Countdown begins for Torbay business EXPO

The countdown has begun for an annual event which brings tourism and business together to promote the Bay and shout success.

Torbay Council is a silver sponsor of Riviera Connect, an  EXPO organised jointly by the Torbay Tourism Forum and English Riviera BID Company and which is taking place on Thursday October 16 at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay. 

The Expo is aimed at connecting and inspiring the business, tourism, and hospitality sectors, and bringing people and businesses together for a day of networking, learning and innovation. 

Torbay Council teams will be exhibiting on stands 33, 35, 37 and 39 in the arena, showcasing a wide range of services, opportunities, attractions and partnerships. Including:  

• Torbay Council Economy Team and Business Support 
• *The My Bay Scheme. 
• Torbay Council Commercial Services. 
• Torbay Registrar and Celebrant Service. 
• Torbay Council Food and Safety Team. 
• Torbay Council attractions Torre Abbey and Cockington Court.  

Alongside learning about council services, Torbay residents attending the event will have the opportunity to complete a Residents’ Satisfaction Survey. 

The council will also be sharing a stand with Regeneration Partners Willmott Dixon and Milligan where they will talk to attendees about regeneration plans for Torbay and how they are  aiming to create vibrant, sustainable communities across the Bay. 

There will also be information about how businesses can sign up to become a Torbay Champion through the Torbay Story. 

Torbay’s Director of Regeneration, David Carter, will be speaking at the Expo alongside Chris Wheeler, Regional Head of Land & Development, Willmott Dixon Construction. They will be talking to delegates about ‘Shaping Torbay’s Future: Regeneration in Action’ at 11:30am in the Speaker’s Hub.  

Attendees will be welcome to engage with Torbay's Hi-Tech Cluster at the Expo, who work in partnership with EPIC and is supported by Torbay Council. The Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster comprises around 30 organisations, 10 of which will be present in the Hi Tech Zone to showcase a range of sectors, technologies, and applications, including quantum, environmental, GPS, photonics, electronics, medical, creative, marine, aerospace, and others. 

Cllrr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said: “‘We are delighted to be a silver sponsor of the Riviera Connect Expo event again this year. The event’s commitment to inspire, connect and strengthen Torbay’s business, tourism and hospitality  sectors is one that we are always proud to support.  

“We want Torbay to be a great place to live, work and visit. By supporting our local business community to flourish, we can help create sustainable and inclusive economic growth and make Torbay a happy, healthy and prosperous place for everyone.” 

Riviera Connect runs from 9:30am to 5pm and offers free admission and free parking. 

To find out more and to register to attend visit the Riviera Connect Expo website:

https://riviera-connect.co.uk/.