About us

We've been helping people start and stay in business throughout the South West for over 30 years. Since setting up as an enterprise agency in 1993, we have worked tirelessly to support self-employed individuals and small businesses with our blend of practical, down-to-earth advice and interactive workshops.

We're a friendly bunch, and between us we have more years of business experience than we care to admit. Being able to advise, support and inspire people to develop and grow sustainable and profitable businesses is what gets us up in the morning (and not the strong coffee, honest).

Our mission for the future is to continue to passionately deliver the most accessible business support services in the south west, empowering people to start and grow financially sustainable businesses. Basically, we're here to help.

Meet the team

Dee Gill

Dee Gill | Managing Director

Responsible for the day-to-day running of the company, including the identification of new sales opportunities.

After more than 20 years at BIP Dee is a proven project manager with extensive experience of working closely with a variety of funding bodies including ERDF, ESF, LSC, and both County and Local Councils and is dedicated to ensuring that BIP continue to evolve and provide a high standard of accessible and relevant business support services across the South West.


Stewart Horne

Stewart Horne | Director

As our former MD, Stewart brings a wealth of knowledge, and practical business skills to the company. A farmer for over 30 years, Stewart has a deep understanding of the issues small businesses and farmers face. A well-respected professional, he holds several high-profile roles connected with rural organisations including the Rural Services Network, CQLP and is a member of a number of initiatives.


Cathy Wright

Cathy Wright | Contracts Director

Responsible for contractual and administrative aspects of all contracts and company procedures, including all financial matters relating to the company.

Cathy has over 15 years management experience, with extensive knowledge of European and other funding streams together with successfully developing multi - partner projects. Cathy is responsible for the achievement and continued commitment to ISO 9001 standards.


James Werb

James Werb | Marketing & Commercial Director

Responsible for the marketing strategy and all marketing activities for the company, as well as developing commercial opportunities. James has over 14 years experience working for and with numerous businesses, large and small in both the B2B and B2C sectors with a wealth of knowledge across traditional and digital marketing.


Petra Davies

Petra Davies | Contracts Manager

Works with the Directors to support the practical delivery of contracts. She is an experienced Business Advisor, having supported BIP clients under various business support schemes.

Petra studied Hotel Management at College and went on to manage Pubs and Restaurants for Chef and Brewer before joining Trust House Forte and moving into Hotel Management. Working in such a people intensive environment provides her with the skills and experience she needs to really work with teams within businesses to achieve goals through communication and motivation.


Chris Langan

Chris Langan | Project Development Manager / Business Advisor

Chris has over 30 years' experience of running his own businesses - retail, wholesale and a chain of shops. He has a wide range of expertise around retail, wholesale, family businesses, start-ups, engineering and B2B.

Chris is a good listener and quickly understands what his clients are trying to achieve, helping them to identify a practical plan on how to get to their goal.


Neil Jory

Neil Jory | Business Advisor

Neil is a qualified banker and chartered secretary who is well versed in the technical skills of finance, planning, governance and decision making. He is also a former soldier and an experienced manager who has spent many years leading teams in the banking and education sectors.

As well as working for BIP, he is a Councillor on West Devon Borough Council. He has worked on NVQ and BTEC programmes from level 2 to level 7 for clients including the NHS, Sunseeker Yachts and Mole Valley Farmers.


Adela Mei

Adela Mei | Sustainability Business Advisor

Adela is a committed conservationist, graduating from York with an MRes in Ecology & Environmental Management. She has a wealth of experience including working as an ecologist and environmental scientist in the water industry, helping protect the UK’s wildlife, rivers and land. 

As a dedicated life and business coach, she brings her passion for wildlife and the environment to all her work. As our sustainability business advisor at BIP, Adela supports small businesses to better understand the green agenda and reach Net Zero.


Dr Marianne McHugh

Marianne McHugh | Agricultural Contracts Manager

Marianne delivers our projects for farmers and land managers in the south west. She has previously worked in education, including as a Science teacher and Assistant Headteacher, but Marianne's background is in environmental research and land management, particularly to protect soil and water resources. She has a PhD in soil erosion, is FACTS qualified and recently gained her Apprenticeship in Team Management.


Helen Bellew

Helen Bellew | Agricultural Advisor

Advisor on all things agricultural. Helping farmers through the agricultural transition plan by advising on Countryside Stewardship, Reducing BPS Payments, Sustainable Farming Incentive and other agricultural grants. As Helen works part-time at BIP, the remainder of her time is spent working on her family’s beef, sheep and arable farm.


David Crabb

David Crabb | Agricultural Advisor

Dave has held various agricultural roles within government organisations for over twenty years, supporting farming businesses and the rural economy. He now works part-time for BIP supporting farming businesses adapting to change and enabling proactive decision-making within agricultural business. From agricultural support schemes to business structures and succession planning, Dave can share his knowledge and expertise. Outside of his BIP work, he manages his family’s sheep farm and the various agri-environment schemes (Basic Payment Scheme, Sustainable Farming Incentive Pilot agreement and Countryside Stewardship agreement).


David Pett

David Pett | Agricultural Advisor

After studying agriculture at Bicton College, David took a lead in the family farm partnership in Cornwall in the early 1980s. In that time, he oversaw the expansion of the dairy herd and farm infrastructure. The dairy herd was dispersed in 2002, and a dairy heifer contract rearing enterprise followed while he worked as an NVQ assessor at Duchy College. Alongside this, he also studied for an OU degree in Environmental Science. He spent three years working as a Rural Development Officer for the Church in Devon before returning to Agriculture with AHDB as SW Regional Benchmarking Manager working with dairy, beef, sheep and arable farms. David joined BIP in January 2023. He loves farming, the countryside and rural people and enjoys working with clients to help them on their farming journey.


Rob Heywood

Rob Heywood | Agricultural Advisor

Following his studies in Agriculture at Harper Adams, Rob spent several years in East Anglia in management roles, encompassing a wide range of enterprises, including cereals, potatoes, irrigated vegetables, sugar beet and organic production. Rob is passionate about regenerative and sustainable farming and enjoys both physical and financial business assessment, aiming to support farm businesses to develop and thrive in the modern marketplace. Alongside his role with BIP, Rob runs a flock of ewes with his wife.  


Vicky Herbert

Vicky Herbert | Agricultural Advisor

After graduating from the University of York, Vicky discovered farming by using it as a way to travel and learn about different cultures and methods of food production. After moving back to the UK in 2020, Vicky settled in Devon and has worked on a variety of farms from smaller scale horticultural enterprises to larger mixed livestock and arable farms. Vicky started working in farm advice in 2023 and has worked with a range of businesses to guide them through the challenges they're facing such as regulatory compliance, on-farm nutrient management and, more recently, changes to farm funding and interpreting the Environmental Land Management Schemes. Vicky continues to be practically involved in farming alongside her role at BIP and has recently set up a pastured pig enterprise.


Neil Jory

Emma Milford | Senior Project Officer for Agricultural Business Support

Emma has been with BIP for over 4 years providing administrative support across all BIP's projects and has an extensive background and experience in Project Management, not for profit management, and business development. When not working, she can be found exploring some remote wild swimming spot or hiking up a mountain! Last September, after a period of travelling in her big yellow van, Emma moved into the new role of Senior Project Officer for Agricultural Support, where she oversees all project administration, compliance, and claims for the Future Farming Resilience programme and other agricultural projects. She works closely with Marianne and Toni to ensure the project is a success, whilst supporting the Delivery Partners and the wider BIP team to achieve their targets and make sure farmers across the South West are fully supported to face the transition away from BPS in 2025.


Louise Turley

Louise Turley | Marketing Executive

Working part time to assist with implementing marketing strategies and all round marketing activities for the company. Louise has over 20 years working as a freelance marketeer and graphic designer along with running her own business support program for freelancers, start ups and small businesses in the South West. Louise shares her experience and knowledge across BIP in all areas she can support.


Kat White

Kat White | Digital Marketing Executive

Kat works part-time with BIP on all things digital marketing related. She has over 20 years’ experience in marketing on both the agency and client side. Kat has worked for large and small businesses in the UK, Australia and New Zealand across a broad range of sectors, including the arts, broadcasting, finance, aviation and travel. She returned home to Devon in 2013 and has been a freelance copywriter and marketing consultant since then.


Tamsyn Diffey | Executive Assistant

Providing executive support to our team of Directors and Managers, along with strategic administrative support across all BIP's projects, whilst liaising with key external stakeholders. Tamsyn also manages the Okehampton Business Centre, as well as coordinating our ISO Quality Standard accreditation.

Tamsyn has over 20 years’ experience, working nationally and internationally as a senior executive assistant within both private and public organisations, across a broad range of sectors, including finance, real estate, economic development and HE.

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Dee Gill

Dee Gill Managing Director

Responsible for the day-to-day running of the company, including the identification of new sales opportunities. After more than 20 years at BIP Dee is a proven project manager with extensive experience of working closely with a variety of funding bodies including ERDF, ESF, LSC, and both County and Local Councils and is dedicated to ensuring that BIP continue to evolve and provide a high standard of accessible and relevant business support services across the South West.


Stewart Horne

Stewart Horne Director

As our former MD, Stewart brings a wealth of knowledge, and practical business skills to the company. A farmer for over 30 years, Stewart has a deep understanding of the issues small business and farmers face. A well respected professional he holds several high profile roles connected with rural organisations including the Rural Services Network, CQLP and is a member of a number of initiatives.


Cathy Wright

Cathy Wright Contracts & Finance Director

Responsible for contractual and administrative aspects of all contracts and company procedures, including all financial matters relating to the company.

Cathy has over 15 years management experience, with extensive knowledge of European and other funding streams together with successfully developing multi - partner projects. Cathy is responsible for the achievement and continued commitment to ISO 9001 standards.


James Werb

James Werb Marketing & Commercial Director

Responsible for the marketing strategy and all marketing activities for the company, as well as developing commercial opportunities. James has over 14 years experience working for and with numerous businesses, large and small in both the B2B and B2C sectors with a wealth of knowledge across traditional and digital marketing.


Petra Davies

Petra Davies Contracts Manager

Works with the Directors to support the practical delivery of contracts. She is an experienced Business Advisor, having supported BIP clients under various business support schemes.

Petra studied Hotel Management at College and went on to manage Pubs and Restaurants for Chef and Brewer before joining Trust House Forte and moving into Hotel Management. Working in such a people intensive environment provides her with the skills and experience she needs to really work with teams within businesses to achieve goals through communication and motivation.


Chris Langan

Chris Langan Project Development Manager & Business Advisor

Chris has over 30 years' experience of running his own businesses - retail, wholesale and a chain of shops. He has a wide range of expertise around retail, wholesale, family businesses, start-ups, engineering and B2B.

Chris is a good listener and quickly understands what his clients are trying to achieve, helping them to identify a practical plan on how to get to their goal.


Neil Jory

Neil Jory Business Advisor

Neil is a qualified banker and chartered secretary who is well versed in the technical skills of finance, planning, governance and decision making. He is also a former soldier and an experienced manager who has spent many years leading teams in the banking and education sectors.

As well as working for BIP, he is a Councillor on West Devon Borough Council. He has worked on NVQ and BTEC programmes from level 2 to level 7 for clients including the NHS, Sunseeker Yachts and Mole Valley Farmers.


Adela Mei

Adela Mei Sustainability Business Advisor

Adela is a committed conservationist, graduating from York with an MRes in Ecology & Environmental Management. She has a wealth of experience including working as an ecologist and environmental scientist in the water industry, helping protect the UK’s wildlife, rivers and land. 

As a dedicated life and business coach, she brings her passion for wildlife and the environment to all her work. As our sustainability business advisor at BIP, Adela supports small businesses to better understand the green agenda and reach Net Zero.


Dr Marianne McHugh

Marianne McHugh Agricultural Contracts Manager

Marianne delivers our projects for farmers and land managers in the south west. She has previously worked in education, including as a Science teacher and Assistant Headteacher, but Marianne's background is in environmental research and land management, particularly to protect soil and water resources. She has a PhD in soil erosion, is FACTS qualified and recently gained her Apprenticeship in Team Management.


Helen Bellew

Helen Bellew Agricultural Advisor

Advisor on all things agricultural. Helping farmers through the agricultural transition plan by advising on Countryside Stewardship, Reducing BPS Payments, Sustainable Farming Incentive and other agricultural grants. As Helen works part-time at BIP, the remainder of her time is spent working on her family’s beef, sheep and arable farm.


David Crabb

David Crabb Agricultural Advisor

Dave has held various agricultural roles within government organisations for over twenty years, supporting farming businesses and the rural economy. He now works part-time for BIP supporting farming businesses adapting to change and enabling proactive decision-making within agricultural business. From agricultural support schemes to business structures and succession planning, Dave can share his knowledge and expertise. Outside of his BIP work, he manages his family’s sheep farm and the various agri-environment schemes (Basic Payment Scheme, Sustainable Farming Incentive Pilot agreement and Countryside Stewardship agreement).


David Pett

David Pett Agricultural Advisor

After studying agriculture at Bicton College, David took a lead in the family farm partnership in Cornwall in the early 1980s. In that time, he oversaw the expansion of the dairy herd and farm infrastructure. The dairy herd was dispersed in 2002, and a dairy heifer contract rearing enterprise followed while he worked as an NVQ assessor at Duchy College. Alongside this, he also studied for an OU degree in Environmental Science. He spent three years working as a Rural Development Officer for the Church in Devon before returning to Agriculture with AHDB as SW Regional Benchmarking Manager working with dairy, beef, sheep and arable farms. David joined BIP in January 2023. He loves farming, the countryside and rural people and enjoys working with clients to help them on their farming journey.


Patrick Aubrey-Fletcher

Rob Heywood Agricultural Advisor

Following his studies in Agriculture at Harper Adams, Rob spent several years in East Anglia in management roles, encompassing a wide range of enterprises, including cereals, potatoes, irrigated vegetables, sugar beet and organic production. Rob is passionate about regenerative and sustainable farming and enjoys both physical and financial business assessment, aiming to support farm businesses to develop and thrive in the modern marketplace. Alongside his role with BIP, Rob runs a flock of ewes with his wife.  


Vicky Herbert

Vicky Herbert Agricultural Advisor

After graduating from the University of York, Vicky discovered farming by using it as a way to travel and learn about different cultures and methods of food production. After moving back to the UK in 2020, Vicky settled in Devon and has worked on a variety of farms from smaller scale horticultural enterprises to larger mixed livestock and arable farms. Vicky started working in farm advice in 2023 and has worked with a range of businesses to guide them through the challenges they're facing such as regulatory compliance, on-farm nutrient management and, more recently, changes to farm funding and interpreting the Environmental Land Management Schemes. Vicky continues to be practically involved in farming alongside her role at BIP and has recently set up a pastured pig enterprise.


Neil Jory

Emma Milford Senior Project Officer for Agricultural Business Support

Providing administrative support across all BIP's projects, ensuring accurate and auditable records are maintained whilst liaising with funders and delivery partners alike. Emma supports Helen in providing essential management information and also looks after the day-to-day elements of our ISO Quality Standard.


Neil Jory

Louise Turley Marketing Executive

Working part time to assist with implementing marketing strategies and all round marketing activities for the company. Louise has over 20 years working as a freelance marketeer and graphic designer along with running her own business support program for freelancers, start ups and small businesses in the South West. Louise shares her experience and knowledge across BIP in all areas she can support.


Octavia Cartwright-Witts

Octavia Cartwright-Witts | Project Administrator

Carries out data processing for all areas of BIP's work and produces management reports that enable the monitoring of BIP's client activity. Octavia is also the First Aider for the Business Centre.


Kat White

Kat White Digital Marketing Executive

Kat works part-time with BIP on all things digital marketing related. She has over 20 years’ experience in marketing, on both the agency and client side. Kat has worked for large and small businesses in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, and returned home to Devon in 2013 when she set up as a freelance copywriter and marketing consultant.


Octavia Cartwright-Witts

Octavia Cartwright-Witts | Project Administrator

Carries out data processing for all areas of BIP's work and produces management reports that enable the monitoring of BIP's client activity. Octavia is also the First Aider for the Business Centre.

Tamsyn Diffey | Executive Assistant

Providing executive support to our team of Directors and Managers, along with strategic administrative support across all BIP's projects, whilst liaising with key external stakeholders. Tamsyn also manages the Okehampton Business Centre, as well as coordinating our ISO Quality Standard accreditation.

Tamsyn has over 20 years’ experience, working nationally and internationally as a senior executive assistant within both private and public organisations, across a broad range of sectors, including finance, real estate, economic development and HE.

Our values

Our big idea is to develop outstanding advice, support and training solutions that our clients respect and feel valued by. We hope that by using our experience and credibility we will rapidly improve business performance through innovative, practical and focused solutions. The principles behind our business are very important to us:
  • Expertise - the experience to make a difference
  • Drive - A strong desire to help our clients succeed
  • Clarity - The need to communicate clearly
  • Teamwork - The right people working together
  • Leadership - Never afraid to challenge and take responsibility
  • Engaging - Building richer relationships
  • Innovative - Thinking creatively about the solutions we develop
By embedding the above principles into our business, our clients benefit in the following ways:
  • Better solutions based on a better understanding of client needs & culture
  • Inspiring trust and belief in the target audience
  • Talented people who know their subject
  • A broader perspective of the business world
  • Impact on personal & business performance
Business Information Point works hard to ensure that whenever designing, delivering and working in partnership with a client, that the above principles are experienced and that the benefits are delivered to the client. Our ability to empathise with shifting situations and evolving business is unrivalled and our values are the foundation of this.