Do you dream of going on a Safari?
We can make your retail dreams come true! Plus: award season secrets, finding the right people for your business, and foodie friendships that fill your cup (and your plate).

⏪ 8 Weeks Since “GATHER” – and the Buzz is Still Alive
Can you believe it’s been 8 weeks since our very first GATHER – the Food & Drink Summit for our thriving South West community?
What a day! Packed with insight, inspiration, and intelligent conversation from so many brilliant people running great food and drink businesses across the region.

From your feedback, we know many of you want bite-sized follow-up sessions to keep that momentum going. Well… we’ve got some juicy ones lined up:

🦓 RETAIL GROWTH SAFARI
Forget binoculars – grab your shopper’s eye instead!
We’re heading out into the wilds of Exeter retail to see what’s working right now – from store layouts to clever product displays – and chat with store managers and shoppers to get real, actionable insight for your business.🚨 Places are limited and going fast.Book your Safari spot now

🎯 ATTRACTING THE RIGHT TALENT
Finding good people is tough – keeping them is tougher.
Join us at the "Mmmake Your Mark" event (27 Aug) with the Devon Food Partnership & IGD to learn recruitment strategies, upskilling tips, and how to make your business the place where people want to work.
Reserve your place here

🏆 AWARD SEASON – Are You Ready?
From the Great Taste Awards to The Grocer New Product & Packaging Awards, now is the perfect time to decide which awards will lift your brand to the next level.
We’ve been talking with Claire Mortimer from Fabulous Farm Shops (and visiting some inspiring finalists like East Street Deli) about what it really takes to be award-ready.
Stay tuned for an upcoming session to help you make the most of every award, trade show, and retail opportunity.

🥂 FRIENDLY FOODIES
Sometimes the best ideas come over a drink and a laugh.
No agenda. No PowerPoint. Just a relaxed, after-work catch-up with fellow food lovers to swap stories, advice, and a little encouragement.
Next meet-up is in September – come and chew the fat (literally and figuratively!).
Join the Friendly Foodies

📅 WHAT’S ON IN AUG & SEPT
The West Country is bursting with flavour these next two months! From chilli festivals to seafood celebrations, here are some highlights:

AUGUST🌶 Great Dorset Chilli Festival – Aug 2–3, Dorset🎶 Keynsham Beer & Cider Festival – Aug 24, Bristol🥓 Blaisdon Sausage, Cider & Plum Festival – Aug 24, Gloucestershire🍷 EatCalne Food Festival – Aug 30, Wiltshire🌳 The Oak Fair – Aug Bank Holiday, Dorset
…and much more!

SEPTEMBER🐟 Dorset Seafood Festival – Sept 10–11, Weymouth🍻 24th Wedmore Real Ale Festival – Sept 12, Somerset🌱 LHG Vegan Fest – Sept 13, Bristol🧀 Cider & Cheese Festival – Sept 27, Wells🍴 The Great Bath Feast – Sept 24–26, Bath

Full details & links below – but check with organisers before you travel.

💌 Final word: Whether you’re scouting the aisles on our Retail Safari, plotting your award-winning entry, or just having a natter with Friendly Foodies, we’re here to help you keep growing, connecting, and thriving.