About us

Our History

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  Delivering business model training virtually

  February 2021

  We have thoroughly enjoyed being asked to co-create a programme of training to support entrepreneurs and start up businesses to develop their ideas into a business model to better understand their customers and users, their value propositions, channels and relationships and of course partners. Using the Business Model Canvas, we have developed a highly interactive format in which participants have the space to reflect on their plans, hear from fellow entrepreneurs and be mentored to develop a business model to present to an expert panel at the end of the session.

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  COVID response

  March 2020

  We have all been affected by the global pandemic that took hold in 2020. Recognising that we were all having to adapt our ways of working and living, we started a daily drop in to enable us to connect people and share the almost overwhelming news and information that was flooding through at the beginning. As time went on, we moved back to three days a week, then just a couple of days a week until by August, it seemed as if we were all adjusting to the new ways of working. 

• 

  Associates bring additional skills

  April 2019

  As SWGS continues to evolve, so we continue to listen to clients and recognised that we could serve the South West better with a wider range of skills. So we formalised our extensive connectivity by developing links with several of the people we have met and worked with over the years, and who add to the specialisms we offer.

• 

  Devon Business and Education Centre launches

  September 2017

  When Chris Lorimer first spoke about building a business centre in East Devon, we knew it wouldn't be long before we chose to be based there. Set in the tranquil surroundings of rolling Devon countryside, with a small lake directly outside the main meeting rooms and a balcony to allow meetings to make the most of the environment, we love holding our many meetings and training sessions here.

• 

  Working in Partnership

  July 2017

  To start our second year, and in response to the support our clients were looking for, we recognised the importance of developing partnership relationships to broaden our skills through meaningful relationships with providers of business to business services. Our partners bring skills that we do not have in our core team, adding value to our client base. We have continued to develop this offer to suit the changing demands of the people we support and are appreciative of the value it adds to our combined skill sets. If you would like to find out more, please reach out to Chris who leads on our partnership relationships.

• 

  Founding SWGS

  April 2016

  Having met through the GrowthAccelerator service, the founding Directors came together to develop a commercial model for business support to enable them to help organisations of all sizes and sectors across the South West. 

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  Brewing up a new business!

  December 2015

  Having met through being involved in the delivery of the government's GrowthAccelerator business support service, the business that is now South West Growth Service was first discussed in a bakery in Plymouth over a shared passion for supporting businesses across the South West. And good coffee!