Business Advisory Group

Alan chairs the Devon and Torbay Business Advisory Group (DTBAG). He has a broad manufacturing background spanning food products, plastics, iron pipes, drainage covers, valves for oil, gas and nuclear sectors, garage lifting equipment, and electronics with TDK, following earlier roles including Virgin Trains.

Carmen is a Regional Business and Stakeholder Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) which she joined in 2023. The FSB is the UK’s leading membership organisation for small businesses and the self-employed.

Simon is a Director of Bigwave Marketing, a leading Southwest marketing agency that supports the growth of organisations that have a positive impact on their communities. The diverse range of clients includes charities, local authorities, social enterprises, and private sector businesses from accountancies to zoos.

Nora is the Chief Executive Officer of Devon Communities Together (DCT), the Rural Community Council for Devon, a member of the National Network Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE). Nora is the founding and current member of the Torbay, Plymouth and Devon VCSE Assembly.

Dee is Managing Director at Business Information Point (BIP) after being with the company for 20 years. BIP provides accessible business advice and support to rural and land-based businesses right across the South West.

Rob leads Additive.earth, an ESG Venture Factory transforming systemic environmental and social challenges into scalable solutions. Under Rob’s leadership, the platform advances ventures like Additive Catchments and Additive Seaweed, driving the net-zero transition through systemic and scalable solutions.

Chris is the Chief Manufactoring Officer at QLM Technology Ltd. and has over 25 years of experience in operations, manufacturing and engineering, having held general management, senior operations and leadership positions in optoelectronics, volume electronics, instrumentation and the aviation and aerospace industries.

Julie is CEO at Cosmic, a Devon-based provider of digital skills, web and IT services, and digital business support. The Cosmic Team is heavily involved in delivery of multiple programmes supporting businesses and VCSE organisations in the Devon and South West region.

Peter is the the Technology and Customer Services Manager at CMTG, where he leads the team that designs, installs, and supports our sensing and data systems across aerospace, defence, and industrial applications. He also serves as Chair of Northern Devon Futures and Co-Chair of One Northern Devon, working with partners to support regional growth and community wellbeing.