We are delighted to support Riviera Connect Expo 2026 as a Gold Sponsor, reaffirming our commitment to supporting local businesses and driving economic growth across the Bay.

Riviera Connect Expo brings together businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations from across the region to build connections, share ideas and explore new opportunities.

The event takes place on Wednesday 7 October at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay.

As part of its sponsorship, we will play a prominent role in the event programme, providing delegates with insight into some of the major projects and opportunities shaping the Bay's future.

The day will begin with a keynote presentation, ''Transforming Torbay: The Partnerships, Projects and Ambition Driving Torbay's Regeneration Story'', which will highlight the developments helping to create jobs, deliver new homes, attract investment and revitalise Torbay's town centres.

The morning keynote session will begin with an introductory address from Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth. This will be followed by a panel discussion, Chaired by Tarah Gear, Director of Brand and Place Futures at Milligan, featuring David Carter, Director of Regeneration and Place Delivery at Torbay Council; Martin Tressider, Development Director at Milligan; and Chris Wheeler, National Head of Development (Regeneration) at Willmott Dixon.

Attendees will hear how plans are progressing and gain first-hand insight into the collaborative approach driving regeneration across the Bay.

In the afternoon, we will host a panel discussion titled ''From Airshow to Agatha Christie: How Torbay’s growing events and culture calendar is driving growth.'' Chaired by Jon-Paul Hedge, Place Manager at Torbay Council, panellists include Louise Barlow, Senior Events Officer at Torbay Council; Rachael Kiddey, Strategic Lead for Culture and Heritage at Torbay Council; Daisy Lloyd, Head of Ocean Creative and Digital Marketing at Sound Communities; Matt Newbury, Creative Director of the International Agatha Christie Festival and Ben Tisdall, Director of the Torbay Literary Festival.

Together they will be discussing how events are playing an increasingly important role in the English Riviera’s visitor economy, communities and identity.

Delegates can also meet Council teams face to face throughout the day at the Council's dedicated exhibition stand. This includes:

• Business support from the Economy Team
• Commercial Services Team
• Estates Team
• Events Team
• My Bay Scheme
• Registration and Celebrant Services
• Torbay Story

Attendees are also encouraged to engage with Torbay's Hi-Tech Cluster at the Expo, which works in partnership with EPIC and is supported by Torbay Council. The Cluster comprises around 30 organisations, 10 of which will be present in the Hi Tech Zone to showcase a range of sectors, technologies, and applications. 

Cllr Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: "Torbay Council is proud to support Riviera Connect Expo 2026 as a Gold Sponsor because the event brings together the businesses and organisations helping to drive Torbay's future prosperity.

"Riviera Connect provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase our ambitious regeneration programme, business support initiatives and dynamic events and culture offering, while also highlighting the range of exciting opportunities for businesses across Torbay.

"Through our keynote presentation, panel discussion and exhibition stand, we look forward to meeting businesses, strengthening partnerships and demonstrating our commitment to supporting enterprise, attracting investment and creating a thriving Torbay economy.''

Visitors are encouraged to visit Torbay Council at stands 31, 33 and 35 throughout the day to discover more about the Council's services and opportunities for businesses.

Riviera Connect runs from 9:30am to 5pm on Wednesday 7 October and offers free admission and free parking.  

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

ENDS