The latest Exeter Business Survey, carried out by Exeter Chamber of Commerce, shows the highest ever percentage of Exeter businesses planning to increase employees salaries.

90% of businesses surveyed said they will not be implementing a pay freeze for their staff, the highest figure since the survey began in March 2007.

Exeter Chamber of Commerce and Industry met with the Bank of England, on 18 September 2014 to report the findings of their Business Survey, for the last quarter.

The Business Survey also shows that investment has increased in the last quarter with...

The grape harvest is now underway at Devon's largest vineyard, Pebblebed.

This year, the winemakers, based at Clyst St Mary are all set for another bumper harvest following the great weather this summer.

Pebblebed owner, Geoff Bowen, said: "Last year, we harvested a huge 45 tonnes of grapes, producing nearly 40,000 bottles, and this year we are hoping for a similar yield. So we need some help to gather in the grapes. In the same tradition as the great vineyards of France and Italy, the harvest is a community effort and is a great social occasion as well as an opportunity to...

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg will relay public questions to the Chief Constable at a ‘new look’ performance and accountability meeting this week. It will take place on Wednesday (24 September) at Devon County Council headquarters in Exeter (2pm). The meeting is open to the public and will be webcast live on the internet. Local residents are expected to attend in person to hear their questions answered by Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer and other senior officers. “I receive an enormous amount of correspondence, and some of this concerns detailed operational policing”, said Mr Hogg “...

A new project to support the growing community energy movement is being launched today by Regen SW funded nationally by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation with additional support being made available in Devon by Devon County Council.

The initiative will support communities to generate, own and save energy.

The Community Accelerator Project will work with at least 30 communities directly and countless others through publicly available training and tools.

Over the next few weeks Regen will be selecting 30 communities from over 200 in their network and over 5,000 groups...

Physiotherapists at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in Heavitree have raised over £200 for Hospiscare by holding their ‘Big Devon Bake Off’.

Inspired by their love of cake, the department pulled out all the stops to host a baking competition for the charity’s September event, presenting an impressive range of baked confections for judges Liz Jacobs and Jane Middleton.

Everything from lemon drizzle to apple strudel was put forward by staff in the hope of claiming the converted ‘star baker’ title. In the end, it proved impossible to choose between two bakes, with a tie...

Are you looking for the ultimate shopping website? A one-stop shop where you can buy an incredible selection of luxurious products, ranging from the latest fashions to the most delicious food hampers? The hugely popular, South Devon based The Shops at Dartington have just gone nationwide with the exciting launch of their stylish new website ( www.shopsatdartington.co.uk ).

On the website you can browse the carefully chosen ‘edited’ selection of ‘best picks’, all from The Shops at Dartington’s 14 spectacular on-site shops. With home delivery and convenient ‘click and collect’...

New arrival to Exeter, A-Plan Insurance, has underlined its commitment to support the local community by becoming an official supporter of Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT).

The newly opened A-Plan branch on Sidwell Street will be donating £20 per new policy sold in the branch to DAAT when the charity is mentioned.

To mark the commitment, A-Plan is providing the focal point for National Air Ambulance Week from Monday 22 September, with a stand outside its offices from which members of DAAT will be raising money on Wednesday 24 September.

Ian Tuffrey, Branch Manager...