You have the power to build something extraordinary in one of England’s most vibrant business regions. Devon is home to over 1.1 million residents, with thriving cities like Exeter and Plymouth.. But what makes this county truly special for entrepreneurs?
The answer lies in Devon’s unique blend of opportunities. Bustling urban centres like Torbay, alongside charming market towns such as Newton Abbot, create intimate, community-focused markets. This diversity means you can tap into both metropolitan energy and local charm.
Every successful Devon entrepreneur has walked this path before you.
What can you expect from this guide? We’ll explore everything from understanding your local market to building the right team for your vision. Whether you’re planning a retail venture in Exeter’s bustling streets or launching a tech startup in Plymouth’s innovation hubs, we’ll tackle each challenge step by step.
Ready to turn your business dreams into reality?
Understanding Devon’s Market and Business Landscape
Devon’s economic strength speaks for itself. The county generates a robust £23.3 billion in annual output (2023) What’s more impressive, the region has grown by over 30% from 2018-2023, slightly outpacing the national average.
What makes Devon unique for entrepreneurs
Here’s what sets Devon apart: exceptionally high self-employment rates and a business ecosystem dominated by small and micro enterprises. This creates a supportive environment where your venture can thrive alongside like-minded entrepreneurs.
Key Growth Sectors to Watch:
- Marine industries
- Environmental technologies
- Data analytics
- Digital business
- Electronic manufacturing
But Devon’s secret weapon, it’s been touted to provide the best quality of life in England and Wales and that can be a business advantage. When you can attract and retain talent because people actually want to live where you’re based, you’ve already won half the battle.
Top towns and cities for business setup
Exeter deserves your serious consideration. The city ranks eighth nationally for business startups in 2025, with an impressive five-year survival rate. Tech businesses particularly flourish here, supported by excellent digital infrastructure. However, don’t overlook these other areas of Devon, all showing growth in new business registrations:
- Bideford
- Barnstaple
- Plymouth
- Torquay
Each location offers distinct advantages. East Devon excels in professional services, while North Devon’s manufacturing base continues expanding.
Local competition and market gaps
We need to talk about where the competition is fiercest. West Devon shows concentrated business activity in professional, scientific, and technical activities, retail trade, and construction. These established sectors indicate saturated markets.
Where the opportunities lie: Rural areas present significant service gaps, creating openings for community-focused businesses. Emerging sectors like consumer goods, veterinary services, and clothing offer less competition and stronger growth potential.
Before you commit to any market, conduct thorough competitor analysis. Examine their product ranges, target markets, distribution channels, and customer service standards. This groundwork will reveal exactly where you can differentiate and win.
Remember: understanding your competitive landscape isn’t about finding an empty market, it’s about finding where you can serve customers better than anyone else currently does.
Accessing Local Support and Funding
Success doesn’t happen in isolation. With tens of thousands of businesses operating across Devon, you’re joining a thriving community that understands the value of mutual support.
Where to find Devon business solutions
Start with the Heart of the South West Growth Hub, your central gateway to business support across Devon, Somerset, Plymouth, and Torbay, connecting you with experienced advisers who understand local challenges and opportunities.Their advisers provide targeted guidance on business planning, funding strategies, and sector-specific hurdles.
The Business Support and Innovation team takes this personalised approach further, coordinating projects tailored to different business needs.
How to apply for local grants
Let’s address the reality of funding: opportunities exist, but they’re competitive and specific. Devon’s funding landscape varies significantly based on your business type, industry sector, and location.
Recent funding priorities focus on:
- Rural businesses strengthening local economies
- Projects generating employment opportunities
- Ventures demonstrating clear growth potential
Consider Mid Devon’s Green Enterprise Grant as an example of targeted support. This scheme provides partial capital funding for investments that reduce carbon emissions. But here’s the key: successful applications require professional preparation.
Your best strategy involves working with experienced people who understand the application process. The Business Information Point helps businesses become “funding ready”, a step that some entrepreneurs overlook.
Mentorship and networking opportunities
Devon’s business community thrives on connection. The Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce hosts networking events throughout the county, with the Devon Business Show standing as the region’s premier business gathering.
For regular networking, consider the G12 Business Club approach. Their meetings blend informal relationship-building with structured business exchange, and membership isn’t mandatory..
Mentorship takes networking deeper. UK Business Mentoring pairs you with what they call “unreasonable friends”, mentors who ask the challenging questions you need to hear. Meanwhile, the School for Social Entrepreneurs offers something different: tailor-made courses with ongoing coaching specifically designed for Devon’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Remember, the strongest businesses are built on strong relationships. Your network becomes your net worth.
Building a Team: Skills, Talent & Recruitment
Building your first team feels exciting and daunting in equal measure. Here’s the reality: Devon’s workforce offers genuine opportunities, but you’ll need to be smart about your approach. Most of Devon’s economy comprises small to medium-sized businesses, a majority having fewer than 10 employees. You’re joining a community of entrepreneurs who’ve faced the same recruitment challenges.
Finding skilled workers in Devon
Now here is one challenging area for Devon. Recruitment difficulties hit Devon businesses hard, particularly in the hospitality and leisure sectors. High property costs often discourage potential employees from relocating to areas with job vacancies. But don’t let this discourage you, every challenge has a solution.
Your first port of call could be the Employment Hub service, which operates six physical locations across the county. These hubs connect you with skilled advisors who understand both sides of the employment equation. For specific qualifications, the Devon Jobs portal lists regional vacancies and can help you understand the local talent pool.
Know where the competition is fiercest. The other sectors feeling the recruitment pinch include construction, wholesale, retail, professional services, scientific fields, technical activities, and health. If your business operates in these areas, you’ll need to be particularly strategic about attracting talent.
Working with local colleges and training centres
Petroc College works directly with businesses to develop curriculum addressing Devon’s skills shortages, particularly in rural regions. Statistics suggest Devon businesses employing school leavers in their first job has been dropping, although apprenticeship recruitment, primarily in construction, professional/technical fields, and retail has been successful
South Devon College and Plymouth University offer business partnership opportunities that connect you with trained graduates. The Devon Chamber supports businesses through various training schemes that could solve your skills gap. Remember, building your team isn’t just about filling positions, it’s about creating opportunities for growth, both for your business and the people you hire.
Local Marketing, Community Engagement & Sustainability
Your business success depends on more than just great products or services. It hinges on your ability to weave into Devon’s rich community fabric while building a sustainable future.
Devon’s small enterprises are leading the charge on climate action, creating marketing opportunities that resonate with environmentally-conscious customers. Have you considered how this trend could strengthen your brand?
Creating a Devon-focused marketing plan
Local marketing isn’t just about geography, it’s about belonging. Start with social media strategies that celebrate your Devon business roots. Use location-based hashtags like #DevonBusiness and #ShopLocalDevon, and don’t forget location tagging on Facebook and Instagram platforms . Local directories become your digital storefront for Devon customers actively seeking nearby services . Consumers now trust online reviews almost as much as personal recommendations . This trust translates directly into revenue when you:
- Add ‘review us’ links prominently on your homepage
- Ask satisfied customers to share their experiences
- Respond professionally to all feedback, positive and negative
Local search engine optimisation works like a magnet for nearby customers. Create accounts on major search engines and focus on locality-based keywords. Remember, local searches receive priority placement, putting you ahead of distant competitors .
Building trust through community involvement
Devon features many sole traders who punch above their weight by participating in knowledge-sharing initiatives like the Green Maker Initiative . Devon Communities Together demonstrates how rural enterprises become community lifelines . These businesses, often owned and managed by local residents, maintain essential services like shops, post offices, and pubs throughout our county . What role could your business play in strengthening your local community?
Eco-friendly business practises in Devon
Devon County Council’s Green Innovation Fund has invested £800,000 into projects that marry environmental responsibility with business growth . This fund helps enterprises transition to Net Zero operations while creating jobs in the low carbon sector .
Consider Riverford Organic as your sustainability blueprint. They operate under 100% employee ownership while promoting biodiversity through organic farming practices . Similarly, Bird Eyewear partners with the Green Innovation Fund to create circular products from Devon-sourced waste materials .
Your sustainability journey can start with these practical steps:
- Choose environmental goods and local suppliers for procurement
- Introduce cycle-to-work schemes for staff travel
- Appoint internal champions for wildlife, sustainability, and recycling
Remember, sustainable practices aren’t just good for the planet, they’re increasingly good for business. Devon customers actively seek out environmentally responsible companies, making your green initiatives a competitive advantage.
What sustainable practice will you implement first in your Devon business?
Useful Links for Business Owners in Devon
Here’s your toolkit for starting a business in Devon. These curated resources are based on what works best for entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey.
Start Here: Core Support Services
The Heart of the South West Growth Hub – a great port of call for business support across Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay. Connecting you with tailored programmes, while their Digital Link service provides free one-to-one digital business advice and practical guides.
Devon County Council’s Business Support page showcases current sector-specific programmes. Their Economic Development Officers offer free guidance on finance sources, grants, commercial properties, and local business contacts.
Money Matters: Funding Resources
Let’s talk funding options:
- Devon Funding News keeps you updated on business, environmental and social project opportunities
- SWIG Finance specialises in South West business loans and finance advice
- Start-Up Loans Company combines finance with support, including business planning templates
Professional Support That Pays Off
Devon Chamber membership gives you Quest Services, legal, HR, tax and health and safety advice through one phone number. Members access hundreds downloadable templates covering employment contracts and safety guides.
Skills and Training Partners
Connect with Devon Chamber’s educational partners: City College Plymouth, Plymouth Marjon University, South Devon College, Exeter College, Exeter University, Petroc College and the University of Plymouth.
Use the Digital Maturity Index to assess your training needs, then browse the Digital Course Finder database for relevant skills courses.
Specialist Services Worth Knowing
Two final resources deserve your attention: the Business & Intellectual Property Centre at Exeter Library for IP advice, and Devon Communities Together for rural and social enterprise support.
Remember, the best resources are the ones you actually use. Start with one or two that match your immediate needs, then expand your network as your business grows.
