In 2002 Barny Butterfield began making cider in a shed. Fast forward 20 years and he is Chief Cidermaker and owner of Sandford Orchards, a business that produces over 7 million pints of cider per year, yet still retains Barny’s original vision, to produce the best tasting cider ‘done right’.
Barny Butterfield comments: “In the beginning, cider making was really just a hobby but one that I seemed to have some talent for. It was also something that I was incredibly passionate about, right from the outset. Eventually, it was clear that either my hobby or my day job had to go and I...
Devon’s Work Hub network is continuing to grow across the county with the addition of three more hubs. Axminster, Ivybridge and Totnes are the latest to join the network, which now has a total of 22 flexible coworking spaces. The unique aspects of each of these three Hubs reflect emerging trends in the coworking world, providing niche offerings and a heightened focus on community. Waffle Work , located on Axminster High Street, is a community driven Hub and is free of charge to use. The Hub has on-site tech support and runs a free tech surgery on Tuesday mornings. Its on-site Waffle House...
Adults in Devon have the chance to gain skills in the region’s fastest-growing sectors through the latest wave of Train4Tomorrow Skills Bootcamps.
Train4Tomorrow Skills Bootcamps , delivered by Devon County Council and Cornwall Council, offer a range of fully-funded digital and technical courses for anyone looking to move into a new career.
The 16 weeks of training offers free access to courses that would normally cost between £1,500 and £3,000.
The courses have been developed with the help of training partners and employers to meet live, open vacancies covering...
One-third of all employees in the UK feel undervalued at work, according to new national research revealed today.
The research, conducted by Appreciate Business Services, the home of Love2shop, puts the number of employees who feel undervalued across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland at 10 million people.
Nearly four-fifths (79%) of employees who feel undervalued are looking for a job elsewhere, with that figure increasing to nine out of ten (90%) among the youngest demographic aged 18-24.
The research, which forms part of the ‘Appreciate Report’,...
Supporting local has just got easier with the launch of the digital version of the Exeter independent gift card, and a brand-new look
Exeter is one of the first cities in the South West to have its own digital gift card. Digital gift cards are sent to the recipient as a text or email, the recipient can then add the balance of the Exeter Independent Gift Card to their digital wallet and make their purchase using their phone, to make a contactless payment in-store.
The new-look physical Exeter Independent Gift Card features a new design on the front of the card and enhanced eco...
As the UK pilot hits its halfway point, Simon Ursell, Managing Director of the Exeter-based environmental consultancy, shares his top seven learnings so far
As the UK’s 4-day week pilot programme reaches its midway mark, participating companies are reporting varying levels of success.
Exeter-based Landscape planning, ecology and arboriculture consultancy, Tyler Grange became the first in its industry to sign up back in June. It’s one of 60 UK companies – and amongst 3000 workers – taking part. During the six-month pilot programme, Tyler Grange’s 80-strong nationwide team...
South West financial experts Old Mill has welcomed 26 new trainees this Autumn as the firm continues to expand to achieve its goal of becoming the fastest growing practice in the West Country.
At the end of 2021, Old Mill announced a restructure to facilitate its ambitious plans to grow by 15%pa over the next five years and double staff numbers by 2026.
Following a record trainee year in 2021 - which saw 23 graduates and school leavers join Old Mill - 2022 is on course to be the firm’s strongest year for recruitment to date – 72 people have joined Old Mill so...
Large Devon-based solicitors, Curtis Whiteford Crocker and local law firm Fursdon Knapper completed their merger on Monday 5th September, the firm announced. The newly merged firm will be known as ‘Curtis Whiteford Crocker incorporating Fursdon Knapper’ with a total of nine partners across six offices and an increased turnover in excess of £1 million per annum. This recent deal is the latest of Curtis Whiteford Crocker's expansions in the South West, growing the firms expertise to meet the needs of current and future clients. As a result of the merger, Curtis Whiteford Crocker have gained...
Ahead of World Mental Health Day , NHS talking therapy service TALKWORKS has launched a series of ‘Wellbeing in the Workplace’ winter workshops , available free of charge for businesses and organisations across Devon (excluding Plymouth).
The workshops will give employees the chance to learn a range of tools and techniques to help improve their mental health and wellbeing. These will include reducing stress, building resilience, creating manageable routines and developing healthy habits, both in the workplace and everyday life. The sessions will be bespoke for each business,...
Devon’s talented food and drink scene was alive at Monday (3rd October) night’s 11th Food Drink Devon Awards. Over 330 individuals from the county’s finest food and drink producers, hospitality and catering businesses and speciality retailers celebrated in style at the esteemed awards’ ceremony, held at Crowne Plaza Plymouth with its breath-taking views overlooking Plymouth Sound. The ceremony was hosted by Tony Hawks, Devon-based comedian, author and food lover who regularly appears on BBC Radio Four panel shows ‘Have I Got News For You’, ’Just A Minute’ and ‘I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue’....
