Lineal’s team were recently represented at this year’s North Devon Show, joining local businesses from across the area in advertising the best of North Devon. Hosted just outside Umberleigh on the A377 south of Barnstaple, the popular agricultural event draws large local and visiting crowds.

Managing Director Mike Matthews explained: “We’ve been working from North Devon for 28 years, and I’m always delighted to be able to represent Lineal alongside the region’s thriving businesses at the North Devon Show. The exhibitions always impress visitors with the diverse range of firms who operate here, how far afield our customers are, and what we’ve got to offer.”

Originally attending as a smaller business, Lineal has grown considerably since its very early days. In 2013, Managing Director of Lineal and Chair of the North Devon branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Mike Matthews met with Prime Minister David Cameron at the show to speak about the issues facing local firms in the region.

“Since last year’s show Lineal has gone from strength to strength” added Mike, “We’ve moved to new premises and enlarged our team with new staff and apprentices. In addition to developing our original products, we’re pleasedto be providing brand new services for our customers including: unified communications, Office 365, and disaster recovery services. I’m certain that by the time next Summer’s show arrives, we’ll have even more to bring to the table.”

FSB Chairman for North Devon, Mike Matthews, spent 25 minutes with Prime Minister David Cameron, Agricultural Minister Owen Patterson and PPC Peter Heaton-Jones, guiding them around the FSB tent at the North Devon Show on Wednesday 7th August.  They discussed problems for small business owners and the role of the Federation of Small Businesses.

David Cameron and Mike Matthews can be seen talking to Grace Rodgers at her table displaying products from her Bideford company – On The Horizon.

The FSB show tent was one of 2 chosen by the Prime Minister at the North Devon show yesterday.  Mike Matthews, who is Managing Director of IT company Lineal Software Solutions, had organised the tent to showcase a variety of North Devon Businesses and their products / services.  Mike took the PM and other VIPs around the displays, introducing them to the FSB members and highlighting the problems faced by small businesses in North Devon today.

Mike Matthews said “It has been 25 years since I first set up Lineal so that I could concentrate on the development of my business software SQLWorks.  The rural location of North Devon has its benefits, but manufacturing problems, increasing employment issues and the slow roll out of superfast broadband have all been seen as barriers to growth by the FSB members.”

At his party’s spring conference, David Cameron said “There’s only one strategy for growth we can have now and that is rolling up our sleeves and doing everything possible to make it easier for businesses to grow, to invest, to take people on….Back small firms. Boost enterprise. Be on the side of everyone in this country who wants to create jobs, and wealth and opportunity.”

Agricultural Minister, Owen Patterson, also accompanied David Cameron and Mike Matthews.  His interest was in the rural location and nature of many local businesses.  They discussed the obstacles presented to them, and how they are overcome with help from organisations such as the Federation of Small Businesses.