We are proud to once again be supporting Torbay’s business community by sponsoring Riviera Connect, Torbay Business and Hospitality Expo.  

The council is a silver sponsor of the event which is taking place on Thursday 16 October at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay. 

The Expo is aimed at connecting and inspiring the business, tourism, and hospitality sectors, and bringing people and businesses together for a day of networking, learning and innovation. 

Our teams will be exhibiting on stands 33, 35, 37 and 39 in the arena, showcasing a wide range of services, opportunities, attractions and partnerships. Including:  

• Torbay Council Economy Team and Business Support 
• The My Bay Scheme. 
• Torbay Council Commercial Services. 
• Torbay Registrar and Celebrant Service. 
• Torbay Council Food and Safety Team. 
• Torbay Council attractions Torre Abbey and Cockington Court.  

Alongside learning about council services, Torbay residents attending the event will have the opportunity to complete the Residents’ Satisfaction Survey. 

We will also be sharing a stand with Regeneration Partners Willmott Dixon and Milligan where we will talk to attendees about regeneration plans for Torbay and how we are aiming to create vibrant, sustainable communities across the Bay. There will also be information about how businesses can sign up to become a Torbay Champion through the Torbay Story.  

Torbay’s Director of Regeneration, David Carter, will be speaking at the Expo alongside Chris Wheeler, Regional Head of Land & Development, Willmott Dixon Construction. They will be talking to delegates about ‘Shaping Torbay’s Future: Regeneration in Action’ at 2pm on the Main Stage.  

Attendees will be welcome to engage with Torbay's Hi-Tech Cluster at the Expo, who work in partnership with EPIC and is supported by Torbay Council. The Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster (THTC) comprises around 30 organisations, 10 of which will be present in the Hi Tech Zone to showcase a range of sectors, technologies, and applications, including quantum, environmental, GPS, photonics, electronics, medical, creative, marine, aerospace, and others.  

Supporting local businesses and boosting Torbay’s visitor economy is a key part of our Economic Growth Strategy and the English Riviera Destination Plan. Working with a wide range of private and public sector partners, the council is committed to making the English Riviera the UK’s premier holiday destination and creating a high-quality visitor economy all year round. 

Councillor Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said:  

‘‘We are delighted to be a silver sponsor of the Riviera Connect Expo event again this year. The event’s commitment to inspire, connect and strengthen Torbay’s business, tourism and hospitality sectors is one that we are always proud to support.  

“We want Torbay to be a great place to live, work and visit. By supporting our local business community to flourish, we can help create sustainable and inclusive economic growth and make Torbay a happy, healthy and prosperous place for everyone.” 

Riviera Connect runs from 9:30am to 5pm on Thursday 16 October and offers free admission and free parking.  

To find out more and to register to attend visit the Riviera Connect Expo website.