The Team

Pictured left to right: Mai Albaek, Adrian Avery, Tegan Lethaby, Chris Fuller, Jon Lockett, Owen Page and Claire Gulliver.

Chris Fuller - Economic Development Manager: Chris is the Economic Development Manager, and has been at Torridge for 8 years now (which genuinely scares him). The remit of the Economic Development team is vast, and therefore so is my job. In one day I could be discussing marine autonomy with industry and Defence partners through to public art, play areas or skills programmes. Thankfully over the last few years we've managed to build a great team who can be far more focused on specific fields and can spend plenty of time out and about working with the community and partners to try to make a real difference.

Prior to Torridge I was a teacher and educational consultant for 13 years. Those of you who know me well will know that, again, evolved into getting involved in a huge array of projects - from working on BBC Digital Education programmes through to publishing and even being the lead to introduce a bilingual education-system for PE teachers in the Madrid region! So far I'm aware of 2 former pupils who I've then ended up working with here at Torridge, who knows how many more there will be moving forward!

Outside of work I run a lot and like to get involved in other challenges, from a 6km swim in South Devon last year through to Hyrox events scheduled for later this year. I also have 3 kids so spend a lot of time as a taxi to rugby matches, cricket matches and a whole range of social events for them all!  

Adrian Avery - Community Engagement Project Officer: When Summer comes around, I will be starting my 7th year at Torridge, having started with a desk over in Riverside during Covid times, then got shipped up to Caddsdown to then be relocated back down to Riverbank. Next stop, OSCAR??!

In my younger days, I played a lot of football before the social activities associated with rugby became more favourable! Since hanging up my boots, I have done a lot of coaching for both senior and youth at Torrington RFC as well as being a committee member trying to drive the club forward.

I now spend most of my time ferrying my son around to his football matches and attempting to do some fitness but often fail at that and opt for a pint instead!

I've loved my time at Torridge so far and hope it continues. We are great team!

Mai Albaek - Economic Development Project Officer: I'm new to TDC and have really enjoyed settling into my role so far. The support and warm welcome from colleagues and the wider TDC community have made a great first impression, and I'm looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead.

I'm based in West Devon, the proud keeper of two teenagers and a lively collection of pets. Outside of work, I enjoy strength training at the gym and exploring Dartmoor with friends and my dog. Danish born and bred, I enjoy connecting with people, have a soft spot for liquorice, love live music, and I'm often up early to make the most of the day.

Fiona Henderon - Clean Maritime and Green Energy Officer: Officially employed by ND+, but practically an honorary TDC-er (?), thanks to working so closely with Chris and the Economic Development Team, I can often be found in and around Riverbank House.

I organise the North Devon and Torridge Maritime Network and, covering both Torridge and North Devon, look at the potential opportunities in all things maritime and green energy - from autonomous (uncrewed) vessels and aquaculture to floating offshore wind and green hydrogen.

Outside of work, I'm mostly likely walking the dog, chasing a netball around, or heading off out in the campervan.

Jon Lockett - Communications Officer: This is my second year with the Economic Development team working part-time on communications. It's an interesting role, allowing me to use my experience on a wide range of projects. For the last thirty years I've worked as a creative director in London, Wisconsin and the Midlands. When I'm not working for the council I help different businesses with their branding, creative and marketing and volunteer as chair of Sunrise Diversity, a local charity. I'm also a mentor with the Social Mobility Network and Inspiring the Future - I'm a passionate believer in levelling the playing field as much as possible for less privileged people.

I am married with three adult kids and a young border terrier who likes to join me when I'm hiking around Exmoor and the North Devon coast. I am too old and injured to play football or rugby anymore but still enjoy watching whenever possible, which is more painful than playing when you're a Leeds United supporter!

Claire Gulliver - Cultural Development Officer: I've been with Torridge for 3 years, finding ways to join the dots between locally-based creatives and communities, national artists and agencies and the creative and vibrant future that Torridge deserves. After studying Cultural Policy I cut my teeth at the Arts Council before working with various local authorities, galleries, museums and regional agencies, promoting joint working and drawing in lottery investment. I also worked in community development and NHS communications and set up my freelance practice in 2007.

I'm currently the Torridge lead for a couple of exciting public art projects, the first of which will launch this September bringing colour and fun to Bideford's waterfront and town centre.

In the sporting tradition of my Economic Development colleagues, I played football for my university, winning two golden boots before women's football was a thing. I even played briefly in 2004, but age is sadly catching up with me.

I'm with Torridge one day a week, currently juggling this with four freelance contracts and 'carenting' (caring for a parent). Caffieine and chocolate helps. Unlike my Economic Development colleagues, I don't love mornings, but I'm often still at my desk past 6pm, until the cleaners throw me out along with the imaginary office cat.

Tegan Lethaby - Economic Development Support Officer: I am a second year T Level business student at North Devon College. I started my work placement at Torridge District Council almost 18 months ago, and in that time I have met many amazing people and have been very lucky to work within such a knowledgeable and supportive team!

I mainly look after the social media and websites for Bideford and Torrington and have learnt many new skills. In my free time I am usually hanging out with my cats or painting. As I'm nearing the end of my studies, I'm looking for future career prospects in or outside the council remit.

Owen Page - T-Level Student Placement: I am a year 1 student currently completing a T-Level business management and administration course at North Devon College. I have been completing my work placement at Torridge District Council in the economic development team. So far, I have really been enjoying the workplace experience and gaining responsibility for my own tasks. Outside of this, I enjoy spending time with family and friends as well as experiencing the outdoors whether that be surfing, playing football or going to the gym. I am looking forward to continuing my development as an individual both personally and professionally with the council.