Louise and Squish connect, learn, and grow with fellow SMEs in Wales
At TMPR, we’re always up for meeting other local businesses face-to-face, reconnecting with old friends, and learning something new. An alumni event for the Help to Grow: Management Course delivered all three in one jam-packed day.
The Help to Grow: Management Course gives business leaders and managers an opportunity to boost their business over an 8-week programme covering everything from marketing to finance. Hosted for alumni, the event was a mix of previous cohorts, the new graduates, plus those gearing up for the next cohort in January. Jane Lynch, Programme Director, opened with a reminder of just how many small businesses in Wales have benefited from Help to Grow and its alumni network (over 200 SMEs if you’re wondering!).
Learning locally
The day was a great flavour of what the Help to Grow: Management Course is all about, with sessions ranging from how to navigate ‘difficult’ conversations to tackling a sales strategy, all built around turning concepts and ideas into practical help for businesses – something Cardiff University’s Executive Education programme centres on.
Squish had a chance to reflect on her communication style in an eye-opening session led by Lynne Landricombe from Sensagility, exploring how to take the fear out of tough discussions. She then had the world of grant writing demystified by Liz Flint of Flint Solutions, in a workshop which reframed writing a winning bid from a shadowy art into a learned skill, a great opportunity to develop persuasive skills that can be taken forward to support stunning award entries.
After a brief break for tea and biscuits – accompanied by the uplifting tones of Choirs for Good – Emma Jones, CBE, UK Small Business Commissioner, delivered the keynote address which tackled one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses: late payments. Her talk highlighted the impact late payments have on growth and the Small Business Commission’s ongoing work to provide support and build better practices in the UK. It was a great reminder that small businesses can support one another by doing the little things, like paying each-other on time. Our biggest takeaway? That SMEs are an important resource for the UK economy who don’t just need support – they deserve it.
Finding the time and space to connect
As always, the chance to catch up and chat with other local businesses was what really made the day special. Events like this aren’t just nice to attend – they’re crucial. Whether it’s a big conference or a choir rehearsal, all you need to build a network is a room full of curious people ready to connect and share (though a lovely lunch does help!). It was a brilliant reminder that investing time into local events builds real connections that lead to new ideas, something our new event packages are all about, turning everything from exhibiting at a show to a simple podcast into months of business-boosting content!
The whole day gave space for reflection at a busy time and left both Louise and Squish full of energy and ideas to take back to the rest of the team, perfect as we move into the new year.
If you share our passion for local connections and real relationships, why not visit us at our Penarth office – or nearby – for a brew and a chat? Pop us a note at hello@tmpr.co.uk, or just knock the door!
