The People Puzzle: From Number One Employee to Exit

Evolve launches a new business event exploring the people decisions that shape business growth, from hiring your first employee to developing leaders, succession planning and exit.
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Rachel Hadfield
July 2, 2026

Business owners and senior leaders from across Dorset are being invited to a new business breakfast event exploring one of the most important – and often most challenging – aspects of growing a business: people.

Hosted by Evolve, The People Puzzle: From Number One Employee to Exit will take place on Tuesday 22 September, starting at 9am at Evolve Townhouse in Poole.

The event will bring together a panel of experienced business leaders and specialists to discuss the people decisions that influence every stage of a business’s journey – from recruiting your first employee to developing future leaders, reducing founder dependency, and preparing for succession or exit.

Chaired by David Mutton, Business Advisor at Evolve, the panel includes Grace Hearn of Rubicon Recruitment, Matt Trowbridge of Saffery and Katie Champion, Director at Streetwise HR. Together, they will share practical advice, experiences and insight into the leadership and people challenges that businesses often face as they grow.

During the discussion, the panel will explore:

  • Recruiting and retaining the right people as your business grows
  • How leadership and the founder’s role must evolve at different stages of growth
  • Building accountability, developing future leaders and creating high-performing teams
  • Preparing your business for long-term success, succession and eventual exit

 

David said: “Every business owner faces a series of people puzzles as their business grows; from the first hire, to developing managers and ultimately building a business that can run without the owner. These aren’t isolated decisions – they’re connected, and they have a huge impact on the future success and value of a business.

“Our People Puzzle event is about helping business owners think ahead, learn from others who’ve faced these challenges, and leave with ideas they can apply straight away.”

The event is aimed at founders, business owners, managing directors and senior leaders who are looking to recruit, develop their teams, strengthen leadership capability, or prepare their business for future investment, succession or sale.

The morning will include breakfast, networking and an interactive panel discussion, giving delegates the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and connect with fellow business leaders.

Places are free but limited. To find out more and reserve your free place, visit: https://evolveadvisory.co.uk/event/the-people-puzzle-from-number-one-employee-to-exit/

Authored by:

Rachel Hadfield

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