Brunel Group opens new South Molton office
Brunel Group has officially opened its new office on Broad Street, South Molton, after acquiring the renewal rights to John Walker Insurance Ltd (JWI) in March 2025. To celebrate the official opening, Brunel welcomed Councillor Steven Hinchliffe, Mayor of South Molton, who cut the ribbon alongside Brunel’s team and clients. On the day of celebration, Matt Harlin, Brunel’s Managing Director said: “When we acquired the business, we were delighted to take on a well-established local…
Preparing for self-employment
If you are exploring self-employment or getting ready to start your own business, join this Learn Devon Course starting on 25 August. The course is free and runs for seven sessions on Monday and Tuesday from 6pm to 9pm. Whether you are testing a side hustle or planning a full-time venture, you will get a clear, realistic understanding of what it takes to be your own boss. You will explore the benefits and challenges of…
New pannier market operator for Torrington
North Devon Handmade Collective (NDHC) has been appointed as new licence operator for Great Torrington Pannier Market.Established in 1842, Great Torrington Pannier Market is North Devon’s oldest pannier market. For some 184 years, the market has been at the heart of Great Torrington’s commercial and community life. Located within the elegant Victorian arcade and market house, the market remains one of Great Torrington’s most important heritage assets and a focal point for independent businesses, community…
Ilfracombe: the main attraction
Stunning summer weather is making North Devon irresistible and Ilfracombe Summer Family Fun Fair is drawing visitors and locals alike to the town’s seafront. The centre of attention this year is the new observation wheel offering spectacular views across the sea and town, especially at sunset.“The wheel was purchased with Ilfracombe in mind,” says Caroline Wynn who manages publicity for the fair, which visits the town each year. Caroline says the focus is very much…
Free business support for Devon businesses announced
A new, fully-funded business support programme is expected to launch in September 2026, helping businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs across Devon to start up, grow, and prosper. The programme is being commissioned by Devon County Council and partner local authorities, and part-funded through UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Devon & Torbay Combined County Authority. While the delivery provider is being appointed, you can register your interest now on the Growth Hub web site and…
North Devon Business Awards 2026 winners
The winners of the North Devon Business Awards were announced at the Awards Celebration on 4 June 2026 at The Mole Resort. The winners are: DTEC PRO North Devon Business of the Year 2026 sponsored by Philip J Milton & Company PLC Max Rockey of DTEC Pro Apprentice Achiever Award Winner Dancing Feet Academy of Dance Art & Creative Visionary Award Winner DTEC PRO Business Achiever Award Winner sponsored by Lineal Software Solutions Early Nourishment…
Full-day Digital Devon event for all businesses
A major new full-day event to boost digital adoption among Devon’s businesses is being held on Tuesday 9 June 2026 at the Rivera Centre, Torquay. The day will feature keynote speakers from companies including Microsoft, PwC and Cosmic, and bring together businesses and tech innovators from across the region. The event aims to attract 500+ attendees with more than 30 exhibitors. No business left behind The event is being held to ensure that ‘no business…
Manufacturer wins King’s Award
Defence technology company SEA, part of the Cohort plc Group, has been awarded the coveted King’s Award for International Trade in recognition of its sustained global growth and success in exporting advanced fleet protection and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The King’s Award for International Trade is an outstanding achievement awarded to UK businesses that have demonstrated exceptional growth in overseas earnings and commercial year-on-year growth over a period of three or six years. A King’s Award…
North Devon Business Awards 2026 finalists
We are delighted to announce the finalists in the North Devon Business Awards 2026. Thank you to all entrants. The quality has been superb, making the judges’ selection of winners very difficult. We look forward to welcoming finalists and all entrants to the Awards Celebration on Thursday 4 June at The Mole Resort – book tickets. Apprentice Achiever Award finalists Art & Creative Visionary Award finalists Business Achiever Award finalists Caring Business Award finalists Employer…
Launch of North Devon Place Board marks start of exciting new chapter for North Devon business
Devon Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the launch of the North Devon Place Board – a dedicated, business-led board that will champion the priorities and ambitions of businesses across North Devon and Torridge at county and regional level. North Devon is a remarkable place to do business. With more than 8,200 businesses, an estimated GVA of £3.34 billion, and genuine national significance in sectors including clean maritime, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agri-food and clean…
