Episodes

  • S5 Ep10: Rachel Gilmour MP

    S5 Ep10: Rachel Gilmour MP
    Oct 28 2025
    In 2024, Rachel Gilmour became the Lib Dem MP for Tiverton and Minehead. Rachel discusses the hopes she has and the challenges she faces with regards to her constituency, the people, the local businesses and in particular the farmers. She also tells us about her fascinating link to a rugby team and to Margaret Thatcher.

    From the Devon Chamber of Commerce, kindly supported by Westcotts Chartered Accountant and Business Advisors
    Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Studios in Devon
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    28 mins
  • S5 Ep9: Fred Thomas MP

    S5 Ep9: Fred Thomas MP
    Oct 7 2025
    In 2024, Fred Thomas became the Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View. He discusses his transition from Royal Marine to politician, his hopes for the region’s businesses, skills development and how he’s already making a difference at Derriford Hospital. We also discover how Fred ended up learning to speak Arabic and why he thinks the on-boarding of new MPs needs rethinking.

    In association with Westcotts, chartered accountants and business advisors.
    Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast and ADR Studios in Devon
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    38 mins
  • S5 Ep8: Steve Darling MP

    S5 Ep8: Steve Darling MP
    Sep 22 2025
    In 2024, Steve Darling became the Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, following 30 years in local politics as a councillor, then council leader. He discusses his hopes and goals for Torbay and the wider region, with regards to business, hospitality, tourism, education and much more. He also talks about the challenges he faces with the genetic eye condition – Stargardt’s – how his guide dog, Jennie, is more popular than him and his love of kayaking and swimming in Torbay’s waters.

    In association with Westcotts, chartered accountants and business advisors.
    Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Production in Devon.
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    27 mins
  • S5 Ep7: Caroline Voaden MP

    S5 Ep7: Caroline Voaden MP
    Sep 6 2025
    In 2024, Caroline Voaden made history by becoming South Devon’s first Lib Dem MP, following a century of Conservative representation. In this interview, Caroline talks to Paul about a wide range of subjects, including what her hopes are for local businesses across South Devon and the wider county, as well as her experience of being widowed at a young age and how she ended up interviewing a global rock music icon in Sarajevo.

    Supported by Westcotts, chartered accountants and business advisers.
    Produced by Fresh Air Studios, voiceover studios serving Devon and Cornwall.
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    42 mins
  • S5 Ep6: Luke Pollard MP – Armed Forces Minister

    S5 Ep6: Luke Pollard MP – Armed Forces Minister
    Aug 21 2025
    Four years ago, when he first appeared on In Conversation with… Luke Pollard MP was in opposition. Now, his party is in government, and he is Armed Forces Minister. Luke discusses how this role has affected his life, as well as what his hopes are for businesses and communities in Plymouth and how Devon’s MPs can work together for the good of the County.

    Supported by Westcotts - Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers
    Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast studios for Devon & Cornwall
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    55 mins
  • S5 Ep5: Sarah Hicks – CEO of Westbank

    S5 Ep5: Sarah Hicks – CEO of Westbank
    Jul 28 2025
    Westbank helps tens of thousands of people, carers and their communities all over the South-West of the UK. Sarah tells us the challenges of running a charity that works alongside NHS services, what they do to support communities and her past experiences of working with Deborah Meaden. We also discover how her love of country music ruined her plan to speak fluent Spanish.

    In association with Westcotts, from the Devon Chamber of Commerce.
    Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Studios in the South West
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    37 mins
  • S5 Ep4: Sarah Howard MBE – Chair of British Chambers of Commerce

    S5 Ep4: Sarah Howard MBE – Chair of British Chambers of Commerce
    May 15 2025
    In this special episode, the Chair of British Chambers of Commerce, Sarah Howard MBE tells Paul Philpott about her unique journey from her first job, through to setting up her own business and joining the Chamber, which eventually took her to where she is now. Along the way there are personal and professional experiences that have shaped her approach to work and to life. But why didn’t she pursue her ambition to become an opera singer? Paul finds out…

    Kindly supported by Westcotts
    Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Seven podcast and video studios in Devon.
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    36 mins
  • S5 Ep3: Claire Taylor, Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive of Plymouth Marjon University

    S5 Ep3: Claire Taylor, Vice Chancellor & Chief Executive of Plymouth Marjon University
    Mar 27 2025
    Paul Philpott, Vice Chair of the Plymouth and Director of Devon Chamber of Commerce, talks to Professor Claire Taylor about her journey in education, from teaching at Primary level to management and governance, and what brought her to Plymouth. She shares Marjon’s exciting plans for the future, how the University is making a difference on a national & even international level, and why inclusion is such an important part of their student and learning community. Claire talks about the financial impact Plymouth’s three universities have on the city and the importance of working more with businesses and organisations to ensure students have the skills they need for employment now and in the future. Also in this episode, the 60 Seconds Charity Pitch spotlight falls on YMCA Plymouth.

    In association with Westcotts.
    Produced by Fresh Air Studios, podcast production consultancy.
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    39 mins