South-based business coaching and development company, Evolve—in collaboration with Business South, and funded by the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council—is hosting the Basingstoke and Deane Business Festival from June 16-23. Funding for the festival forms part of the council’s quest to bring businesses together and support them following the effects of the pandemic.

The festival features 14 free events, which kick off on the evening of June 16 with An Evening With Alastair Humphreys. Alastair is a British adventurer and author who believes anyone can experience adventure in their everyday life. He’ll speak about his past adventures and introduce the concept of the ‘microadventure’.

Other events, which cover both business practice and personal wellbeing, include:

• Development Workshops on Change Management, Strategies for Growth, Leadership & Influence and Finance & Funding

• Webinars on ‘Building Resilience in Uncertain Times with Becki Houlston’ and ‘Breathwork Practice with Tracey Howes’

• Talks on ‘The New Hybrid Way of Working’, ‘Going Green’, ‘Inspiring the Next Generation’, ‘The Future of Basingstoke and Deane’ and an Economic Update with Andrew Holder from the Bank of England

The festival concludes with the Basingstoke and Deane Symposium, in which local business leaders will have a chance to meet with each other to discuss issues, successes and the future of their sector. Outcomes will be presented with the aim of creating a solid vision for the progression of business in the council. The findings will be detailed in a white paper, that will be shared with the council and made available for free on the Evolve website: volvemembers.com/basingstoke-and-deane-business-festival-2022.

Early booking is advised as tickets for some events are limited, and priority will be given to Basingstoke and Deane based businesses.

Evolve founder Warren Munson said: “This will be the third business festival we’ve hosted and, as always, the aim is to bring business leaders and entrepreneurs together to learn, collaborate and improve both their professional and personal lives. Our previous festivals have been a great success, with guests coming away informed and inspired. We’re excited to be partnering with Business South to be enhancing the state of business in the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.”

Leigh-Sara Timberlake, Group CEO from Business South Group said: “We’re delighted to be working with Evolve to deliver the Basingstoke and Deane Business Festival, funded by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. With such a diverse range of guest speakers lined up across the week it’s set to be an exciting set of events. We’re actively encouraging entrepreneurs and business leaders across the region to get involved to not only be inspired but also make new connections with businesses across the region.”

Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council 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 which will bring our businesses together. With a fantastic and diverse line-up and workshops during the week, we would encourage businesses to book now to avoid disappointment.”