Solent Business Growth Service
Business Growth Service logo in black and orange

Thriving Together

Running a small business often means juggling multiple responsibilities and priorities and finding very little time to focus on your own development. Keeping up with the latest business trends, technology and best practices is essential for growth, but finding the time can be a challenge.

That’s why the Solent Business Growth Service has created Thriving Together, a free all day event  designed specifically for small business owners and leaders.

Bringing together expert-led workshops, practical business support and tailored advice, Thriving Together is your opportunity to step away from day-to-day operations and invest time in the future of your business. Whether you’re looking to improve your marketing and sales strategy, learn about funding opportunities, explore AI, develop your leadership skills or build a more resilient business, you’ll find valuable insights and actionable advice throughout the day.

You’ll also have the opportunity to book one-to-one sessions with specialist advisers, providing personalised support to help you overcome challenges and identify new opportunities for growth.

Thriving Together logo
Thriving Together networking

Next Thriving Together

It’s coming soon – join us at the next edition of Thriving Together on 4 November 2026 in Fareham.

Click below to book your place, and scroll down to see details of each the experts leading the various workshops.

Thriving Together networking

Meet the Speakers and check out their Workshops

Jonathan Bird

Jonathan Bird, Founder, Delivered Social

Survival Guide to Business
The business landscape is changing fast. In this Bear Grylls-inspired survival guide, Delivered Social’s Jon will explore the essential tools, technologies, and AI-powered solutions that every business needs to thrive over the next few years. From automating everyday tasks to improving efficiency and productivity, you’ll leave equipped with practical tools you can put to work immediately, ensuring your business doesn’t get left behind.

Jodi Fair and Sara Warry

Jodi Fair, Regional Economic Growth and Partnership Manager

Sara Warry, Senior Programme Advisor

Apprenticeships and Skills for SMEs workshop
From apprenticeships and workforce development to funded training and business growth programmes, this session will showcase the free support available to help your business develop, innovate and thrive.

Annelies James

Annelies James, Founder, 22Midnight

Personal Branding
In a crowded marketplace, being seen and remembered matters more than ever. Drawing on her expertise in branding, storytelling and video marketing, Annelies James will show you how to develop a personal brand that builds credibility, increases visibility and helps you connect with the right audience. Leave with actionable ideas to strengthen your presence both online and in person.

Alex O'Neill

Alex O'Neill, Managing Director, Digitastic

Do You Know Your Numbers?
Understand your break-even point and discover exactly how many sales you need to make to keep your business profitable and sustainable.

Matthew Rowland

Matt Rowland, Business Advisor

Winning New Business – Sales Workshop
A relaxed workshop, aimed at small businesses and entrepreneurs entering the world of business development. Keeping things simple, covering the basics of business development – what it is, how it works, and what it means for your business.

Dan Eagar

Dan Sagar, Business Strategy & Growth Coach, DS Business Growth

AI: Practical tips on how you can embed AI into your business
Learn how to responsibly leverage GenAI to make sure your business is making the most of what AI can do for you

Paul Sims

Paul Sims, Managing Partner, Negotia Business Consulting Limited

Launch your business workshop
Many founders jump into branding, pitching, or social media before getting clear on what they’re building, who it’s for, and how they’ll win customers.
This high practical (and interactive) session walks early-stage entrepreneurs through the three critical foundations of start-up success

Joe Taffurelli

Joe Taffurelli, CEO and COO, The Long View

Leadership and Strategy workshop
Why focusing on today’s priorities can prevent the long-term thinking that drives transformational business growth.

Steph Warry-Powell

Steph Warry-Powell, Senior Digital Marketer, Swoop Digital

Get Found and Grow – SEO workshop
A practical workshop designed to help businesses improve their online visibility by understanding the key components of digital marketing, including SEO, social media, email marketing, website optimisation and performance tracking.

Why Attend?

Thriving Together has been designed to help busy business owners make the most of their time away from the office by bringing a wide range of expert support together in one place.

By attending, you’ll:

  • Gain practical knowledge you can apply immediately within your business.
  • Learn from experienced specialists and industry experts.
  • Explore new tools, technologies and strategies to improve performance.
  • Connect with fellow business owners and professionals from across the region.
  • Access tailored support through one-to-one advice sessions.
  • Create your own personalised learning programme by selecting workshops that best match your business goals.
  • Discover funding, growth and skills development opportunities available to your business.

Whether you’re a start-up, sole trader or established SME, Thriving Together offers valuable insights to help your business grow with confidence.

What You’ll Learn?

Thriving Together events bring together industry experts and business support organisations to share practical advice on a range of topics, including:

  • Funding, Finance and Business Growth
  • Marketing and Social Media
  • Sales and Winning New Business
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Leadership and Strategy
  • Skills and Workforce Development
  • Confidence and Professional Development
  • Public Sector Opportunities

Topics and workshops vary for each event and latest information will be added to this page for each upcoming Thriving Together event.

Thriving Together session

What to expect?

Thriving Together offers a flexible programme that allows you to tailor the day around your specific interests and business priorities.

During the event you can:

  • Choose from a range of expert-led workshops running throughout the day.
  • Select one workshop from each session to create a personalised learning experience.
  • Attend practical, interactive sessions focused on real business challenges and opportunities.
  • Meet specialist advisers and access one-to-one support.
  • Network with other local businesses and share experiences and ideas.
  • Leave with practical actions, useful contacts and fresh ideas to help drive your business forward.