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Opportunities for Devon businesses seeking growth

By October 25, 2018January 26th, 2021Member News & Updates

Fast Track to Growth has launched for its fourth year of supporting ambitious businesses across Devon.

Salcombe Distillery, Nexus IT and House of Harris are amongst the numerous companies that have taken part in the programme, which has been providing free business support and expertise to companies since it was started by Astley Media in 2015.

Backed by Devon County Council with experts from the likes of PKF Francis Clark, Stephens Scown LLP, Commissioning HR, Astley Media, Momentum South West and SW Business Support Solutions, the programme is seeking around a hundred new companies from different sectors that are targeting growth over the next 12 months.

The programme is expanding with a range of free opportunities for businesses including a Growth Day packed with specialist workshops and 1-1 advice sessions, Intensive Growth Programme where business leaders can work on their growth action plans, an Innovation Day and ‘Growth Beyond Brexit’ event in partnership with the Western Morning News, at Stephens Scown Exeter office in November.

With around 250 businesses already members, the 2018/19 programme is set to be the most comprehensive yet.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the economy, said:  “Supporting businesses across Devon is a priority and I would urge companies to take advantage of the free support that is available through Fast Track to Growth. The programme is a wonderful example of Devon businesses working together through structured expertise to achieve success.”

Devon firms of all sizes and stages in their development are eligible for the programme, with the variety of entrepreneurs and business leaders, from tech startups to established family firms involved, one of Fast Track to Growth’s strengths.

As well as events open to all, including the Growth Day, 20 member companies will be selected for the free Intensive Growth Programme, with specialist business sessions to help companies develop and plan the implementation of their growth plans, and a pitch event with the chance to win £10,000 worth of ongoing business support.

Giles Dunning, Partner and Head of Exeter’s Corporate team at FT2G partner Stephens Scown, said: “Fast Track to Growth is about putting learning into action, connecting and being inspired by other businesses. We are delighted to be involved and supporting the programme once again this year.”

Joining the existing partners for 2018/9 are growth strategy experts South West Business Support Solutions and sales and service experts Momentum South West.

Alison Jenkins, of South West Business Support Solutions, said: “We’re excited to be joining the Fast Track to Growth programme to help businesses in Devon. Adapting in a changing market is essential for growth, and so are very much looking forward to working with members, helping them to achieve the full potential of their business.”

Devon companies can join the programme, for free, at www.ft2g.co.uk A welcome ‘meet and greet’ for new members is being held at the Hotel du Vin, in Exeter, 6-7.30pm, on Tuesday November 20.

Rachael Howourth, of Momentum South West, said: “We’re really looking forward to supporting Fast Track to Growth members with their sales and service strategy, enabling an increase in customer acquisition and retention and ultimately, growth in revenue streams. We are doing business in a time when customers have the ability to research their purchase decisions more than ever before. This means that sales experience and customer service must be top class.”

Business experts from Fast Track to Growth will also be at the SW Business Expo at Westpoint, near Exeter, on Wednesday November 14.

Companies can join Fast Track to Growth at www.ft2g.co.uk