“Start, Fail and Scale”: Business leaders share their highs and lows at GetSet Connect Conference

Founders of successful companies came together at The Ageas Bowl last week to reveal the trials and tribulations they faced on their own business journeys.

This year’s GetSet Connect Conference hosted a series of keynote presentations under the theme of ‘Start, Fail and Scale: The Secrets to Building a High Growth Business’. It was attended by an audience of more than 100 companies from across the South Coast.

Phil Kemish, who co-founded sustainable tech brand reboxed, moderated a panel session which saw other leaders discussing their own often fraught experiences scaling up a business.

Representatives from Evelyn Partners, GottaBe! and Cyclevox were also among the keynote speakers, discussing how to attract investment, advertise, and unlock business growth, as well as highlighting the power of community.

Paula Reid

The final presentation saw Hampshire-based adventurist, psychologist and business leader Paula Reid take to the stage.

Paula has yacht raced around the world, traversed 16 countries by bike and skied to the South Pole. She connected her own expeditions and business experiences in a narrative about coping and thriving in challenging times.

The event came courtesy of GetSet Solent, which runs a programme providing businesses with fully funded access to finance and marketing support, as well as workshops and one-to-one sessions.

Programme Director Helen Stratton said: “The GetSet Connect Conference was an incredible opportunity for Solent-based businesses to learn from others, connect, collaborate and showcase their products and services.

“The event was a celebration of the achievements made by businesses in the Solent area and it offered our clients a valuable experience through the insights shared by industry leaders.

“Those experts gave up their time to provide lots of valuable tips, ideas and support for attendees focused on scaling their businesses.”

The GetSet Solent Programme is available to SMEs based in the region until the end of June 2023. By that time, it will have awarded £1.4 million in grant funding for business growth projects.