‘The scale of business activity in North Devon is


a surprise to those who don’t know the area’


Kyle Chivers and Robert Zarywacz


Iconic theatre set to host Open For Business event


Over 40 businesses from across Devon are taking part in Ilfracombe’s fifth annual Open For Business exhibition and conference showcase - taking place at the town’s iconic Landmark Theatre, on Friday 2 March 2018. The event is being organised by COMBEbusiness, that is affiliated to the


Devon Chamber of Commerce, and works with companies in the Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, and Woolacombe areas of North Devon. The chairman of COMBEBusiness, Robert Zarywacz, said: “We are living in


a changing business world and Brexit may seem a remote process in North Devon, but leaving the EU will have a major impact on our local economy. “We need to make sure our businesses stay resilient and strong, and


adapt to the new challenges, changes, and opportunities that will affect our supply chains, employment, and services sectors. “Businesses from across North Devon historically punch above our


weight, and being affiliated to Devon Chamber of Commerce is the start of a proactive approach where we want to be recognised for our enterprise and business contribution in the county. "The scale of business activity in North Devon is a surprise to those who


don’t know the area.” He continued: “While we have many independent retailers and hospitality companies, there are also business-to-business service providers


and large manufacturers, with many exporting millions of pounds in the global market place,” Young entrepreneur Kyle Chivers, director of Ilfracombe-based


Firethought, said: “I set up my media and production business in 2014 from my own bedroom and now work with clients across Europe. “I’m a director with COMBEBusiness and keen to encourage other young


people to look at self-employment opportunities. “We don’t just want to encourage accountants and lawyers, but open up


our business organisation to all companies that could be ideas, new start- ups, existing, and large firms. “I’m very proud that I’ve recently won a Princes Trust Award recognising


my skills and enterprise in business, and it’s very important to encourage more young people to look at setting up their own companies with the right mentoring, financial and business support.” COMBEBusiness was set up in 2011 with over 80 businesses now members, and the organisation became an affiliated member of Devon Chamber of Commerce in 2016.


Anyone looking for more information about the Open For Business showcase or COMBEBusiness can view: www.combebusiness.co.uk


November/December 2017 Chamber Profile 7


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