TBF TUES 4TH AUGUST 2026

Torbay Business Forum – August Breakfast

Destination Management, Creativity & the Future of Torbay

📅 Tuesday 4th August 2026

🕢 7:45am – 9:30am

📍 The Forum, Riviera International Centre, Torquay

🎟 £17.50 per person (including breakfast & FREE parking)

Join us for our August Torbay Business Forum as we explore two exciting topics that will help shape the future of Torbay's visitor economy and creative industries. 

The morning will begin with Councillor Jackie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events and Corporate Services and Chairwoman of Standards Committee who will introduce the session by highlighting two key sector projects being enabled by Torbay Council and the importance of a business-led approach in growing Torbay’s economy. 

Jackie will then introduce our first keynote speaker, Maureen McAllister, tourism consultant commissioned to develop the Destination Management Plan. Maureen will present a summary of the Plan, exploring its priorities, direction for the future and next steps. 

Maureen will then be joined by Simon Beer, of Big Wave Media, to speak about the new and exciting Torbay Creative Cluster, a thriving industry focussed on growth, skills and innovation. 

Guest Speaker: Maureen McAllister, Tomorrow’s Tourism lead consultant, Chief Executive, The Palace Theatre Paignton and Vice Chair of the Torbay Creative Cluster. 

Guest Speaker: Simon Beer, Managing Director of Big Wave Media and founding member of the Torbay Creative Cluster. 

Destination Management Plan (DMP) 

Tourism is one of Torbay's most valuable economic sectors, the DMP sets the framework for developing Torbay’s visitor economy with a new place-based and business-led approach. Maureen will give a summary of the plan, the vision, priorities, what it means for local businesses and importantly explaining how you can get involved with the plan’s implementation. 

Torbay Creative Cluster 

The Creative Cluster is an emerging collaborative network designed to support, connect and grow Torbay's creative economy, bringing together professionals from advertising, design, digital production, marketing, media and the arts. Chaired by Matthew Blay of Superb, the initiative aims to create a thriving, connected creative community that celebrates local talent, encourages collaboration and positions Torbay as one of the South West's leading creative destinations. Built around three key themes: 🎨 Growing Creativity🌟 Celebrating Creativity🤝 Connecting Creatives. The Cluster is already creating opportunities through regular meet-ups, networking events and collaborative projects, helping strengthen one of the Bay's fastest-growing sectors. 

Huge thanks to our sponsors who make these events possible. 

This month's sponsors are GOLD: MD ELITE and SILVER: Konsileo Insurance 

Why Attend TBF this August? 

✔ Network with businesses from across Torbay and South Devon 

✔ Hear the latest on Torbay's Destination Management Plan 

✔ Discover the vision behind the new Torbay Creative Cluster

✔ Make valuable new connections 

✔Enjoy a delicious breakfast 

✔ FREE parking Whether you're involved in tourism, the visitor economy, creative industries or simply have an interest in the future direction of Torbay, this promises to be an informative and engaging morning. We look forward to welcoming you. Torbay Business Forum

Venue Details 📍 FORUM at Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue Torquay TQ2 5LZ 

🅿 Parking available on-site- please enter your car registration at reception on arrival.

We look forward to welcoming you for a morning of innovation, insight and connection.

DIETARY: Please advise no later than 48 hours in advance to: 📧 kwidley@outlook.com

PARKING: Free parking onsite when registering your number plate at reception.

FAQs

• Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?
  Contact Kelly Widley on kwidley@outlook.com or 07877507514
• Is my registration/ticket transferrable?
  Yes, if you can't make it at the last minute pass the ticket on to a colleague.
• What is the refund policy?
  Sorry but no refund after the Friday evening before the event I'm afraid.
  
• Do you cater for dietary requirements? Yes but please email Kelly on kwidley@outlook.com no later than 48 hours before the event please with your requirements, thank you
• How do I join the mailing list to hear about future events? Complete our Join Us form https://torbaybusinessforum.com/join-us/

Torbay Business Forum holds events throughout the year. For more information, please visit
www.torbaybusinessforum.com