Riviera Connect

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Join us: 7th October 2026
Torquay's EXPO for Business, Tourism & Hospitality TUESDAY 03 OCTOBER 2023
10am - 5pm. Riviera International Centre

Riviera Connect aims to bring together Business, Tourism and Hospitality businesses across Torbay and further afield. We are proud to announce this exciting new collaboration between the
English Riviera BID Company and the Torbay Business Forum, connecting
and inspiring the Business, Hospitality and Tourism sectors. We strive to deliver motivational content to help grow your business and provide an exciting new platform for unlimited networking.

20/11/2025

Bridging Business and Community with Steve Reynolds 🎙️

In the latest Riviera Connect Podcast, we sit down with Steve Reynolds, Chair of the Torbay Business Forum and a hugely respected voice in the English Riviera’s business landscape.

Steve talks about his journey from Barclays to his many leadership roles across consultancy, education and local service. He shares what drives him, how he stays grounded, and the lessons he has learned while keeping people at the heart of everything he does.

If you are interested in purposeful leadership, authentic community connection or building networks that make a real difference, this episode is well worth a listen!

🎧 Tune in here: https://riviera-connect.co.uk/category/podcasts/

13/11/2025

The Power of Purpose 💪

This episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast brings together voices from business, charity, and community to explore what purpose looks like in action.

Simon Beer, Managing Director of Bigwave Marketing , shares how the company’s B Corp journey aligns creativity with social impact and long-term vision.

Rosey Oakes, Corporate and Community Lead from Mare and Foal Sanctuary Babbacombe Charity Shop discusses how partnerships between charities and businesses strengthen local wellbeing and connection.

And Chris Thomas, Vice-Chair of the Paignton & District Chamber of Commerce , highlights the community spirit uniting Torbay’s business networks this season.

Together, they reveal how purpose, collaboration, and shared values are driving a more connected future for the Bay.

Available on all major platforms and on our website below!

https://riviera-connect.co.uk/s2-e1-the-power-of-purpose-with-simon-beer-big-wave-marketing-and-rosey-oakes-the-mare-and-foal-sanctuary/

&DistrictChamber

03/11/2025

Still buzzing from the energy of Riviera Connect Expo 2025!

This year was our biggest and boldest yet, with 822 people registered, over 110 exhibitors, and an atmosphere full of collaboration, curiosity and connection.

From AI demos and digital marketing sessions to the first ever Roundtable, the Expo showcased how creative and forward thinking our Bay truly is.

We heard from incredible speakers who shared insights into growth, regeneration, leadership, and the future of the English Riviera and we ended on a high with Brendon Prince-Long Paddle SUP ’s inspiring talk on bringing the World SUP Championships to Torbay in 2026!

“Riviera Connect demonstrates the power of partnership. When our business, tourism and community sectors come together, it really amplifies our region’s strength.” - Carolyn Custerson, CEO, English Riviera BID Company

“The energy and collaboration this year were extraordinary.” - Kelly Widley, Event Organiser

This event truly wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible sponsors, partners, and the support of Torbay Council , Torbay Business Forum , and English Riviera Tourism Business Improvement District - Ertbid .

Torbay’s business community is thriving and we’re proud to be part of it!

Thank you all for being part of something special, Riviera Connect returns 7th October 2026!

📸 Images courtesy of Miracle-PR .

27/10/2025

Riviera Connect Expo 2025 ✅

Over 800 people, 110+ exhibitors, and a full day of learning, networking, and inspiration came together at the Riviera International Centre on Thursday 16th October, proving once again that when Torbay’s business, tourism and hospitality sectors unite, amazing things happen.

From the Torbay Business Forum breakfast — with an inspiring talk from Andrew Clancy (Coreus Group & C Squared Construct) — to packed sessions on AI, regeneration, leadership and marketing, the energy never stopped!

Huge thanks to our headline speakers and roundtable experts:

Andrew Clancy, Richard Netherclift & Peter Blackler (Insignia Creative - Web Design & Creative Marketing), Simon Beer (Bigwave Marketing ), John Harvey (The Samphire Club), Sean Anstee CBE (Devon & Torbay Combined County Authority), Gemma Boss (Chalk + Ward), Vic Williams, Jessica Wiggins, Sam Webber, Grace Jolley, David Carter & Chris Wheeler (Torbay Council & Willmott Dixon), Carolyn Custerson (English Riviera BID Company Ltd), and Brendon Prince, who inspired us all with news of the ICF SUP World Cup coming to the English Riviera in 2026!

🎤 Huge thanks also to our host — the unstoppable ‘Five Mic Steve’ Reynolds, Chair of the Torbay Business Forum — for keeping the day running seamlessly!

👏 Gratitude to everyone who helped make it happen:

Gold Sponsor: Bigwave Marketing
Silver Sponsors: Insignia Creative, Torbay Council, South Devon College, Wollens Solicitors, Kents Cavern, The Redcliffe Hotel, Ocean BMW, Hotel Indigo, MD ELITE Cleaning
Bronze Sponsors: Konsileo Insurance - Torbay & Teignbridge, OTB Interiors
Partners: Enlighten HR Consulting, Seen In Design, Clear Sky Publishing

Special thanks to South Devon College students for their enthusiasm, Devonia Water for keeping us hydrated, Talking Slides for AV, and Laura Kozaczynski & team at the Riviera International Centre for being the perfect hosts.

We also raised funds for Children's Hospice South West and Mare and Foal Sanctuary — thank you to everyone who donated raffle prizes or bought tickets.

We finished the day perfectly — drinks with Bays Brewery, Hunt's Cider and Vivino, and live music from Arena Torquay.

📅 Save the date: Riviera Connect returns Wednesday 7th October 2026!

15/10/2025

Wrap up your Riviera Connect experience with creativity and inspiration!

🕓 Brendon Prince - The Rising Tide: International Events & the English Riviera’s Global Stage. Discover how world-class events can elevate our coastal region.

🕙 Vic Williams - Diversity in the Workplace: Unlocking Potential Through Mindset & Empowerment. Learn how inclusive leadership drives innovation.

🕚 Jess Wiggins - Lead with Impact: Unlocking Growth & Change. Coaching insight from the founder of IMPACT Coaching on how to grow and lead effectively.

🎟️ All sessions are free with your Expo ticket - grab yours today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/riviera-connect-expo-for-business-tourism-and-hospitality-tickets-1218184305049

13/10/2025

🤝 Learn, connect and look to the future at Riviera Connect 2025.

🕑 John Harvey - From Handshakes to Game-Changers: Networking That Delivers. The Networking Rockstar reveals how to turn connections into meaningful collaborations.

🕝 Richard Netherclift & Peter Blackler - Shaping the Future of AI in Torbay. Find out how AI can drive innovation across our region.

🕒 Carolyn Custerson - Tourism Update: The Future of the English Riviera. The English Riviera BID CEO shares insights shaping our region’s visitor economy.

🎟️ Free entry for all Expo attendees - book here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/riviera-connect-expo-for-business-tourism-and-hospitality-tickets-1218184305049

12/10/2025

🔍 Discover how regeneration, collaboration and creativity are shaping Torbay and beyond.

🕛 David Carter & Chris Wheeler - Shaping Torbay’s Future: Regeneration in Action. Torbay Council and Willmott Dixon explore projects transforming the region.

🕐 Sean Anstee - A New Era for Devon & Torbay. Insights from the Devon & Torbay Combined County Authority on what’s next for our region.

🕑 Gemma Boss - Effective Campaign Planning. Learn how to design campaigns that connect, convert and deliver results with Chalk & Ward.

🎟️ Secure your place here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/riviera-connect-expo-for-business-tourism-and-hospitality-tickets-1218184305049

10/10/2025

We’re proud to be partnering with two incredible charities at this year’s Riviera Connect Expo - The Mare & Foal Sanctuary and Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW)! 💙

Both charities do amazing work supporting people and animals across our region, and we’re thrilled to have them involved in this year’s event. They’ll also be running a charity raffle on the day, so be sure to take part and help raise funds for these fantastic causes.

Find out more about their inspiring work and how they’re supporting the expo:
👉 riviera-connect.co.uk/event-charities

08/10/2025

🌟 Kickstart your Riviera Connect experience with inspiration from bold business leaders!

🕙 Andrew Clancy - Redefining Success: Growth, Leadership & Disruption. Founder of Coreus Group & C Squared Construct, and Sunday Times Best Place to Work winner, shares how to lead with purpose and challenge convention.

🕥 Richard Netherclift & Peter Blackler - AI Demystified. Insignia Creative’s experts unpack how AI tools and trends can transform your business.

🕦 Simon Beer - Building Brands: An Interactive Session! Bigwave Marketing’s Director leads a hands-on branding session to help your business stand out.

🎟️ All talks are free with your Expo ticket, book now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/riviera-connect-expo-for-business-tourism-and-hospitality-tickets-1218184305049

Address

Riviera International Centre
Torquay
TQ25LZ

Website

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

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