organisations, he has helped them to grow, scale-up and achieve their business and personal goals.
James pioneered the inspirational and award-winning Devon based networking event, #NatWestBoost, and is a director at Exeter Chamber of Commerce.
In 2024, he founded the Boost Your Business Network #BYBNetwork with a mission to help businesses and people reach their potential.
DIRECTOR
Mike is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team at Exeter College, where he oversees all partnership activities across the region. For over a decade, he has led the Apprenticeship and Employer Engagement directorate, focusing on Apprenticeships, Business Partnerships, and Future Skills to address evolving workforce demands and local skills gaps.
Under his leadership, Exeter College’s apprenticeship program has gained national recognition as an outstanding example of employer-responsive and market-leading provision. Apprenticeship enrolment has grown significantly, with over 1,800 apprentices engaged at any time, and the college’s business network now includes more than a thousand companies, spanning from Cornwall to Greater London.
Recognised as one of only five expert providers by the Department for Education, Mike has driven a 300% increase in the employer base, a 166% rise in apprenticeship funding, and a 150% growth in apprenticeship assessors. Over the past decade, he has overseen the allocation of £50 million in apprenticeship funding to support large-scale skills development across the region.
Mike’s impact extends beyond the UK, with work in Nepal, Morocco, and a recent focus on green skills development in Malawi. As Chairman of the National Green Skills Advisory Panel (GSAP), he is shaping the future of sustainable education and training. Previously, he chaired the Devon and Cornwall Training Provider Network for eight years. In addition to his professional contributions, Mike is deeply involved in the local community.
He has chaired fundraising testimonial events for Exeter Chiefs rugby players Phil Dolman and Gareth Steenson, raising over £150,000 for charity. A dedicated rugby enthusiast, he coaches his local under-16 team, renowned for their skill, and manages his hometown Colts team. Combining his passion for rugby with his professional role, Mike also leads the College’s Exeter Chiefs Academy, fostering talent both on and off the field.
DIRECTOR
Following over 30 years in the Hospitality industry starting in 1995 as Deputy Manager at the University of Exeter of Campus Services, opening a variety of bars and restaurants in Exeter as well being operations manager for Boston Tea Party. Yvan has owned The Oddfellows in Exeter since 2006, and Barnova Ltd Event Bars business since 2018.
Yvan has an excellent knowledge of the city centre as well a being part of many city centre events, Exeter Festival, Exeter Christmas Market & Exeter Food Festival.
DIRECTOR
Tom is the Business Development Director at Acronyms, an IT support company based at Plymouth Science Park. He joined Acronyms in 2014 and in the last seven years has helped build a Sales & Marketing department at the growing Plymouth business. 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.
Acronyms has been an active members of Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce throughout the years and had great success as an organisation from this. Tom can provide first-hand experience in how to ensure you are making the most out of your membership.
Away from the office, Tom has recently learned to scuba dive and enjoys spending weekends diving with his fiancée, Sarah.
DIRECTOR
James is the Commercial Director at Plymouth Albion RFC, where he leads the club’s commercial strategy – driving growth across partnerships, hospitality, ticketing, marketing & communications, merchandise, and events.
He combines creative thinking with data-driven insight to inform decision-making, optimise performance, and build long-term sustainability through meaningful relationships, innovative initiatives, and exceptional experiences for supporters and partners alike.
With a proven record in strategic planning, audience engagement, and revenue development, James has held senior roles at some of the city’s most high-profile organisations, including Theatre Royal Plymouth and Plymouth Argyle Football Club. He is widely recognised for his collaborative approach and his ability to align business objectives with community impact.
Originally from Surrey but now a proud adopted Devonian, James is passionate about the role sport and culture play in strengthening the region’s identity and economy.
DIRECTOR
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.
DIRECTOR
Anna is an independent listening specialist who works with businesses to gather valuable and actionable insight from their stakeholders. Prior to establishing her business, Anna worked as an in-house marketer for professional services firms Deloitte and BDO.
She began her career in the civil service in Plymouth, working for the Government Office for the South West where she oversaw a portfolio of European Social Fund projects, before moving to London to work in Westminster for two years.
Anna is an active member of the Chamber, and is passionate about supporting fellow members to maximise the benefit of their investment. She is enthusiastic about promoting Plymouth as a place to do business, develop your career and raise a family.
Anna is a YMCA youth mentor, a mum to two boys and an eager (but not particularly skilled) hockey player.
DIRECTOR
An ex-journalist with more than 20 years of experience as an employee communications and engagement consultant, Margaret is a driving force behind transforming workplaces into purpose-driven, connected, and high-performing environments. Her deep expertise in brand strategy, communications, employee engagement, and culture makes her an invaluable partner to global and national organisations navigating change at any level.
Margaret empowers leaders to harness the power of employee communications as a catalyst for aligning business strategy with internal culture, creating workplaces that thrive even amidst disruption. Her strategic and targeted approach not only restores purpose and pride but also delivers measurable business results that leave a lasting impact.
From collaborating with iconic brands like Sainsbury’s, John Lewis, Sotheby’s, and Diageo, to championing meaningful local projects with Babcock International, Rowcroft Hospice, and The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, Margaret’s work consistently inspires and uplifts.
Today, she is focused on bringing her passion and expertise to Plymouth and Devon, demonstrating the extraordinary value of investing in employees and unlocking the potential within every organisation.
DIRECTOR
Sawsan Khuri (PhD, SHFEA, FRSA) is an educator and entrepreneur, creating synergies and empowering the young. She runs Collaborative Capacities, designers of complex conversations at the intersection between academia, business, government, and the not-for-profit sector.
Their recent work has focused on strategy development for specific project themes, inclusive practice, and ethical leadership. Passionate about powering entrepreneurship in young people, Sawsan is the Founding CEO of Volt Entrepreneurs Limited.
The Volt package is delivered to 16-19 year olds as an after school program or bootcamp, giving them the mindset, professional skills and confidence to become entrepreneurs and cultivate a lifelong habit of innovative thinking.
Sawsan is featured in the Super Cool Scientists Coloring Book (2017), and is the winner of the Girls to Women Award at the Diversity Business Incubator BAME Gala 2024. Her contribution to science education continues as a part time Senior Lecturer in Medical Sciences at the University of Exeter Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Sawsan plays a leadership role in several international organisations, and serves on a number of Boards.
DIRECTOR
Karen is the Ministry of Defence Partnership and Programme Director for Team Plymouth. A former senior Royal Navy commander and chartered manager, she brings extensive senior policy, operational and maritime leadership experience to driving defence‑enabled economic growth, skills, and innovation across the region.
Robert Zarywacz has run Zarywacz, a writing and corporate communications partnership, for 30+ years. Since 2009, as a journalist he has covered business news in North Devon, for the past eight years in Business Action magazine. Robert also organises the North Devon Business Awards and BBxpo business exhibitions. Through visiting some 2,000 businesses every quarter, Robert is deeply committed to supporting the North Devon business community in developing its full potential.
Balazs Bagi is the founder of Improved Ways Ltd, a North Devon-based consultancy specialising in ISO management systems and business process improvement. With over 25 years’ experience across automotive, aerospace, energy and manufacturing sectors, he supports organisations in designing, implementing, and optimising ISO systems. A CQI Chartered Quality Professional, Six Sigma Black Belt, IRCA-certified lead auditor trainer, and BSI third-party auditor, Balazs combines technical rigour with practical delivery, helping organisations strengthen compliance and performance.
Emma Blackburn is Associate Director of Operations at JensonR+, responsible for leading core business functions and driving operational strategy. She has a proven track record of building high-performing teams, delivering growth and implementing effective operating models. With experience spanning recruitment, employability and consultancy, Emma offers a broad perspective on workforce, skills and business performance in North Devon. Passionate about people, performance and collaboration, she is committed to supporting local businesses, strengthening networks and championing growth across the region.
Chris French is Chief Executive Officer of Devon County FA, based in Newton Abbot. He provides strategic and executive leadership for the governance, growth and long‑term sustainability of grassroots football across Devon. Under his leadership, Devon County FA, an FA‑recognised, national award‑winning association, has developed a clear strategic vision, strengthened organisational culture, and enhanced partnerships and investment in facilities and participation. Chris brings a strong background in people leadership, safeguarding and community impact. He also serves as Vice Chair of Governors and Safeguarding Lead at a primary school and continues to volunteer within grassroots football.
Bernard Gale is a Director of Select Consultancy Services Ltd, with over 30 years’ experience in health and safety across many sectors. For more than a decade, he has supported small and medium-sized businesses across Devon, providing practical guidance on legal compliance and day-to-day health and safety requirements. Bernard is committed to helping smaller companies stay compliant while keeping paperwork to a minimum, focusing on straightforward, workable solutions. He is also developing digital tools and resources to simplify health and safety processes and improve access to professional support across the region.
Laura Gray is Business Development Manager at The Mole Resort, a premium countryside resort in North Devon. She brings over 20 years of hospitality experience, including 15 years working across Devon in Exeter, South Devon and now North Devon. Laura specialises in client-focused event planning and high quality service, and has worked closely with the Chamber in various roles. She is passionate about collaboration, regional representation and supporting business growth across North Devon.
Sarah Logan is co-founder of leading South West alternative provision Next Steps Education, which focuses on reducing disengagement and supporting students with SEMH and/or unmet needs. Working with schools, MATs and LAs, it provides bespoke education packages across six local authority areas. Sarah grew up in Bideford, left college early and moved to London to join the music industry. Leaving global brand management for BBC’s Top Of The Pops, Sarah retrained to teach, returning to North Devon in 2010. Late-diagnosed with ADHD, Sarah aims to show that neither neurodivergence nor our geography are limits to opportunity.
Judith Manser is a Partner and Head of Residential Property at Wollens in North Devon. Judith has extensive experience advising individuals, families and organisations on residential property matters, including complex and high‑value transactions. Judith leads a regional residential property team and has a strong interest in governance, compliance and delivering high‑ quality professional services. She is actively involved in the local community and is keen to support sustainable growth and collaboration for businesses across North Devon.
Phil Parker is one of Europe’s most distinguished independent film and TV development consultants. Clients have included Aardman Animation, BBC, Creative England, Luxx Studios, Berlin Brandenburg Medianboard, PRIME India, and Eurimage. He is currently Screenplay Group Leader for CEE Animation and consultant on several independent film and TV projects. Phil ran MA Screenwriting at University of the Arts London 1994-2004. In 2000 he set up the UK Film Council’s £1m Development Training Fund. In 2021 he co-founded Artmakers to support artists in North Devon.
Stuart Robinson is a specialist worldwide in the transformation of conflicts, crises, dysfunctionalities and vulnerabilities into conciliation and strengthened resilience in business, politics and private life. Starting his professional career in management consultancy in England in the late 70s, Stuart has built an immense wealth of first-hand experience in resolving conflicts, crises, dysfunctionalities and vulnerabilities by identifying and addressing their root-sources plus resetting interactional dynamics. Having operated internationally from Switzerland for over 30 years, where he established the 5C Centre for Cross-Cultural Conflict Conciliation, Stuart recently returned to his natal roots in Devon with the objective of sharing what he has learnt around the world with a greater number of people and organisations in Britain. Stuart has recently completed a series of articles which focus on corporate, individual and relational resilience.
Eliot Seabourn-Wren is co-owner and chef patron of The Carlton Hotel in Ilfracombe, operating within North Devon’s visitor economy. With over a decade running a seasonal coastal business, he brings practical insight into SME challenges and opportunities. As Chair of the Ilfracombe Business and Tourism Association, he advocates for local businesses, working with partners to strengthen year-round economic resilience and visitor appeal. Eliot contributes to strategic discussions across the region, promoting collaboration, sustainable growth, and stronger representation for coastal communities. He is particularly focused on translating policy into tangible outcomes and supporting innovation, including the adoption of digital tools within small businesses.
Kerry Turton has worked in the care industry for more than 27 years, starting as a carer and progressing to Director. She now runs her own care businesses, with over 35 staff. Kerry’s background is forensic mental health, dementia and general care, having managed many care facilities and building homes and businesses from scratch. She also undertakes consultancy work preparing homes for CQC inspections and helping them turn around their businesses to conform to regulations. Kerry has sat on the health and wellbeing board for One Ilfracombe for 12 years. Kerry aims to promote care as a career, showcasing staff talent, recognising the hard work and rewards, and removing the stigmas surrounding the care sector.
Carla Wakefield is an Associate Director with a strong track record in leadership, strategic delivery, and stakeholder engagement. Alongside her professional role, she also runs a small business in North Devon, giving her first‑hand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing local enterprises. Carla brings a collaborative, commercially focused approach and is passionate about supporting sustainable economic growth, innovation, and inclusive prosperity across the regional business community.
Rebecca Wheeler is the Business Development Manager for Vranch House Children’s Charity, which delivers specialist healthcare and education services across Devon for the NHS and DCC. Operating from Barnstaple and Exeter, it employs 115 staff and support 1,500 outpatients each year. As a member of the Senior Management Team, Rebecca leads on business intelligence, using data analysis to identify trends, challenges and strategic opportunities for service improvement and sustainable growth. Currently studying for an MBA, having gained a Bsc (Hons) and MSc, Rebecca brings additional commercial and operational insight from previous experience in the veterinary sector.
Daniel Whitfield is an entrepreneur and co-founder of A Little Deli in Lynton. After building a successful retail business rooted in the local community, he created Scape Goat Rum, a premium spirits brand with regional and national ambitions. His journey to developing a scaleable product brand has given him a well-rounded understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing North Devon’s business community. A passionate advocate for independent businesses, Daniel lives in Lynton with his wife Laura and enjoys championing the region as a thriving place to live, work and visit.
Julie Yates has more than 20 years’ experience in Further Education, building strong, trusted relationships with employers across North Devon and the wider South West, supporting them to recruit, upskill and retain their workforce. For the past nine years she has worked at North Devon College. Julie has led teams focused on business engagement, workforce development and recruitment, including apprenticeships, T Level industry placements and work experience. As Group Head of Business Engagement, Julie acts as a bridge between employers and education, feeding back workforce needs, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and connecting learners into meaningful employment opportunities.
Laurence Frewin is Principal and Chief Executive of South Devon College. He brings extensive experience in strategic leadership and partnership working, with a strong focus on supporting growth across Torbay’s unique coastal economy. He works with business leaders to strengthen and build connections across sectors and help shape a clear, place based approach that reflects the area’s opportunities and challenges.
Alongside this role, Laurence is Chair of the Skills and Employment Advisory Group for the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority and a Non-Executive Director of the South West Business Council, contributing to regional collaboration between business, education and government. He has led South Devon College since 2019, where provision for young people was judged “Outstanding” by Ofsted in May 2024, alongside national recognition including TEF Gold for higher education and a national Green Gown Award for sustainability leadership.
Alex Bickham is Managing Director of MW Benney Ltd, a Torbay-based construction company delivering projects across the South West in sectors including education, healthcare, local authority, heritage and commercial works.
Alex has built his career within the construction industry, progressing through commercial, estimating and site delivery roles before becoming Managing Director. Under his leadership, MW Benney has continued to grow while maintaining a strong focus on collaborative working, quality delivery, local employment and supporting the wider South West supply chain.
Alongside his role at MW Benney, Alex is Vice Chair of Build Torbay, where he supports closer collaboration between employers, education providers and local organisations to help address skills gaps and create opportunities for people entering the construction sector.
As a Torbay Business Board member, Alex is keen to represent the voice of local SMEs, support inclusive growth and help promote Torbay as a place where businesses, communities and young people can thrive.’
Amanda Hill is a senior executive and board adviser with 25+ years of commercial leadership across enterprise, growth-stage and startups servicing technology enabled businesses where the customer or user experience is central to success. She is a Board Trustee of Penny Brohn, a cancer well being charity, Board Trustee of the Engineering Council, the regulatory authority for registration in the Engineering sector and owner of ALH Consulting Limited.
Amanda’s executive track record spans P&L ownership, GTM transformation, and large-scale organisational change. She has doubled ARR to $19.5m with 35% margin expansion at VMware, delivered 50% bottom-line and 15% topline improvement at HPE Software EMEA, led on the divestiture of £6bn of revenue and 22,000 employees during HPE’s UKI restructuring and launched and scaled businesses at YNV. She has developed teams across 28 countries as well as led businesses from between £5k to £1bn focusing on unlocking the growth opportunities, developing the ecosystem and ensuring talent and skills development is at the heart of each company’s strategy.
Amanda brings a consistent focus on customer lifetime value, data-driven decision making and operational rigour. She works with PE-backed and growth-stage businesses in helping leadership teams accelerate commercial performance and build effective operational capability and a talented employee base. As a board member, she offers direct commercial challenge, governance discipline, and deep experience of stakeholder complexity that comes with corporate transactions, regulated environments, and international markets.
Amanda is an active STEM Ambassador and champion for women in business. She lives and works in Torbay.
Ben Coggins is a property developer and entrepreneur with more than 25 years’ experience in construction, design and project management across the UK and Europe.
He is co-founding director of Armada Property UK, an award-winning construction and consultancy business recognised for delivering high-quality residential developments and regenerating brownfield sites. Projects include affordable housing initiatives such as the Brampton House “Hotels to Homes” scheme delivered in partnership with Torbay Council.
Ben is also the founder of Constructing Futures , a foundation dedicated to tackling skills shortages, creating career pathways and improving access to opportunities within the construction industry. Through partnerships with industry, education providers and local communities, the initiative aims to equip the next generation with all elements of construction skills, work experience and routes into long-term employment.
He is also the founder of Gravity Scaffolding that covers the residential and commercial market across the South West and co-founder of Deuce, an isotonic drink developed for racket sports including padel and tennis
Geoff Pring is the Director of Visitor Experience at Buckfast Abbey. As well as an iconic place of worship in the Southwest, the Abbey boasts a variety of services and facilities to its visitors, including a Conference Centre, Hotel and Italian inspired restaurant, San Benedetto’s.
The Abbey works closely with a variety of different stakeholders, continually evolving and adapting to new demands and challenges, with over 1,000 years of history there is still plenty of future thinking and planning. It has been an active member of the Chamber over the last 10 years and is keen to strengthen its and the Chambers role in promoting Devon, and the Greater Southwest, as an important place to do business.
Geoff is a trustee of Cathedrals Plus, representing Cathedrals, Abbeys and greater churches in the UK and Ireland and an active member of the Devon Association of Tourist Attractions. He has worked in many varied hospitality and sales roles through the years and grown his influence at the Abbey over a 20 year career there.
Jenny Paton is the Business Development Manager at Newton Abbot Racecourse, where she oversees the Business Club and its events, sponsorship and conferencing. She joined the racecourse in 2018, having previously worked there in the early 2000s. The Business Club launched in 2025 and already has 27 members from across the South Devon business sector.
Passionate about building relationships and bringing people and businesses together, Jenny thrives on collaboration and is dedicated to supporting the local community through her work with a number of charities.
With a proven track record in event management, marketing and fundraising she brings a wealth of experience to the board. She is a strong advocate for the important role that summer jump racing plays in sport, culture and the local economy in South Devon.
Born and raised in Torbay, Jenny has extensive knowledge of the area and a deep understanding of both its business community and tourism sector.
Kelly Widley has worked across the hospitality, food, drink, events and business engagement sectors for more than 20 years, both in Torbay and overseas. Passionate about supporting businesses and strengthening the local economy, she is committed to building connections, encouraging collaboration and creating opportunities across Devon.
Kelly is a Director of the English Riviera BID Company, Vice Chair of Torbay Business Forum and Project Manager for England’s Seafood FEAST and Riviera Connect Expo. In her role as Partnerships and Business Development Manager at Clear Sky Publishing, she works closely with businesses, stakeholders and partner organisations across the South West, delivering business publications, events, networking opportunities and commercial partnerships.
Known for bringing people together, Kelly has developed an extensive network across the public and private sectors and is a strong advocate for partnership working. She is passionate about ensuring businesses have a voice, sharing best practice and helping to promote Devon as a thriving place to live, work, invest and do business.
Maureen Townsend has lived in Torquay since 2019. She is an experienced business leader, marketing consultant, and partnership specialist with a background in helping organisations grow through collaboration, strategic engagement, and effective communication.
During her senior leadership career with Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, she played a key role in developing partnerships between businesses, public sector organisations, educational institutions, and regional stakeholders, creating opportunities that delivered lasting value across the business community.
As founder of Accentuate Visuals, Maureen brings expertise in business development, marketing strategy, content creation, and commercial photography, supporting organisations to strengthen their profile and achieve sustainable growth.
She is also a founding partner and co-organiser of Devon Women in Business, supporting and encouraging female business women across Devon
Recognised for her ability to bring people and organisations together, Maureen combines commercial insight with a collaborative approach, enabling businesses to build meaningful relationships, unlock opportunities, and achieve long-term success.
Nigel Fenn MBE is a business owner with NEon Solution and an experienced Skills leader with over 20 years’ experience operating at senior leadership level. He has a proven track record developing award winning and successful skills programmes and delivering strategic business improvement projects.
Nigel grew up in Torbay and has always worked in Devon and the wider South West. He holds a degree in Business Information Technology, a level 7 CIPD Award in Human Resources and a Postgraduate CPD in Management.
Nigel is passionate about supporting people and local businesses. He has Chaired the South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network for 10 year and grown the network from 40 employers to over 400 ambassadors with a common desire to promote apprenticeships as a pathway to career and business success. Nigel was recognised with an MBE in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
Simon Beer is MD and co-owner of Bigwave Marketing, a B Corp certified agency based in the Southwest. The agency employs 55+ specialists across advertising, content, creative, paid media, SEO/GEO, video and web development. It supports public sector, charity and purpose-led clients across the UK and Ireland that deliver positive outcomes for their communities.
Bigwave and its creative output have won awards from Western Morning News ‘Best Place to Work’ to UKactive ‘Best campaign of the year’. The agency is a Google, Microsoft and Meta Partner and a Real Living Wage accredited employer.
Simon holds an eMBA, a degree in Electronic Imaging and Media Communication and was part of the first UK cohort to complete Google’s Squared Online digital marketing programme. He previously held roles in a UK top-100 PR agency.
He is a member of the Devon and Torbay CCA Business Advisory Board and a founding member of the Torbay Creative Cluster.
Sue Julyan is Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice Torbay and Citizens Advice Exeter, where she leads a team of paid staff and volunteers delivering vital advice and support services across Torbay and Exeter. She is an experienced strategic leader with a strong track record in organisational development, partnership working, and championing community impact.
Before moving into the charity sector, Sue spent over 24 years in education. She served as Headteacher and specialised in leadership development, culture, and collaboration working across multiple schools. She brings extensive experience of governance, financial management and working with diverse stakeholders, including local authorities, the NHS and voluntary sector partners.
As a Torbay resident, Sue is passionate about improving outcomes for the local community, tackling inequality, and ensuring that the voices of people in Torbay are heard. She is pleased to represent the area on the Devon Chamber Place Board.
Simon Steer is a Commercial Insurance Broker at Konsileo, based in Torbay, where he works closely with businesses to help them identify and manage risk while providing tailored insurance solutions that support their growth and resilience. In industry he has worked in for the past 15 years.
Alongside his professional role, Simon is passionate about championing the local business community. As Chair of the Paignton Chamber of Commerce, he has focused on strengthening collaboration between businesses, growing engagement through successful networking events, and helping to raise the profile of Paignton as a thriving place to live, work and invest.
Simon also serves on several local boards and partnerships, giving him a broad understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing businesses across Devon. He is committed to ensuring that the voice of local businesses is heard and that collaboration between the public and private sectors delivers meaningful, long-term economic growth.
Troy Wheeler is Managing Director and co-owner of Tomlinson Solutions Ltd, a South West technology company supporting organisations with managed IT, cyber security, digital transformation, web and growth-focused technology services.
Based in Torbay, Troy works with businesses across Devon to help them use technology more strategically, securely and effectively. His role focuses on business growth, innovation, cyber resilience and helping organisations turn technology from an operational necessity into a driver of long-term success.
Troy is a Chartered Innovation Professional and brings experience across IT, cyber security, consultancy and business strategy. As Managing Director, he is helping shape the next stage of Tomlinson Solutions’ growth, with a strong focus on people-first technology, measurable outcomes and supporting local businesses to become more resilient and future-ready.
As a board member of the newly formed Torbay Business Board, representing the Devon Chamber of Commerce, Troy is committed to championing the Torbay business community, strengthening collaboration across the region and supporting initiatives that help local organisations grow, innovate and succeed.
Chamber members are three times more likely to survive – and thrive – than other businesses.
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