The Board of Directors

The Real Food Store is driven by the Board of Directors of Exeter Local Food Ltd who give their time and expertise. The Real Food Store is the trading name of Exeter Local Food Ltd. The Board meets regularly and the Directors work collaboratively with the Store Managers and the staff team. The Directors were voted onto the board at the February 2011 Annual General Meeting of ELF Ltd.

Dominic Acland, Financial Advisor

I have spent my working life in nature conservation and countryside management and I am currently employed as Managing Director of Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, a conservation charity. I played the lead role in setting up Occombe Farm in 2006, a demonstration organic farm with farm shop and café on the edge of Paignton which is also an education centre for food and farming. I live in Broadclyst and became involved in Exeter Local food Ltd and Real Food because I wanted to see local food made easily available to residents of Exeter and I wanted to build on my experience at Occombe Farm. I am also a director of the English Riviera Geopark Organisation.

Nicola Beglin, Community Liaison

My connection with Real Food began through the Transition Exeter open space event about local food in March 2009. My passion for the politics of food goes much further studying for a BSc in nutrition in the late 80’s. The Real Food Store is not just another café or shop but one that will carry the message of the need for localisation to our customers as well as striving to provide affordable, good quality local food for people in Exeter. I have a particular interest in the roots of Real Food & our transition values & I continue to use my organisational skills and ability to network to maintain our commitment to our roots & values.

Sarah Collier, Company Secretary

I have a background in project development and management in the environmental and community sector (Groundwork, International Business Leaders Forum) & I have always been passionate about food- especially local and sustainably produced food. I have been actively involved in the development of Exeter Local Food Ltd since March 2009. I bring my communication & organisational skills to my role as Company Secretary and apart from my statutory duties, I am responsible for regular communication with Real Food members (e.g. monthly newsletter) & developing and updating the website.

Christine Duff, Treasurer

I am a retired teacher who has also worked in the private sector and an Artist. I helped to set up organicARTS (an arts and education centre based at West Town Farm in Ide, Exeter) and in this capacity I have experience of all the elements required to run a business. I am a director and founder member of Love Local Food, a mobile local food shop that visits residential, work and educational areas of Exeter and is linked with educational activities. I have worked with Exeter Local Food Ltd since its conception, particularly on the financial side. I am passionate about local food!

David Mezzetti, Chair

I am a founding Director of Exeter Local Food Ltd and have been an active part of the team that has shaped its development over two years into Real Food. I have a business background that is valuable in shaping the development of the Real Food Store business. I regard my networking and personnel skills as valuable assets. Above all, I am committed to and excited by the achievements of community investment as a business model and to the involvement of the Real Food members in making The Real Food Store a financial success- through the expression of its core values.

Emma Parkin, PR & Media

After originally training in design, after working in Bristol with the Soil Association as their senior press officer I returned to my native Exeter to set up my own artisan bakery business. I believe passionately in eating good, locally produced food that benefits individual health, local producers and our environment that also keeps money within the local economy. The Real Food Store is now the home of Emma’s Bread, so as well as baking, my role as director keeps me involved with the media and PR / Communication side, a vital part of promoting the Real Food Store. I have worked with Exeter Local Food Ltd since it was set up & I was also a founder member of Love Local Food. 

Dave Stickland, Retail Advisor