Evolve, the Poole-based business advisory firm, is promoting a number of public sector initiatives aimed at guiding a business through different stages of its journey and preparing its leaders for success.

The first is its Growth & Productivity Groups, a Dorset LEP-funded programme which brings together business leaders with common goals in a bid to enhance productivity and navigate challenges.

Aimed at SMEs in Dorset, the groups are tailored for those in the sectors of engineering & manufacturing, maritime & marine, digital & creative, and the visitor economy.

They will start in October and run until march of next year, consisting of 15 hours’ contact time including one-to-one coaching and group sessions. More details available here.

Evolve is also running a Business Accelerator, funded as part of the Boscombe Town Fund.

The accelerator is aimed at those looking to develop digital, creative and technology business, offering a year’s support across six elements: one-to-one mentoring, development workshops, networking opportunities, industry partnerships, workspace and funding support.

The first cohort started on 6th September at Boscombe’s Digital Skills Hub, bringing 14 companies together to discuss ideas and refine business plans.

The businesses involved are: Bournemouth One, Malone Creative, HR Diagnostics Ltd, U-Crew, Studio Glass/ Pier Journal, Collectea, Duro Insight, Photo Experience, Footbus, Bouran, Real Blast Limited, Jurassic Brothers, Breakthrough Sports and Zenscape Trading Limited.

The second cohort is due to start next year, and as with the Growth & Productivity Groups, the programme is free of charge. More information and sign-up is available here.

Another programme funded by the LEP and run by Evolve is the Business Innovation Programme, which supports product and service innovation for 10 Dorset-based business with a minimum of five employees and turnover of at least £500,000.

Evolve is partnering with Element Creative and Interpin, two product development companies, to provide advice and support.

Registrations for the Business Innovation Programme will open at the end of September, for early registration please email hello@evolveadvisory.co.uk.

Evolve founder Warren Munson said: “We’re excited about the partnerships we’ve formed with the public sector. Owning and running your own business is a wonderful experience, but it can also be a challenging one.

“Evolve is passionate about supporting and nurturing business owners on their journeys and bringing them together to share knowledge and ideas, and therefore grow as individuals and business owners.

“Having the backing of the public sector gives this mission greater reach and makes it much more impactful.”

• https://evolveadvisory.co.uk/