Behind the Business with Stuart Mathews - Bar Buoy

We are pleased to share with you are latest addition of Behind the Business, a series of interviews hosted by Stuart Mathews, Head of Office in Exeter.

Stuart Mathews is Partner in the firm's South West Corporate team, helping businesses and entrepreneurs navigate their most significant transactions - from strategic acquisitions to complex exits. Having worked with many interesting and exciting businesses throughout the South West for over 20 years, Stuart has a real passion for championing the success of our regional enterprises and entrepreneurs.

In this series, Stuart shares with us some of these organisations, giving them a moment in the spotlight. Stuart is meeting inspiring leaders from across the region and going Behind the Business with them. In each episode, Stuart sits down with inspiring entrepreneurs to uncover the stories behind their success, the challenges they've overcome, and the opportunities shaping their future.

Series four - Bar Buoy Cocktails

In our latest episode, Stuart meets with Tim and Ria Ball, the husband and wife team behind Bar Buoy Cocktails, an award-winning, ready-to-pour cocktail business situated in Exmouth. What began as a simple New Year's resolution to make the perfect Margarita back in 2020, has now evolved into a thriving drinks brand, recognised for its premium cocktails and commitment to quality, sustainability, and local sourcing.

Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality and marketing industries, Ria and Tim set out to create quality cocktails that could be enjoyed anywhere, translating this into a successful business. Today, Bar Buoy's range of drinks has earned numerous industry accolades, including a prestigious 3-star Great Taste Award for the Margarita that started it all, and the business was named Drink Brand of the Year at the Food Lifestyle Awards 2025.

BTB Bar Buoy

During the interview, Tim and Ria discuss their entrepreneurial journey, the realities of building a business together, the importance of staying true to their values, and how a simple idea born on an Exmouth beach became a nationally recognised brand. They also reflect on the challenges and opportunities of growing a business in the South West, the role sustainability plays in their success, and what the future holds for Bar Buoy.

Keep an eye out for further videos on Stuart's LinkedIn profile throughout November.

Listen to the full audio below: