The Team
We are a voluntary team of local people who work together in the best interests of Torbay’s business community. We organise networking events, prepare briefings, facilitate visits by dignitaries, input into Policy development, represent business interests at meetings, as well as support and promote important projects for Torbay.
Sarah Barrett
Management & Leadership professional and owner of S Barrett Consulting, supporting individuals and organisations with their strategic, leadership or team-related challenges. Over 25 years’ experience in the global chemical and pharmaceutical sector, blended with active roles in the local voluntary arena. Chartered Manager, Member of the Chartered Management Institute and Affiliate of the Exeter Leadership Network, Centre for Leadership Studies (University of Exeter). Actively involved in smooth running of TBF Events.
Alison Benney
Peter Blackler
eBusiness director of long established Torquay based IT & marketing agency, Insignia Creative. Director of local property company with residential and commercial interests in the Torbay area. Keen enthusiasm for outdoor sports and is an RYA Dinghy Instructor.
Susie Colley
In 1995, following 30+ years of nursing in a variety of locations and roles, Susie formed the award-winning Westcountry Health Care with the aim of providing her clients with bespoke health insurance giving them the protection and peace of mind to know that, should the worst happen, they will be supported and they will cope.
Now in its third decade, the company has expanded to provide cover for travel, homes and businesses for every type of client.
Susie is Chair of Torquay Chamber of Commerce.
Sally Cope
Sally is the Operations Director of the award-winning Fiveway Properties, short-term let, fresh, bright, and modern apartments in Paignton providing guests with a ‘home from home’ experience.
Sally also provides coaching, mentoring and training for prospective and existing property investors.
Sally is Chair of Paignton Chamber of Commerce.
Matt Crabtree
Matt is a Director and Associate Partner at Thomas Westcott Chartered Accountants where he provides a range of services to a wide variety of clients, ranging from personal tax clients and sole traders to large privately owned companies.
Matt also provides management support in the form of management accounts, budgets, cash flow forecasts and general consultancy to help businesses develop and grow.
Matt is the Chair of Brixham Chamber of Commerce.
Angela George
Vice-chair of Torbay Business Forum from 2015.
Director of IMS Marketing and Senior Consultant in career management and executive coaching.
Previously Chair of Torbay FSB, Executive member of Brixham Chamber, one of the founder members of the Brixham Means Business and Creative Thinking Torbay.
Awarded Woman of the Year in the first ever South Devon Women of Achievement Awards.
Chris Linton
He was a Finalist in the Trusted Advisor of the Year category at the STEP Private Client Awards 2020 and shortlisted for The Law Society’s Excellence Awards 2020 for Solicitor of the Year – Private Practice
Trustee for the Torbay Medical Research Fund, Vice-chair of governors at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School and of Torquay Boys Grammar School Multi-Academy Trust.
Roger Lissenden
Business Consultant for UK and France to Markslojd AB Sweden. Committee member Torbay FSB, Member of LEP transport special interest advisory group. Associate of Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association. Working closely on the TBF Business Festival in Sept.
Jim Parker
Jim has been a journalist for 45 years, the majority at Herald Express in South Devon, including 6 years as Editor, until leaving in 2019. Now Jim is Editor of Torbay Weekly as well as Business Development Manager for the law firm, Wollens.
He has a passion for Torbay and has supported the change and regeneration needed to make it fit for the future.
Jim is also Trustee of Torbay Community Development Trust, Chair of the Torbay Together Partnership and a member of Torbay’s Destination Management Group.
As a former Trustee of the South Devon Youth Games, Jim is passionate about developing sport and is Chair of Sport Torbay, Director of the Devon Cricket Board, Chair of the County Age Groups overseeing county cricket for ages 10-17, Manager/coach of the under 14/15s County Cricket Squad, Barton Cricket Club Chairman and cricket manager.
Emily Pearson
After 14 years with South Devon College, Emily has gained a wealth of experience working in roles covering learner information, training and latterly Head of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement. Emily is passionate about Apprenticeships and believes they offer an amazing opportunity for businesses and individuals – allowing both to develop new skills and grow.
As well as being responsible for the funding, compliance and quality of Apprenticeships, Emily is also a passionate networker – always looking for chances to support and work collaboratively with key stakeholders and local businesses.
Steve Reynolds
Chair of TBF from July 2018.
Former Relationship Director at Barclays Bank, and past President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers for Torbay and Exeter.
Trustee of Newton Abbot & District Recreational Trust Ltd.
Chair of Havencare Homes and Support Ltd, supporting people who have a learning disability and behavioural challenges.
Director, Morden Solutions (UK) Ltd, business consultants dealing in people and culture change management.
Keith Richardson
Chartered Accountant, member of the TBF Executive since 2005 and owner of Richardson Hotels, with two hotels in Torquay.
For 10 days in 2007, he was Chairman of Torquay United Football Club.
Trustee of Torquay Boys Grammar School since 2004.
James Twigger
Lead accountant at accounting4everything, James won the British Accountancy Awards ‘Practioner of the Year’ in 2015.
An avid network organiser within the Bay, he is the co-founder and director of @TorbayHour on Twitter reaching 100,000’s each week promoting business in Torbay.
Actively involved with TBF events for past year and also helped set up @torbaybusiness, the official Twitter account of the Torbay Business Forum.
Carl Wyard
In his role as Economy and Enterprise Manager at the TDA, Carl leads the development and delivery of the Council’s Economic Strategy that focusses on developing Torbay as a place, driving business start-up and growth and retaining, attracting and supporting skills development.
Carl has a degree in Economics and over 20 years’ experience in Economic Development. He is an active member of the Heart of the South West’s Local Enterprise Partnership Core Team supporting the strategic development and implementation of the regional Economic Development Strategy.
Donna Wynne
Owner of Donna Wynne Virtual Assistance, helping you to manage your business better by providing professional administrative services. Over 15 years experience providing senior administrative support working for Astra Zeneca in Brixham. Has enjoyed giving secretarial assistance to the Torbay Business Forum and its Executive since March 2013.
