Growing up is fun

Growing a business is hard. And it’s one of the most exciting and rewarding things you can ever do.

There was a moment with Astley Media when the company seemed to shift up a gear, from a slightly ephemeral project loved by the founders, to become a solid entity in its own right, with its own momentum and lifeforce.

Things were happening and people were developing new ideas, initiating projects, doing great work, that I was either on the edge of or not involved with. It had become real.

The journey continues today, as we strive and strive to get better, do brilliant work for our clients, and play our part in as many worthwhile business and community causes as we can - Exeter Foundation, Young Enterprise Devon, BEEP, Tech South West and Fast Track to Growth.

We are just launching year three of Fast Track to Growth and hoping many more Devon companies join to benefit from the free business support from our partners - Aptus Recruitment, Barclays, Commissioning HR, Cosmic, Devon County Council, PKF Francis Clark, Sampson Hall, Stephens Scown LLP, SETSquared Exeter and Astley Media.

There are just two essential requirements you need to join: ambition and the ability to learn.

Ambition is a given in most business-minded people, but the companies that have benefited the most from Fast Track to Growth, are those who know their strengths, know their weaknesses, and know that it’s a sign of real strength to seek advice, listen to others, reflect, learn and then take action.

This year, there are double the number of places available in the intensive growth programme, with 15 for smaller companies, 15 for larger firms, with tailored support for each. There is a Growth Day for every company who joins, packed with workshops and 1-1 sessions, and a Members' online information business hub.

The programme is brilliant, not just because of the support and guidance you get on everything from financial strategy and accounting, to marketing and digital skills (all aimed at achieving growth), but because of the other businesses you meet and work with along the way.

Close to 100 great Devon brands have already joined FT2G including Bluebird Care, Carpenter Oak, Ebb Tides, Essential Six, LoveKeepCreate, Martha & Hepsie, Pickleshack, Redrock Brewery, Slingshot Six, Speedy Freight, Virginia Vintage Hire, Wellity and many more.

So, whether you are grappling with evolving a 20-year-old business to embrace new technologies and opportunities, or focused on securing customers, improving cash flow and building a brilliant team in the early stages of your company, try and find the time to reach out and keep learning www.ft2g.co.uk