“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time.  We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.  We are the change that we seek.” Barack Obama, President of the United States.

It is with this sentiment in which The Business Support Network’s 4th annual conference “Realising opportunities, time for change” which took place on Thursday 12th November at Buckfast Abbey was based.

There may not be an obvious connection between the keynote speakers, who ranged from Dr Rebecca Harding; Founder and Managing Director of Delta Economics to Sue Searle; Director of Acorn Ecology Ltd and Kevin Butler; Agent for the South West branch of Bank of England.  However, they were united with the shared interest on the opportunities to grow, change and make the most of the anticipated economic recovery. 

The conference centered on the belief that out of adversity and difficult times comes the chance to consolidate, refocus and take full advantage of new opportunities.  There were national as well as international speakers including Barry Cole, Managing Director of the Riviera International Conference Centre with views on the challenges of recognizing business opportunities for post-recession growth.  “It makes a refreshing change for positive attention to be granted to the economic situation with a particular focus upon the need to grow, adapt and diversify,” says Barry “but of course like most things there are potential hazards along the way.” 

The Business Support Network South West is a membership organisation promoting entrepreneurship, businesses, and learning and development across the region.  The network informs, supports and connects people and businesses primarily by holding events such as this for personal and business development alongside plenty of opportunities for networking.  For more information please visit www.businesssupportnetwork.co.uk or email info@businesssupportnetwork.com