'Two thirds of region's SMEs expect to grow by 25%' - Destination Growth gives them the tools and inspiration to succeed

Almost 800 of the region’s fastest growing businesses joined over 30 top internationally renowned speakers at the extremely successful Destination Growth 07 - the East of England’s largest business conference - yesterday.

Event organiser, the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), has hailed the biennial conference an outstanding success as hundreds walked away inspired and armed with new ideas to grow and develop their enterprises in the future.

Almost 1,000 people applied to attend Destination Growth 07 and nearly 800 of the most ambitious, small and medium sized enterprise (SME) leaders, from across the region, were hand picked to attend.

When registering, 90% of businesses said they believed innovation was ‘extremely’ or ‘very important’ to the continued success of their business. An incredible 66% said they expected their business to grow by more than 25% in the next three years - almost a fifth (19%) expect their company to grow by more than 75% during the same period.

Richard Ellis, chair of EEDA, said: “Destination Growth 07 has been an outstanding success. It was fantastic to see so many of the region’s business leaders, each with such phenomenal growth ambitions, come together in one place for the day. The East of England is Europe’s Ideas Region - we not only have a great heritage of generating world-class ideas, but ideas and innovation are clearly our future. It is particularly reassuring to know that so many of our SMEs also recognise the importance of innovation and growth.

“There was a wealth of opportunities on offer to businesses throughout Destination Growth. Our first-class line-up of speakers have inspired, advised and equipped our fastest growing SMEs with the tools to develop and grow their businesses further over the coming months and years. There were also great opportunities for businesses to find out what support services are available to help them achieve their growth ambitions, as well as opportunities to network with fellow, likeminded business leaders from across our region.”

Throughout the day the networking area and innovation hub was buzzing with activity as more than 60 exhibitors, including Business Link, and sponsors Royal Bank of Scotland and Mills and Reeve, offered their support services to businesses.

The three key note speeches were given by Gerald Ratner, who turned the loss making jewellery chain Ratner’s into the world’s largest jewellery retailer; Jacqueline Gold, chief executive of Ann Summers and one of Britain’s most successful businesswomen; and Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of the internationally successful Ben and Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream.

Other highlights included masterclasses, workshops and debates led by world renowned creative thinker, Dr Edward de Bono; James Averdieck founder of Gu chocolate puds; Al Gosling, founder of Extreme Sports; Will King, founder of the King of Shaves; the Beermat entrepreneur Mike Southon; former BBC2 Dragon’s Den star and founder of Library House, Doug Richard; Professor Malcolm McDonald of Cranfield University and award-winning motivational speaker Nigel Risner.

Each shared their experiences, tips and advice with delegates on a range of key issues from obtaining finance to growing a business, to finding the right marketing tool, to overcoming setbacks. Destination Growth 07 culminated in the final of EEDA’s investment competition ‘running the gauntlet’, which offers entrepreneurs in the region the chance to win a share of £2 million of equity funding.

For more information on the success of Destination Growth 07 visit www.eeda.org.uk/destinationgrowth

For details on the winners of the ‘running the gauntlet competition visit http://www.runningthegauntlet.com/