Finalists of Devon's Fast Track to Growth programme announced

Exeter businesses Slingshot Six Ltd, Wellity and Speedy Freight Exeter have made it to the final of Devon’s Fast Track to Growth Programme.

Fifteen companies across the county have been selected from over 60 entries to the free business support programme backed by Devon County Council, to help them develop their plans for growth in 2017. One, following a pitch event at Exeter Innovation Centre, will win £20,000 worth of on-going business support for the rest of the year.

The finalists include Exeter based Wi-Fi specialists Slingshot Six Ltd, fitness tracker social media platform Wellity and delivery firm Speedy Freight. Other finalists include seaweed harvesting company Ebb Tides, from Sidmouth, and clothing keepsake company LoveKeepCreate, based in Plymouth.

Dan Pritchard, Managing Director of Astley Media, which organises Fast Track to Growth, said: “We received a strong and extensive range of entries this year, which is reflected in the strength of the shortlist.

“The fact that entries were up 50 per cent on last year, and the quality and diversity of companies continues to extend, shows that business leaders in the South West are ambitious and driven to achieve sustainable growth. We now move on to the next stage of Fast Track to Growth, an intensive business support programme, before the final pitch event in April.”

Also shortlisted are cleaning company Devon Surface Care, from Tiverton, homeware design company Martha and Hepsie, based in Barnstaple, Lifesaver Technology, in Tiverton, Life Space Cabins, in Totnes, Local Vets, from Woodbury, The Olden Group in Barnstaple, Red Rock Brewery in Teignmouth, Rudds Wellies in Salcombe, furniture hire firm Virginias Vintage Hire in Honiton and healthcare firm Thermalogica Health Screening in Brixham.

Business experts from Astley Media, Barclays, Cosmic, DataWise Intelligence, Neligan Financial, Perfect Pigtails HR, PFK Francis Clark, Sampson Hall, Stephens Scown LLP and SETSquared Exeter support the programme.

Phil Sampson, of Fast Track to Growth partner Sampson Hall, said: “We’re certainly seeing an increase in technology, healthcare and e-commerce businesses, but we also have manufacturers, a brewery and a delivery firm – it’s a lovely mix.

“It was great to meet some of the people involved at the recent Growth Day event at Deer Park Hotel. All are led by passionate people looking to develop and grow their business and are eager to learn, develop and put their growth plans into practice, which has to be good news for the South West.”

Follow progress on the 15, ahead of the final pitch event at www.ft2g.co.uk and on Twitter @FT2G_Pitch