Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that two of our most well-respected members and collaborators have stepped up to become Patrons.
Retain Limited and Livewell Southwest have both accepted patronage at a hugely exciting time for our organisation.
This winter marks the 210th anniversary of the Chamber – two centuries of proudly supporting the region’s businesses.
So much of that longevity and success is thanks to our patrons, who represent some of the best-known and respected names in the local business community.
Retain Limited is a well-established, award-winning three-in-one contractor for industrial and commercial roofing, scaffolding installation, safety netting and access solutions, and roof-mounted solar PV design and fixtures.
The group of companies found a unique space in the market to offer clients a structured approach by eliminating the need for multiple contractors and streamlining the process by being a one-point, trusted contact for clients. This approach both builds a strong client-contractor relationship and clear communication between project site workers.
Retain Limited group of companies holds multiple awards and certifications, including, but not limited to their CITB accreditation, National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) Gold Award for Health and Safety for six years in a row, and they are approved Gold members of Constructionline.
Jamie Gibbs, Retain’s Founder and Director, commented: “The Retain Limited team and I are very excited to become a Patron of the Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.
“This patronage presents a unique opportunity for us to grow our local and regional visibility and become further connected throughout the southwest of the country.
“The patronage also offers us many opportunities to support the Devon and Plymouth business community with our unique and award-winning three-in-one services within the construction and renewable energy sectors.”
Our other new Patron is Livewell Southwest, a social enterprise that provides integrated physical and mental health and social care services, serving a population of around 270,000 across South Hams, West Devon and Plymouth. They are also responsible for delivering specialist services to people living in parts of Cornwall and Devon.
Founded in 2011, Livewell Southwest works alongside colleagues from local NHS hospitals and services to deliver expert care to a range of communities, including community nursing; services for people with learning disabilities; physiotherapy; community mental health services; social work; wellbeing and health improvement services; services for children and young people and community pharmacies. Livewell Southwest employs more than 3,000 members of staff who champion their commitment to providing outstanding care.
Geoff Banies, Livewell Southwest’s Deputy Chief Executive, Director of Safety and Quality, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for us to collaborate with some of the most renowned and esteemed names in our local business community.
“Becoming Patrons enables us to play an active role in all business endeavours and issues spanning Plymouth, Devon, and the broader Southwest region. This move strategically aligns with our vision, and together, we can contribute to shaping health and wellbeing benefits from economic growth within the city”.
Patrons of the Chamber are some of the best-known and respected names in the business community. They are woven into the Chamber’s extensive lobbying activities and become one of the region’s principal voices.
Chamber Chief Executive, Stuart Elford said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome not one, but two new Patrons to our Chamber family.
“Retain Ltd and Livewell Southwest are both hugely successful and influential organisations here in the South West.
“Through their support for the Chamber, our patrons demonstrate their commitment to the development of the economy and business throughout Devon and Plymouth.
“Our patrons will take centre stage as we look ahead to our packed events programme for the rest of 2023 and beyond. And we’re also counting down to this year’s Devon Business Show, which promises to be a true celebration of our region’s thriving business community.
“Our Patrons play a unique role in developing the future of our region, and the Chamber is far stronger with the support and Patronage of Retain Ltd and Livewell Southwest.”
