THE BREAKFAST EXCHANGE LAUNCHES IN BATH
WHATEVER’S KEEPING YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT, HELP IS NOW AT HAND IN THE FORM OF A NEW BUSINESS SUPPORT NETWORK FOR BATH’S ENTREPRENEURS.
The Breakfast Exchange, co-organised by accountants Richardson Swift, publishers The Business Exchange, and Thrings Solicitors, will focus on the various challenges currently faced by businesses, bringing together different sectors to inspire, inform and connect with each other at a series of breakfast events.
More than 60 businesses and charities across the city and surrounding areas came along to the launch event at The Ivy in Bath on Thursday, March 2.
Over coffee and pastries, they compared notes on the obstacles and opportunities faced by those trying to grow a business in recent years, impacted by the likes of Covid, Brexit and the cost-of-living crisis.
Guests heard first-hand how the current environment had affected two local entrepreneurs Steph Wilder, owner of Good Day Café and Simon Rollings, CEO and founder of Canned Wine Co, as they initially struggled to set up now highly-successful businesses, in the wake of the pandemic.
Providing expert advice on their respective fields were Richardson Swift Managing Director Debbie Boulton and Thrings Partner Ramona Derbyshire. Editor of the Business Exchange magazines Anita Jaynes introduced the event and explained the logic behind it.
Anita Jaynes, Founder of the Business Exchange South West said:
“At the end of last year, I met with Helen Keating, Head of Marketing at Richardson Swift and Lizzie Heffer, Marketing Director at Thrings. We discussed the findings of Thrings’ latest client listening programme and Richardson Swift’s client feedback, as well as sentiment I was tracking through my activities. It was clear businesses needed support and we knew that by pooling resources we could have a greater impact.
“The Breakfast Exchange is all about supporting local businesses through challenging times. Exchange is in the title as it’s all about sharing experience, knowledge and skill sets to help our community survive and thrive through these turbulent times.”
DEBBIE BOULTON, CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT AND MANAGING DIRECTOR AT RICHARDSON SWIFT, SAID:
“We recognise that the last few years have been particularly challenging for business owners and these are set to continue.
“As entrepreneurs ourselves we know how important it is to get access to great advice and we hope the Breakfast Exchange will provide the right environment for the city’s businesses to support each other and thrive through tough times.
“If this first session was anything to go by, The Breakfast Exchange’ seems to have hit the right note! There was a great buzz in the room and lots of conversations going on as business owners discussed the challenges they are facing.”
RAMONA DERBYSHIRE, PARTNER AND HEAD OF BUSINESS GROWTH, SAID:
“Growth is always an objective for business leaders, but when there are significant challenges impacting the industry, this can cause it to slip down the list of priorities. This needn’t be the case and it is clear from the panel’s discussion today that success can come even during tough times."
“It was great to see such a strong turnout for the first Breakfast Exchange event. Everyone came to engage, which was evident by the probing questions put to us, and I am really looking forward to tackling other pressing topics at future instalments this year.”
“The main focus for me today was ensuring local businesses know they have a wide range of fellow local businesses and advisers who can help them achieve success. There was also an overwhelmingly positive message coming from our business owners which can only stand the Bath economy in good stead for the year ahead.”
Joining the panel for the maiden event were Simon Rollings and Steph Wilder, respective founders of Bath-based firms Canned Wine Co and Good Day Café respectively, who talked about establishing their successful businesses during the pandemic and the lessons they learned in the process.
Simon Rollings, CEO and Founder of Canned Wine Co, said:
“It was a pleasure to be a part of the panel to talk about my experience setting up and growing a business during the pandemic. It has certainly been a memorable few years and I enjoyed being able to share the story of Canned Wine Co., our very challenging start and how we have come to where we are today.”
steph wilder founder of good day cafe, said:
"It was great to share Good Day Café’s story so far and plans for 2023.”
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE ON THE GUEST LIST FOR OUR NEXT EVENT?
The next event will be in early June. Attendance is free, but by invitation-only as numbers are limited. Any local business or charity is welcome to get in touch and request a ticket.
Contact smb@richardsonswift if you would like to get involved!