So who is from Devon and Cornwall?

[Rico Plymouth]

Hi I am Mike,
I was just wandering who else is on this forum from D&C areas?
Be nice to get to know a few more people, so dont all rush at once

Plus maybe we can get the SW forum a little bit more lively and have a place to chat/ rant / laugh when the mood takes us.

 

[JamesRS]

Hi,

I am based up in Braunton, near Barnstaple. But I work remotely for a business up in Grantham.

 

[Garage Runners]

I'm a little further down the beach and just past Bournemouth, but agree that this area needs better networking

 

[Rico Plymouth]

Afternoon James and Garage Runners,
hopefully it will get lively, or people dont come back if nothing to see. I will give it a shot and see how it pans out.
Bit of a shame though the post has been viewed 65 times but only 2 people spoke up. Come on guys lets get chatting, it doesnt have to be work related. dont be shy!

 

[Garage Runners]

I thought the same with my surggestion of an evening meet.

Think I'll introduce myself anyhow,

I am Dave from Garage Runners as I supply garages and retail, car parts and accesories at trade prices.
I have a history of management in motor factors and was made redundant in Oct 11 so have started up my own company using suppliers that only deal with factors and shops to service my client bank that I have dealt with over my years.

I finding it all a learning curve on the new business ground and my aspirations and ideas exceed the finances to support it at present.
Everything the company has done has been self funded, but with a £700 mortgage it doesn't leave too much left for development.
So I am still very much confused in how I can get support to unroll a good protential and possibility of employing two staff with the amount that could be done, but not enough to fund two other salaries.

I'm currently trying to tidy my corporate image up with a better website, social media templates etc as my products, service and price are fantastic yet not being a ' Geek ' in the IT department is holding me back.
I have opertunities of dealing with big companies with delivery vehicles and possibly ones with fleets and lease cars but haven't approached them due to the way the company is portrayed at present I feel it would do more damage than good.

Anyhow that's me, what are you about?

Dave

 

[Rico Plymouth]

Hi Dave,
It sounds like a potentially nice business you are getting going there. Dont be disheartened as all businesses take time, sweat and blood. Take it a step at a time and you will build a more solid basis for a stable business.

As for me, well I have been in the Logistics industry for the best part of 15 years. I set up and ran my own business for many years, and for 1 reason or another I eventually went back to working for someone else.
Thats when I took over the Plymouth Depot of Rico Sameday, and its a move I am glad I made!

Its a very large national company with 35 UK depots, plenty of different options to give to customers, from a direct drive to an international overnight.
Each day is different and has its own challenges. suits me just right.

 

[13enMids]

From Plymouth Work in a family run hotel and between property's we rent out. Trying to improve it's image bit by bit, step by step, with allot of resistance. I've finally got the hotel to use digital software rather then the old pen and paper. Times are really hard! at the moment.

We shall see

 

[Garage Runners]

Cheers Rico,
I'm finding the beginning and end of months are my best when most are paid but barely scratch any real surface between the times.
Seems like the 'spare' investment money is used to balance it

 

[mum24chaps]

Hi

I'm Emma, I am in Mid Devon and run my own bookkeeping firm after ICB qualifying recently, although I have been keeping the books of my ex-husbands (and my) business for 10 years prior to our divorce.

Currently doing a lot of canvassing in the area with local businesses, have my first potential large client meeting tomorrow (which I'm extremely nervous about for one reason or another) and am looking forward to that first elusive client signing up with me, hopefully in the not too distant future, especially when there is a lot of speculating to make up for!

 

[freelance web developer]

Plymouth,

freelance web design and developer,

also live in a pub near mutley.

 

[freelance web developer]

I thought the same with my surggestion of an evening meet.

Think I'll introduce myself anyhow,

I am Dave from Garage Runners as I supply garages and retail, car parts and accesories at trade prices.
I have a history of management in motor factors and was made redundant in Oct 11 so have started up my own company using suppliers that only deal with factors and shops to service my client bank that I have dealt with over my years.

I finding it all a learning curve on the new business ground and my aspirations and ideas exceed the finances to support it at present.
Everything the company has done has been self funded, but with a £700 mortgage it doesn't leave too much left for development.
So I am still very much confused in how I can get support to unroll a good protential and possibility of employing two staff with the amount that could be done, but not enough to fund two other salaries.

I'm currently trying to tidy my corporate image up with a better website, social media templates etc as my products, service and price are fantastic yet not being a ' Geek ' in the IT department is holding me back.
I have opertunities of dealing with big companies with delivery vehicles and possibly ones with fleets and lease cars but haven't approached them due to the way the company is portrayed at present I feel it would do more damage than good.

Anyhow that's me, what are you about?

Dave

still need help on that website?

 

[Socio South West]

Devon resident, and could just about throw a stone into Devon from my Dorset office!

Jon... Support and analysis services for small and family businesses including business plans and business overview/appraisal reports

 

[Deleted member 138580]

Plymouth too here!

I carry out property maintenance for commercial retail sites across Cornwall and Devon. Got a few decent contracts with some big names to keep me busy.

Hey freelance web developer, which pub do you live in, and who does the maintenance currently!!

 

[PURPLE BUBBLE]

Hello, I am from Devon (Axminster) but have moved just over the border to Bridport in Dorset. Still a Devonian at heart and love the county!

I work as a freelance copywriter (specialising in SEO tuned website copy, blogs) and have gained lots of work through this forum, which is fantastic!

Thanks
Hannah

 

[niftyprint]

Hi,

Just thought i'd introduce myself and my company. I'm Lee and i run NiftyPrint, an online printing company. We print business cards, letterheads, compliments slips, flyers and leaflets. We also offer a full design service as well.

We're planning on adding a lot more products in the coming months, so if anyone is interested in a quote for something that is not on the website, please let us know!

We're based in Plymouth but serve the whole of the UK and offer free delivery on all orders.

Looking forward to joining in the community!

Lee

 

[virtuald]

Hi

I am based in Devon, near to Tavistock and I am Virtual Assistant.

Amanda

 

[british steve]

St Judes. Plymouth.

 

[british steve]

Hello, I am from Devon (Axminster) but have moved just over the border to Bridport in Dorset.

Have you found the bakers that sells Jammy Men Donuts?

 

[Kernowman]

I'm Frank from Harrowbarrow near Callington.

One time Marketing expert that got thrown on the scrapheap when the grey hair arrived. Started several businesses that I sold off, but was looking for something worthwhile to make my unique dent in the world before I left it finally.

Had the amazing good fortune to find someone very much like-minded and now have been appointed as Managing Director of an exciting Network Marketing business with global aspirations.

 

[Dave Techguy]

I notice this thread is a little old but just joined the forum and wanted to say hi to fellow business owners in the South West. I run a small business in Wadebridge called Foneservice. We repair mobile phones, ipods, laptops and tablet computers. I have not always repaired electronic devices, in fact I had a previous business which crashed and burned in spectacular fashion back in 2009 when the businesses bank removed, without any notice, the companies £300k over-draft. Needless to say went from around £3million a year turn-over to £0 in around 3 months. I lost everything, houses, cars, all my money and nearly my own life after a very difficult time indeed. Anyway im back on track now, have started this new business, and whilst very small Im now looking to develop it further and make some money! Obviously I have a complete negative view of finance, banks, accountants, the tax man etc, so still trying to get my head around that. It was very difficult to start with and even to this day I operate the business solely on paypal and a pre-paid debit card ! When I started this business I had no money (and I mean literally no money) and advertised on Facebook, just FB no other external advertising at all, and still to this day the vast majority of my income is from Facebook. Anyway that's me, hope everyone else in the South West is doing ok and if you ever need a mobile phone, computer, laptop or ipad fixed.......well you know someone local now

 

[Siloway]

Just noticed this friendly little thread on here and thought I'd put in my proverbial pound of flesh , I run a web development and IT support service out of Launceston in Cornwall, I started doing business last April after quitting my regular job in IT in Plymouth out of sheer boredom!
I've run business before in France and the UK doing the same thing and have clients from Cornwall to Switzerland to Canada who I project manage bespoke developments, support IT networks or create websites for.
Otherwise love the coast, surfing, swimming, kayaking, taking photos or just dreamily gazing out to sea .
That's me, over and out.

 

[Siloway]

Ps. Hope things work out for you in Wadebridge Dave Techguy, business can be real tough some times.

 

[zigojacko]

I'm the director of a digital marketing & design/development agency at Tamar Science Park in Plymouth. Hello to all of you.

 

[Twoscoops]

I'm Jon, I live in Seaton and have a speciality food and gift shop in Lyme Regis. I worked for champagne/spirit brands for many years, then a few years in export sales before starting my first business, a delicatessen in the Cotswolds. Sold it after 5 years, did a bit of consultancy and moved down here. Opened a shop with a view to selling the business after a few years. Am currently planning a wholesale business and I hope to get out selling by the spring, develop it this year, sell the shop business and devote all my time to trade sales. We'll see how the plan goes!

 

[JonathanMacDonald]

Jonathan MacDonald
3D designer, Newton Abbot

Hi guys,

I'm Jonathan, I am a 3D designer and visualization artist based in Newton Abbot. I currently work for an exhibition design company but work freelance in my spare time.

I design and visualize in my main job vending solutions and exhibition stands for the likes of MARS UK, Madame Tussauds and Coca Cola.

Whilst freelancing I design and visualize anything from a small jar of face cream to a full interior layout. I'm hoping my freelancing will take off and grow so I can become more self sufficient and start a studio of my own. (that's the dream plan anyhow )

I'm looking forward to making contacts here and excited to expand my knowledge of local tradespeople in the Southwest.

So a big hello to everyone here!!!

 

[unit80]

Hi to anyone out there....this little South West group isn't very active, but maybe that's because like us you've got your head down and are working hard!
We have a small garment / textiles manufacturing business in Plymouth and our small team of "Ladies wot Sew" have well over 100 years of experience between them, if it has stitches in it they're your gals. We currently make gazillions of waterproof aprons for primary schools and nurseries, cotton drill craft and tech aprons for large online school supplies outlets; we also have a large number of marching bands and drum & bugle groups wearing embroidered satin or wool Varsity Jackets that we made for them.
My own little project over the past 4 years has been making & selling stretch fabric covers for plaster casts & splints. They're "cost neutral" as they avoid damage to clothing and furnishings and also keep the cast clean. We need to find a way to get the word out as it;s SO hard to make folks aware of a new product.
Any other small manufacturers out there?

 

[Luke_fab]

Hello all.

I am Luke. I'm carpet and upholstery cleaner based in Exeter.

I with to everyone all the best. I hope your businesses grow up as much as you wish.

 

[brightenterprise]

I'm from Torquay, living in Exeter and am currently looking into the possibility of starting up a new fast food restaurant... very early days yet though!

Look forward to networking with fellow South West peeps!

 

[Tin]

Hi I'm Ray

I'm an experienced SEO living in East Devon, just a few miles away from Lyme Regis. Currently trying to spend more time with family than with clients but loving it in Devon.

 

[ISEchris]

Hi Everyone,

My names Chris, & i am a manager of a clothing, embroidery & printing company based near Bideford, up in sunny North Devon.

I'm a newbie to the UKBF but looking forward to interacting with fellow South-Westerners.

 

[Chelios]

Hello all,

I'm Dan, Director of Chelios, a PPC management agency based in Exeter. I'm formerly a sole trader, just registered Chelios as a Ltd company, therefore looking to pick up important business tips particularly regarding finance and offline marketing.

Naturally I'm always looking to build my own client base, but I've also been using UKBF a little selfishly until now - taking and not giving! I've decided to register to offer PPC advice where I can whilst picking up tips for myself at the same time.

Hope you're all well,
Dan