History and Previous Projects

The Tarka Foundation was initiated by former sea captain and businessman John Hardy and graphic designer Sue Hardy in 2002 with the aim of encouraging and assisting mutually beneficial links between government, the private sector, the voluntary and community sectors. Peter Jollands and Peter Jones joined the founders as the original directors.

Following the terrible foot and mouth disease outbreak in 2002 one of The Tarka Foundation's first roles was to support many of the small and medium size non-agricultural businesses that were unable to claim compensation for the losses they suffered. Since then the Foundation has helped people with mental health issues to establish new businesses; provided training courses in business development; managed exhibitions and helped to develop new regeneration opportunities.

No review could be complete without reference to His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh's visit to meet with some of those The Tarka Foundation has helped, the funders and supporters.

Below are just some of our previous projects:

Bringing hands-on help to the numerous small businesses suffering from the outcomes of foot and mouth disease. (Funded by the Phoenix Development Fund).
Designing and delivering training sessions aimed at improving the sustainability of voluntary and community organisations. (For The Home Office, ODPM and others).
Exhibitions and conferences management. (For a range of clients including the private sector, the Millennium Commission and as part of the Tarka Foundation's own operations).
Provision of quality standards workshops and training facilities. (Commissioned by the private sector).
Provision of training sessions for delegates to the Community Action Transport Conference. (Commissioned by Community Action).
Project assessment and recommendations (For private sector, UK government and European funders).
Designing and delivery of a programme to help people with mental health issues to become more self-sufficient by establishing social enterprises or entering self-employment (For the Small Business Service, supported by the Department for Health and funded through Phoenix Development Fund).
Preparation of detailed 'Lessons Learned' analysis and reports to policy makers. (Commissioned by among others the DTI).

The Tarka Foundation, Hallsannery Centre, New Road, Bideford, Devon, EX39 5HE, UK.
Tel: (+44) (0)1237 472 135 | e-mail info@tarkafoundation.org.uk

Contact Tarka Foundation for further information
Updated 24th April, 2008