PRESS RELEASE

24 October 2024


Exmoor National Park invites businesses

to a Networking Day


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Exmoor National Park Authority is inviting businesses to join a Rural Enterprise networking event on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Lynton Town Hall. The event is open to representatives of businesses and stakeholders from across the Greater Exmoor area who are interested in learning from each other and hearing about the latest initiatives and opportunities for the rural economy.


The event will feature two sessions, with short presentations from representatives of Exmoor National Park AuthorityFederation of Small BusinessesCosmic – a digital training and consultancy company, the South West Visitor Economy Data Hub and Screen Somerset as well as a variety of local business owners and Exmoor National Park representatives.

The first session, from 11am to 1pm will focus on Business on Exmoor (relevant to all sectors) and consider the challenges and opportunities small rural business owners face. Cosmic will also talk about the digital world and how we can use AI to maximise our opportunities.


The second session, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, will focus on Tourism on Exmoor with delegates hearing about Film Tourism, The Tourism Data Hub and an update from our own National Park Centre Managers.


Both sessions will also include input from local businesses who will be sharing their experiences of working on Exmoor. A networking lunch will be provided for all delegates as part of your ticket price from 1pm to 2.30pm, giving an opportunity to attendees to network, share ideas and learn more.


The cost is just £13 per person which includes a fantastic local produce lunch provided by Lynton eatery The Vanilla Pod.


Dan James, Rural Enterprise and Communications Manager for Exmoor National Park said:


“This is a wonderful opportunity to share latest initiatives, to help businesses, nature and communities on Exmoor to thrive. There is no doubt that Exmoor faces some big challenges but also big opportunities. Last year’s event was really well received and drove lots of positive action.

On the day we’ll be sharing ideas on how we can work together and fulfil those opportunities. This is very much a partnership approach and we’re pleased to have so many partners joining us to share their expertise on the day. We’d also like to thank ‘Heart of the SW Growth hub’ who are supporting the event.”

Advanced booking is essential on a first come, first served basis and can be done online via www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/rural-enterprise.


REE is a partnership project facilitated by Exmoor National Park Authority that aims to support and promote rural businesses on Exmoor in harmony with the area’s special status as a National Park.



For more information visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/rural-enterprise or call 01398 323665

Further information:

Please contact Dan James, Enterprise & Communications Manager

01398 322234 / DTJames@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk.


Confirmed Speakers:

·       Carmen Hanif, Development Manager (Devon), Federation of Small business: The business climate and opportunities for rural businesses

·       Matt Ballard, Training Manager, Cosmic A beginners guide to prompts to better utilise AI in your business

·       Jess Watkins, Director, T-Stats Solutions - Getting the data you need to grow – an intro to the SW Visitor Economy Data Hub

·       Mark Ford, Project Manager, Screen Somerset - Bringing the big screen to Exmoor


Local Business Case studies from

·       With the Wild - Cerys Dehaini

·       Nomad Architecture – Samuel Gill

·       Cottage Beer Project - Dan Clayton

·       Moor Yoga – Hannah Murdoch

·       Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway – Ashley Clarke

·       Exmoor Game School – Darren Sherwood


Plus representatives from Exmoor National Park including

·       Andrea Davies, Chairman

·       Dan James, Enterprise and Communications Manager

·       Dan Barnett, Access and Recreation Manager

·       Julie Colman, Rural Enterprise Manager

·       Louisa Lawes and Peter Hoyland, National Park Centre Managers

·       Clare Weeks, Enterprise & Retail Officer


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