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Insights and business expertise
With 2026 now well and truly underway, we thought it was about time to share a bit of a reflection on 2025 as we are all adapting to new ways of working this year:
We are deeply grateful for the diverse clients we’ve had the privilege to work with recently. Our ongoing role with the SETsquared commercialisation team, delivering the full suite of ICURe programmes, has introduced us to remarkable individuals with innovative ideas. Our responsibility is to guide these innovators as they navigate commercial conversations, ensuring they protect their intellectual property while understanding market needs and the potential positive impact of their work beyond academia. Our commercial relationships, with partners and collaborators, has proved to be a vital component as we share an unrivalled connectivity which ensures we can help our clients reach whoever they need to reach!
We have facilitated several team-based days, empowering managers and leaders to step confidently into the roles their organisations require, to create a re-set and clarity of actions going forward. These sessions have focused on making good decisions, working well together and handling conflict as well as building strength in communications, knowing when and how to say “no”, and the creative opportunities presented by choosing “yes, and” in preference to “no… but”.
Our commitment to providing executive coaching to individuals and companies, to managers, senior leadership teams, founders and directors, continues, both in-person and online. These sessions help people align their instincts with the demands of their roles, feel supported as they implement necessary changes, and offer a safe space to unpack and reassemble challenges into manageable actions.
On a personal level, Kath wants to recognise the support of Chris and Phil, as well as our many understanding clients who have shown compassion when she has been affected emotionally by the loss of her Mum in February 2025. Though most never met her, Kath's Mum has been a presence in much of the last few years of her working life, as she sought to balance work commitments with supporting her Mum during her later years.
As 2025 drew to a close, she gained an even deeper appreciation for the challenges others face when grieving a loved one and feeling overwhelmed by personal commitments whilst keeping plates spinning at work. We hope that anyone in our network who needs support knows they can always reach out to any of us for a listening ear and emotional support.
With 2026 already underway, we are hopeful that we can continue to work together to make good things happen. This starts with our first in-person event of 2026 which will look at “the Journey to Net Zero” being held at Dartington Hall on Tuesday 3rd February. An event which wouldn’t be happening without the support of Triodos Bank, and specifically John Sharpe who we have collaborated successfully with many times in the last few years. It is these kinds of relationships which we hope we can deepen and develop in the years ahead.
Our message to all readers of this news piece is that we are here for you.
To schedule a call with any one of us, please email info@southwestgrowthservice.co.uk and we will be delighted to book you in.
Speaker and panel line up:
How a forward-thinking accounting practice supports clients in their sustainability journeys—and how Portt & Co themselves chose to monitor and measure their actions.
A candid look at her mission to transform commercial laundry services through sustainability, the trade-offs required, and the lessons learned along the way.
Real examples of how ethical finance is empowering organisations across the South West to reduce carbon footprints, transition to clean energy, and deliver green products and services.
Innovator behind the world’s first electric off-highway vehicle, sharing his insight into the challenges and opportunities in sustainable transport.
A food and drink entrepreneur whose interest in sustainability began when customers asked if his locally produced goods were air-freighted—sparking a journey into responsible supply chains.
Join us at Dartington Hall on Tuesday 3rd February from 09.15am - midday to learn from practical, real-world sustainability journeys:
Book in here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-journey-to-net-zero
Most exits fail because the business isn’t ready.
On 27 November, we’re unpacking the real drivers of exit success, and it’s not just EBITDA.
Whether you're 6 months or 6 years from exit, this session will sharpen your strategy and unlock hidden value, for current and future success.
This workshop is for founders, operators, and investors who want to:
Led by strategic business architect and SWGS associate, Paul Dalton, this session blends practical frameworks with real-world insight.
Only a few seats available.
Secure your seat now:
https://events.humanitix.com/be-exit-ready-every-day-systems-process-and-people
Care leaders, innovators and changemakers from across the South West met at Dartington Hall last week to discuss and learn from inspiring speakers and share in a group discussion regarding the future of health and social care in the region and how we can shape it together today.
The event sponsored by Triodos Bank and hosted by South West Growth Service (SWGS) discussed the changing and future health and care landscape, the resourcing, funding and leadership aspects to navigate the path ahead.
The restructuring of the NHS and commissioning in England post pandemic has added additional uncertainty and reluctance from clinical leaders and organisations to commit to change, yet the event reaffirmed the passion for clearer long-term strategies to effect meaningful progress nationally.
Cathryn Edwards offered a compelling overview of the healthcare landscape with key messages to support change
Rowcroft Hospice was singled out as one innovative example of how future focussed health care which integrates frailty, dementia, and palliative /end of life care, in the context of a sustainable community setting could be achieved.
John Bryant of Wellspring Consultancy provided insights on the leadership traits required across healthcare (the 6 Cs) and also emphasised the way forward was for:
SWGS will progress and convene further action to define and understand:
SWGS plans to host a follow-on meeting in Spring /Summer 2026 to update on the regional progress of the above initiative. Please keep in touch with us and let us know if you’d like to be in the room next time.
SWGS is delighted to be working in partnership with the ethical funder, Triodos Bank, running two more events at Dartington Hall. The first will look at health and social care, and in February 2026, our focus will turn to the Journey to Net Zero. Both events will be a great opportunity to develop your networks and hear from top experts in their respective sectors.
The Future of Health and Social Care is being held on Tuesday October 14th from 9.15 until 12.15. This session will enable delegates to be involved in a broad discussion about the challenges and opportunities created by our aging population, technological developments and the need for the ongoing development of collaborative networks.
We are delighted to be joined by a great panel of speakers:
Cathryn Edwards OBE, Physician and Honorary Professor of Healthcare Lincoln University & Rowcroft Hospice Trustee;
John Bryant, Principal consultant and founder, Wellspring Development Consultancy;
Kat Hall, Director, Bay Care Group and Board of Directors, National Care Association; and
John Sharpe, Senior Relationship Manager, Triodos Bank UK
Why attend?
To find out more and book your ticket: The Future of Health and Social Care
