In this episode, we sit down with Ellen Thieman of Tomlinson Solutions, and Charley Mann, Colette Dalton and construction student Amelia from South Devon College to talk honestly about apprenticeships, confidence and what it really takes to bridge the gap between education and employment.

From personal setbacks to practical solutions, this conversation explores how young people can move from uncertainty to opportunity, and how employers can play a meaningful role in shaping the next generation of talent.

Ellen Thieman
A multi channel marketing apprentice who shares her journey from her A Level results to building real skills in web design, social media and digital marketing.

Charley Mann
A student already balancing education with work, offering insight into what employers value most and what young people learn once they step into the workplace.

Amelia, Student
A construction student taking part in a new employability pilot programme, explaining why hands on learning suits her and what young people struggle with when trying to secure apprenticeships.

Colette Dalton
Programme lead behind the new student talent and skills matching pilot, designed to improve apprenticeship readiness, retention and employer confidence.

• Why apprenticeships are not a second choice

• The confidence dip many students experience after school

• The gap between classroom learning and workplace expectations

• What employers say is missing in early career candidates

• How structured employability training can strengthen outcomes

• Why mindset, communication and attitude matter just as much as technical skill

We close the episode with a focused roundtable conversation built around two key questions:

What is the biggest gap between what young people think work will be like, and what employers actually expect on day one?

If you could change one thing to make apprenticeships easier to access and more successful, what would it be and why?

This section brings together student experience and employer insight, offering practical reflections for businesses, educators and young people alike.

Apprenticeships only work when confidence, preparation and opportunity align. This episode shows what happens when students are supported properly and employers are invited into the process early.

Whether you are a business owner, a parent, an educator or a young person exploring your next step, this episode offers clarity, encouragement and practical insight.

LINKS

Email: [email protected]

Building Futures Event

4th March 2026

All construction employers are invited to attend.

South Devon College Apprenticeship Awards

https://www.southdevon.ac.uk/event/south-devon-college-apprenticeship-awards-2026/

Read about the Apprentice Takeover of the Torbay Business Forum Breakfast: https://www.southdevon.ac.uk/news/2026/02/10/apprentices-were-the-highlight-at-a-successful-torbay-business-forum-breakfast-at-south-devon-college/

For more than five decades, Jim Parker has helped shape how Torbay sees itself and how the rest of the country sees us too.

As Editor of Torbay Weekly, former Editor of the Herald Express, and Chair of the Torbay Place Leadership Board, Jim has been at the centre of some of the Bay’s most important conversations. From helping secure millions in regeneration funding to championing a united voice in Westminster, his belief in the power of place has helped unlock real momentum.

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we explore how the Torbay Story became more than marketing and turned into a strategic tool for growth. Jim shares why telling the truth about both our natural beauty and our challenges is a strength. He explains why businesses must speak more confidently about their success and how community led investment is changing the way decisions are made across the Bay.

We also reflect on pride in place, the importance of people in shaping progress, and what success for Torbay truly feels like in the years ahead.

Jim leaves us with a simple but powerful message. Now is the time.

If you care about leadership, investment, regeneration and the future of the English Riviera, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

SHOW LINKS

Torbay Weekly

Torbay Tomorrow Magazine

The Torbay Story

Sport Torbay

BOOK YOUR STAND AT RIVIERA CONNECT

Don't forget to book your stand at Riviera Connect, Wednesday 7th October 2026 at the Riviera International Centre.

This podcast is brought to you by our sponsors, The Grand Torquay. 'Meet Me at The Grand' for informal catchups, meetings, networking and taking in all the beauty and opulence of this historic hotel in Torquay. Visit www.grandtorquay.co.uk

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we sit down with Chris Coward, Managing Director of Clear Sky Publishing Ltd, whose career spans more than forty years in UK and European media. From his early days in the mid eighties through senior posts at DMGT, Northcliffe, Local World, Trinity Mirror and Reach, Chris has been at the centre of newsroom change, large-scale integrations and the long transition from print to digital. He shares what he has learned about leading people through disruption, why regional media still matters, and how Clear Sky Publishing approaches local journalism with a renewed sense of service and identity. Chris also reflects on community responsibility, the lessons gained from a famously demanding commute, and the principles he would apply if he were building a brand new media product from the ground up.

Links to Clear Sky Publishing online: Torbay

Torbay Weekly:  ⁠⁠https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk⁠⁠Torbay Tomorrow: https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk/section/3286/torbay-tomorrow

Torbay Lifestyle Magazine: (Coming Soon)

 Dartmoor

The Moorlander Newspaper:  ⁠⁠ https://www.themoorlander.co.uk/

Dartmoor Magazine: https://dartmoormagazine.co.uk/

 Exeter

Exeter Today Newspaper: https://www.exetertoday.co.uk/

Exeter Living Magazine: https://epaper.exeterlivingmag.co.uk/

Exeter Tomorrow Magazine: https://www.exetertoday.co.uk/section/3125/exeter-tomorrow

Exeter Visitor Guide: https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx

 North Devon

North Devon Gazette: https://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/

North Devon Tomorrow Magazine (Coming Soon)

Upgrade your rail tickets with Seat Frog: https://seatfrog.com/

Book onto the Christmas Social at Ibis Styles, for members of Torbay Business Forum, Torbay Business Network, Paignton and District Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurs Circle. Tickets are on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-christmas-networking-social-of-the-year-tickets-1662109396949

Thank you for listening! Please leave a 5-star review, and subscribe for the next episode.

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we sit down with Steve Reynolds, Chair of the Torbay Business Forum and one of the most respected figures in the English Riviera’s business community. From his early career at Barclays to his current leadership roles across multiple organisations, Steve brings warmth, wisdom and unwavering commitment to everything he does.

We explore how he balances chairing the Forum with his work in leadership consultancy, parish council service and education. Along the way, Steve shares what motivates him, the lessons he’s learned, and how he keeps so many plates spinning while always putting people first.

If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with purpose, stay genuinely connected to your community, or grow a network that builds something bigger than business, this episode is for you.

Take Action

Don’t miss the 2026 Riviera Connect Expo. It’s your chance to build new relationships, share your story, and be part of a future-facing business community. Visit ⁠riviera-connect.co.uk ⁠for dates and booking info.

Want to get involved in the Torbay Business Forum? Come along to one of the monthly Business Breakfasts — and if it’s December, you might just spot Steve in festive costume.

December Breakfast Booking Link: ⁠https://buytickets.at/torbaybusinessforum/1850341⁠

Join the Torbay Business Forum mailing list: ⁠https://torbaybusinessforum.com/⁠

Book on the Christmas Social event on 11th December: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-christmas-networking-social-of-the-year-tickets-1662109396949⁠

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, weexplore what it really means for businesses and charities to lead with purpose, from building a mission-led organisation to strengthening community connections.

Simon Beer

Simon Beer, Managing Director of Bigwave Marketing, shareshow becoming a B Corporation has helped align growth with genuine social impact. He talks about Bigwave’s mission to make a difference to clients, colleagues and communities, and his long-term vision for a creative agency that leaves a lasting legacy in the South West.

Rosey Oakes

Rosey Oakes, Community and Corporate Fundraising Lead from TheMare and Foal Sanctuary brings a charity perspective, highlighting how equine-assisted learning and community engagement programmes can transform lives. With more than a decade in the charity sector, she explains howcollaboration between businesses and charities creates stronger, more resilient communities.

Together, Simon and Rosey show how purpose-driven work,whether through communities, charity, or sustainability initiatives,  is helping to shape a more connected, compassionate Torbay.

Chris Thomas

Chris Thomas, Vice-Chair of the Paignton and DistrictChamber of Commerce, rounds off the episode with an invitation to the Torbay Business Community Christmas Social at the Ibis Styles Paignton. He talks about the importance of community spirit and how uniting Torbay’s business networksbuilds momentum for the year ahead.

Connect and take action

Discover Bigwave Marketing’s purpose-led approach: bigwave.co.uk

Partner with The Mare and Foal Sanctuary: mareandfoal.org

Join the Torbay Business Community Christmas Social – book your ticket on Eventbrite

John Currie, Community Development and Fundraising Lead at YMCA South Devon, joins us to talk about the incredible range of services the charity provides for children, young people and families across the community. We discuss how local people can get involved in supporting their vital work, from education and wellbeing to youth development and housing. John highlights the charity’s Alternative Provision for young people struggling in mainstream school, the Nightstop project providing emergency accommodation, and their much-loved community programmes including Wriggles & Giggles, Buddy Base Wellbeing Group and the YMCA Nursery.

YMCA South Devon is based on Dartmouth Rd, near the Paignton Leisure Centre and Velo Park. They offer essential support and education to young people and families across the region. Their services include early years education, youth wellbeing initiatives, family support and emergency accommodation, all delivered with compassion and a strong sense of community purpose.

Visit ymcasouthdevon.org.uk to learn how your business can support or partner with YMCA South Devon.

Simon Steer, Commercial agent at Konsileo Insurance Torbay and Teignbridge, joins us to talk about building genuine relationships within the local business community. As proud sponsors of Riviera Connect, the Torbay Business Forum and The Riviera Connect Podcast, he shares how Konsileo focuses on listening to business owners, understanding their needs and delivering insurance solutions that are clear, practical and easy to manage. We discuss the importance of trust, the value of face-to-face networking and how personal service remains at the heart of everything they do.

Konsileo is an award-winning insurance brokerage that brings a personal touch to business insurance. Working across Torbay and Teignbridge, the team provides tailored cover for companies of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind through expert advice and open communication. Their collaborative model allows agents like Simon to build long-term relationships with clients and offer a truly local service backed by national expertise.

Visit konsileo.com to learn more about their personalised approach to business insurance.

Jason Parry, Multi-Site General Manager at The Fragrance Group, joins us to talk about managing two of Paignton’s most prominent hotels: The Mercure and Ibis Styles. Representing The Mercure at the Riviera Connect Expo, Jason shares how his team turned heads by bringing a full-sized hotel bed to their stand, a creative and memorable way to start conversations about their offers, facilities, and upcoming events. We also discuss how his hotels continue to play a key role in Torbay’s business community, hosting networking events and delivering innovative dining experiences that attract locals and visitors alike.

The Fragrance Group operates two standout hotels on Paignton’s seafront: The Mercure and Ibis Styles. Both properties combine contemporary design with outstanding hospitality, offering stylish accommodation and event spaces that have become a hub for business, tourism and community gatherings across the English Riviera.

Visit mercurepaignton.com or ibisstylespaignton.com to explore their offers, events, and hospitality experiences.

Jordan Bond, Senior Sales Manager at Team Factors, joins us to talk about how the company is helping businesses improve their cash flow and grow with confidence. As Gold Sponsors of the Torbay Business Forum, Team Factors are strong supporters of local enterprise and business development. Jordan shares how their fast and flexible funding solutions enable businesses to raise invoices and receive up to 90% of their value within 24 hours, and how their personal approach ensures every client receives tailored advice and dedicated support.

More than just a finance provider, they act as an extension of their clients’ teams, offering personal service, expert guidance and dedicated relationship management. Based in the South West, Team Factors supports businesses across sectors, helping them make confident commercial decisions and achieve sustainable growth.

Visit teamfactors.co.uk to discover how Team Factors can help your business unlock cash flow and achieve its goals.

Christopher Linton, Private Client Partner at Wollens, talks about the firm’s long-standing history in Torquay and its deep roots in the local community. As a Gold Sponsor of both the Riviera Connect Expo and the Torbay Business Forum, Wollens continues to champion business growth and collaboration across Devon. We discuss the company’s evolution, its founders and people, the story behind their striking new branding, and how Wollens has become known as the trusted “arm around your shoulder” when clients need guidance the most.

Wollens is one of Devon’s leading law firms, with offices in South Devon, North Devon and Exeter. Their diverse and talented team of 150 professionals delivers a complete range of legal services, from agriculture to acquisitions, and marine law to marriage. Combining tradition with forward-thinking expertise, Wollens supports both private clients and businesses with care, clarity and integrity.

Visit wollens.co.uk to learn more about their full spectrum of legal services and community initiatives.