Forward Thinking opens new franchise in South West

By Forward Thinking UK | Coaching For Business

28 Mar 2024

7386141d-8191-4a4c-b60c-0810e1692832.jpg.jpg

Forward Thinking - South West is thrilled to announce the successful launch of its flagship business community, YAB, in Plymouth. The event, held at BLOCK, brought together local business leaders eager to revolutionise the way they approach growth and problem-solving. 

YAB, a unique peer-to-peer business community, offers a refreshing alternative to traditional networking events by prioritising genuine connections and collaborative problem-solving over sales pitches. Attendees of the launch event were treated to an immersive experience, where they had the opportunity to engage in mini-mastermind sessions, exchange valuable insights, and forge meaningful relationships with like-minded professionals. 

Ian Wilkinson, franchise owner of Forward Thinking - South West, expressed his excitement about the launch, saying, "The turnout and enthusiasm we witnessed at the launch of YAB in Plymouth exceeded our expectations. It's clear that there's a strong demand in our community for a platform where business leaders can come together, share their challenges, and support each other in a collaborative and non-competitive environment." 

Throughout the event, attendees were buzzing with excitement as they exchanged ideas and explored potential collaborations. 

"We believe that YAB has the potential to transform the way businesses operate in Plymouth," said Andy Henderson, founder of Forward Thinking and YAB. "The opportunity to connect with other local leaders and gain fresh perspectives on common challenges is invaluable. After seeing first-hand how successful this approach continues to be Lancashire and Manchester, I’m excited to see our movement expand into Plymouth and the South West." 

After the event, local business leaders shared their invaluable insights and reflections on the event. Ian's post on LinkedIn, extending gratitude to all attendees, sparked a flurry of positive comments, highlighting the impact and value experienced firsthand. As leaders from diverse industries gathered to foster connections and problem-solve collaboratively, their testimonials underscored the transformative power of the YAB community in Plymouth. Three of these business leaders shared their thoughts on the inaugural YAB event. 

“It was lovely to meet you in person Ian, and a great first event” 

“Ian it was a very refreshing take on the typical 'networking' event, we very much enjoyed not only meeting you and the team, but also coming away with thought provoking questions to our own business focus. It was great meeting those who we spoke to and thank you again for facilitating!!” 

“It was great to meet the team Ian, and what a great energy you guys bring! Can't wait to join you at the next one.” 

The success of the launch event underscores the growing need for supportive communities like YAB in Plymouth, the South West and beyond. As businesses continue to navigate an ever-changing landscape, the importance of peer-to-peer support and collaboration cannot be overstated. 

For more information about YAB and upcoming events in Plymouth, visit https://www.yabcommunity.co.uk/events

Latest news

1

Westholme School to sponsor Sub36 Leader Award Image 10

Westholme School to sponsor Sub36 Leader Award

11 Sep 2026

2

Pleasure Beach riding high after awards success Dsc3924

Pleasure Beach riding high after awards success

11 Sep 2026

3

‘Don’t put devo in deep freeze’ Frank McKenna

‘Don’t put devo in deep freeze’

11 Sep 2026

4

Hall to reopen after £13.5m refurbishment King Georges Hall 768x512

Hall to reopen after £13.5m refurbishment

11 Sep 2026

5

Eden Project Morecambe launches recruitment for two senior roles eden-project-north.jpg

Eden Project Morecambe launches recruitment for two senior roles

10 Sep 2026

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV130 September/October Magazine Networking Event
LBV130 Magazine Launch Social720No Text 6 17 Sep 2026

LBV130 September/October Magazine Networking Event

The Beehive Blackburn, Shadsworth Business Park, BB1 2QS

08:30 - 10:30

Built Environment Conference 2026
BEC26 WW Logo720 24 Sep 2026

Built Environment Conference 2026

EG On The Move, Waterside Head Office, Blackburn, BB1 2FA

08:30 - 13:00

All In One Network
LBV Website Events GraphicAll In One Network 15 Oct 2026

All In One Network

The Leisure Box, Northlight, Glen Way, Brierfield , BB9 5NH

14:00 - 16:00

Sub36 Awards 2026
Sub36 WW Logo720 16 Oct 2026

Sub36 Awards 2026

Park Hall Hotel & Spa, Chorley, PR7 5LP

19:00 - 00:30

LBV131 November/December Magazine Networking Event
LBV131 Magazine Launch Social720No Text 19 Nov 2026

LBV131 November/December Magazine Networking Event

Lancashire

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Business Day 2026
LBD26 WW Logo720 27 Nov 2026

Lancashire Business Day 2026

Burnley Football Club, BB10 4BX

12:00 - 17:00

Mind Over Mountain: Brunch at Ivory Tower
mind-over-mountain-complete.jpg.jpg 11 Sep 2026

Mind Over Mountain: Brunch at Ivory Tower

Ivory Tower, Preston, PR1 2NL

12:30 - 16:30

Fire Warden Training
14 Sep 2026

Fire Warden Training

Cleveley House Farm, Forton, PR3 1DR

09:00 - 15:00

First Hire Readiness Workshop
LH Training 15 Sep 2026

First Hire Readiness Workshop

20:00 - 21:00

Business Twilight Networking Event
Business Twilight 16 Sep 2026

Business Twilight Networking Event

Engineering Innovation Centre, University of Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE

16:00 - 18:30

Launch Event - Business Support and Grant Programmes
Choose Chorley 23 Sep 2026

Launch Event - Business Support and Grant Programmes

Strawberry Fields Digital Hub, Chorley, PR7 1PS

08:45 - 11:00

Employment Law Update Lancashire
LBV Website Events GraphicEmployment Law 1 24 Sep 2026

Employment Law Update Lancashire

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

09:00 - 12:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV129 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin