The Torbay business community came together in true festive spirit at the Torbay Business Forum Christmas Special Breakfast.
The annual celebration, held at the Riviera International Centre, raised an impressive £1,000 for Rowcroft Hospice through a raffle and contributions from TBF itself.
Led by TBF Chair - or “Chief Elf” for the morning - Steve Reynolds, the event set the tone for a joyful start to the festive season.
Guests were treated to a lively English Riviera rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas,” performed with the help of four mischievous apprentice elves, Alison Upton, Hayley Townsend, Daniela Hopkins and Ben Tisdall and a warm welcome from South Devon College’s Ben Pountney.
The room was packed with local businesses, community leaders and regular attendees, all keen to celebrate the end of another year in Torbay’s business community.
A moving video was shared by Rowcroft’s Alison Upton, showcasing the hospice’s vital work supporting patients and families across South Devon.
Alison said: "We were truly humbled by the warmth and generosity shown by everyone in the room. To see the business community come together at Christmas - not just to celebrate, but to make a real difference for local families - is incredibly special. This £1,000 will directly support compassionate care for people facing the hardest moments of their lives. We are so grateful.”
The raffle was boosted by generous prize donations from
Hotel Indigo Torquay, Torquay United, Cofton Holidays, Twenty1 Lounge & Bar, Otto and Regina Rowe.
Alison also shared sign-up details of Rowcroft's next big fund-raising event, The Big Tackle on Saturday March 7, 2026. Click HERE.
He shared how the English Riviera is set to become a global stage next summer, hosting one of the most prestigious events in paddle sports an attracting international athletes, thousands of visitors, and significant worldwide media attention.
Brendon said that while the event itself will be incredible for the area, its true value lies in the long-term legacy it can create for Torbay. He spoke passionately about the opportunity to transform the Bay’s relationship with the water - putting safety, wellbeing, participation, and economic growth at the heart of a lasting coastal strategy.
Central to this vision is his hope to see lifeguards reinstated on Torbay’s beaches, something he believes will create a safer, more welcoming coastline for both residents and tourists.
This is not only about beach safety - it’s about enabling year-round activity, enhancing visitor confidence, and supporting Torbay’s identity as a world-class centre for coastal sport and lifestyle.
Brendon confirmed that he is already in early but positive stages with Torbay Council about how this legacy could be achieved, and how the SUP World Cup could act as the catalyst for change.
TBF chairman Steve said: "The room was buzzing with connection, collaboration and festive sparkle - exactly what our business community is all about. December’s event showed once again what can happen when businesses come together with purpose. I’m incredibly proud of the positivity in the room and the generosity shown towards Rowcroft. This is Torbay at its best.”
Special thanks were given to Gold Sponsor Cavanna Homes and Silver Sponsor Inter-Line.
The Forum returns in the New Year on Tuesday January 13 at the Riviera International Centre, featuring speakers about the Torbay Story Jon-Paul Hedge and Jim Parker and the launch of the new Torbay Tomorrow business magazine.
