OUR VISION
There are many businesses and sectors already thriving in North Devon, and not all of these fit neatly into clusters. Specifically, our existing, specialist manufacturing and engineering businesses, as well as our burgeoning tech cluster, are both sector blind with businesses within these sectors operating in all kinds of exciting spaces.
This is indicative of innovation, growth, and change in the area and the local economy. In supporting this diversification, we can stimulate job creation, strengthen productivity, and create new opportunities for local people.
OUR AIMS
BUSINESS SUPPORT
We currently offer support services to tech, manufacturing and other business owners, including funded support options. We’re continuing to push for further investment to continue to fund these services.
BRAND STRENGTHENING
We’re working with our key delivery partners across all sectors to continue strengthening local place appeal and create an improved brand for North Devon and Torridge, raising visibility of economic activity and opportunity.
DRIVE INVESTMENT
We’re working to improve investment into the local area, through supporting the North Devon Angels network and driving interest in the unique opportunities the area offers.
MAKERS
MAP
We support the Makers Map which highlights international and local brands in manufacturing, tech and other innovative sectors operating in North Devon.
HOW WE'RE DOING IT
BUSINESS GROWTH SUPPORT
We provide direct business support through workshops, mentorship and applying for funding and grants for innovation - this is available for organisations in all sectors.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT & DELIVERY
We offer project management and grant management for large-scale innovation projects across both the public and private sectors.
PARTNERSHIP
FACILITATION
We encourage growth through knowledge sharing, collaboration, networking opportunities - including in areas like tech and AI to encourage digital innovation and operational change.
SKILLS & TALENT
Driving our competitiveness in fields such as manufacturing, industry and tech — as well as other crosscutting or emerging sectors — will involve engaging with education centres to drive knowledge of the opportunities available to young people in the local area. This should include both traditional university engagement, particularly for knowledge sharing, as well as ensuring apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships are both widely available and well known as potential career paths for local students.
HOW WE’RE SUPPORTING THE LOCAL SKILLS AGENDA
APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Our key delivery partners include Petroc and other apprenticeship providers to ensure that there are strong apprenticeship and degree apprenticeship offers for key sectors outside of the traditional university route.
EDUCATION ENGAGEMENT
We're working with key stakeholders to develop coordinated programmes of school engagement to raise the profile of employment opportunities within the area across all key clusters, and to create curriculum links with local businesses.
BUILDING ASPIRATION
We're working across clusters to support coordinated efforts to engage with schools and build both awareness of the jobs available and emerging as well as building aspiration and desire for a bright future in the region.
NORTHERN DEVON MAKES
We support Northern Devon Makes - a centralised hub to easily find relevant businesses in the area to work for and collaborate with, and attract new talent. Check out the Makers Map!
OUR DELIVERY PARTNERS
As well as the below, our delivery partners for this cluster include existing visitor economy businesses, regional schools, town centres, parish councils and tourist business groups.
WHAT KIND OF PROJECTS
DO WE DELIVER?
MARITIME
With key focuses including alternative fuels, vessel electrification, and port decarbonisation.
EXAMPLE PROJECT:
We’re currently working with the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on developing the Northern Devon Aquaculture Strategy.
GREEN ENERGY
With our main specialisms covering offshore wind, hydrogen and tidal.
EXAMPLE PROJECT:
We project managed the North Devon and Torridge Green Hydrogen Routemap, Skills and Environment reports.
