Alison Hernandez: Reasons to be proud of our local businesses

Being a Torbay resident, it gives me a great sense of pride to once again have the privilege and honour of supporting the Torbay Weekly Naturally Inspiring Business Awards 2025. 

I sponsor the Business Community Champion Award which recognises those who work above and beyond their day-to-day role in keeping Torbay a safe place to live, work and visit.  

As in previous years, I have been very impressed with the high calibre of volume of entries in this category with every applicant contributing something amazing and worthwhile within the local community. 

A judging breakfast took place on May 9, attended by representatives of sponsors and — after much deliberation — three finalists have been chosen for the Business Community Champion Award. They are the Unleashed Theatre Company, Torbay United Licensed Drivers Association (TULDA) and Pier Point Bar & Restaurant. 

 TULDA is a not-for-profit company that has been set up by the founder of Jacqui First Airport Taxis for licensed taxi drivers and taxi office staff of Torbay, including Hackney and private hire drivers. They collectively support each other with a wide range of issues from sharing roadworks and road closures information to campaigning for better training for drivers and school escorts.  

Worryingly, TULDA has shared with me that there is a growing number of verbal and physical assaults against drivers, along with unacceptable levels of anti-social behaviour incidents being witnessed. 

My role as Police Crime Commissioner is to ensure that everyone’s voices are heard and bring about much-needed change. Your feedback has led to our Street Focus project making meaningful improvements in Torquay town centre through partnership collaborations. 

I am excited to soon be announcing a new pilot funded by my office that will support Torbay local businesses to report retail crime and anti-social behaviour more effectively. 

It is just one of several initiatives aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour and cracking down on drink and drug use in Torbay, including hotspot patrols, a mobile police station and collaborative efforts with Torbay Council such as introducing public spaces protection orders (PSPOs) to prohibit alcohol consumption in designated zones.  

Commendable work around alcohol and nighttime safety can be seen at Pier Point Bar & Restaurant in Torquay. It has been shortlisted for my Business Community Champion Award in recognition of putting community safety and wellbeing at the centre of everything it does.  

Internally, it operates a strict no lone working policy to reduce risks, especially late at night, and even pays for staff taxis home after 11.30pm to ensure they get home safely. 

Externally, it has joined wider safety initiatives, including gaining official Shout-Up! venue accreditation, participating in the Safer Women At Night scheme, and discreetly offering the Ask for Angela campaign which has been used on one occasion. 

Third finalist, Unleashed Theatre Company, has worked at the heart of Torbay’s community for more than two decades, using theatre and creative arts to reach those most vulnerable — including people affected by homelessness, addiction, mental illness, or social exclusion. 

Its huge spectrum of successes ranges from a weekly drama group to a free community choir, and from making an award-winning film based on the real stories of four participants to staging four major “homeless musicals” which raised more than £19,000 to support a local hostel. 

Those who were once rough sleeping, battling addiction, or struggling after being released from prison have been helped by Unleashed Theatre Company to rebuild and lead fulfilling lives. Last year they received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. 

I wish every finalist in all 12 categories of the awards the best of luck and thank them for all they do to make Torbay a better place to live. The winners will be revealed during the finals night at the Riviera International Conference Centre on June 11. 

I will be attending to present my Business Community Champion Award and am looking forward to what promises to be a memorable evening to celebrate and recognise the achievements of fantastic businesses and individuals in Torbay. 

It is also important to acknowledge the great work that is being carried out across other areas of Devon, as well as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

It is only united together that we can bring about change, reduce crime and feel safer on our streets and in our communities and homes.