In Conversation With... from the Devon Chamber of Commerce. Supported by Westcotts.

In Conversation With... from the Devon Chamber of Commerce. Supported by Westcotts.

Inspiring interviews and discussion with business leaders and owners from across the South West. Welcome to In Conversation With from The Devon Chamber of Commerce: Incorporating the Exeter Chamber and Plymouth Chamber. Supported by Westcotts. Visit the Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce at: devonchamber.co.uk Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Event Podcast Production, Podcast Studios and ADR Facilities in Devon.

Episodes

July 28, 2025 36 mins
Westbank helps tens of thousands of people, carers and their communities all over the South-West of the UK.  Sarah tells us the challenges of running a charity that works alongside NHS services, what they do to support communities and her past experiences of working with Deborah Meaden.  We also discover how her love of country music ruined her plan to speak fluent Spanish.

In association with Westcotts, from the Devo...
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In this special episode, the Chair of British Chambers of Commerce, Sarah Howard MBE tells Paul Philpott about her unique journey from her first job, through to setting up her own business and joining the Chamber, which eventually took her to where she is now. Along the way there are personal and professional experiences that have shaped her approach to work and to life. But why didn’t she pursue her ambition to become an oper...
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Paul Philpott, Vice Chair of the Plymouth and Director of Devon Chamber of Commerce, talks to Professor Claire Taylor about her journey in education, from teaching at Primary level to management and governance, and what brought her to Plymouth. She shares Marjon’s exciting plans for the future, how the University is making a difference on a national & even international level, and why inclusion is such an important part of...
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We continue our fifth season with two special guests.  Ava & Caitlin both joined Plymouth Argyle from Reading.  They discuss having to start out by joining boys’ teams, their training and fitness regimes, dealing with injuries, playing abroad and who they look up to in the game.  They also discuss their interests outside of the hectic world of professional sport.  Also in this episode, the 60 Seconds Charity Pitch spotligh...
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February 21, 2025 33 mins
We kick off season 5 with a very special guest, Devon’s very own rock star, Chris Wood – AKA Woody from Bastille.  He talks about his journey from being a Plymouth school boy to becoming the drummer of a globally successful rock band. 
He also discusses avoiding the pitfalls of fame, remaining grounded and his love of Plymouth Argyle.  But is it too late for Stuart to also become a rock ‘n’ roll star…?  Also in this episo...
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January 17, 2025 37 mins
Kindly note: This episode contains references to violence, sexual assaults and drug abuse.
Stuart meets Jenny Adjene, founder of Gifted Women and Raina Dunne, who came to Gifted Women following a series of harrowing events that resulted in her spending time in prison.  They discuss how Gifted Women came about, its aims and what local businesses can do to help and hopefully change lives.  Also in this episode, Shreya Kallin...
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Shreya has a remarkable career history with law experience in India and in the UK.  She outlines the differences and similarities practicing law in both countries.  She also discusses everything from dancing to appearing on reality TV.  Also in this episode, Hannah Shead of Trevi faces Stuart Elford’s Chamber of Secrets, whilst the 60 Seconds Charity Pitch spotlight falls on Hearts Together.

Brought to you by Westcott...
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December 6, 2024 35 mins
In this episode Stuart finds out all about women’s charity, Trevi, its important work in the City of Plymouth and why Hannah will be standing down as CEO.  We also find out where making candles and dating a famous comedian come into Hannah’s varied life and career.  Also in this episode, Lord Lieutenant, David Furston faces Stuart Elford’s Chamber of Secrets, whilst the 60 Seconds Charity Pitch spotlight falls on Food Plymouth...
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November 19, 2024 40 mins
In this special episode, the Chamber’s Vice Chair & Director, Paul Philpott presents a conversation that looks into the recent merger of the Plymouth and the Exeter Chambers.  Joining him are: Richard Stevens (Chair), Steve Gates (Vice Chair), Richard Marsh (Deputy CEO) and Stuart Elford (CEO).  Together they discuss why the merger took place, how it happened and what the benefits of the merger are for both the Chamber and...
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In this special episode for Black History Month, Stuart catches up with CEO of the Diversity Business Incubator, Jabo Butera, as they discuss the importance of Black History Month and what it means for the region.  The discussion also reflects on the recent riots which swept the UK recently, including sadly, the South West, and the impact this has had on all communities.

Also in this episode, the Lord Lieutenant of De...
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In this episode Stuart discovers exactly what it means to be a Lord Lieutenant for the county.  How do you become a Lord Lieutenant?  What are the duties?  And what are the responsibilities?  David Fursdon has all the answers, as well as tales of some remarkable encounters with the late Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh.  David also recalls his life before becoming Lord Lieutenant of Devon, from his time in the military...
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In this episode Stuart takes a trip around the world, from the comfort of the studio.
Firstly, he chats to husband-and-wife founders of Global Warrior, Jim & Sam McNeill who both have fascinating histories that take in everything from rugby to supplying equipment to blockbuster movies. They now explore some of the world’s most extreme environments from their Devon base.
Stuart then meets Rebecca Day of Rebecca Day ...
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Princess Yachts is a legendary Plymouth business that has a global reputation for manufacturing unique, high quality, luxurious yachts.  In this special episode of In Conversation With… Stuart visited their Newport Street HQ in Plymouth and sat down with CEO, Will Green where they discussed the logistics and challenges of manufacturing such an amazing product.

Will also talks about his life, his career and what living...
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Following Plymouth Argyle’s FA Cup win over Liverpool, revisit our interview with Simon Hallett, Argyle's Chair and Owner. This podcast also explores his hopes of what could have been – recorded in August '24 – just three months after Wayne Rooney became their then manager.
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If you’re a Plymouth Argyle supporter, you’ll be green with envy as Stuart meets Simon Hallett.  They discuss how Simon divides his time betw...
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Elinor Eaton & Dawn Melville run Micronomy – an enterprise that looks into the micro-interactions of businesses, in order for them to focus on their bigger picture.  Elinor and Dawn also talk about their past projects, health issues and even stand-up comedy!

This episode also sees Plymouth comedy lagend Suzy Bennett face Stuart Elford’s Chamber of Secrets, whilst the 60 Seconds Charity Pitch spotlight falls on Jer...
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July 10, 2024 37 mins
Suzy is a legend on the Plymouth comedy circuit and talks about her time in London, working with the likes of Jimmy Carr and Russell Howard, her charity work and her rather bizarre obsession with Torvill & Dean.

This episode also sees entrepreneur Angus Forbes face Stuart Elford’s Chamber of Secrets, whilst the 60 Seconds Charity Pitch spotlight falls on Hearts Together.

Supported by Westcotts
Produce...
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June 18, 2024 54 mins
Angus is a businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist who is originally from Australia and has now settled in Plymouth.  In between all that, he travelled the world, invested in Mexican food, married Dame Darcey Bussell and has been campaigning for Plymouth to have a democratically elected mayor.

Also in this episode, Food Plymouth is the subject of our latest 60 Seconds Charity Pitch … and we have a brand new featu...
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May 28, 2024 38 mins
Sir Gary Streeter will be stepping down as an MP at the next general election.  After 32 years in the role, he reflects on his achievements in his constituency, his faith, his lighter moments and the remarkable characters he’s met in the UK and abroad.  

He also reveals what advice he’d give to any young people wanting a career in politics … and you might be surprised by the revelation of his favourite film of all tim...
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There's something of an environmental theme going on in this episode. Stuart first speaks with Amanda about what it means to be Nature Positive not just Net Zero and how local businesses can get involved with Devon Environment Foundation… just like Coldplay! Then Professor Lindeque talks about how her amazing work has led directly to a ban on microbeads from some cosmetics and outlines the work there still is to do. She then reve...
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In this special episode, Stuart talks to Mark Ormrod, the Plymouth-based former Royal Marine Commando who lost three limbs after triggering an IUD in Afghanistan in 2007. Following his recovery, Mark went on to win eleven medals as an athlete competing in two Invictus Games and was given a Pride of Britain Award, as well as receiving an MBE for his services to the Marines and veteran community. Mark's story is told frankly - and h...
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