The Team

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.

Human resources specialist and owner of enlightenHR for the past 10 years, advising many SMEs. Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Big supporter of the Business Forum’s events. Organiser of the TBF Business Festival.

With 3 decades of experience, Martin is a valued problem solver in financial management, managing multi-million pound portfolios for professional clients. A graduate in economics with specialism in regional development, he has successfully built Pilgrims Rest Cottages his own award-winning venture in tourism from scratch at the beginning of the financial recession. Martin was a founder of Torbay ‘Street Pastors’ and is currently Director of a locally based national charity, Torbay Holiday Helpers Network (THHN).

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.

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.

Director of Economic Strategy & Performance for the Torbay Development Agency, responsible for TDA’s business support, inward investment and workspace activities. Also a member of the Heart of the SW’s management group and the Growth Acceleration & Investment Network (GAIN) steering group. Governor at a local primary school.

Chairman of TBF from 2015-2018 and former Vice-Chairman since March 2013. Partner of Bishop Fleming, Chartered Accountants in Torquay, heading up the Business Services Team looking after local family owned businesses across many sectors. Passionate about the regeneration of Torbay both physically and in the business sense. Trustee of Torbay Advice Network, a charity providing training to frontline advisors to those trying to access the benefits system.Torbay ‘Street Pastors’ and is currently Director of a locally based national charity, Torbay Holiday Helpers Network (THHN).

Dean is a director at Your Digital Solutions,
a management consultancy that designs and delivers innovative, sustainable and efficient digital processes to save  businesses time, reduce paper use and give increased customer value.

Dean is also Membership Manager for Paignton Chamber of Commerce

Rosey is a professional Fundraiser and currently Campaign Development Lead at Animals in Distress, managing their ‘Big Bark’ campaign to raise over £1 million to build much-needed new kennels. She has previously worked with Rowcroft Hospice, RNLI, Dame Hannah Rogers Trust and Devon Air Ambulance Trust and has experience in community and corporate fundraising, trust /grant applications and volunteer/staff management.

As a new TBF Executive member, Rosey will represent all local charities who contribute so much to the local economy and community.

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.

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.

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.

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.