In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we sit down with Chris Coward, Managing Director of Clear Sky Publishing Ltd, whose career spans more than forty years in UK and European media. From his early days in the mid eighties through senior posts at DMGT, Northcliffe, Local World, Trinity Mirror and Reach, Chris has been at the centre of newsroom change, large-scale integrations and the long transition from print to digital. He shares what he has learned about leading people through disruption, why regional media still matters, and how Clear Sky Publishing approaches local journalism with a renewed sense of service and identity. Chris also reflects on community responsibility, the lessons gained from a famously demanding commute, and the principles he would apply if he were building a brand new media product from the ground up.

Links to Clear Sky Publishing online: Torbay

Torbay Weekly: ⁠⁠https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk⁠⁠Torbay Tomorrow: https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk/section/3286/torbay-tomorrow

Torbay Lifestyle Magazine: (Coming Soon)

Dartmoor

The Moorlander Newspaper: ⁠⁠ https://www.themoorlander.co.uk/

Dartmoor Magazine: https://dartmoormagazine.co.uk/

Exeter

Exeter Today Newspaper: https://www.exetertoday.co.uk/

Exeter Living Magazine: https://epaper.exeterlivingmag.co.uk/

Exeter Tomorrow Magazine: https://www.exetertoday.co.uk/section/3125/exeter-tomorrow

Exeter Visitor Guide: https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx

North Devon

North Devon Gazette: https://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/

North Devon Tomorrow Magazine (Coming Soon)

Upgrade your rail tickets with Seat Frog: https://seatfrog.com/

Book onto the Christmas Social at Ibis Styles, for members of Torbay Business Forum, Torbay Business Network, Paignton and District Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurs Circle. Tickets are on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-christmas-networking-social-of-the-year-tickets-1662109396949

Thank you for listening! Please leave a 5-star review, and subscribe for the next episode.

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we sit down with Steve Reynolds, Chair of the Torbay Business Forum and one of the most respected figures in the English Riviera’s business community. From his early career at Barclays to his current leadership roles across multiple organisations, Steve brings warmth, wisdom and unwavering commitment to everything he does.

We explore how he balances chairing the Forum with his work in leadership consultancy, parish council service and education. Along the way, Steve shares what motivates him, the lessons he’s learned, and how he keeps so many plates spinning while always putting people first.

If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with purpose, stay genuinely connected to your community, or grow a network that builds something bigger than business, this episode is for you.

Take Action

Don’t miss the 2026 Riviera Connect Expo. It’s your chance to build new relationships, share your story, and be part of a future-facing business community. Visit ⁠riviera-connect.co.uk ⁠for dates and booking info.

Want to get involved in the Torbay Business Forum? Come along to one of the monthly Business Breakfasts — and if it’s December, you might just spot Steve in festive costume.

December Breakfast Booking Link: ⁠https://buytickets.at/torbaybusinessforum/1850341⁠

Join the Torbay Business Forum mailing list: ⁠https://torbaybusinessforum.com/⁠

Book on the Christmas Social event on 11th December: ⁠https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-christmas-networking-social-of-the-year-tickets-1662109396949⁠

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, weexplore what it really means for businesses and charities to lead with purpose, from building a mission-led organisation to strengthening community connections.

Simon Beer

Simon Beer, Managing Director of Bigwave Marketing, shareshow becoming a B Corporation has helped align growth with genuine social impact. He talks about Bigwave’s mission to make a difference to clients, colleagues and communities, and his long-term vision for a creative agency that leaves a lasting legacy in the South West.

Rosey Oakes

Rosey Oakes, Community and Corporate Fundraising Lead from TheMare and Foal Sanctuary brings a charity perspective, highlighting how equine-assisted learning and community engagement programmes can transform lives. With more than a decade in the charity sector, she explains howcollaboration between businesses and charities creates stronger, more resilient communities.

Together, Simon and Rosey show how purpose-driven work,whether through communities, charity, or sustainability initiatives, is helping to shape a more connected, compassionate Torbay.

Chris Thomas

Chris Thomas, Vice-Chair of the Paignton and DistrictChamber of Commerce, rounds off the episode with an invitation to the Torbay Business Community Christmas Social at the Ibis Styles Paignton. He talks about the importance of community spirit and how uniting Torbay’s business networksbuilds momentum for the year ahead.

Connect and take action

Discover Bigwave Marketing’s purpose-led approach: bigwave.co.uk

Partner with The Mare and Foal Sanctuary: mareandfoal.org

Join the Torbay Business Community Christmas Social – book your ticket on Eventbrite