A group of general practice professionals attending a

Simpkins Edwards supports GPs with practice-focused event

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Wed, 09/03/2025 - 6:18am

South West accountancy firm Simpkins Edwards is providing valuable support to GPs aiming to run their practices better, with the return of a popular one-day event.

Aptly titled ‘The Business of General Practice’, the free event at Sandy Park on Tuesday September 16 covers topics that are critical to General Practice. These include ways to navigate rising staff costs and company structures strategically to strengthen a practice's financial strategy and long-term sustainability; an overview of the NHS Pension Scheme; and data-driven benchmarking insights.

In a highly topical...

Westcotts strengthens tax expertise with appointment of new Director

Westcotts, a leading South West firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, has appointed Jon Sparkes as Tax Director, strengthening the firm’s tax expertise and reinforcing its commitment to helping SMEs and organisations across the region achieve growth and resilience.

Jon, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (FCA) and Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA), will be based in the firm’s Exeter office and brings more than 30 years’ experience advising owner-managed businesses, larger corporates and not-for-profit organisations.

He specialises in corporate...

Public Consultation Opens on Proposed Merger Between Exeter College and Petroc

Exeter College and Petroc have today launched a public consultation on a proposed merger that would see two Devon colleges come together to form a new College Group.

If approved, the new organisation, the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group (ENDC), would serve more than 16,000 learners across Devon, employ nearly 2,000 staff and have a combined turnover exceeding £100 million.

The proposal is a voluntary merger, with neither college in any form of intervention. By combining their resources and expertise, the Colleges aim to create a stronger, more resilient group with...

Turf cutting

‘Turf it Forward’ deadline approaches – last chance to nominate

Authored by Sue Cade
Posted: Mon, 09/01/2025 - 3:01pm

Time is running out for community organisations, schools, sports clubs and charities to apply for a turf-tastic prize from HCT Turf , with a deadline for nominations of Thursday 12th September.

One deserving nominee will receive up to 150 square metres of high-quality turf, grown locally and professionally installed, a donation worth hundreds of pounds.

‘Turf it Forward’ aims to support groups that make a difference in their local communities. And the timing couldn’t be better, as turf has had a tough time of it over the last few months with this being the hottest summer...

Can You Take an Electric Scooter on a Train in the UK?

Authored by Simon Wells
Posted: Sun, 08/31/2025 - 10:38pm

Electric scooters have rapidly become a popular choice for commuters across the United Kingdom, offering an efficient and eco-friendly way to navigate busy streets. However, many riders face uncertainty when it comes to combining their scooters with train travel. The question of whether these devices are permitted onboard UK trains is not always clear, as rules differ between operators. For regular commuters and occasional travelers alike, understanding current policies, safety concerns, available alternatives is essential to making informed decisions about traveling with an electric...

Learn to Play is back: Music makers in Devon invited to join UK’s free national music making event

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sun, 08/31/2025 - 9:40pm

UK charity ‘Music for All’ have announced that their highly anticipated annual flagship event Learn to Play is returning this Autumn, and are opening the opportunity for anyone interested in music-making a chance to take part in the biggest free music making weekend of the year!

The event will be held by Crediton Youth Orchestra in Crediton on the 9-12 October and is open to everyone; regardless of age, experience and background and provides opportunities for participants to experience a free taster music making lesson

Running for over a decade, Learn to Play aims to...

Dementia UK shares the signs and symptoms of dementia to look out for ahead of free clinics in Devon

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sat, 08/30/2025 - 7:46pm

Nationwide and Dementia UK’s free face-to-face clinics are returning to Nationwide’s Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Barnstaple and Exmouth, branches this September, offering specialist support in a safe, comfortable and private space for people to discuss any aspect of dementia.

Hosted by Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses, the clinics are open to anyone impacted by dementia, offering life-changing support to families and individuals in the area. The clinics will take place throughout September, and appointments can be booked via Dementia UK’s website here .

The clinics will offer...

Taste East Devon Festival Returns

A Celebration of Food, Drink & Local Delights from 13th – 21st September 2025

Get ready to tuck into one of the region’s most exciting culinary celebrations as the Taste East Devon Festival returns for its fifth year from 13th to 21st September 2025 ! From vineyard tours and foraging feasts to artisan tastings and family-friendly days out, this 9-day festival promises to showcase the very best of East Devon’s food, drink, and hospitality.

With a packed programme of unique events hosted by some of the area’s most iconic producers, chefs, and venues, Taste East Devon brings...

Devon launches new wave of funded training to power the region’s future

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Wed, 08/27/2025 - 11:55pm

Devon County Council has officially launched the sixth year of its flagship Train4Tomorrow Skills Bootcamps programme, offering over 2,000 adults in the region a unique opportunity to upskill or retrain for in-demand jobs.

Backed by government funding as part of the national Skills for Life initiative, this latest wave of Train4Tomorrow will deliver high-quality, employer-designed training across key growth sectors; from construction trade skills, HGV driving, EV charger installation, AI and data skills and early years education.

Courses are available to adults aged 19...

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