In Conversation With... from Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, Supported by Westcotts.

In something of a Christmas special, we close this season of In Conversation with… in a unique way.  As, not only is our guest the new CEO of Devon Chamber, but she will also be taking over the role of hosting this very podcast from the next season!  Paul takes Helen through her career from leaving university with plans to be an archaeologist to tackling tech roles in telecommunications and broadb...

In 2024, Rachel Gilmour became the Lib Dem MP for Tiverton and Minehead.  Rachel discusses the hopes she has and the challenges she faces with regards to her constituency, the people, the local businesses and in particular the farmers.  She also tells us about her fascinating link to a rugby team and to Margaret Thatcher. From the Devon Chamber of Commerce , kindly supported by Westcotts Chartered...

In 2024, Fred Thomas became the Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View.  He discusses his transition from Royal Marine to politician, his hopes for the region’s businesses, skills development and how he’s already making a difference at Derriford Hospital.  We also discover how Fred ended up learning to speak Arabic and why he thinks the on-boarding of new MPs needs rethinking. In association with Westco...

In 2024, Steve Darling became the Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, following 30 years in local politics as a councillor, then council leader. He discusses his hopes and goals for Torbay and the wider region, with regards to business, hospitality, tourism, education and much more. He also talks about the challenges he faces with the genetic eye condition – Stargardt’s – how his guide dog, Jennie, is...

In 2024, Caroline Voaden made history by becoming South Devon’s first Lib Dem MP, following a century of Conservative representation. In this interview, Caroline talks to Paul about a wide range of subjects, including what her hopes are for local businesses across South Devon and the wider county, as well as her experience of being widowed at a young age and how she ended up interviewing a global...

Four years ago, when he first appeared on In Conversation with… Luke Pollard MP was in opposition. Now, his party is in government, and he is Armed Forces Minister. Luke discusses how this role has affected his life, as well as what his hopes are for businesses and communities in Plymouth and how Devon’s MPs can work together for the good of the County. Supported by Westcotts - Chartered Accountan...

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 Wes...

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...

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 inclusio...

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...

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...

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 t...

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. Broug...

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 sp...

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 merge...

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...

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,...

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 Rebec...

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 c...

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. - - - If you’re a Plymouth Argyle supporter, you’ll be green with envy as Stuart meets Simon Hallett.  They discuss how Simon...

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 s...

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...

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 h...

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 favo...

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 th...