In summary
What a year 2024 has been. Here at the FSB, we celebrated our 50th anniversary and focused on bringing back in person events which were all well received. Without doubt, the highlight of my job is getting to know you (our members) and providing you with the support you need. I hope you all find some time to rest and celebrate over the coming weeks and I look forward to supporting you throughout 2025.
Featured news and events
Help to Grow (Plymouth)
University of Exeter's next Help to Grow Programme starts on January 8th, 2025. The programme is 12 weeks and covers all aspects of business leadership. Participants work on a growth plan for their business throughout the 12 weeks with input from a business mentor (10 mentoring sessions are included as part of the programme).
5 of the 12 sessions are in person, held at The Box in Plymouth and the remainder are on Zoom. Sessions are on Wednesdays. The course is 90% funded, so costs just £750.
Request more information by email or find out more and register here. The sign-up deadline is Monday 16th December.
FSB Devon Virtual Networking
Get your new year off to a great start - come along to our friendly virtual networking session on Wednesday 8 January at 10am. You're sure of a warm welcome whether you're from Plymouth, Devon, or further afield. We look forward to seeing you online.
For more details and to book your place click here.
In other news
Innovate UK Scale-up Programme
Innovate UK’s Scaleup Programme is designed for the most outstanding scaling businesses that are disrupting their industries, capable of internationalisation and growing fast.
Providing one-to-one, bespoke and funded support centred around innovative scaleups’ specific needs. It is available to those scaleup companies achieving, or with the potential for, 50% compound annual growth rates (CAGR) and over. Find out more here.
Farming Advice Service
Farmers today encounter a range of challenges beyond everyday business management. Balancing profitability, animal welfare, staff well-being, customer expectations, and staying updated with policy changes and regulations can feel demanding. The Farming Advice Service in partnership with Catchment Sensitive Farming is here to help you navigate these complexities. Find out more here.
Still in the news
Support for small businesses from the Heart of the South West Growth Hub
There is free business advice and support services available for established businesses and those looking to start-up in Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay. The Growth Hub Advisers have the resources to link you with business support programmes and organisations that can help you start, run or grow your business.
They also offer up to date information on the many free or part-funded events and workshops available throughout the south west and beyond. Take a look at their Events pages to find the right workshop to benefit you and your business.
Find out how they can help you here or get in touch on 03456 047 047.
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More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Devon is Carmen Hanif. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on X: @FSBDevon
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB.Devon