Leaders Lunch: Building a Brand That Stands the Test of Time with Ian, Elliot Brown Watches

Being a business owner can often feel like a lonely place. The Peer Group has given me a space to step away, offload, and openly share the challenges that come with running a business, alongside people who truly understand the journey.

Connecting with like-minded founders allows me the time and headspace to work on the business, not just in it, and to step back and look at the bigger picture. The conversations, perspectives, and shared experiences within the group have been incredibly valuable in helping me gain clarity and confidence in my decisions. The Peer Group has created a supportive environment where I can reflect, reset, and grow.

Working with Warren and Evolve has been instrumental in shaping DDC Dolphin’s future. The strategic advice and leadership training provided have equipped us with a clear vision and the skills to implement it effectively. We now have a stronger financial foundation and a more aligned leadership team, ready to drive the company towards new successes. We’re grateful for their support and expertise.

Joining the Evolve Peer Group helped me at a time when I was standing on the edge of a decision that genuinely terrified me. I was stepping away from familiarity, certainty, and comfort, and into something completely unknown. Having the Peer Group around me during that period made a huge difference. Being part of a room of people who truly understand the pressures of leadership and entrepreneurship gave me space to think clearly, challenge myself, and trust my own judgement when doubt was loud. While my journey is only just beginning, the encouragement, perspective, and accountability of the Peer Group have been, and continue to be, instrumental in shaping both my confidence and my direction as a founder. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and kindness I’ve experienced through Evolve and would recommend the Peer Group to anyone seeking clarity, connection, and genuine support while building and leading a business.

I’m part of the Evolve Advisory accelerator programme in Poole and have had a really positive experience. Their office is modern, warm, and genuinely inviting — a great space to work and think. The team are friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to, which makes a big difference. The accelerator itself has been excellent, combining strong content around marketing, brand, financials, and setting clear objectives with valuable networking and shared learning. The support has been especially important for me after leaving a long-term role of 19 years to start my own business — it’s helped me feel supported, focused, and confident in this next step.

Warren has been instrumental in supporting Norco in its growth and success for many years. He has guided the team and I through huge change management, leadership and development, while giving an experienced and honest assessment on a regular basis to ensure we achieve our goals and objectives and deliver on our business strategy.

I have found the Evolve Peer groups provide a valuable support network with like minded local business leaders, which has created time for reflection outside of the office and as a business we have gained real advice and coaching from the Evolve team.

Being part of the Peer Group has given me access to invaluable advice, shared experiences, and new opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. The environment encourages honest discussion, accountability, and continual development, which has been instrumental in my personal and professional progress. I’m genuinely grateful for the encouragement and support I’ve received through Evolve and would highly recommend them to any founder or organisation looking for meaningful guidance, perspective, and long-term growth.

“Wild horses couldn’t hold me back from joining everyone in our Peer Group this month!”

The Evolve peer group sessions are a great place to get away from the day to day, refocus and ultimately bounce ideas off other business people. The structure of the session permits open conversation with your peers and always provides useful insights that you would not be able to get anywhere else. The specific work books challenge you and really get you thinking on what is important in your business.

Warren does not see himself as a guru and would be embarrassed to be referred to that way.  But when I think of seeking support from my network on any business topic, if not life topic, invariably I’m after someone who has seen, experienced and done it all, from financial to operations to strategy. From big business to little business, but who also understands the importance of family and health, and not just business ‘success’, that person is pretty much always Warren, my guru.