Part of Devon Chamber, the North Devon Business Board champions the ambitions of businesses across North Devon and Torridge – bringing together organisations from across the area to strengthen connections, build a stronger collective voice and help shape a more confident economic future.
The North Devon Business Board is the Devon Chamber’s dedicated presence for North Devon and Torridge, helping businesses build valuable relationships, raise visibility and be part of the conversations shaping the area’s future. Through events, insight, advocacy and stronger local connections, it gives members practical ways to grow while helping ensure the region’s business voice is heard more clearly at county and regional level.
There’s no better way to start your working day than by spending a morning with like-minded business individuals while networking over a delicious breakfast.
Start your day with a warm welcome and a hot drink at our Coffee & Connections North Devon events, taking place from 9.30-10.30am at various venues across the region.
North Devon and Torridge are remarkable places to do business – with a diverse business base, nationally significant strengths in sectors including clean maritime, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agri-food and clean energy, and a growing role to play in Devon’s wider economic future.
But while the area has real economic strength, it has also lacked a formal structure that places the business voice at the heart of strategic decision-making. Through the North Devon Business Board we are creating that platform – bringing businesses together around shared priorities, stronger representation and a more coordinated voice for North Devon and Torridge.
North Devon and Torridge are home to a diverse and resilient business community, shaped by strong local enterprise, nationally significant industrial capability and distinctive rural and coastal strengths, including:
Our purpose is to give North Devon and Torridge a stronger, more coordinated business voice – one that helps local employer insight shape priorities, influence decisions and support long-term growth.
By working together, we can:
Ensuring businesses across North Devon and Torridge are better represented in the decisions that shape the area’s future.
Championing the region’s strengths in clean maritime, manufacturing, agri-food, clean energy and other high-potential sectors.
Supporting conversations around skills shortages, aspiration, workforce resilience and long-term access to talent.
Helping make the case for the transport, digital and strategic investment needed for businesses and communities to thrive.
Building a more confident and coordinated story for North Devon and Torridge as places with serious economic ambition.
The North Devon Business Board brings together business leaders from across North Devon and Torridge to strengthen collaboration, champion shared priorities and ensure the area has a clearer, more influential voice in the decisions that shape its future.
North Devon and Torridge businesses can benefit from regular profile opportunities through the Chamber’s quarterly magazine Profile, helping raise visibility across the wider Devon business community.
Alongside ongoing editorial coverage, the area also features throughout the year as part of the Chamber’s wider content, storytelling and place-led activity.
Become a member of the Chamber and benefit from Local Connections, Regional Strength, National Voice and Global Reach.
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.
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