Young entrepreneurs give new networking group a spin

More than 40 young professionals attended the first meeting of the YESwindon (Young Enterprise Swindon) networking group to hear guest speaker James Threlfall talk about his successes so far from skateboarding pro to brand ambassador turned radio and TV presenter.

25-year-old, James from Devizes, also discussed how it felt to be recognised for his work, after receiving an MBE from the Queen in the New Year’s Honours List 2019.

James inspired the audience with his words of wisdom, including “stop comparing yourself to others” to “believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

The event was held at Desk Cowork, Swindon on Thursday, June 13.

The networking group for 18 to 25-year-olds was formed by Andrew Wells, Initiative Manager at Business West and Anita Jaynes, owner of The Business Exchange. The pair approached the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) for support and the network is sponsored by the Swindon & Wiltshire Growth Hub.

Andrew said, “The whole idea behind YESwindon was to create a space for young professionals and entrepreneurs to develop new relationships and increase business connections, as well as increasing their knowledge and awareness of the business support opportunities available locally.”

Anita added, “From the outset we were really keen to create a modern, forward-thinking networking group that young people would engage with. We held a session asking what people wanted from the group and shaped the first event around this.”

Local entrepreneurs Dan Pettitt and Ben Lawton, owners of Swindon creative agency, Ottr Works created the YES brand and are now on the steering committee for the group alongside, Matt Greenwood, young entrepreneur and founder of the town’s first co-working hub, Desk Cowork in Old Town.

Jo Minnaar, growth manager at Swindon & Wiltshire Growth Hub said, “The Swindon & Wiltshire Growth Hub has seen the number of entrepreneurs accessing business support and advice in the area more than double in the last year, this includes young entrepreneurs.

“YESwindon, has successfully brought together this community, creating a more convivial atmosphere where they can exchange best practice, information and ideas. A lot of work has been put in by the partners to see the YES initiative go from strength to strength, so a huge thank you to them.”

Brett King, Business Development at Excalibur said, “I loved the first YESwindon, it was fantastic to see so many like-minded young professionals and entrepreneurs looking to develop themselves and better their careers or businesses.”

YESwindon’s ambition is to host events every six weeks, mixing up the venue and topics of discussion making it appealing to all. Plans are underway for the next event in August with announcements to be made in the coming weeks.