Northern Devon’s growing maritime sector took centre stage last week at an event at The Royal Hotel in Bideford. The North Devon Angels Maritime and Green Energy Pitch Event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and public sector partners for a day of high-impact collaboration and future-focused discussion in a Dragon’s Den-style event.
Hosted jointly by Torridge District Council, North Devon Council, North Devon+ and Tech South West, the event welcomed over 50 delegates to showcase emerging maritime technologies, green energy solutions, and investment-ready innovations shaping the region’s economic future. Including over 40 businesses and 8 investors, along with universities, the British Business Bank, Innovate UK Business Growth and Maritime UK SW, the event demonstrated the growing strength of the maritime industry in the South West and the increasing role that Appledore and wider northern Devon are having within that.
Held as part of the growing North Devon Angels investment initiative, the pitch event provided a platform for three ambitious businesses to present their work to a panel of potential backers as well as a room of investors and potential strategic partners. Following a selection process the three pitches were given by Lyte Drive (clean propulsion), Triton (tidal) and C-MAT Technologies (carbon capture). To date, North Devon Angels has now helped secure over £300,000 for local businesses. For further information, please contact: Chris.Fuller@torridge.gov.uk
A group of delegates were also given a tour of Navantia UK Appledore Shipyard, one of the region’s most iconic maritime assets and key employers. The visit offered insight into the shipyard’s evolving role in the UK’s defence, commercial, and green maritime sectors, and delegates were able to see first-hand the early progress being made on constructing the bow sections of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s Fleet Solid Support vessels.
Attendees were also encouraged to visit the site of the Appledore Maritime Innovation Centre (AMIC), a research and development space for next generation sustainable maritime initiatives scheduled to open later this year.
Sean Kearney, Director of Communities and Place at Torridge District Council, and Co-Chief Executive of North Devon+, commented: “The pitch event marks another milestone in the region’s collective mission to support innovative, growing companies, attract investment, and strengthen the maritime and green energy sectors. This event showcased not only the extraordinary entrepreneurial talent in our region, but also the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to driving green, resilient, and future-focused growth for Northern Devon.”
Sarah Jane Mackenzie-Shapland, Head of Place, Property and Regeneration at North Devon Council, said: “We are lucky to have an abundance of natural assets and a community with an enterprising spirit, and this event bought both of those together in an exciting demonstration of the talent in our area. The Angel Network is growing in strength across northern Devon and is successfully bringing new investment to business ideas that are challenging the way in which things have always been done.”
Mark Burnett, Chair of the North Devon and Torridge Maritime Network, said: “The energy and ambition on display at today’s Maritime and Green Energy Pitch Event demonstrates exactly why Northern Devon is emerging as a leader in sustainable marine innovation. It was inspiring to see entrepreneurs, investors, and industry specialists come together with a shared purpose - to shape a greener, more resilient maritime future. The collaboration between councils, industry, and Tech South West is creating real momentum, and events like this show just how much opportunity lies ahead for our region.”