Shows
Riviera Connect PodcastS2 Ep.3: Clear Sky, Clear Vision: Chris Coward on the New Shape of Regional MediaIn 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...
2025-11-2839 min
Riviera Connect PodcastS2 Ep2: Bridging Business and Community: In Conversation with Steve ReynoldsIn 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 plat...
2025-11-1732 min
Riviera Connect PodcastS2 E1: The Power of Purpose with Simon Beer, Big Wave Marketing and Rosey Oakes, The Mare and Foal SanctuaryIn 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 BeerSimon 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 OakesRosey Oakes, Community and Corporate Fu...
2025-11-1044 min
Riviera Connect PodcastExpo Shorts Ep 10: John Currie, YMCA South DevonJohn 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 Da...
2025-11-0308 min
Riviera Connect PodcastExpo Shorts Ep. 9: Simon Steer, Konsileo Insurance Torbay and TeignbridgeSimon 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...
2025-11-0107 min
Riviera Connect PodcastExpo Shorts Ep 8: Jason Parry, Mercure and Ibis Styles PaigntonJason 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...
2025-11-0107 min
Riviera Connect PodcastExpo Shorts Ep 7: Jordan Bond, Team FactorsJordan 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’ te...
2025-11-0107 min
Riviera Connect PodcastExpo Shorts Ep. 6: Christopher Linton, WollensChristopher 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 Devo...
2025-11-0115 min
Riviera Connect PodcastExpo Shorts Ep 5: Gareth Watton, Ocean BMW and MINIGareth 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 se...
2025-11-0107 min
Riviera Connect PodcastExpo Shorts Ep 4: Richard Netherclift, Insignia CreativeRichard 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...
2025-11-0106 min
Riviera Connect PodcastExpo Shorts Ep3: Sam Webber, That Crafty StitchSam 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 ki...
2025-11-0108 min
Riviera Connect PodcastExpo Shorts Ep 2: Michael Bailey, MD Elite Cleaning ServicesMichael 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....
2025-11-0106 min
Riviera Connect PodcastExpo Shorts Ep 1: Troy Wheeler, Tomlinson SolutionsTroy 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 forw...
2025-11-0108 min
Riviera Connect PodcastEp7: Building Better: Andrew Clancy, MD of Coreus Group on Culture, Growth, and Giving BackIn 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 du...
2025-10-2126 min
Riviera Connect PodcastEP6: Torquay United: A New Era with Michael Westcott and Mark Bowes-CavanaghIn 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 cele...
2025-08-0537 min
Riviera Connect PodcastEP5: Shaping Places That Belong: Milligan on the Future of TorbayIn 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...
2025-07-1718 min
Riviera Connect PodcastEP4: Racing Ahead with John Baker, Newton Abbot RacecourseIn 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 Torb...
2025-06-1633 min
Riviera Connect PodcastEP3: Redefining Connection with John Harvey, Founder of The Samphire ClubRedefining Connection with John Harvey, Founder of The Samphire ClubIn 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...
2025-05-2235 min
Riviera Connect PodcastEP2: Telling the Torbay Story with Jon-Paul HedgeIn this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we sit down with Jon-Paul Hedge, Interim Place Manager at Torbay Council and strategic lead behind the Torbay Story. From his roots in local journalism to his leadership roles in culture and communications, Jon-Paul brings a fresh perspective on how storytelling, civic pride and community engagement are helping shape Torbay’s future. We talk place-making, identity, leadership and the power of a 2,700-strong Champions Network.What We Cover:How Jon-Paul’s career journey informs his place-based leadershipThe evolution of the Torbay Story as a tool for...
2025-05-1028 min
Riviera Connect PodcastEP1: Building a Year-Round Destination with Carolyn CustersonIn this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we sit down with Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the English Riviera BID Company, and a leading figure in the transformation of Torbay’s tourism economy. Carolyn shares her leadership journey, the strategic vision behind year-round tourism, and the innovations driving the English Riviera’s £500 million visitor economy. We discuss the impact of strategic partnerships, the future of tourism marketing, and what it takes to build resilience in the face of major challenges.What We Cover:Leadership lessons from navigating industry challengesThe future of the D...
2025-04-3035 min
Riviera Connect PodcastRiviera Connect Podcast TrailerThe Riviera Connect Podcast is a series of interviews with business leaders from across the English Riviera, running throughout the year in the lead-up to the Riviera Connect Expo on Thursday 16 October 2025. We explore the stories, insights and ambitions shaping business, tourism and hospitality in our region. Presented in collaboration with the English Riviera BID Company and the Torbay Business Forum, this podcast showcases the people and ideas driving growth, innovation and success across Torbay and beyond. To book your expo booth or get yourself a ticket to attend, please visit https://riviera-connect.co...
2025-04-2802 min
Torbay Hospitality PodcastS5E6: Art, Influence, and Inspiration: Szabotage UncoveredIn this week's episode of the Torbay Hospitality Podcast, we welcome international street artist and local heroes, Szabotage. Tune in to hear about his unexpected start in the art world, his adventures in Hong Kong, and how you can commission your very own work of art from his new studio in Cockington!
Visit the website: https://szabotage.com.hk/
We also share some exciting news—our podcast is now a Community Interest Company! Discover what this means for our local hospitality scene and meet our fantastic board members who are dedicated to supporting and promoting To...
2024-08-091h 14