Business owners across the Solent are being encouraged to take a day out of the business to work on the business, as Solent Business Growth Service’s Thriving Together Small Business Growth Day returns this November. The event takes place on 4 November 2026 at Fareham College’s Civil Engineering Training Centre (CETC) in Lee-on-the-Solent. It will bring together expert speakers, practical workshops, and one-to-one support designed specifically for businesses in the region.

For many small business owners, time is the most precious resource. The daily demands of winning work, serving customers, managing teams, and keeping everything moving doesn’t allow much time for strategic thinking. Yet it is precisely that time spent planning, learning, and developing that can make the difference between surviving and growing.

That’s the thinking behind Thriving Together, a business growth event. The day is designed to give business owners the space to step back, gain fresh perspectives, and get practical advice they can use straight away.

Attendees can pick the topics that matter most to them from expert-led workshops covering a broad set of topics and speakers. There will also be opportunities to book one-to-one sessions with specialist advisers for tailored support.

The speaker line-up brings together experienced practitioners and industry specialists who understand the realities of running a business.

• Jonathan Bird, founder of Delivered Social, with a practical Survival Guide to Business
• Jodi Fair and Sara Warry from Solent Growth Partnership and Solent Business Growth Service respectively, on apprenticeships and skills support for small businesses
• Annelies James, founder of 22Midnight, on personal branding
• Alex O’Neill, managing director of Digitastic, on understanding the numbers needed to keep a business profitable and sustainable.
• Matt Rowland from Solent Business Growth Service on winning new business
• Dan Sagar, Business Strategy and Growth Coach with practical tips for embedding AI
• Paul Sims, Business Mentor on launching a business
• Joe Taffurelli, founder of Auxilium Business Services on leadership and strategy
• Steph Warry-Powell from Swoop Digital on online visibility

Jodi Fair, Regional Economic Growth and Partnership Manager at Solent Growth Partnership, said:

“As business owners, it’s easy to spend every day reacting to what’s in front of us. But growth rarely happens when we’re constantly firefighting. Thriving Together gives people the chance to step back, think strategically and focus on where they want their business to be in six months, one year or even five years’ time. Investing a day in your own development can help build a more resilient, productive and profitable business. It’s one of the most valuable decisions you can make.”

Joe Taffurelli, who will lead the Leadership and Strategy workshop, said:

“Many businesses become trapped by the urgent demands of today. The challenge is creating enough space to think about tomorrow. When leaders make time to focus on strategy, they often uncover opportunities they’ve been too busy to see. This workshop is about helping business owners lift their heads above the day-to-day, make better decisions and create a clearer path for sustainable growth.”

Alongside expert workshops and tailored support, Thriving Together also offers valuable opportunities to connect with fellow business owners from across the region, share experiences, and learn from others facing similar challenges.

For businesses serious about growth, resilience and long-term success, the message is simple: sometimes the most productive thing you can do is step away from your desk and invest time in yourself.

Thriving Together: Small Business Growth Day takes place on 4 November 2026 from 9am to 3pm at Fareham College’s Civil Engineering Training Centre, Lee-on-the-Solent. Attendance is free, but places are limited and advance booking is essential.

To find out more and book your place, visit the Thriving Together event page. https://businesssolentevents.evolutive.co.uk/event/details/1432232/Thriving-Together-Small-Business-Growth-Day