Riviera Connect Podcast

Gareth Watton, Head of Business at Ocean BMW and MINI, joins us to talk about the dealership’s strong community presence across Torbay and their role as sponsors of both the Riviera Connect Expo and the Torbay Business Forum. We discuss the power of local networking, how partnerships are driving business growth, and their upcoming collaboration with The Mercure and Datel Electrical for an Electric Vehicle Test Drive Experience on Thursday, 6th November.

Ocean BMW and MINI is a leading car dealership based in Paignton, offering a full range of new and approved used vehicles alongside expert servicing and customer care. The Ocean Group continues to champion innovation and sustainability through its growing electric vehicle offering and community partnerships across the English Riviera.

Visit theoceangroup.co.uk to explore their range of BMW and MINI vehicles.

Richard Netherclift, Managing Director of Insignia Creative, discusses how his team is leading the AI revolution in Torbay. Joined by eBusiness Director Peter Blackler, Richard presented Shaping the Future of AI in Torbay, an open roundtable and the first-ever #TorbAI community meet-up at the Riviera Connect Expo. Together they explored how local businesses, organisations and individuals can collaborate to make AI practical, accessible and beneficial for everyone in the region.

Based in Torquay, Insignia Creative delivers a complete multimedia marketing service. Website design is just one part of their offering, which also includes creative online and offline marketing solutions. Insignia helps businesses grow through strategic, data-driven creativity and innovation.

Visit insigniacreative.co.uk to learn more about their creative marketing and AI initiatives.

Sam Webber, Founder of That Crafty Stitch, joins us to share her journey from launching an online craft brand in 2020 to building an award-winning retail shop on Torquay’s high street. We talk about the creativity and community behind her success, the rise of mindful crafting, and her upcoming talk at the Riviera Connect Expo on creating authentic founder content. Sam also reveals details of her new fisherman-core advent calendar, featuring hundreds of unique jumper pattern combinations.

That Crafty Stitch is both an e-commerce brand and a local craft shop in Torquay, offering yarn, knitting and crochet kits designed to make crafting accessible to everyone. Founded by Sam Webber, the business promotes creativity, mindfulness, and the joy of making, helping beginners find confidence and inspiration through beautifully curated kits and tutorials.

Visit thatcraftystitch.co.uk to explore kits, tutorials, and Sam’s new advent calendar.

Michael Bailey, Owner of MD Elite Cleaning Services, talks about the company’s growth in Torbay, Birmingham and London, and how their team delivers top-quality domestic and commercial cleaning services. We discuss their commitment to reliability and customer care, the addition of the MD Launderette, and how the business continues to build its reputation across multiple regions.

MD Elite Cleaning Services provides professional cleaning solutions for homes and businesses across Torbay, Birmingham and London. With a large and dedicated team, the company offers everything from deep cleans to laundry services, maintaining high standards and exceptional service delivery.

Visit mdelitecleaningservices.co.uk

to learn more about their services and locations.

Troy Wheeler, Group Managing Director at Tomlinson Solutions, shares how the company has achieved record growth, earned multiple award nominations and built a reputation for world-class IT services in Torbay. We discuss their role within the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster, how they’re driving digital transformation across the region, and what success at the Riviera Connect Expo means for their team and clients.

Tomlinson Solutions provides specialist business support, Office 365 management, cyber security, cloud services, web design and SEO. Based in Torbay, the company is part of the region’s growing tech ecosystem, supporting businesses through reliable and forward-thinking IT solutions.

Visit tomlinsonsolutions.co.uk to learn more about their services and growth.

In this episode, we speak with Andrew Clancy, founder and Managing Director of Coreus Group. Coreus is a growing consultancy working across the built environment sector. It is known for strong technical delivery and an even stronger focus on its people. Under Andrew’s leadership, Coreus has grown from a startup into a national business with a reputation for doing things differently. Coreus is a 2-time winner of The Sunday Times Best Place to Work in 2024 (Small Business) and 2025 (Medium Business).

Andrew talks openly about what it takes to build a strong company culture, how to lead during periods of fast growth, and why giving back is part of his business strategy. He also shares how the Coreus Foundation was formed and what it means to turn profit into positive community impact.

We cover:

• The early days of Coreus and how its culture was built
• Hiring the right people and protecting team values
• What the Best Place to Work recognition means to him and tothe team
• The difficult lessons learned from challenges along the way
• His views on leadership, reputation, and long-term ambition.

This is a practical and honest conversation about growing abusiness with purpose, treating people well, and staying true to your principles as you scale.

Thank you to Andrew for being our keynote speaker at theTorbay Business Breakfast at the Riviera Connect Expo. A truly inspiring speaker that set the tone for the entire day.

Visit Coreus Group: https://coreusgroup.com/

Visit Coreus Foundation: https://coreusfoundation.com/

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast we welcome Michael Westcott and Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, co-chairs of Torquay United Football Club to talk about the club’s remarkable renewal. After navigating one of the most challenging chapters in its history Torquay United is now firmly focused on its future on and off the pitch.

Michael and Mark share their vision for a financially sustainable club with the community at its heart.

They discuss the journey from administration to stability their relationship with the club’s Trust and how they are balancing ambition with sustainability. We celebrate record season ticket sales, the innovative use of the Plainmoor stadium and new partnership opportunities for local businesses.

Plus they take on our light hearted game Match Day or Rain Delay for a fun insight into life behind the scenes at the Gulls.

Learn more about Torquay United Football Club and check out their new website coming soon: www.torquayunited.com
See upcoming fixtures and events www.torquayunited.com/fixtures
To enquire about partnerships and sponsorship opportunities, contact Commercial Manager Sharon Musker on 07949 005832 or via
[email protected]Like and subscribe for more insights from Torbay's business community. Don't forget to book your stand at the Riviera Connect Expo. Visit https://riviera-connect.co.uk/

Thanks for listening!

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we are joined by Tarah Gear, Director of Brand and Place Futures, and Martin Tresidder, Development Director at Milligan. Milligan has been appointed as a development partner to work alongside Torbay Council and Willmott Dixon to help deliver long-term regeneration across the Bay.

Tarah and Martin share how Milligan approaches placemaking and development with a strong focus on community involvement, local identity and the natural rhythm of each town. They reflect on the importance of creating neighbourhoods with the right balance of homes, commercial spaces and adaptable hospitality. From The Torbay Story to the transformation of Union Square and the Strand, they explain how each site fits into a wider vision for Torbay’s future.

What We Cover
• Placemaking as a process of revealing local character
• Building resilient commercial and leisure space
• Vision-led development shaped by The Torbay Story
• Projects like Union Square and the Strand as signals of long-term confidence

Public Consultation Events
Milligan is inviting local residents and businesses to take part in their upcoming consultation event:
📅 Monday 22 July
📍 Former Shoe Zone unit in Torquay
Drop in to view the proposals, speak with the team and share your views on the future of the town. View the plans online:

The Strand on Torbay.gov.uk

Union Square on Torbay.gov.uk

🎧 Listen and Subscribe
Find this episode and more at riviera-connect.co.uk

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we speak with John Baker, Chief Executive of Newton Abbot Racecourse, whose lifelong love for horse racing began with Red Rum’s legendary Grand National win. From his career beginnings in journalism to leading Aintree Racecourse and now guiding one of Britain’s oldest independent courses, John shares a powerful vision for the future of Newton Abbot, aiming to make it the best racecourse, pound for pound, in the UK.

We explore how the racecourse is evolving to meet modern expectations, welcoming new audiences, and strengthening ties with the Torbay community as it approaches its 160th anniversary.

What We Cover:

We talk with John Baker about what it takes to create a standout visitor experience at Newton Abbot Racecourse, from themed events and local engagement to celebrating 160 years of history. John shares his thoughts on leadership, legacy, and the future of business in Torbay. Plus, we throw in a Grand National challenge and a fun quick-fire game of Race Day or Rain Delay.

Join the Business Club at Newton Abbot Racecourse:

Choose from membership packages that include sponsorships, tickets, discounts, and more! Email Jenny Paton, [email protected] for more details.

Guest Bio:
John Baker is Chief Executive of Newton Abbot Racecourse and former Managing Director of Aintree Racecourse. With a 30-year career spanning journalism, sport and venue leadership, John is a respected figure in UK racing. His work now focuses on delivering outstanding visitor experiences and keeping Newton Abbot at the heart of regional culture, heritage and entertainment.

Special Segment:
We close the episode with a few words from Alison Upton, Philanthropy and Engagement Manager at RowcroftHospice, highlighting the essential work they do in our region and how businesses can support their mission with their new Accumulator Challenge.

Email Lisa Whittaker to see how your business can get started! [email protected] or call 01803 217628

Resources and Links:
🏇Explore Newton AbbotRacecourse
🎧More episodes: RivieraConnect Podcast
💛Support RowcroftHospice

Redefining Connection with John Harvey, Founder of The Samphire Club

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we’re joined by John Harvey, founder of The Samphire Club and a trusted connector in the South West business scene. Known for curating meaningful business relationships grounded in trust and generosity, John shares his thoughts on leadership, slow networking, and the art of building real human connection in a digital world.

We also explore his approach to making the most of events like Riviera Connect, how to follow up meaningfully, and what it takes to turn occasional attendees into loyal community members.

Plus – a special segment with Devon Air Ambulance Trust:
Before we close, we hand over to Jo Rigby, Head of Fundraising, and Lottie from Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Lottie shares exciting news about two upcoming fundraising events:

• Devon HeliHike on 5th July – a scenic 14 or 26-mile challenge

• Inflatable Race Day on 9th August – a wildly fun event with routes from 2.5 miles to 15km

We discuss how local businesses, participants and volunteers can get involved and support the incredible life-saving work of the charity across our region.

What We Cover:

• The origin and ethos of The Samphire Club

• What genuine, generous networking looks like in 2024

• John’s advice on building real community and follow-through at large events

• A case study on shifting event culture from transactional to transformational

• Career reflections, personal growth, and what success means now

• A fun three-word game exploring Torbay, networking, and Riviera Connect

• The future of business in the South West

• How to get involved with Devon Air Ambulance’s upcoming events

John Harvey is an author and the founder of The Samphire Club, a values-led business community built on trust, conversation and connection.

Jo Rigby is Head of Fundraising at Devon Air Ambulance Trust, with a mission to connect communities with the life-saving work of this essential regional charity.

Resources and Links:
👉 Discover The Samphire Club

👉 Learn more about Riviera Connect Expo 2025
👉 Get involved with Devon Air Ambulance