Business owners celebrate the completion of 12-month Fareham Start-Up Launchpad programme

Business owners in Fareham have celebrated the completion of a year of successful mentoring support with the Fareham Start-Up Launchpad programme.

The 12 month programme, delivered by Solent Partners in partnership with Fareham Borough Council, gave free business support and mentoring which was tailored to the individual business goals of nine local businesses.

Solent Partners Chair, Rachael Randall said: “It’s rewarding to see how the Fareham Start-Up Launchpad programme has set local businesses on the path to success and how much confidence the participants have gained to take their ambitions and ventures to the next level.

“There was plenty to celebrate as the programme has given start-up owners a better understanding of their priorities and target markets, helped them to overcome barriers, launch products and create strategies for future growth.

“Working with Fareham Borough Council on delivering this progressive programme has been really positive, as it has provided ambitious local entrepreneurs with valuable insight from experienced mentors, enabling the town and the region’s economy to thrive.”

A graduation event was held earlier this year at Fareham Enterprise Centre, where the successful candidates celebrated with The Mayor of Fareham, members of Fareham Borough Council’s economic development team, and representatives from Solent Partners.

Cllr Simon Martin, Leader of Fareham Borough Council and Executive Member for Policy and Resources, said: “I am delighted that, through this initiative, we were able to support eight local businesses and give them access to mentoring together with a wealth of business advice for a full year. I very much look forward to seeing how these businesses grow in the coming years.”

The Fareham Start-Up Launchpad’s intensive mentoring workshops included advice on creating business plans, managing cashflow, customer engagement and identifying opportunities for growth. The participants also received one-to-one mentoring sessions with a business expert and networking opportunities.

Participants were Elaine Herlihy, Beluga Finance; Caroline Babbage, UK Foot Health; John Tunstall, Sales Achievement Solutions; Helen Potter, Nu2Health; Tracey Marsh, Muscle and Movement; Jacqui Baker, Select Connections; Guy Herbertson, Interview Initiative; Joseph Krespin and Richard Sink, Ultimate International Solutions.

Helen Potter, from Nu2Health said: “The Fareham Startup Launchpad programme has played a pivotal role in the establishment of my business. Through a gradual process of learning, I have continued to evolve over the last 12 months.

“Initially, participating in group mentoring sessions provided me with insights into necessary systems and procedures. As the programme progressed, I moved to one-to-one sessions. This allowed me to tailor my focus to my specific business requirements and the direction going forwards.

“This has involved significant milestones, including a comprehensive rebrand, developing a bespoke website, mastering a variety of social media platforms and conducting my first webinar.

This experience has been a steep learning curve and one that I anticipate will persist. I would like to extend my gratitude to Fareham Borough Council who funded this invaluable programme along with the unwavering support from Solent Partners.”

For more information and to find out how Solent Partners Business Support team can support your business, visit https://solentpartners.com/our-services/business-and-skills-support/

The Solent Partners partnership looks to promote collective prosperity and sustainability of the region’s economy, and works with a broad range of private and public partners to deliver a suite of business support throughout the Solent.

Solent Partners works with local industry, academic and civic leaders to promote the collective prosperity and sustainability of the regional economy.

Find out more about Solent Partners online at www.solentpartners.com

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