New Devon scheme unveiled

Membership is currently free

A new Devon scheme has been unveiled to the public.

The Made in Devon team responded to countless enquiries and received positive feedback from visiting members of the public and businesses from a special stand at the recent county show.

The scheme is supported by a new website www.madeindevon.org.uk which enables businesses to join up – membership is currently free for the first year.

As more businesses sign up it will create a comprehensive directory of Made in Devon members.

The scheme enables businesses and traders to advertise to consumers that they supply Devon-sourced products – and that those claims have been thoroughly vetted, checked, and certified by trading standards officers.

Devon is home to a vibrant economy producing high quality, locally made goods ranging from food and drink, toiletries, furniture, arts and crafts to software, equipment, electronics and much more.

During the first lockdown demand for local produce and products increased, with over 40 per cent choosing to shop locally much more regularly than they had done before. 

Almost half of those polled said that they were ‘motivated’ to support local businesses.

The Made in Devon scheme will help Devon’s businesses to stand out from the crowd by building on their reputation for producing quality, locally made goods.

Businesses wishing to join are assessed to ensure that they and their products meet the qualifying criteria; that their goods are actually made in Devon and that the component parts of products or ingredients of foods are sourced from within the county.

Membership also provides local businesses with a full audit, including a full review of their complaints’ history, access to legal and trading advice and business support from an award-winning trading standards team.

Similar to the Buy With Confidence website, it allows consumers to check if a specific business has signed up to the Made in Devon scheme, to search for businesses by area or to find businesses producing particular products based on keyword search.

One of the first members is Devon Hampers, who drummed plenty of interest at the Devon County Show with almost 300 people entering a prize draw for the chance to win one of their locally sourced hampers.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills said:

“We know that given the choice people prefer to shop locally and support local businesses.

“As Devon’s economy bounces back this fantastic resource will help reassure consumers that the goods being sold, or the services offered by the listed businesses are genuine, Devon-made quality goods from a trustworthy local trader.”