COMPANIES across the borough will be able to benefit from opportunities to develop their business and employees, advice and networking as part of an action-packed business festival this summer.

Basingstoke and Deane’s biggest ever Business Festival will run from June 16 to 23, with the theme ‘Bounce Back, Learn and Grow’, the borough council has announced.

As part of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Economic Recovery Framework, it is working in partnership with the organisations Evolve and Business South to deliver a week-long series of exciting events to support businesses as they recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Featuring four themed business development workshops and sessions delivered by high calibre guest speakers, in-person and virtual events will take place throughout the week.

Sessions include a Business Leaders’ Evening, Economic Update, Hybrid Ways of Working, Inspiring the Next Generation, the Future of Basingstoke and Deane, Breath Work and Meditation Practice, Going Green and the Basingstoke and Deane Symposium.

Evolve – a coaching and development company and business community - will also be hosting a variety of development workshops including Change Management, Building Resilience in uncertain times, Strategies for Growth, Financing and Funding, and Understanding Leadership and Influence.

The festival aims to inspire and work with over 800 locally based businesses, providing opportunities for participants to meet and network with other businesses, learn from others and share expertise through collaboration opportunities, as well as getting an update on plans for the future of the borough from council leaders.

Borough council leader Cllr Simon Bound said: “Our borough’s business community plays a vital role in ensuring Basingstoke and Deane continues to be a great place to live, work and visit.

“We are delighted to be working with Evolve and Business South to host this dedicated festival to bring businesses together and to give them the tools and skills they need to develop in the future and continue to thrive in the borough.”

Founder of Evolve Warren Munson added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Business South and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to host the Basingstoke and Deane Business Festival.

“Business leaders have been through very challenging time over the past two years. This festival has been designed to give them the knowledge and tools to build resilience and keep their business moving forward, as well as provide great opportunities for networking and discussion around important topics.”

For more information and to register interest, visit evolvemembers.com/basingstoke-and-deane-business-festival-register-your-interest.