St Loye’s new headquarters is officially opened

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new headquarters of training charity St Loye’s Foundation was performed on Friday 14 June by the new Leader of Devon County Council, Councillor Bernard Hughes OBE.

The charity acquired its new Exeter city centre premises at Beaufort House on New North Road in January, enabling it to relocate its administrative and training headquarters from its previous, rented accommodation across the road at Brittany House.

Councillor and Mrs Hughes were welcomed by the charity’s Chair, Susan Hobbs and Chief Executive Christopher Knee who hosted a reception for supporters and key staff.

Sue Hobbs, who is standing down after six years as Chair of St Loye’s Foundation Board of Trustees said: “This is a landmark moment for St Loye’s. There have been difficult times on the charity’s recent history and we have had to diversify and make some tough decisions to survive.

“The fact that we have bought our own premises and have now opened satellite operations across North Devon and in Cardiff and Warrington, speaks volumes for the achievements of the staff and gives us a firm foundation to grow in the future.  We are now at home.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony took place in ‘the Octagon’, a street-facing drop-in centre that will showcase the charity’s work and achievements both past and present.