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

Plans to acquire new build homes for council housing Houses under construction

Plans to acquire new build homes for council housing

19 Feb 2026

2

BAE records record sales as orders soar Typhoon courtesy of BAE Systems

BAE records record sales as orders soar

18 Feb 2026

3

Lord Lieutenant for Lancashire calls on thriving businesses to apply for Kings Awards Amanda Parker JP

Lord Lieutenant for Lancashire calls on thriving businesses to apply for Kings Awards

18 Feb 2026

4

Lancashire to shine in national VisitEngland coastal campaign Coastal campaign at Lytham St Annes

Lancashire to shine in national VisitEngland coastal campaign

17 Feb 2026

5

Green light for Eden Morecambe 251219EPM BMSG Dunes

Green light for Eden Morecambe

16 Feb 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
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

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

Armed Forces Covenant Business Engagement
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
24 Feb 2026 - 24 Feb 2026

Armed Forces Covenant Business Engagement

Morecambe Football Club, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

09:00 - 15:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: February
LBV Hub Networking
26 Feb 2026 - 26 Feb 2026

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: February

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 12:00

Spring Forecast 2026 LIVE: Insights with PM+M
Spring Forecas.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
03 Mar 2026 - 03 Mar 2026

Spring Forecast 2026 LIVE: Insights with PM+M

Blackburn Rovers Football Club (Red Rose Suite), Ewood Park, Blackburn , BB2 4JF

12:00 - 15:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – March
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
03 Mar 2026 - 03 Mar 2026

Chamber Breakfast Networking – March

The Storey, Lancaster, LA1 1TH

08:00 - 10:00

Lancashire Lifesavers
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
03 Mar 2026 - 03 Mar 2026

Lancashire Lifesavers

The Story, Lancaster, LA1 1TH

10:15 - 11:15

Your marketing measurement is useless
Event header.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
04 Mar 2026 - 04 Mar 2026

Your marketing measurement is useless

Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston, PR5 0AG

09:00 - 12:00

Tech without the turmoil: How Finance Leaders can drive smarter digital decisions
MHA-BTI Logo_black (002).jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
05 Mar 2026 - 27 Dec 2025

Tech without the turmoil: How Finance Leaders can drive smarter digital decisions

Farington Lodge Hotel, Stanifield Lane, Farington, Preston, PR25 4QR

08:00 - 10:00

Payroll Update 2026 Samlesbury Hall
payroll.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
06 Mar 2026 - 06 Mar 2026

Payroll Update 2026 Samlesbury Hall

Samlesbury Hall, Preston, PR5 0UP

08:00 - 10:00

Women Growing Together in Lancashire
IWD Lancashire March 2026 Landscape Graphic Final
LBV Hub Networking
07 Mar 2026 - 07 Mar 2026

Women Growing Together in Lancashire

Dalvee Restaurant, Lancashire

10:00 - 14:00

Bay Hospitality Forum
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Mar 2026 - 11 Mar 2026

Bay Hospitality Forum

Lancaster & Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 1TZ

10:00 - 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 LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin