Local health and well-being charity appoints new Business Development Manager to grow services for Devon residents

An award-winning, local charity, which promotes and improves the well-being of communities and individuals across Devon, has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of a new Business Development Manager. 

Chris Bloye recently joined Westbank Community Health and Care in Exminster, bringing extensive experience in the commercial sector. Chris is responsible for driving growth and generating revenue across core services, including the expansion of Westbank’s Kidzone. He’s also managing the launch of a new Preschool later this month (25th April) to provide wrap-around care for local families and play-based learning experiences for children. 

Chris has worked for a range of businesses, most recently in a similar role for a dental health company. He also has a background in catering, hospitality and the fitness industry, which will serve him well in his new job. In addition to Kidzone, he’s responsible for conferencing and room hire, adult day care, the gym and in-house catering. 

Chris says, “This is my first role in the charitable sector. I want to give something back and have a positive effect on people’s lives, so I knew Westbank would be a great fit for me. I have a proven track record of generating income in the business world. I’m looking forward to drawing on that experience to grow key services at Westbank that support our charitable work with people of all ages.

“We’ve just appointed a new manager for our Kidzone, where we provide fun, safe and secure childcare. We’re now recruiting people for other positions within the services we provide at our base in Exminster.”  

Chris’ appointment follows a recent change of leadership at Westbank. Last year, Sarah Hicks took the helm as the charity’s new CEO. Sarah also comes from the corporate world and aims to drive donations and corporate partnerships to increase funding for Westbank’s holistic, multigenerational approach to health and well-being. 

Sarah says, “These are exciting times for Westbank. We have decades of experience in delivering a broad range of services offering positive lifestyle interventions. We want to build on these and make people aware of all we offer. While we’re based just outside Exeter, our work empowers communities and individuals right across Devon and the wider South West.”

She adds, “Westbank is a fun and rewarding place to work and we have interesting senior positions to offer. We’re delighted to welcome Chris to our team in such a pivotal role.”

Westbank employs almost 200 staff across Devon, supported by an army of more than 600 volunteers. Last year, the charity won awards for two of its services: Westbank’s Neighbourhood Friends Volunteers were recognised with The Queens Award for Voluntary Service and Devon Carers’ Hospital Service was the winner of a Health Service Journal award.