LOCAL businesses have an open invitation to attend a free Business Voice Forum, which is to be held at Okehampton Business Park on January 6.

The event has been planned entirely with local businesses in mind, offering an opportunity for companies, big and small, to come together and share ideas, while forging new local business contacts.

The event, hosted by West Devon Borough Council (WDBC), will commence with a welcoming address by council leader Cllr Philip Sanders. Also in attendance will be WDBC executive director of paid service, Steve Jorden. 

From the business community, there will be a range of speakers, beginning with the evening’s keynote address by David Rowe, managing Director of Applied Automation, who will be attending to share his extensive business knowledge. 

Another speaker, is Dotty King, a Bere Alston based baker whose cottage industry business, ‘Dot-Teas’ has found success. Dotty will be talking about her recipe for continued success.

If you need information about the Consumer Rights Act and how it affects you, then Devon County Council’s Trading Standards Compliance Manager, Mark Peacock, is giving a whistle stop tour for business.

David Rowe, Managing Director, Applied Automation (UK) Ltd said: ‘When it comes to networking there’s still no substitute to face to face meetings. This Business Voice Forum organised by West Devon Borough Council is an opportunity for the business community to gain more useful contacts, raise your profile and find out what support is available locally. I am pleased to be presenting at the forum and look forward to discussing how important our manufacturing industry is for the South West economy.’

Other presentations include West Devon Borough Council’s Budget proposals for 2016 -17 from Lisa Buckle, finance community of practice lead.  There will also be a short presentation from Lisa Buckle and Steve Henstock on Business Rates and the types of business rates’ relief available.  Both of these sessions will be followed by an opportunity to ask the speakers questions.

Fleur Barr, environmental health specialist for West Devon Borough Council said: ‘This Business Voice Forum is a networking opportunity with a range of speakers put together as a result of feedback received from the business community. I am pleased that we have speakers from different backgrounds and topics to reach out to a wide range of people.

‘It is a chance to speak to likeminded businesses, receive a range of regulatory free support from trading standards, fire safety and food safety, and find out what’s going on locally to make your business grow and be successful.’

Anyone from the business community is welcome to attend. To book your place e-mail?Fleur Barr at [email protected]