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SUCCESS STORY

Empowering Entrepreneurs: BCP Council’s Success with Evolve’s Ignite Start-Up Programme.

Supporting New Business Ventures through Targeted Guidance.

  • Sector: Public Sector
  • Service: Start-Up Programme
  • Challenge: Promote local entrepreneurship
  • Outcome: 28 new businesses created in six months
Ignite

The Problem

The BCP Council Economic Development team aimed to promote local entrepreneurship through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme.

Their goal was to support individuals in starting their own businesses by providing practical, hands-on assistance. The challenge was to offer comprehensive support that covered essential business areas while also providing personalised guidance to ensure success.

“Partnering with Evolve for the Ignite Start-Up programme has been brilliant for our local entrepreneurship support efforts. The comprehensive training and personalised mentoring provided to participants have led to the successful launch of numerous new businesses. The value of this programme is clear, and we are thrilled with the results. A big thank you to the Evolve team for their expertise and commitment!”

BCP Council Representative

The Solution

To address these needs, BCP Council partnered with Evolve and implemented the Ignite Start-Up programme.

This initiative offered 10 hours of intensive contact covering key business topics: business planning, sales, marketing, branding, finance, and the entrepreneurial mindset with the programme being offered at the universities and in the general community. Participants also had access to one-to-one mentoring, which provided tailored advice and support. This structured approach ensured that entrepreneurs received both broad and specific guidance, helping them navigate the complexities of starting a business.

The Outcome

The Ignite Start-Up programme has been highly successful, resulting in the creation of 28 new businesses in a six-month period.

The structured training and personalised mentoring enabled participants to develop solid business plans, enhance their market strategies, and effectively manage their finances. The programme has not only stimulated local entrepreneurship but also demonstrated a tangible return on investment for the BCP Council. The council’s initiative has fostered a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, contributing positively to the local economy.

For more information on the Ignite Start-Up programme, visit the BCP Council Economic Development team.

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Testimonials

Reviews and testimonials from our happy clients

The Evolve team has played an integral part in making the Peer Networks programme a success in Dorset. The whole team has always acted with the highest standards and with great professionalism, be that in the management of the programme or the coordination. They are extremely diligent and organised and they have been pleasure to work with. Following their involvement with Peer Networks, they also successfully won a competitive tender for another business support programme we commissioned which they have approached with an equally excellent attitude.

Finn Morgan

Business Engagement and Dorset Gateway Manager, Dorset LEP
  • Funded Business Support

Participating in Evolve’s Growth & Productivity Programme has been incredibly beneficial. The programme provided crucial insights into growth strategies and enhanced our team’s engagement through improved communication and leadership. While there is still work to be done, the progress we’ve made is very promising. Thank you to Evolve and the Dorset LEP for their support.

Chris Guy

Managing Director of Amtek Engineering Solutions
  • Funded Business Support
Peer Groups

I first met David in November 2022. Since then he has been a significant positive influence on my growth as a founder, providing invaluable advice and new opportunities for both my personal development and my business. Thank you, David, for your encouragement and help. I truly appreciate it and would gladly recommend you to any founder or organisation seeking advisory services.

Matt Hughes

Founder of Darwin
  • Funded Business Support
Coaching and Mentoring, Peer Groups

The Evolve team were organised, forward thinking and a pleasure to work with. The Business Festival was a success, which helped us engage with our business community, understand their challenges and build connections. I would not hesitate to recommend Evolve to any Council or public sector organisation, looking for a team to organise successful events within their region.

Marelize De Beurs

Economy and Place Marketing Manager, Basingstoke and Deane Council
  • Funded Business Support

The Evolve Business Accelerator is a fantastic programme for founders in the early stages of developing a business idea. The programme was instrumental in helping me develop HR Diagnostics to MVP stage and I would have struggled to get where I am without this help and support. The mentors have a pragmatic and approachable style, and they are good at connecting people through their extensive network. Thank you to the Evolve team 🙂

Tania Harland

Tania Harland, Founder HR Diagnostics
Business Accelerator

The training provided by Evolve has been invaluable for our leadership team. The sessions have equipped us with essential skills and fostered a culture of continuous improvement. We are now better equipped to handle complex challenges, engage our teams effectively, and drive the firm forward. We greatly appreciate Evolve’s expertise and commitment to our development.

Nigel Smith

Owner, Ellis Jones
Leadership and Management Programmes

The programme has really kicked me to reflect and made me want this. The company is going to drive forward and not simply go with the flow.

Ben Smith

Production Manager, Trimetals
  • Funded Business Support

The Evolve Business Accelerator was brilliant for me and my business. Their support helped refine our strategy, expand our services, and achieve significant growth. The mentors were incredibly supportive and provided invaluable insights to plan and scale. All this working alongside such a great peer group of like-minded business owners, where we can all discuss and overcome challenges together! A big thank you to the Evolve team for their support, and I would strongly advise anyone starting out, or already established in business to reach out to Evolve and discuss the help available!

Adam Thompson

Founder of Photo Experience
  • Funded Business Support
Coaching and Mentoring

The expert coaching and guidance Evolve offer is invaluable. When you view business and strategy with perspective you can have thoughts and ideas to make decisions that will impact your business in a positive way.

Jack Barnden

Founder & MD
Coaching and Mentoring

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.

Mark Northey

Owner, Norco GRP Ltd
Coaching and Mentoring

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.

Paul Craven

Director of The Lead Advisory Company & My Holiday Caravan
Peer Groups

It’s been fantastic because we’ve had the opportunity to step out of the office and the questions have been steered. It’s got everybody opening up and they’ve been a lot more open and honest about what the gaps are, where the holes are and what we need to fill. We’ve taken that away and implemented that in the higher management meetings. We’ve implemented so much from the Evolve sessions that will go towards the company yearly objectives and I hope will continuously improve what we’re trying to do within the business.

Mark Northey

Owner, Norco GRP Ltd
Growth and Alignment Programme

In the 4 years I have been working with Evolve, I have doubled my turnover.

Chris Palmer

Owner & Founder of Anytech Solutions
Peer Groups

The Evolve team have a huge amount of real world experience over many years in the entrepreneurial and business growth sector.

Great humans, running a great business, offering real solutions and support with integrity and authenticity. No fluff, just fast paced learning and support.

Mark Cribb

Owner & Founder of Urban Garden
  • Peer Groups, Coaching & Mentoring
Coaching and Mentoring, Peer Groups

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.

Julian Morgan

Director at Energy Advice Line Limited
Peer Groups

Partnering with Evolve for the Ignite Start-Up programme has been brilliant for our local entrepreneurship support efforts. The comprehensive training and personalised mentoring provided to participants have led to the successful launch of numerous new businesses. The value of this programme is clear, and we are thrilled with the results. A big thank you to the Evolve team for their expertise and commitment!

BCP Council Representative

  • Funded Business Support
Start-Up Programme

Just want to take a moment to thank you for all your help and support over the past few years. We’ve absolutely loved the away days with you – they’ve been hugely valuable for us. One of the key take-aways flowing from an earlier Away Day is that we agreed, carefully over time, to renew our team. This has brought in younger staff; and results of this and other decisions speak for themselves. This year, even at the eight-month mark, we’re on track for our best year ever! Your guidance has been instrumental in driving this success and we’re excited to see what the future holds.

Richard Barker

Finance Director, Spetisbury Construction
Growth and Business Advice

Working with Evolve has been a game-changer for us and the businesses in their programmes. Their knowledgeable, skilled team brings real business experience and is genuinely invested in success. Their innovative approach and attention to detail have greatly improved our efficiency and impacted many businesses. Evolve’s commitment to understanding needs and delivering tailored solutions has exceeded our expectations. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to elevate their business. Evolve is more than a partner—they’re a catalyst for growth.

Rebecca Davies

Head of Enterprise, Skills and Industry at Dorset LEP
  • Funded Business Support
BCP Business Accelerator

It has opened my eyes and has been a great experience. The Business Accelerator programme has raised a lot of important questions and made me reflect, leading to a better business strategy

Ben Teversham

Sales Manager, Squire Technologies
  • Funded Business Support

Working with Warren was transformative for our startup. His expertise in creating pitch decks and financial forecasts has been invaluable. We now have the confidence and tools to present our business to investors effectively. We are excited about the future and anticipate good news soon. Thank you, Warren, for your invaluable support.

Ryan Bransome

Founder, U-Crew
Business Accelerator, Coaching and Mentoring

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.

Alan Hyde

Managing Director at DDC Dolphin
Growth and Business Advice

Participating in Evolve’s Digital and Creative Growth Group Programme has been incredibly valuable. The sessions on growth strategies, planning, leadership, and employee engagement have given me the confidence and tools to drive our business forward. The new connections and perspectives I gained have been instrumental in supporting our growth. Thank you to Evolve for this fantastic opportunity.

Emma Lynch

Founder & MD, BBD Boom
  • Funded Business Support
Peer Groups

Evolve’s support was instrumental in our investment journey. Warren’s expertise in developing our pitch deck and financial forecasts has given us the confidence to approach investors with a strong proposition. We’re excited about the potential and appreciate the support from the Dorset LEP that made this possible. Thank you, for helping us take our innovative sunscreen to the next level.

Russell New

Co-Founder, Intego Sun Protection
  • Funded Business Support
Growth and Business Advice

I have worked with Warren on a number of successful acquisitions and disposals. We often worked together many months or even years ahead of the ultimate transaction in order to achieve the optimal result. Warren’s skills include being able to see the wider commercial and strategic benefits of a transaction and therefore ensuring that a coherent and considered plan is devised and implemented well in advance. I actively recommend Warren and his team to anyone considering how they might best maximise an exit from their business.

Mark Brooks

Mark Brooks
Exit Planning

Attending Evolve’s Growth Group Programme was incredibly valuable. The workshops on business strategy, planning, and leadership helped me broaden my horizons and gain new insights. Meeting other leaders facing similar challenges was both supportive and motivating. Joining a business peer group has allowed me to continue benefiting from this broader perspective. Thank you to Evolve for this transformative experience.

Axel Hildebrand

Business Development Director, Anglo American Oil
  • Funded Business Support
Coaching and Mentoring, Peer Groups

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.

Mark Cribb

MD, Urban Garden
Coaching and Mentoring

Evolve offers a fantastic peer group which adds huge value to myself and my business!

Martin Smith

Owner & Founder of Talent Group
Peer Groups

Collaborating with Amy and the whole Evolve team has been an incredibly seamless experience. Amy’s professionalism is evident in every interaction and her dedication to helping businesses thrive is inspiring. Amy’s commitment to going the extra mile ensures that each programme is tailored to meet the unique needs of Dorset businesses. I highly recommend working with Amy and the Evolve team.

Shelley Collins-Trevett

Shelley Collins-Trevett, Head of Business Growth, Dorset LEP
  • Funded Business Support

Evolve is a safe space for businesses to share challenges and explore solutions from diverse perspectives. David and his team lead engaging workshops, encouraging participants to trust the process and question decisions, providing secure ways to move forward. Evolve is a vital business growth resource, offering time to review, question, monitor, and plan business development, learning from personal and shared experiences.

Claire Main

Economic Development Officer at BCP Council
  • Funded Business Support

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