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

Kerakoll UK and Barnfield Construction sign contract to build new Preston plant Barnfield team on new Kerakoll site

Kerakoll UK and Barnfield Construction sign contract to build new Preston plant

27 Jun 2025

2

Scout Moor II meteorological mast gets the green light Cubico

Scout Moor II meteorological mast gets the green light

26 Jun 2025

3

Breck acquires 21-acre Ravenhead Brickworks site for 300 new homes Ravenhead

Breck acquires 21-acre Ravenhead Brickworks site for 300 new homes

26 Jun 2025

4

Conlon marks Employee Ownership Day with family fun celebration, ushering in a new era after 60 years in business Conlon celebrating its first EOT Day with family at Ribby Hall Village

Conlon marks Employee Ownership Day with family fun celebration, ushering in a new era after 60 years in business

26 Jun 2025

5

Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub announces Skills Bootcamps partnership with Northcoders Northcoders skills support

Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub announces Skills Bootcamps partnership with Northcoders

26 Jun 2025

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
LBV123 July/August Launch Event
Lancashire Business View magazine launch
Networking
16 Jul 2025

LBV123 July/August Launch Event

Burnley

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Business Bike Club – July
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
01 Jul 2025 - 01 Jul 2025

Business Bike Club – July

Various, Lancaster, LA

08:00 - 09:30

Chamber Breakfast Networking – July
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
02 Jul 2025 - 02 Jul 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – July

St John's Hospice, Slyne Road, Lancaster, LA2 6ST

08:00 - 10:00

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4
LBV Hub Seminars
04 Jul 2025 - 04 Jul 2025

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

08:30 - 11:00

Chamber Summer BBQ
LBV Hub Social
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

Chamber Summer BBQ

The Borough, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

17:30 - 20:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

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 LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin