The Rising Star Award: Celebrating Emerging Talent in Torbay
An Overview of the Award
The Rising Star Award, sponsored by the Princess Theatre, is a highlight of the Torbay Weekly Business Awards 2025. This award aims to recognize individuals who are making significant strides within their organizations, showcasing exceptional talent, dedication, and potential.
The Princess Theatre’s involvement underscores its commitment to fostering local talent, inspiring individuals to pursue their careers while actively contributing to the community’s success.
Princess Theatre’s Commitment to Talent
Annie Mason, the theatre director, expressed pride in sponsoring the Rising Star Award. She stated, “Within ATG Entertainment, we have a leadership development program of the same name, reflecting our passion to nurture talent in the theater industry.” Celebrating local rising stars is not just about recognition; it’s about encouraging them to flourish within Torbay and inspire others.
Spotlight on Emerging Leaders: Ben Payne
One noteworthy example of a rising star is Ben Payne, who grew up in Ivybridge and had a sports-oriented childhood. A former student at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School, Ben’s journey illustrates how local opportunities can lead to global impact.
Ben was an avid rugby player and passionate supporter of the Exeter Chiefs, which shaped his desire to channel his love for sports into a fulfilling career. Interestingly, geography sparked his interest in school—not just for its geographical concepts but for its broader implications, including human interactions and economic factors.
Academic Foundations and Career Path
After achieving impressive A-level results, Ben secured a place at the University of Edinburgh to study geography. There, he merged his academic pursuits with his passion for sports. Toward his final year, Ben took a pivotal step: he landed an internship with Deloitte, which, while informative, quickly clarified his preference for strategic consulting over financial accounting.
This choice led Ben to enter the dynamic field of consultancy, specifically focusing on sports—a sector currently experiencing rapid growth. Sports consultancy involves providing expert advice to teams, organizations, and even councils on how to optimize their operations and enhance sustainability.
Navigating the Consultancy Landscape
Ben’s determination and passion paid off when he received an interview at a well-known sports strategy consultancy. He noted that his academic background helped, but the interviewers were primarily interested in his enthusiasm for sports. “Understanding the mindset of a fan is crucial,” he observed, “as it ultimately informs how organizations can attract and retain their audience.”
His path as a business analyst began with valuable exposure to the practicalities of consultancy work. Early tasks involved research and the development of presentations designed to address clients’ pressing needs.
Major Breakthroughs and Expansion
Ben’s major breakthrough came when he was invited to work on a project in Saudi Arabia, which required him to adapt quickly to a new environment. Living on a corporate compound with his team, Ben immersed himself in the local culture while focusing on transforming the cycling landscape in rural Saudi Arabia, drawing lessons from successful cycling destinations like France.
The outcomes were impressive: the project led to the establishment of extensive cycling lanes, repair hubs, and even a competitive cycling event, enhancing the area’s sporting profile.
Upon his return to the UK, Ben was promoted to Senior Analyst, tackling an array of projects, including initiatives in adventure sports and grassroots football. His connection to rugby landed him opportunities to work with international governing bodies, showcasing the opportunity for local talent to operate on a global scale.
The Scope of Sports Consultancy
Ben has articulated that while enthusiasm and knowledge about sports are vital, the consultancy domain largely hinges on the business aspects of sports. “Our focus is helping clients increase participation and ensure financial sustainability,” he explained. This dual aim drives the work his team undertakes, allowing them to leave a lasting positive impact on communities through sport.
The career possibilities for individuals passionate about sports and business, like Ben, are increasingly diverse. Consulting offers an avenue that combines these interests while also providing significant room for growth.
Sponsorship Highlights
The Rising Star Award forms part of a broader initiative within the Torbay Weekly Business Awards, which include various categories showcasing the best local businesses and individuals. This year’s sponsors range from Torbay Council, as the headline sponsors, to organizations like Wollens (Best New Business) and Stagecoach (Greener Futures Award).
The awards recognize not only exceptional individuals but also the businesses that contribute to the region’s growth. The anticipation builds as the awards night approaches, celebrating local achievements and inspiring future innovators.
A special mention goes to the Torbay Weekly Lifetime Achievement Awards, celebrating long-term contributions to business and community.
As applications were recently extended, aspiring nominees are encouraged to submit their entries by the specified deadlines, ensuring that the spirit of recognition and inspiration continues to thrive within the Torbay community.
This vibrant interplay between dedication, recognition, and community engagement encapsulates the essence of the Rising Star Award—making it a beacon for emerging talent in Torbay.
