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Showing posts with label Glen King Marketing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Glen King Marketing. Show all posts

Monday, 21 October 2013

Marketing Agency Expands Local Services


Exeter-based marketing agency Big Wave Media announces the new appointment of local marketer Ronnie Halden to expand their marketing and creative services team and to engage a new local and regional client base.

A full service marketing agency with a team of creative designers, digital developers and marketers housed under one roof Big Wave Media provides innovative and cost effective PR and marketing support to over 200 clients across the UK and Ireland.  The agency specialises in the leisure, tourism, local government and Business to Business sectors.  Well known in other parts of the UK, the Exeter based agency is now looking to develop an expanding Westcountry client base.


Established in 2007 in Tudor Street the company started with 16 members of staff recruited from the local area and since THEN it has grown to a team of 34.  In the last two years Big Wave Media has invested heavily in the latest cutting-edge technologies and systems and can now also offer an extensive range of digital services including mobile apps which has expanded their marketing services.


Benn Davis Managing Director Big Wave Media says: “The Company has seen a positive growth and demand for digital marketing services and a recent resurgence in traditional media. This has led to an internal restructure and creation of new roles to create a central hub for all online marketing services as well as print and design. As a result we can offer local businesses a full marketing package.   Ronnie has a very high profile and an excellent reputation for delivering which fits with the ethos of the company.  He brings with him a loyal client base and a wealth of experience and I am delighted that Ronnie is joining our growing team of professionals to fly the flag for Exeter.”  


www.bigwavemedia.co.uk



L – R: Simon Beer / Debbi Moore / Ronnie Halden / Tom Gozna – (and the rest of the Big Wave Media Team)

Photo by Glen King.

Building Contractor hands over Project to Exeter Housing Association


South-west based building contractor, C G Fry & Son hands over Bevan House to Sovereign Housing Association in Whipton, Exeter.  The project combining 9 new apartments was built to PassivHaus Principles with a construction value of £1.1m.  Funding of £690,140 was made available through Recycled Capital Grant Funding and £124,360 provided by Exeter City Council.

The six, 1-bedroom and three, 2-bedroom flats based in Whipton was the first of its type for both C G Fry and Sovereign Housing and reached air integrity below the objective of .75 with some test results achieving more than the original expectation. Purely through passive design elements, the new flats at Bevan House will use approximately 90% less heating energy when compared to a standard UK building (2010 Building Regulation requirements). 

Bevan House was named after the late Tony Bevan, a Property Surveyor who worked for Sovereign who passed away in 2011 whilst still in service with the housing association.  Well-liked by staff and residents alike, Bevan House is named in his memory.

Sovereign Housing is well-known for its ethos of making a real difference by making 
sure the homes they build and the services they provide allow residents to live the best
life they can.  It is the first housing association to deliver apartments to PassivHaus Principles on infill land in Exeter.  

Jason Walker, Sovereign’s Development Officer, says: “It’s very pleasing to see these homes completed, particularly as it is the first project of this type for us. We have been working closely with the city council to support its ambitious plans to provide more high-quality affordable homes and free up larger family homes for people on the housing waiting list. CG Fry did an extremely good job in respect to the quality of the build and they exceeded the overall air tightness of the scheme which is a very important aspect in relation to PassivHaus developments.”

C G Fry site manager Aubrey Harris, an air-tightness champion, was a driving force behind the successful completion of this innovative project.  

Kevin Murch Construction Director C G Fry & Son says: “This was the first project of its kind that C G Fry has built.  It had its unique set of challenges in both design and management which the construction team met head-on.  The turning point was Aubrey getting the team to grasp a new concept of building a very different type of project and move forward with it.  Naturally there were inevitable problems, however, we worked closely with Tomas Gartner of Gale & Snowden and came up with solutions which were well received. Part of the success of the project was as a result of employing a ‘no-blame’ culture with the sub-contractors and we all worked together as a team for the successful outcome of building to PassivHaus standards.”  

The employer’s Agent was Exeter-based Quantity Surveyors Taylor Lewis and the scheme was designed by Exeter architects Gale and Snowden who were also employed by Exeter City Council to ensure the building was compliant. 

Tomas Gartner, Senior Architect at Gale & Snowden, says: “Building to PassivHaus standard requires high levels of workmanship, rigorous attention to detail and site supervision. I was particularly impressed with CG Fry's attention to detail, not only during the design but also construction. The site management was exemplary and it was a real joy seeing it all coming together and the outstanding air testing results speak for themselves.”

www.cgfry.co.uk


L – R: Tomas Gartner – Senior Architect, Gale & Snowden Architects Ltd / Gary Stenning- Housing Development Officer, Exeter City Council / Cllr Rob Hannaford (Portfolio Holder for Housing & Customer Access) / Kevin Murch – Construction Director, C G Fry / Aubrey Harris – Site Manager, C G Fry / Jason Walker - Development Manager, Sovereign/ David Gale – Gale and Snowden Architects

Local Chartered Accountants Expand Corporate Team

L – R
John Edwards and Louisa Roberts
Haines Watts North Devon

Bideford-based chartered accountants Haines Watts North Devon LLP announces the new appointment of 29 year old Louisa Roberts as Senior Commercial Manager.

Experts in analysing commercial challenges and opportunities, Haines Watts North Devon offers practical solutions in accounting, tax planning, retirement and succession servicing an extensive portfolio of over 500 owner managed businesses including corporate, professionals, small businesses and sole traders across the South West. 

Born and bred in North Devon, Louisa was a former student of West Buckland School.  After a University education she joined her parents in their thriving electronics business based in Bideford giving her real life experience of how a family business operates. Louisa then went to work for a local accountancy firm and became a Chartered Accountant in 2011.   

Louisa joins former colleague Matthew Melksham to strengthen the growing corporate team.  She comments:  “I am looking forward to taking on this new role and working with Matt again as well as the other partners.  Haines Watts has a client-centred approach which means that we can take the time to really understand the client’s needs. My role is to look after owner managed businesses of any size and my experience has given me a good grounding in what is important to business-owners.  With a strong audit background I believe as a team we can really add value to the larger corporate businesses in North Devon”.

Matthew Melksham – Partner Haines Watts North Devon LLP says:  “It is great to work with Louisa again as she brings her enthusiasm and vast experience in the sector. Louisa will fit very well into our team as she understands that as a practice we are here to help our clients prosper and grow”.  

www.hwca.com/acccountants-north-devon

Thursday, 17 October 2013

Downton Abbey goes to Gidleigh Park’ & Lord Julian Fellowes speaks at charity dinner

Photograph shows L-R: 

Lord Julian Fellowes; Michael Caines MBE; 
Richard Pike Divisional Director – Brewin Dolphin; 
Ally Colton, Families for Children; 
John Casson, Event Organiser
 On Thursday 10th October a charity dinner, organised by The John Casson Foundation, took place in aid of South West adoption agency Families for Children. 70 guests attended the sell-out event at Gidleigh Park, generously sponsored by wealth Management Company Brewin Dolphin and independent wine merchant Private Cellar raising £23,000 for the charity.

Guest enjoyed an entertaining and memorable talk from the award-winning actor and writer of Downton Abbey, Lord Julian Fellowes which was made even more special as the fourth series is currently showing on ITV.   This was followed by a mouth-watering gourmet dinner created by Gidleigh Park’s two Michelin Star Chef, Michael Caines MBE, who was himself adopted through Families for Children and a Patron of Families for the charity. 
Photograph shows Lord Julian Fellowes
during his talk

Ally Colton, Families for Children Fundraising and Publicity Co-ordinator says: “All the guests had a fabulous evening and we would like to sincerely thank Lord Julian Fellowes and everyone who sponsored and attended this event.  All of the money raised will be used to support our adoptive families who parent children from abusive backgrounds and together we can change these children’s lives, giving them the tools to become responsible, loving adults.”  

During the evening BBC Broadcaster and Vice Patron of Families for Children Judi Spiers addressed the audience explaining the work of the charity, her emotional speech obviously struck a chord with the audience who gave generously during the auction. This was a lively event with some amazing lots including a VIP experience and diamond pendant donated by Michael Spiers which sold for £1,400 and contributed to an incredible total of just under £23,000 being raised on the night.

Richard Pike, Divisional Director - Brewin Dolphin Exeter Office says: “We were delighted to once again be the main sponsor for this wonderful charity fundraising event. John Casson works extremely hard to make these events highly-successful and raise substantial monies for worthy causes”.

Wednesday, 16 October 2013

Independent Developer and New Home-Owners Raise Funds for ‘The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’


Family owned independent developer C G Fry & Son, renowned for their part in the prestigious Poundbury development with The Duchy of Cornwall, helped to raise over £400 for Macmillan Cancer Support as part of 'The World's Biggest Coffee Morning'.  The staff at the Dorchester-based Head Office together with colleagues from various sales offices around the South West region joined forces to help this worthy cause.

Local residents from the adjoining C G Fry development, Old Kelways at Huish Episcopi joined staff members to raise money with donations in the newly opened Show Home at Fern Green, Langport.  A large selection of delicious home-made cakes baked by residents, Elaine Cooper, Jane Prescott and the wife of David Pillinger, the development site manager was washed down with copious cups of coffee which helped to create a real community feel.  

Also at the coffee morning was Sally Scribbins, the first resident to move into Fern Green and Mr and Mrs Small who will be moving in to their new Fry home in the very near future. They were interested to see how the show home was furnished and were happy to join in the fundraising spirit. 

Fern Green show home and sales centre is open from 10 - 5 weekdays, 10 - 4 weekends.
Tel: 01458 259595.  
www.cgfry.co.uk

In the picture Sales negotiators Linda and Rose - (Linda at the front, Rose front right).

Care Interior Designer Appointed as ‘Dementia Friendly’ Champion


Access 21 Care Interiors who work exclusively for the care sector has been appointed to the growing network of champions of Dementia Friendly Surrey.  Created in support of the Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge, the partnership project aims to develop dementia friendly communities where people with dementia, their families and carers are understood, valued and can enjoy life.

The project advocated by Surrey County Council and three of Surrey’s Clinical Commissioning Groups, focus on the main areas for action: driving improvements in health and care, creating dementia friendly communities and improving dementia research.  In England there are an estimated 670,000 people living with dementia and with an ageing population this is only going to rise

Surbiton-based Access Care 21 Interiors works with clients across the UK designing across a full range of care schemes including general/extra care, nursing, learning disabilities, supported living, palliative and dementia.  In their role as Champions, Access 21 Care Interiors are offering free telephone and email advice to individuals who want to make their own homes more dementia friendly.  

Eda Brooks Projects Director, Access 21 Care Interiors says: “We are pleased to be supporting Dementia Friendly Surrey as we believe in the ethos of improving standards for individuals with dementia.  We are delighted to be publicly recognised as local champions for this worthy cause and  with a specialist knowledge of dementia design and audits with many years’ of experience, we as a company understand the importance of creating a safe and stimulating environment whilst encouraging independence. This campaign is a great way to raise awareness of dementia and how local communities can gain a greater understanding and support.”

www.a21interiors.co.uk

City Centre Restaurant Caters to Exeter’s New Growth


A local restaurateur is making a major investment to meet the discerning Exeter market.  City-centre based Lloyd’s Café and Bistro is re-branding and undergoing a dramatic and high-end refurbishment to create a London-feel restaurant.  

The plans are to create a ‘mini-convent garden’ on Catherine Street which encompasses the open Piazza offering alfresco dining located parallel with the High Street and adjacent to the Roman ruins; popular as a meeting place for shoppers and visitors to the city.   

In a survey of nearly 40,000 people undertaken by on-line retail estate portal Rightmove, Exeter has been named the 4th happiest place to live. This is reflected in recent economic growth resulting from the arrival of retail giant John Lewis attracting customers from all over the South West and the forthcoming Ikea store.

The restaurant re-launch is being championed by 26 year old entrepreneur Lloyd Gardner who bought the city-centre business in 2012. He comments: “We are very excited about the new-look restaurant and brand. It has been a very successful 18 months since the acquisition and we have established a strong and loyal customer base, however there is a noticeable vibrancy and buoyancy in the city which is attracting a new clientele.  With the recent upsurge of growth in the city we felt this was the right time to go to a different level to meet customer demand. As a result we are creating a unique dining experience using locally sourced produce where possible whilst maintaining an excellent customer service without an increase in prices.”


Lloyds will be closing temporarily on September 15th for the re-fit. The unveiling of the new brand and official restaurant opening in aid of the restaurant’s designated charity Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) will take place on Thursday 26th September at 10am in a ribbon cutting ceremony by City Centre Manager John Harvey. Radio Exe will be joining in the celebrations from 10 am – 2 pm with representatives from the designated charity ELF.

Tuesday, 24 September 2013

‘Take charge of your health’ event. The official launch of Thermalogica Health Screening








Date: Wednesday 2nd October 2013

Time: 17.30 - 19.30

Venue: Radiance MediSpa, Augustus House, New North Road, Exeter EX4 4HL

COST: Free. Spaces limited please book to secure your place

Tel: 0844 332 1711



Thermalogica Health Screening will be holding their official launch event on Wednesday 2nd October at Radiance MediSpa, Exeter. Lisa Portman and Terri Bainbridge will be showcasing the ground-breaking technology behind Digital Infrared Thermal Imagining (DITI) as an aid for diagnosis and prognosis of various health issues. There will be a live demonstration of the procedure, which is radiation free and safe for men, women and children. The event will feature guest speakers and specialists in their individual field including Dilys Gannon-Bone aka ‘The Health Detective’. Dilys’ many specialities include EFT, NLP, Kinesiology, Naturopathy, Colonic hydrotherapy and nutritional testing for autism. An ‘Ask the panel’ Q&A session will be opened up to the audience.

An audience with Lord Julian Fellowes @ Gidleigh Park, Chagford Thursday 10th October – in aid of Families for Children Adoption Agency Sponsored by Brewin Dolphin Exeter


Brewin Dolphin Exeter Office www.brewin.co.uk/exeter is delighted to be the main sponsor of this prestigious event, an exclusive evening with actor and creator of Downton Abbey, Lord Julian Fellowes in aid of a worthy South West charity: 

www.familiesforchildren.org.uk

This is the latest in a succession of highly successful fundraising events organised by prominent West Country businessman John Casson. Previous events have welcomed other high profile guests such as Sir Michael Parkinson, General Sir David Richards and the Falklands war veteran Simon Weston raising thousands of pounds for a variety of charities.

A special dinner will be prepared and cooked by award-winning Chef Michael Caines MBE, one of Britain's most acclaimed chefs with two Michelin stars. AA Chef's Chef of the Year in 2007 and awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to the hospitality industry, Michael is Executive Chef at Gidleigh Park, the acclaimed and prestigious country house hotel on the edge of Dartmoor at Chagford.   Adopted by Exeter-based parents he is a Patron of the Families for Children (FFC) charity.  The gourmet dinner with Petit Fours is complemented by high-quality wine generously supplied by Private Cellar together with a Champagne reception 

Richard Pike Divisional Director of Brewin Dolphin Exeter says: “We are delighted to once again be the main sponsor for this wonderful charity fundraising event.  John Casson works extremely hard to make these events highly-successful and raise substantial monies for worthy causes.  Gidleigh Park is a renowned and prestigious restaurant and Exeter-based Michael Caines a revered Chef; it has all the ingredients to be a memorable evening.  This high-profile fundraiser with celebrity guest Lord Fellowes coincides with the new autumn series of the popular Downton Abbey drama so promises to be an event not to be missed.”

The ultimate VIP experience! Rolls Royce... Champagne... Diamonds...

Fabulous charity prizes generously donated by local business include a unique auction for an 18ct white gold diamond cluster pendant worth over £1,000 from independent South West jeweller Michael Spiers.  The winning bid includes a chauffeur driven 1978 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II formerly owned by Oscar-winning actor, the late Sir John Mills.  On arrival the successful bidder and guest will be welcomed at one of Michael Spiers’ four South West showrooms with champagne and a delicious lunch.  www.michaelspiers.co.uk.  In addition Surridge Gallery based in Princesshay, Exeter a UK distributor of collectable limited edition and original paintings has kindly donated a limited edition print as a wonderful auction prize.   ‘Summer on the Green’ painted by Henderson Cisz for FFC is on canvas board and the edition number is 50.  Hand-signed by both the artist and Michael Caines Patron of the charity, the recommended retail price is £695.00 with a reserve of £395.00.  www.surridgegallery.co.uk.  More fabulous prizes can be seen on this link: http://www.johncasson.com/auctionitems 

Renowned Artist Diana Mackie, will be exhibiting some of her breath-taking oil on canvas paintings at the event one of which will be auctioned to raise funds for the charity.  Based on the Isle of Skye, Diana’s paintings seek to capture the effects of the elusive ‘Skye Light’ on the stunning landscape that surrounds her on the island.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diana-Mackie-Artist/412168012136663?fref=ts

For details on how to purchase tickets, please contact: Alice Edmonds – 

aliceedmonds@johncasson.com 
M: 07718 425 742

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

City Centre Restaurant Caters to Exeter’s New Growth


A local restaurateur is making a major investment to meet the discerning Exeter market.  City-centre based Lloyd’s Café and Bistro is re-branding and undergoing a dramatic and high-end refurbishment to create a London-feel restaurant.  

The plans are to create a ‘mini-convent garden’ on Catherine Street which encompasses the open Piazza offering alfresco dining located parallel with the High Street and adjacent to the Roman ruins; popular as a meeting place for shoppers and visitors to the city.   


In a survey of nearly 40,000 people undertaken by on-line retail estate portal Rightmove, Exeter has been named the 4th happiest place to live. This is reflected in recent economic growth resulting from the arrival of retail giant John Lewis attracting customers from all over the South West and the forthcoming Ikea store.

The restaurant re-launch is being championed by 26 year old entrepreneur Lloyd Gardner who bought the city-centre business in 2012. He comments: “We are very excited about the new-look restaurant and brand. It has been a very successful 18 months since the acquisition and we have established a strong and loyal customer base, however there is a noticeable vibrancy and buoyancy in the city which is attracting a new clientele.  With the recent upsurge of growth in the city we felt this was the right time to go to a different level to meet customer demand. As a result we are creating a unique dining experience using locally sourced produce where possible whilst maintaining an excellent customer service without an increase in prices.”
 
Lloyds will be closing temporarily on September 15th for the re-fit. The unveiling of the new brand and official restaurant opening in aid of the restaurant’s designated charity Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) will take place on Thursday 26th September at 10am in a ribbon cutting ceremony by City Centre Manager John Harvey. Radio Exe will be joining in the celebrations from 10 am – 2 pm with representatives from the designated charity ELF. 

Chambers UK Shortlist Bristol Chambers for ‘Regional Set of the Year’


Victoria Street-based St. John’s Chambers, the largest set in the South West with over 80 members and seven silks, has been shortlisted as a finalist by legal directory Chambers UK for the ‘Regional Set of the Year’ award at the 2013 Chambers Bar Awards.  The prestigious award ceremony announcing the winner will be held at The London Hilton on Park Lane on Thursday, 3rd October 2013.

Last year more than 500 distinguished guests attended the awards which identify the exceptional achievement within the previous year for chambers, silks, and juniors alike.  Winners are selected in more than 20 practice areas using the results of an exhaustive research into Chambers UK Bar Guide.

Derek Jenkins Chief Executive of St. John’s Chambers says: ‘We are delighted to be a finalist for these prestigious awards and publicly recognised as a set of barristers who are leaders in their field.”

www.stjohnschambers.co.uk 

First Residents Move Into Award-Winning Development...


Jenny Brown and Paul Colebourne are the first residents to move into their new home at Wyndham Place, Tisbury built by independent developer C G Fry & Son well-renowned for their part over the last 20 years working with the Duchy of Cornwall on the prestigious Poundbury development.  Site manager Adrian White was recently awarded a Quality Award in the ‘Pride in the Job’ 2013 for the development organised by the National House Building Council (NHBC) for the South West region.  A ‘Pride in the Job award’ is the highest industry accolade a site manager can receive.

Jenny together with partner Paul own a house in London and are looking to make their new 3-bed detached house at Wyndham Place their primary residence going forward.  She says: “We are absolutely delighted with our new home and Adrian White Fry’s site manager and Joe Bond the Finishing Foreman couldn’t be more friendly and helpful.  Tisbury estate agent Arundell James have given an excellent service looking after our every need.  They introduced us to Annabel from the C G Fry sales team who gave us a guided tour of Poundbury so we could see first-hand the quality of their build before we visited Wyndham Place site.”

Tisbury was recommended as one of the top 25 places to live in Britain by The Sunday Times with great amenities and transport links.  As part of a green-scheme travel plan introduced by C G Fry & Son in conjunction with Wiltshire Council, the company is making finances available to install bike-racks around Tisbury and at the local railway station. Up to £800 is available to each household towards the costs of travel by means other than the private car.  This sum on offer is available to the first occupiers of each dwelling for one year from the date of occupancy.

C G Fry’s Wiltshire development on Hindon Lane offers a rare chance to acquire a new and charming home in one of the county’s most appealing rural areas whilst enjoying a contemporary, premier internal specification with private dwellings ranging from £250,000 - £675,000.  It will appeal to a broad range of people home-owners including retired couples; families and young professionals.  A mixed development Wyndham Place includes partnership housing; Guinness Trust affordable homes and 20 individual commercial units to support the small business community and help boost local economy with good road and rail links to the A303 and A30 trunk roads.

Jenny Brown comments: “Tisbury is a charming little town and we love the lifestyle with its delightful independent shops, cafes and restaurants.  We have used local suppliers for all our requirements including carpets, curtains and lighting. The town has everything we need including a Post Office, Bank and a wonderful church.  We can stroll into the centre or take longer walks in the stunning Nadder Valley. The rail and road links are excellent which means we can easily commute to London from Tisbury railway station and the city of Salisbury is just one-stop away. The local people are very friendly and we feel safe and comfortable here. The mixed development includes privately owned houses; affordable housing and commercial units which gives a real community feel, one of the main attractions for us.”

www.cgfry.co.uk

Health scanning business grows out of cancer survivor's personal battle...


C G Fry Builds in Pretty Tisbury...


Thursday, 1 August 2013

Exeter Arts Draw On Link To Italian City


Names on image L – R
Glen King, Kristi Johnson, Dina Clements, Ylenia Tumani, 
Liz Oram, Linda Assarsson, Christina Garrod, 
Rebecca de Mendonca – Exeter Artist
New local company AventHolidays; the brainchild of Woodbury-based Jeremy Jackson, announces the first of its new all-inclusive six day Italian painting breaks in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Ferrara, Italy, an outstanding success.  Ferrara with a population of 350,000 boasts the oldest university in Italy together with a castle and is linked to Exeter University. The inaugural painting holiday was led by Rebecca de Mendonça a renowned artist who has developed considerable skill in the use of pastels.  She spent 10 years working alongside Channel 4 Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud as his assistant and now lives in Exeter where she runs art courses.

A press conference was held in the city’s castle with members of the Italian press meeting Jeremy Jackson and Exeter artist Rebecca de Mendonça together with BBC Radio Devon presenter Judi Spiers.  The President of Chamber of Trade Carlo Alberto Roncarati and the Head of Tourism for the Emilia Romagna Region Davide Bellotti welcomed the Devon contingency to their City.  Afterwards Bellotti  gifted a bespoke commemorative plate designed by local Art college students to each of the AventHoliday guests to signify the forged links between the two cities.

AventHolidays works alongside AventArt.com, launched by Jackson in spring this year to promote unknown but talented Devon and Cornwall artists through a web-based outlet. A keen charity supporter, artist, writer and retired public relations executive he was inspired to start the new ventures by local anaesthetist Charlie Collins who is raising money to pay for a hospital for the EarAid charity in Nepal.   Although this will operate as a commercial venture, helping to promote art and artists, a percentage of the money will be donated to this worthy cause.


Jeremy Jackson – Founder of AventHolidays says: “I decided to start a business which will be a 100% commercial enterprise, with a percentage of the revenue going to charity.  I am absolutely delighted with the success of the first Italian painting break which not only attracted guests from Devon but also Sweden and two American ladies. It is wonderful to think that we have strong Exeter Links with this stunning city and the very warm welcome we received.  Going forward we are looking to organise further themed Italian holidays, not just painting breaks but also cycling and cooking”.

Rebecca, one of the AventArt artists, designed the Italian course so the travellers could soak up the atmosphere of the medieval city of Ferrara and draw from the architecture, the people and the authentic Italian life away from the busy crowded tourist hubs. Rebecca’s course in pastels focused on the use and techniques of this medium and included a day tour to the romantic city of Venice.

Judi Spiers – BBC Radio Devon Presenter says: “I haven’t picked up a paint brush since my Art A-levels.  This wonderful painting break in a stunning location and under the stewardship of Rebecca awakened the inner artist in me and has inspired me to continue to paint.  It was a delightful and unmissable experience.”

The next planned holiday is 14-20 September 2013 in Ferrara with an Italian artist – for more information contact: Liz Oram  - enquiries@aventholidays.com  www.aventholidays.com

Medispa Invites Local Businesses to Meet and Greet for Free


Recently opened Radiance MediSpa based in central Exeter, is opening its doors to local companies to offer complimentary venue hire.  This includes a light and airy conference room with the latest technology which seats up to 80 and is perfect for meetings; presentations and training.  Evenings will be available for corporate networking events including bespoke ladies and men only events which can be tailored to the individual company’s requirements.

Owned by dynamic mother and daughter duo, Dr Ros and Katie Debenham the luxurious and spacious 7,300 sq.ft premises boasts 11 sumptuous treatment rooms, a dedicated gym for personal training sessions, a high-end hairdressing salon and nail suite.  The only MediSpa of its type in the South West the unique Radiance offers a variety of complementary therapies and pioneering treatments, dedicated to bringing together a complete environment for the promotion of health and beauty.

Co-owner, Dr Ros Debenham MBChB MRCGP has over two decades’ experience in general practice and is a renowned Aesthetic doctor with advanced qualifications.  She says: “We expanded from our original premises in Budleigh Salterton to move to this fabulous location in the centre of Exeter.  Exeter has a thriving and close-knit business community and we wanted to engage with local companies and charities by offering our extensive premises and optional facilities free of charge. When people walk in they are absolutely amazed at the WOW factor and there is nothing like this in the local area or indeed the whole of the South West region.”

For more information contact: 
T: 01392 277799