Case Studies

Since the first days of beach bags Sally has gained a reputation for designing a quality range of everyday bags and products all at affordable prices, and the Old Bag Company have won numerous awards.

Today the company serves local and organic produce to over 850,000 customers a year and spends approximately £650,000 per annum on local goods and services. Venus turnover tops the £2.0m mark employs 27 core employees and a further 45 seasonal staff and part time summer catering staff.

“We are extremely lucky in Devon to be surrounded by businesses, producers and customers passionate about buying local and supporting the region’s vast array of fantastic products. This was a huge factor of our success in the early stages of the business and continues to be key now, along with an ever increasing demand from both across the country and internationally.”

Steve Waters - Founder, South Devon Chilli Farm

“Together with my siblings we are continuing our parent’s innovative approach to farming and an enthusiasm for making great food made from what grows on the farm. I think there is a genuine interest from the public for local produce and this has enabled South Devon to become a fertile ground for food producers.”

Guy Watson - Founder, Riverford Organics

“We rely heavily upon the excellent transport connections in the County and would be unable to transport our award winning crisps across the UK and to 42 countries worldwide if it wasn’t for these great links. We want to help other businesses succeed and prosper in Devon, just as we have – it really is a great place to do business!”

Nick Hurst- Founder Director, Burts Chips

‘As a local of Totnes, I believe that it is the ideal location for Technology based business with Sustainability at its heart and our collaboration with organisations such as Paignton Zoo and Dartington Estates have been central in shaping our understanding of the market.’

Stirling Paatz -Founder, New Generation Biogas

Forest Fuels is a specialist wood fuel supplier and consultant to small and medium scale heat boilers. Established in 2000 and now doubling in size year-on-year, Forest Fuels is focussed on the “localness” of its service. It operates from 11 local depots, and is now clearly established as the leading fuel supplier in the south west.

“Our business is made up of a truly passionate team who are dedicated to providing the best support possible. We’re proud to be based in Devon, and Exeter is a vibrant and exciting place to be. The majority of our staff live in Exeter and the surrounding areas and we’re known in the industry for being based in one of the most enviable locations in the country! “ ” Being in the technology industry, we understand that it doesn’t matter if you’re not based in one of the bigger cities, being able to access connectivity technology means you can work wherever you like, and it just so happens, we love it here! “

Clodagh Murphy – Managing Director, Eclipse

“It’s sometimes been suggested to me that moving closer to Bristol or London might be better for my business. I disagree, and have seen friends and colleagues move away, ‘burn out’, and head back to Devon within a few years. What’s great, though, is that some of them have now started their own businesses here, and have found a new appreciation for the region. It’s the friendly, tight-knit business community that attracted me to starting up here. With everything that’s happening in Plymouth, and Devon as a whole, I’m incredibly optimistic about the future for both Plymouth Software and the wider business community across the region.”

Chris Blunt – Founder, Plymouth Software

“Cosmic has always been based in east Devon and has effectively served a wider geographic area from our current base in Honiton, both with great local transport connections, but also through the internet and the high quality virtual support options which we can now offer. We are very much looking forward to improving the support we offer across Devon further with the installation of superfast broadband.

Julie Hawker – CEO, Cosmic