‘A region full of exciting and often overlooked pathways’
The south west is famous for its fishing, farming, rustic scenery and stunning views. Well, a new exhibition is highlighting another aspect of the region: its influence on the global stage of business.
Organisers of a new programme at The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon are fully focused on highlighting the high-tech prowess of the immediate vicinity.
The team say the ‘Northern Devon Innovates’ exhibition is shining a ‘welcome light on pioneering businesses located in the area that are serving global markets.’
From the Atlantic coast to inland market towns, including both the Torridge and Taw valleys, the exhibition shows how there is far more to the region than agriculture and tourism.
The exhibition highlights the work of local companies which are driving innovation in communication, aerospace engineering, marine technology and pharmaceuticals.
‘We hope the exhibition will demonstrate that ours is a region full of exciting and often overlooked pathways into local businesses dedicated to creating products of global quality and reach,’ says Alison Mills, Director of the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon.
‘We’re also excited about being able to highlight the potential of Northern Devon for aspiring young people with ambitions to grow and innovate.’
One of the companies included in ‘Northern Devon Innovates’ exhibition is AutoNaut. Organisers explain the firm is taking an innovative approach to marine exploration.
‘Local businesses dedicated to creating products of global quality and reach’
They add that AutoNaut is revolutionising the ‘collection of ocean data to meet the evolving needs of marine research with zero carbon emissions.’
Other businesses in the exhibition include Ecotribo. The team create recycled products using ocean-retrieved plastics.
Bideford based Krempel is also included as it produces high performance products for a number of industries including the aerospace, defence, medical and automotive sectors. Northern Devon Innovates runs until the start of 2026. Admission is free.
The exhibition comes hot on the heels of the recent Great South West Annual Conference 2025 which was held in Exeter.
More than 500 business leaders attended the event which highlighted the south west’s role on the national stage.
The annual conference saw attendees from government, business and academia, including Luke Pollard, Minister of State for Defence Readiness & Industry.