Young people are being encouraged to take a break from smartphones to improve their wellbeing and cyber security.

A new poll from YoungMinds and Cyber Aware reports that over a fifth (21%) of 18-25 year-olds surveyed spend more than sixhours a day on their smartphones. This is despite the fact that more than half of them (60%) agree that they would benefit from taking a short break from them.

Results from UK young people aged 18-25 responding to the Ipsos MORI online poll also showed that:

When forced to go without their smartphones during the past 12 months, over a...

A development conference for PAs and key office staff from across the South West has been declared a huge success, with a 40 per cent growth in attendance on last year.

The event was staged in Bristol by the Exeter PA Network and offered training, development and networking for executive assistants, personal assistants, secretaries and administrators.

And building on the success of this event, organisers have already begun to plan next year’s conference.

Attendees travelled from as far as Launceston, Neath and Guildford. Some of the region’s largest employers were...

The RD&E’s Emergency Department (ED) has won a top national accolade for the quality of its patient care after making a raft of improvements over the past four years.

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine awarded the Exeter team first place in the ‘patient experience’ category of their inaugural annual awards. The team were also runners-up in the ‘clinical team of the year’ category.

The accolade comes after staff introduced a series of innovations all designed to improve the safety, comfort and experience of patients, in what might otherwise be a distressing time for...

Jams made in the restaurant at Otter Garden Centres in Ottery St Mary scooped two golds at this year’s Food & Drink Devon Awards.

The company’s strawberry and raspberry jams were placed gold in the Producers Awards, which this year recognised food and drink products from 29 Devon producers as worthy of this level.

Restaurant Manager, Simon Raynor said: “Ours are traditional jams with pure flavours and high fruit content created by our in-house jam-maker, Liz Lee.

“They have become very popular with customers, particularly when served with our cream teas - so we...

“Be Bright, Be Seen” is the message from Devon County Council, ahead of clocks going back this weekend (Sunday 29 October).

As daylight hours draw in, the County Council is reminding cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, horse riders, and other vulnerable road users, to make sure that they are visible by wearing reflective and fluorescent clothing. Car drivers are also being encouraged to take extra care by giving cyclists space, and looking out for others, particularly in poor weather conditions which can reduce visibility. Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet...

Redrow, one of the UK’s leading house builders, has strengthened its senior team with two new appointments within its West Country division to support the firm’s growth plans across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

The company has appointed a Head of Sales and a Head of Land.

Annie Williams has been appointed Head of Sales having previously worked as Area Sales Manager at Redrow. Annie brings 18 years’ experience in the field having also worked as Sales and Marketing Manager at Linden Homes. Annie will play a key part in strengthening the firm’s brand within the region and be...

Councillors from local authorities surrounding the Exe Estuary approved proposals for Wildlife Refuges at a meeting of the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee on Monday (23rd October 2017).

Following a comprehensive nine month consultation, views including concerns about safety, from residents and the wide range of Exe Estuary users were taken into account in developing the voluntary areas.

Preparations to help people learn about the areas will now begin.

Next year, the Wildlife Refuges will be marked by buoys and an education programme will...

One of the most respected financial planning businesses in the South West has further strengthened its team with two key appointments at its Exeter office.

Chartered Financial Planner, Andy Hammond, joins the senior management team at Francis Clark Financial Planning (FCFP) from Nottingham-based solicitors, Nelsons, where he was Head of Investment Management.

Andy specialises in managing corporate client relationships, particularly concerning the accumulation of tax efficient funds for retirement and ensuring that business leaders and their families are protected.

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The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) South West has recognised the exceptional performance and dedication of trainee civil engineers, apprentices and lifetime achievers at a special ceremony in Torquay.

Six young people received accolades at CECA’s annual training awards - and with an expected 20,000 jobs opening up in the civil engineering sector across the region over the next five years, many more are expected to follow their lead.

Retired Major Projects Director at HOCHTIEF (UK) Construction, Keith Broughton, from Frome in Somerset, was also recognised...

A Devon-based specialist theatre company for adults with learning difficulties is £3,525 better off thanks to the fancy footwork and money raised by a five-a-side tournament organised by Redrow Homes West Country.

The funds raised by the footie competition will provide invaluable support to the participant-led arts and drama charity for adults with learning difficulties, the Get Changed Theatre Company. Get Changed has been Redrow West Country’s chosen charity for a number of years and staff based at Redrow’s Exeter head office regularly host events to raise vital funds for the...