The week-long Evolve Business Festival, which saw business leaders come together for a range of exciting events across Bournemouth and Poole, has come to a close.
Things kicked off on the 9th of October with an Entrepreneurial and Founders Evening at Pavilion Dance South West. The event was attended by nearly 60 guests. Keynote speaker Tom Mercer, founder of MOMA Foods, told the honest and compelling story about how he started his business. This was followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with Mercer, Arabella Lewis-Smith (Salad Creative), Barbara Cox (BC Nutrition), Cheryl Hadland (Tops Day Nurseries and Hadland Care Group) and Mark Cribb (Urban Guild). Evolve’s Warren Munson chaired.
That Friday saw a Personal Development Breakfast at Evolve’s event space in Ashley Cross. Those in attendance had the opportunity to try out one of the workbooks – Eight Essential Elements – that form part of Evolve’s Peer Groups, as well as network in an open environment.
Friday evening concluded with an intimate tour of the Conker Gin Distillery with Conker Gin founder Rupert Holloway. In 2014, Holloway quite his job as a quantity surveyor to begin Dorset’s first gin distillery. The brand has since grown at rapid pace and has won several international awards.
On Monday the 14th of October, Neil Parker – Natwest’s Market Strategist – provided a cautious yet optimistic outlook in his Economic Update. Held once more at Evolve the event was attended by more than 30 guests.
The following day’s Peer Group, also at Evolve, brought together business leaders for yet another valuable morning of personal development and story-sharing.
Wednesday the 16th of October, the Evolve Business Festival conclude with a spectacular fundraising dinner at Hilton Hotel, Bournemouth. Over 120 of the South’s top business people were in attendance and more than £28,000 was raised in a live auction hosted by Martin Edwards. The proceeds went to Dorest and Wiltshire-based Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, of which Edwards is the CEO. Guest of honour was AFC Bournemouth’s manager Eddie Howe who, in a Q&A with Evolve’s Warren Munson, gave a stirring and insightful account of managing one of the Premier League’s top teams.
Evolve founder Warren Munson said: “Evolve’s first Business Festival was a great success. Bringing together ambitious leaders and great minds in a shared space proved to be insightful and totally inspiring. We’ve heard great stories and made important connections. We can’t wait to see what next year’s festival brings.”