Hello there,
I started Devon Business News and Directory five years ago, when local firms were finding new ways to survive lockdown. It began as a simple idea to shine a light on the people behind Devon’s businesses and it has grown ever since.
Unfortunately, health challenges have meant I couldn’t give the project the attention it deserves, but I’m grateful to say we’re bouncing back. Layla Rose has come on board as client liaison manager and there’s fresh energy all round.
We have hundreds of articles and listings promoting Devon based companies. Our two sites do really well in online searches, which means the people and businesses we feature get seen.
Please support us by forwarding this newsletter to a business colleague, updating your directory listing, or creating a new listing. I would also be happy to hear your business news and share it far and wide.
Featured article · This Wednesday
Don’t miss the Chamber’s annual exhibition in Plymouth
Plymouth Life Centre, Mayflower Drive, PL2 3DG
Free entry, register in advance
After record attendance last year, Devon Chamber of Commerce brings its big business show back to Plymouth this week. More than 100 exhibitors took part in 2025, and this year’s line up includes Devon County Council, Exeter Airport, the Growth Hub and Babcock International Group. The day also sees the launch of the Chamber’s Global Devon strategy for firms looking to grow their reach, and early risers can start with a networking breakfast at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park.
Devon days out
Dazzling Dartmouth by day or night
Fancy a day away from the desk? Better still, make it a night. Al Gibson shares why Dartmouth is one of Devon’s finest escapes and the local businesses that made his trip.
He stayed in the Captain’s Cabin at Alf’s Rooms on Lower Street, which meant being able to enjoy the town long after the day trippers had headed home. Breakfast was downstairs at Café Alf Resco, now run by the Green family, where Al’s cockapoo Maizi was spoilt rotten with sausage treats.
Andrew Green has also opened Knead Peace, an artisan bakery that grew out of a cookbook raising money for Ukraine. Al didn’t leave without a couple of sourdough loaves! Then it was on to the river with Dittisham Ferries for a gentle trip up the Dart and a Luscombe elderflower at the Anchorstone Café.
From devonbusiness.news
Top stories this month
Charity challenge · Exeter
Exeter business coach takes on Kilimanjaro for charity
Andrew de Groot of ActionCOACH Exeter and his wife Charlotte are currently in Tanzania with the aim of reaching the summit of Africa’s highest mountain on 18 October, Anti-Slavery Day. They’re raising money for International Justice Mission and local businesses have already dug deep, but there’s still a little way to go to hit their target. Why not give them a final push?
So many local entrepreneurs are doing amazing things for charity and we hope to share more of these stories.
Find out more about this Devon business owner’s charity challenge →
Totnes
DCUK celebrates its King’s Award as overseas sales grow
The gifting business has formally received its King’s Award for Enterprise after years of steady international growth. A proud moment for South Devon.
Read more →
Exeter
Lane7 picks Exeter for its 30th UK venue
The leisure operator is heading for the Guildhall Shopping Centre, bringing around 30 new jobs to the city centre.
Read more →Diary date
Rediscover Business & Leadership 2026
Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November, South Gate Hotel, Exeter
KingdomBiz brings its conference back to Exeter for a second year. Speakers include Andrew Davies, Chief Innovation Officer at global software company Paddle, and Dr Samuel Odewunmi of the University of Exeter. Friday evening opens with drinks and networking before a full day of talks on the Saturday.
Find out more →From devonbusiness.directory
People and companies worth knowing
Featured article · Honiton
From professional football to an award winning East Devon sports and injury clinic
Andy Taylor was on Manchester United’s books as a teenager and later played for Exeter City, where he met physiotherapist Claire. Today the couple run Taylormade Performance and Rehabilitation at Fenny Bridges near Honiton, and clients travel from right across Devon to see them.
Their work covers injury rehab, strength and conditioning and clinical Pilates in groups of five or fewer, with programmes for young athletes and older adults alike. This year has already brought two more awards, including Best Integrated Health & Wellness Enterprise 2026.
“You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from our experience in professional sport. We help people recover from injury, build strength and stay active so they can enjoy life for longer.”
Andy Taylor
More good news from around the county
New jobs and a £500k boost for C&O Trailers after major Ifor Williams deal
Newton Abbot flooring firm wins national awards for Torquay restaurant project
Exeter coach Dave Mutton on why your existing customers are your biggest opportunity
Duncan Attwood takes fit20 over the county line with a new studio in Wellington
Our regular column · Matt Walton
Creative business in Devon: building a global music brand from the South West
Matt Walton was raised in Devon and has spent more than 30 years in technology and digital leadership, working with names like M&S, Sainsbury’s and Vodafone. Now he’s the founder of independent rock collective Good Vibes Rollercoaster. In his latest column he explains why you don’t need to move to London to build something ambitious.
Read Matt’s column →Featured listing · Dartmouth
Mr Fix-It Dartmouth: clearances and handyman help, seven days a week
Christian has spent more than 15 years clearing homes, gardens and garages around Dartmouth and South Devon. He’s a fully licensed waste carrier who recycles wherever he can, and he’ll happily take on the odd repair while he’s there.
Landlords and estate agents getting a property ready to sell or let will find him especially handy.
Business leaders
Two Torquay experts in the spotlight
Ben Tisdall
Mediator, Riviera Mediation
Ben spent 12 years in PR and journalism before qualifying as a solicitor and becoming a partner at a Plymouth firm. Now an accredited mediator, he calls himself “an evangelical advocate for mediation” and believes almost any dispute can be settled if both sides are willing to talk.
Based on Belgrave Road in Torquay, Ben and fellow mediator Donna Morcom help people and businesses across the South West avoid the cost and stress of court.
Elly Flower
Founder, Fox Clever Bookkeeping
Elly helped build Cornwall’s first games studio before turning her eye for numbers to online retail. Now based in Torquay, she helps Shopify, Amazon and Etsy sellers understand what they’re really making.
Her top tip for founders? Get your financial processes in place from day one rather than fixing everything later.
Read Elly’s interview → Listing →
Meet the team
Say hello to Layla
Layla Rose has joined us as client liaison manager. If you’re listed in the directory or have appeared in our news pages, she’s the friendly voice who’ll help you get even more from it.
Layla also runs Layla Rose Events in London and across Exeter, so she knows a thing or two about getting people talking. You can reach her at layla@devonbusiness.news.
Special offer · Could your business be next?
Your story, professionally told, for £175
Layla will arrange an interview about your business. We’ll write up your story with SEO in mind and publish it on Devon Business Directory, complete with valuable backlinks to your website. Then we’ll share it across our social channels so even more local people get to hear about you.
Email Layla at layla@devonbusiness.news
Not ready for a feature yet? A basic directory listing costs nothing at all, and members are shared on our social channels and in this newsletter.
Business advice
Why so many companies are invisible online
You can have a waiting list built entirely on word of mouth and still be almost impossible to find on Google. Al Gibson looks at why this happens all too often, especially with tradespeople, and what you can do to put it right.
Read the article →Never miss an issue
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