North Devon businesses urged to join new advisory group

North Devon businesses are being urged to take a proactive role in shaping the region's economic future by applying for a place on the newly established Business Advisory Group.

This call to action follows the formation of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA), a strategic body created under a recent Devolution Agreement with the Government. This agreement grants Devon and Torbay new powers and funding to better support local businesses and residents.

The devolution deal is set to empower the Devon and Torbay CCA with responsibilities for various services traditionally managed at a national level, including the Adult Education Budget.

This shift is intended to enhance local governance and economic development by allowing decisions to be made closer to the community.

To support the CCA's mission, a Business Advisory Group is being formed to play a crucial role in developing and executing the authority's economic strategy.

This group will help set annual priorities, secure investments, and design programs tailored to local business needs.
Additionally, it will provide valuable insights and evidence from the business community to drive growth and achieve economic goals in Devon and Torbay.

Sarah-Jane Mackenzie-Shapland, Head of Place, Property and Regeneration at North Devon Council, said “Devolution moves decision-making closer to the citizen, making it more democratic. This is a really positive move for the community and businesses of North Devon. The CCA is looking for a good geographical spread for representation across the county, so in order that North Devon businesses can contribute most directly to decisions, we urge them to consider applying for a place on the Advisory Board.”

The recruitment process aims to gather a diverse range of representatives from various sectors, including:

• Business representative organisations (up to two)
• Social enterprise businesses
• Charitable or voluntary sectors
• High tech business sector
• Tourism sector
• Rural farming, food and drink, and land-based sectors
• Fishing sector
• Digital sector
• Creative, culture, and heritage sectors
• Marine and maritime sectors
• Environmental technologies and energy sectors
• Advanced manufacturing sector
• Construction sector
• Health and life sciences sector
• Professional services

Interested businesses can apply via the official recruitment website at devontorbaydeal.org.uk, with the application deadline set for Friday, June 7.

For more details, businesses can contact officers from Devon County Council involved in the recruitment process through the website, or they can reach out directly to Dominie Dunbrook at North Devon Council by emailing dominie.dunbrook@northdevon.gov.uk.