South West tech businesses sought for pioneering growth programme

By Nicky Godding

12 April 2024

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Investment-Summit Tech South West

Tech South West is on a hunt for South West-based tech businesses geared for growth to join its “Growth Forge” accelerator programme, ahead of a face-to-face Growth Day in Bristol in June.

Growth Forge is delivered by Tech South West with support from partners who are experts across a range of specialisms, including finance, sales, leadership, cyber, law, marketing, talent and technology.

Future Space Bristol will host the next Growth Day on 25 June. Companies on the programme will come together, along with the 30+ firms from the first Growth Day in March, to share learning, get involved in interactive workshops and to enjoy face-to-face networking with companies that are all facing similar challenges.

Later stage companies with clear growth goals in mind are invited to get involved - whether those looking to expand overseas, develop their innovation, enhance their positive impact or build up their brand.

Scaleups and firms seeking investment are also encouraged to take part.

Joseph Babbage, Director of Somerset-based healthtech startup DataHarmony, said of the Growth Forge programme: “It’s been a great opportunity to make new connections who are experts in the areas we need help with. It’s also been very nice to meet other startups in a similar field to us.”

Marko Zerdin, Founder & CEO of Devon-based Configo Software Ltd, said: “Excellent range of experts and participants, forcing a welcome structure to my thinking about various relevant areas of the business.”

A range of tech specialisms, including software development, wellness and health, robotics, financial technology (fintech), agricultural innovation, aviation and artificial intelligence, are represented by companies already on the programme.

The programme is anchored by Tech South West’s proprietary 360-degree business assessment. The tool identifies key areas for the business to focus on and to develop, which may include IP, financials, brand identity, route-to-market strategy, recruitment, sales or risk management. The highest priority areas are then targeted with bespoke business support and 1-1 consultations with its partners and mentors.

Supporting the programme are Bishop Fleming, Ashfords, Sandler, Program, Howden, Microsoft , Optimising IT, Innovate UK Business Growth and EVO Talent.

Independent Growth Coaches with experience in business consultancy, investment, marketing, pitching and other crucial skills are also involved to provide insight to the cohort.

Gabriela Isas, Founder & CEO of Cornwall-based fintech Good With, said Growth Forge presented the opportunity to “escape from the day to day to think and plan next critical milestones”. Niki Davies, Director and Head of Marketing at Tech Cornwall, praised the “good network, collaboration and helpful community.”

By Nicky Godding

Nicky Godding is editor of The Business Magazine. Before her journalism career, she worked mainly in public relations moving into writing when she was invited to launch Retail Watch, a publication covering retail and real estate across Europe.

After some years of constant travelling, she tucked away her passport and concentrated on business writing, co-founding a successful regional business magazine. She has interviewed some of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs who have built multi-million-pound businesses and reported on many science and technology firsts.

She reports on the region’s thriving business economy from start-ups, family businesses and multi-million-pound corporations, to the professionals that support their growth and the institutions that educate the next generation of business leaders.