Businesses working together as Rugby Drive

A new initiative has been launched to help Rugby businesses operate in the commercial fast lane.

Rugby Drive has been formed by a group of local business-owners in partnership with the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP Growth Hub to promote collaborative working between local businesses and deliver practical activities that help businesses thrive. 

Around 100 company-owners and managers attended the launch of Rugby Drive at the Benn Hall, which was organised by a group of local business people working together with the CW Growth Hub, Rugby Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council.

The event was to spark a series of masterclass sessions covering a range of issues designed to help companies increase their trading – and form closer links with each other as well as informing them of support already available to growing businesses.

Rich Warren, of the CWLEP Growth Hub, said Rugby Drive had come about as more companies realise the potential of Rugby as a place to do business.

“Rugby Drive is very much by the businesses of Rugby for the businesses of Rugby,” he said. “The Growth Hub, together with other organisations such as the FSB, are lending support to ensure that they get the help they need.

“There is a recognition that the town has a large number of successful and vibrant businesses, but quite often they work totally independently of each other and possibly miss out on potential work right on their doorstep.

“Rugby Drive will act as a platform for business to improve their knowledge of the local commercial market, share best practice and also add to their range of skills through a series of classes.

“But that has to be driven by them. The people who originated the idea of Rugby Drive are acting as ambassadors and are keen to hear what businesses would most benefit from in terms of masterclasses. Our message is: 'Get involved!'”

The first masterclass, on Thursday 25th May, will give tips on how companies can build a profitable client-base in their local community.

Mickey Clarke, of Clarke's Consulting, is one of the Rugby Drive ambassadors and was part of a business panel at the launch.

“Rugby Drive was extremely well received," she said. "It was clear there is a real appetite from local businesses to work with others in the area and I think we have got a very strong base to work from.

“But it will only work if that energy and momentum continues and we are encouraging businesses to give feedback on what information their business needs to grow their activities in this area.”

Details of the first masterclass can be found at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-a-local-community-for-profit-tickets-33499692482?aff=erelexpmlt

Any business wishing to take part should go to the Rugby Drive website www.rugbydrive.co.uk or contact Rugby Drive via the Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747