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

Eden Project Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 marks 25th anniversary Eden Project garden

Eden Project Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 marks 25th anniversary

21 Oct 2025

2

Breck Homes appoints new managing director Phil Dolan, Breck

Breck Homes appoints new managing director

20 Oct 2025

3

Management buyout at Suresite Group Steve Holden

Management buyout at Suresite Group

17 Oct 2025

4

Meet the influencers who have generated £2m sales for one company Helen and Richard Chalu new

Meet the influencers who have generated £2m sales for one company

16 Oct 2025

5

WHN strengthens position in prestigious legal guide Daniel Long

WHN strengthens position in prestigious legal guide

16 Oct 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
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

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues
EventBrite NORi - 22nd Oct Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
22 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues

Online - Teams, Leyland, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

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

Chamber Business Lunch – October
LBV Hub Networking
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Chamber Business Lunch – October

Lancaster Golf Club, Lancaster, LA2 0AJ

11:00 - 13:30

Lancaster District Business Support Expo
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Oct 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

Lancaster District Business Support Expo

The Platform, Morecambe, LA4 4DB

10:00 - 15:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
06 Nov 2025 - 06 Nov 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – November

Porsche Centre South Lakes, Carnforth, LA6 1FW

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Roundtables
10 Nov 2025 - 10 Nov 2025

Lancashire Police business update with The Police and Crime Commissioner

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster, LA1 1YN

14:00 - 16:00

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human
2.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Nov 2025 - 11 Nov 2025

AI, Creativity, and what it means to be human

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

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 LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin