Attending a SoundingBoard session is a smart, strategic decision for any ambitious scale-up business or charity seeking practical, actionable support. 

SoundingBoard accelerates business growth across the East Midlands by connecting local leaders with panels of seasoned experts. 

What to expect from a SoundingBoard session

Each confidential session delivers high-value insights and connections tailored to their business. 

SoundingBoard’s support is valued at £2,000 on the commercial market, but all guests receive this expertise entirely free of cost.

During a focused two-hour discussion, scale-up businesses are invited to share business challenges and opportunities with an experienced panel. Through open dialogue, they benefit from expert perspectives and a range of practical, tested ideas to help you break growth barriers and seize new opportunities. 

To support your ongoing growth, a summary of the discussion – recorded by a secure, AI-assisted note taker – is emailed to you after the session. This ensures businesses leave with actionable next steps and the confidence to move forward.

Preparation is recommended to fully benefit from the expertise available and steps include:

• Clarify goals and challenges for a focused discussion.
• Bring relevant business data and briefing notes early.
• Be honest about knowledge gaps and share concerns openly. 

Building East Midlands economic resilience 

SoundingBoard exists because the East Midlands business community deserves a collaborative, effective way to turn local knowledge and empathy into regional economic impact. 

SoundingBoard Director Ian Borley said that the organisation was founded in the belief that local business owners and charity leaders know best what their communities need.

Ian said: “For too long, scale-up businesses in the East Midlands have lacked targeted, practical support to overcome their unique growth challenges. 

“Often, they fall between two stools – too large for the free advice and grants available to start-ups, yet too small to attract affordable professional advisors – this at a time when they most need the best possible guidance, support and mentoring to help them deal with the challenges of a growing business.

“By sharing experience and practical support through confidential, focused discussions, we hope to build economic resilience and unlock growth potential across our region.”