Businesses that want to be in the fast lane to growth took a trip to Haynes Motor Museum, Yeovil to find out how they can do just that.
Inspire have been selected by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership to pilot a scale-up programme for fast-growing SMEs across Somerset and Devon, as part of its Heart of the South West Growth Hub service to provide business support at every stage of a business’s journey.
And more than 150 people attended the launch event to find out how teaming up with the business growth specialists can help put their business firmly in the driving seat and help them overtake the competition.
Aimed at scalable and ambitious businesses that want to grow, Inspire is designed to break down barriers to growth, share best practice and provide one-to-one bespoke support, advice and networking opportunities with like-minded companies.
The service also includes access to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 small business programme, which provides 100 hours of fully funded support to growing businesses.
Inspire has provided support for high-growth businesses in Wiltshire and the West of England and has now joined forces with Somerset Chamber of Commerce to deliver this across Somerset.
Stephen Henagulph, Somerset Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, said: “Inspire have a fantastic pedigree and I have been extremely impressed with their programme’s positive impact on growing businesses in Wiltshire. I am excited to be able to offer this ambitious service to our members in Somerset.”
Visitors were able to listen to key speakers that included Henrietta Brown, Inspire’s Business Development Director, Nancy Straates, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Programme Director, and David Ralph, Chief Executive of Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership.
Mr Ralph said: “The South West is an area driven by innovative small and medium businesses and it’s a real privilege to be here at the launch of this exciting initiative.
“Raising productivity and prosperity are key aims of the LEP; and scaling up is one of the best ways to achieve production growth.”
“We are very pleased to see the launch of this new service to add value to our successful Heart of the South West Growth Hub, which provides a one-stop signposting service for businesses at every stage of development.
“Any business in the Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay can contact the Growth Hub at www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk or 03456 047 047.
Inspire’s CEO Rob Perks was delighted with how the event went.
“It was fabulous to attract so many like-minded businesspeople and let them know about the resources that are available,” said Rob.
“The main challenges scale-ups face is finding skills and talent, access to the right markets, leadership development and access to finance and Inspire can help businesses bridge those gaps.
“Getting from where you are today as a business to where you want to be in the future takes hard work and we are here to take you on that journey and provide you with the skills and expertise you need to get there.”
Inspire will officially be launching into Devon on Tuesday, October 1, with the venue to be announced.
