Fast track your business with Devon's new growth programme
Companies across Devon are being offered the chance to take part in the county’s first Fast Track to Growth Programme to help them develop and implement plans for growth in 2016 – for free. Apply by 19 February, 5pm.
They will receive on-going advice from a range of specialists, and take part in workshops to develop their growth plans ready to then implement. All shortlisted applicants will also have the chance to pitch to a panel of judges, with one company securing a year’s worth of free financial strategy, marketing and PR support, worth £15,000.
Ambitious firms seeking overall growth or with specific plans for aspects of their business are eligible for the free programme, which launches today, sponsored by Devon-based Crowdcube, the world’s leading investment crowdfunding platform.
Fast Track to Growth has been developed by financial strategy experts SouthWestfd, PR, marketing and design agency Astley Media and Exeter Innovation Centre.
Jerry Davison is SouthWestfd Managing Director, and a specialist in financial management, business planning and investment readiness.
He said: “We are delighted to be launching the first Fast Track to Growth Programme for Devon. We’ve built an exceptional team of experts in areas that businesses need to focus on to be successful in achieving growth. Now we’re looking for the companies across Devon ready to take up the challenge.
“If your company is ambitious, has a good idea of a potential growth opportunity, or are an established firm eager to progress to the next level, then Fast Track to Growth is for you.”
All companies who enter will be invited to a special networking event at Exeter Innovation Centre and given a range of business support packages, with 15 companies, based on their application, then selected to continue on to the workshop stage.
Crowdcube, based at Exeter Innovation Centre, Stephens Scown Solicitors, strategy and leadership consultancy firm Sampson Hall, Innovation Exeter, Santander Corporate and Commercial and Kingfisher Print and Design are all supporting the programme.
Experts from each company, along with SouthWestfd and Astley Media, will be involved in different elements of FT2G, which will run at venues in Devon, helping businesses develop their initial plan to then implement.
Luke Lang, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Crowdcube, said: “We believe that the South West is a fantastic place to do business and are enormously proud to have built our company here. We’re keen on nurturing and assisting companies in the area and by working with Fast Track to Growth, we are enabling organisations to have access to resources that will help them reach their growth potential.”
Robin Jackson, Director of the Exeter Innovation Centre, said: “It is great to be involved with Fast Track To Growth, which is being led by companies who are active members of the local business community. Devon is a great place to start and grow a business, but it is important that companies can access the essential support and direction to fulfill their potential.”
Applying to the programme is straightforward, via a short online application form at www.ft2g.co.uk
Caroline Orr, Marketing Director of Exeter-based Astley Media, said: “We’ve worked closely with SouthWestfd and the other partners to develop a programme that provides real added value for companies. FT2G brings together a tremendous range of ‘growth expertise’ that Devon businesses will benefit from.”
Simon Morris, Corporate Partner of Stephens Scown LLP, said: “We already work with a lot of companies in the region helping their business to thrive, so it’s great to be part of Fast Track to Growth. Our role will be making sure companies factor in the legal aspects so their plans do not come unstuck later or cost more because of any legal mishap.”
Workshops will run in March, ahead of the final pitch to receive a year’s worth of on-going support in April. They cover key aspects of achieving growth, including business planning, finance, marketing, PR, legal considerations, leadership, teams and developing a growth culture within the business.
Sandra Sampson, Director of Sampson Hall, said: “Devon has a vibrant economy and there are many companies who have the potential to take the next step, be that establishing a greater national footprint, moving into overseas markets, or collaborating with new partners to expand. Now, through Fast Track to Growth, we can help them do that.”
To apply and for more information go to www.FT2G.co.uk The deadline for entries is Friday February 19, 5pm. Twitter @ft2g_pitch
