Pictures: Riviera Connect is a big day for big ideas

Hundreds of businesses across the Bay came together at the 2024 Riviera Connect Expo for a day of networking, collaboration and big ideas.

Drawing over 500 delegates and showcasing more than 100 stands at the Riviera International Centre, the event showed off the diversity and ingenuity of Torbay’s tourism, hospitality, business, charity and high-tech sectors. 

Organised by the English Riviera BID Company and Torbay Business Forum, the event has once again cemented itself as a must-attend occasion for businesses across the Bay and beyond.

The event kicked off the evening before with a sponsored reception at the Mercure, where attendees enjoyed delicious pizzas hosted by John Harvey and The Samphire Club, setting the tone for a day of networking and making valuable business connections.

The Riviera Connect Expo was bustling with activity from the start, with 2024 sponsors already excited for next year’s event, and by 11am, three new sponsors had signed up for 2025! Sponsors included:

• Gold Sponsor: Bigwave Marketing

• Silver Sponsors: Wollens, Torbay Council, South Devon College, Redcliffe Hotel, Kents Cavern, Ocean Group

• Bronze Sponsor: Konsileo

Other partners—Seen In Design, Torbay Weekly, Poppy Jakes Photography, and enlightenHR—helped bring the day together, ensuring every detail was perfect.

Devonia Water kept everyone hydrated throughout the event, and we wrapped up with a fantastic drinks reception courtesy of Vino Zero, Bays Brewery, and Hunts Cider.

Free parking, sponsored by The Ocean Group, filled two car parks to capacity— a clear sign of just how busy and successful the event was

The day began with an energetic talk from Jess Wiggins of Impact Coaching, setting the stage for an incredible day of opportunities and connections. MP Steve Darling shared his endorsement for the Bay, highlighting a vision for the future, while Steve Reynolds—the event’s fantastic host, known as "2 mic Steve"—ensured everything ran smoothly from start to finish.

Visitors and exhibbitors were fortunate to have an impressive line-up of speakers covering a range of important topics for local businesses: Insignia Creative spoke on "Using Artificial Intelligence for Business Growth and Efficiency" by Peter Blackler & Richard Netherclift.

Bigwave Marketing delivered a thought-provoking session on "Beyond Profit – the Unexpected Impact of Having a Business Mission and Vision" by Simon Beer.

Torbay Council’s Jacqui Warren and Nick Golding discussed "Practical Net Zero Tips for Businesses & Sustainable Tourism."

Richard Scutt, Director of The EPIC Centre updated attendees on the future of innovation in the high-tech sector.

A powerful talk by Vic Williams on "Neurodiversity & Inclusion in the Workplace" covered the value of exceptional minds in business.

The Power of the English Riviera Brand was Presented by Pamela Badham, Founder of Four Marketing Agency.

Thi was followed by a questionnaire Panel, featuring Jim Parker, Kim Thornton, Chris Hart, Carolyn Custerson, and Richard Scutt, who provided expert insights across law, business support, tourism, and tech.

The day’s keynote came from Brendon Prince, 9x World SUP Record Holder and founder of water safety charity Above Water. His talk, “Making Waves: The Future of SUP in the English Riviera,” explored his extraordinary journey and the rise of SUP in the region. Brendon also highlighted exciting upcoming events, including SUPERCHAMPS, SUP12, and The English Riviera Great Big Paddle Parade, showcasing the opportunities for local businesses to engage with the growing sport.

The event supported Above Water, raising £720 for the charity. This will fund crucial water safety and drowning prevention training for 10-15,000 children, making a lasting impact on the community. 

Brendon Prince commented: "Thank you Riviera Connect Expo, the generosity from all who attended will train thousands of children in essential water safety knowledge and drowning prevention skills. The money raised from a simple raffle has the potential to save a life!”

Thank you to Paignton Zoo, Torbay Council, Offshore, Pier Point and Shoreline Bar & Restaurants, Ocean Group, Lex Leisure, Torbay & Torbay Coastal Gin for donating such wonderful prizes!”

Speaking at the Expo, organiser Kelly Widley, expressed her excitement about the event’s success: “We couldn’t be more thrilled with how Riviera Connect Expo has grown in just its second year. 

“The energy, the connections, and the enthusiasm for supporting local business were fantastic. We’ve set a great precedent for 2025 and look forward to continuing this success.”

Steve Reynolds, Chair of the Torbay Business Forum, added: “The turnout and engagement this year have been incredible. We’ve created an event that not only supports business growth but also builds real community ties. With more sponsors already signing up for 2025, the future is bright for the Riviera Connect Expo.”

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the English Riviera BID Company, said:

“The success of this year’s expo reflects the strength of our business community. It was great to see tourism, hospitality, and other sectors coming together, and the interest in positioning the English Riviera as a destination for growth is clear. We look forward to seeing this event continue to evolve.”

The day wasn’t just a valuable experience for the visitors, but for the exhibitors as well. 

For James Twigger of Twigger Business Solutions, it was his first time at the Expo. 

"Twigger Business Solutions was thrilled with the experience,” he said.

“The expo provided an invaluable platform for us to reconnect with current contacts and forge new relationships. The vibrant atmosphere showcased our local business community's strength and potential. We are already looking forward to 2025!"

The organisers send a massive thank you to Laura, Leigh, and the team at the Riviera International Centre for hosting, and to Poppy Jakes for capturing the spirit of the event through her photography. They also extend our gratitude to the hardworking organising committee: Roger Lissenden, Simon Beer, Donna Wynne, Kelly Widley, Alison Benny, Alison Bayliss, Steve Reynolds, and Carolyn Custerson, along with the South Devon College students and Ben Pountney, Carl Wyard, John Currie, and Michael Laukkanen, who ensured the day ran smoothly.

The organisers added: “With this year’s success, we are already looking forward to 2025, with plenty of exciting developments on the horizon. The Riviera Connect Expo continues to be a driving force in fostering business growth, connections, and opportunity in the English Riviera.”

Steve Darling said: “It was a real pleasure to help kick off the Riviera Connect EXPO this week.

“I know the EXPO will offer motivational content to help fuel business growth and provide new platforms for deep-reach networking.

“Let’s keep working together to make our beautiful Bay even better!”