Riviera Connect Podcast

S2 Ep.5: Confidence, careers and apprenticeships: Voices from South Devon College

In this episode, we sit down with Ellen Thieman of Tomlinson Solutions, and Charley Mann, Colette Dalton and construction student Amelia from South Devon College to talk honestly about apprenticeships, confidence and what it really takes to bridge the gap between education and employment. From personal setbacks to practical solutions, this conversation explores how young people can move from uncertainty to opportunity, and how employers can play a meaningful role in shaping the next generation of talent. Ellen Thieman A multi channel marketing apprentice who shares her journey from her A Level results to building real skills in web design, social media and digital marketing. Charley Mann A student already balancing education with work, offering insight into what employers value most and what young people learn once they step into the workplace. Amelia, Student A construction student taking part in a new employability pilot programme, explaining why hands on learning suits her and what young people struggle with when trying to secure apprenticeships. Colette Dalton Programme lead behind the new student talent and skills matching pilot, designed to improve apprenticeship readiness, retention and employer confidence. * Why apprenticeships are not a second choice * The confidence dip many students experience after school * The gap between classroom learning and workplace expectations * What employers say is missing in early career candidates * How structured employability training can strengthen outcomes * Why mindset, communication and attitude matter just as much as technical skill We close the episode with a focused roundtable conversation built around two key questions: What is the biggest gap between what young people think work will be like, and what employers actually expect on day one? If you could change one thing to make apprenticeships easier to access and more successful, what would it be and why? This section brings together student experience and employer insight, offering practical reflections for businesses, educators and young people alike. Apprenticeships only work when confidence, preparation and opportunity align. This episode shows what happens when students are supported properly and employers are invited into the process early. Whether you are a business owner, a parent, an educator or a young person exploring your next step, this episode offers clarity, encouragement and practical insight. LINKS Email: colette.dalton@southdevon.ac.uk [employers@southdevon.ac.uk] Building Futures Event 4th March 2026 All construction employers are invited to attend. South Devon College Apprenticeship Awards https://www.southdevon.ac.uk/event/south-devon-college-apprenticeship-awards-2026/ Read about the Apprentice Takeover of the Torbay Business Forum Breakfast: https://www.southdevon.ac.uk/news/2026/02/10/apprentices-were-the-highlight-at-a-successful-torbay-business-forum-breakfast-at-south-devon-college/

S2 Ep.4: Now Is The Time: Jim Parker on Pride, Progress and the Torbay Story

For more than five decades, Jim Parker has helped shape how Torbay sees itself and how the rest of the country sees us too. As Editor of Torbay Weekly, former Editor of the Herald Express, and Chair of the Torbay Place Leadership Board, Jim has been at the centre of some of the Bay’s most important conversations. From helping secure millions in regeneration funding to championing a united voice in Westminster, his belief in the power of place has helped unlock real momentum. In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we explore how the Torbay Story became more than marketing and turned into a strategic tool for growth. Jim shares why telling the truth about both our natural beauty and our challenges is a strength. He explains why businesses must speak more confidently about their success and how community led investment is changing the way decisions are made across the Bay. We also reflect on pride in place, the importance of people in shaping progress, and what success for Torbay truly feels like in the years ahead. Jim leaves us with a simple but powerful message. Now is the time. If you care about leadership, investment, regeneration and the future of the English Riviera, this is an episode you will not want to miss. SHOW LINKS Torbay Weekly [https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk/] Torbay Tomorrow Magazine [https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk/section/3286/torbay-tomorrow] The Torbay Story [https://torbaystory.co.uk/] Sport Torbay [https://www.torbay.gov.uk/leisure-sports-and-community/sports/sport-torbay/] BOOK YOUR STAND AT RIVIERA CONNECT Don't forget to book your stand at Riviera Connect [https://riviera-connect.co.uk/], Wednesday 7th October 2026 at the Riviera International Centre. This podcast is brought to you by our sponsors, The Grand Torquay. 'Meet Me at The Grand' for informal catchups, meetings, networking and taking in all the beauty and opulence of this historic hotel in Torquay. Visit www.grandtorquay.co.uk [www.grandtorquay.co.uk]

S2 Ep.3: Clear Sky, Clear Vision: Chris Coward on the New Shape of Regional Media

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we sit down with Chris Coward, Managing Director of Clear Sky Publishing Ltd, whose career spans more than forty years in UK and European media. From his early days in the mid eighties through senior posts at DMGT, Northcliffe, Local World, Trinity Mirror and Reach, Chris has been at the centre of newsroom change, large-scale integrations and the long transition from print to digital. He shares what he has learned about leading people through disruption, why regional media still matters, and how Clear Sky Publishing approaches local journalism with a renewed sense of service and identity. Chris also reflects on community responsibility, the lessons gained from a famously demanding commute, and the principles he would apply if he were building a brand new media product from the ground up. Links to Clear Sky Publishing online: Torbay Torbay Weekly:  ⁠⁠https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk [https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk/]⁠⁠Torbay Tomorrow: https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk/section/3286/torbay-tomorrow [https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk/section/3286/torbay-tomorrow] Torbay Lifestyle Magazine: (Coming Soon)  Dartmoor The Moorlander Newspaper:  ⁠⁠ https://www.themoorlander.co.uk/ [https://www.themoorlander.co.uk/] Dartmoor Magazine: https://dartmoormagazine.co.uk/ [https://dartmoormagazine.co.uk/]  Exeter Exeter Today Newspaper: https://www.exetertoday.co.uk/ [https://www.exetertoday.co.uk/] Exeter Living Magazine: https://epaper.exeterlivingmag.co.uk/ [https://epaper.exeterlivingmag.co.uk/] Exeter Tomorrow Magazine: https://www.exetertoday.co.uk/section/3125/exeter-tomorrow [https://www.exetertoday.co.uk/section/3125/exeter-tomorrow] Exeter Visitor Guide: https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx [https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx]  North Devon North Devon Gazette: https://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/ [https://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/] North Devon Tomorrow Magazine (Coming Soon) Upgrade your rail tickets with Seat Frog: https://seatfrog.com/ [https://seatfrog.com/] Book onto the Christmas Social at Ibis Styles, for members of Torbay Business Forum, Torbay Business Network, Paignton and District Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurs Circle. Tickets are on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-christmas-networking-social-of-the-year-tickets-1662109396949 [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-christmas-networking-social-of-the-year-tickets-1662109396949] Thank you for listening! Please leave a 5-star review, and subscribe for the next episode.

S2 Ep2: Bridging Business and Community: In Conversation with Steve Reynolds

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we sit down with Steve Reynolds, Chair of the Torbay Business Forum and one of the most respected figures in the English Riviera’s business community. From his early career at Barclays to his current leadership roles across multiple organisations, Steve brings warmth, wisdom and unwavering commitment to everything he does. We explore how he balances chairing the Forum with his work in leadership consultancy, parish council service and education. Along the way, Steve shares what motivates him, the lessons he’s learned, and how he keeps so many plates spinning while always putting people first. If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with purpose, stay genuinely connected to your community, or grow a network that builds something bigger than business, this episode is for you. Take Action Don’t miss the 2026 Riviera Connect Expo. It’s your chance to build new relationships, share your story, and be part of a future-facing business community. Visit ⁠riviera-connect.co.uk ⁠ [riviera-connect.co.uk⁠ ]for dates and booking info. Want to get involved in the Torbay Business Forum? Come along to one of the monthly Business Breakfasts — and if it’s December, you might just spot Steve in festive costume. December Breakfast Booking Link: ⁠https://buytickets.at/torbaybusinessforum/1850341⁠ [https://buytickets.at/torbaybusinessforum/1850341] Join the Torbay Business Forum mailing list: ⁠https://torbaybusinessforum.com/⁠ [https://torbaybusinessforum.com/] Book on the Christmas Social event on 11th December: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-christmas-networking-social-of-the-year-tickets-1662109396949⁠ [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-christmas-networking-social-of-the-year-tickets-1662109396949]

S2 E1: The Power of Purpose with Simon Beer, Big Wave Marketing and Rosey Oakes, The Mare and Foal Sanctuary

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, weexplore what it really means for businesses and charities to lead with purpose, from building a mission-led organisation to strengthening community connections. Simon Beer Simon Beer, Managing Director of Bigwave Marketing, shareshow becoming a B Corporation has helped align growth with genuine social impact. He talks about Bigwave’s mission to make a difference to clients, colleagues and communities, and his long-term vision for a creative agency that leaves a lasting legacy in the South West. Rosey Oakes Rosey Oakes, Community and Corporate Fundraising Lead from TheMare and Foal Sanctuary brings a charity perspective, highlighting how equine-assisted learning and community engagement programmes can transform lives. With more than a decade in the charity sector, she explains howcollaboration between businesses and charities creates stronger, more resilient communities. Together, Simon and Rosey show how purpose-driven work,whether through communities, charity, or sustainability initiatives,  is helping to shape a more connected, compassionate Torbay. Chris Thomas Chris Thomas, Vice-Chair of the Paignton and DistrictChamber of Commerce, rounds off the episode with an invitation to the Torbay Business Community Christmas Social at the Ibis Styles Paignton. He talks about the importance of community spirit and how uniting Torbay’s business networksbuilds momentum for the year ahead. Connect and take action Discover Bigwave Marketing’s purpose-led approach: bigwave.co.uk [https://bigwave.co.uk] Partner with The Mare and Foal Sanctuary: mareandfoal.org [https://mareandfoal.org] Join the Torbay Business Community Christmas Social – book your ticket on Eventbrite [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-christmas-networking-social-of-the-year-tickets-1662109396949]