HSBC UK’s Strategies for Success series has landed in Newport this month, bringing business leaders together to exchange ideas, learn from experienced speakers and explore new ways to grow their companies.
The free event formed part of HSBC UK’s Small Business Growth Programme and featured double Olympic champion and entrepreneur Dame Kelly Holmes MBE (mil) OLY alongside Jamie Cole, Director of Sail Homes, an estate agency and conveyancing business that sells property across England and Wales.
Together with insights from HSBC economists and experts from Microsoft and Wired, they shared practical ideas on leadership, productivity, technology and sustainable growth.
Speaking to business owners and decision-makers from across Wales and the South West, Dame Kelly Holmes MBE (mil) OLY discussed spotting opportunities, overcoming setbacks and scaling with confidence. Jamie offered a local perspective on business growth, explaining how Sail Homes brings estate agency and conveyancing together to support property sellers, with particular expertise in probate property sales across England and Wales.
With businesses across Wales and the surrounding areas navigating both new opportunities and ongoing economic pressures, the free event offered practical support to help them make confident decisions, boost productivity and achieve sustainable growth.
The programme included:
- Practical guidance on leadership, business growth and scaling
- Insights into artificial intelligence and technology from Microsoft and Wired
- The latest macroeconomic outlook from HSBC economists
- Opportunities to connect with other local business owners and decision-makers
- Real-world examples from businesses that have successfully grown and adapted
Dame Kelly Holmes MBE (mil) OLY, said:
“Every successful business journey comes with challenges, but those moments can also create opportunities to learn, adapt and grow. Connecting with entrepreneurs is a valuable opportunity to share practical lessons on building resilience, embracing change and staying focused on the people you serve.”
Jamie Cole, Director at Sail Homes, said:
“Building Sail Homes has been about making the property-selling process simpler by bringing estate agency and conveyancing together under one roof. The support and guidance we have received from HSBC UK has helped us develop the business, strengthen our offering and provide a simpler, more joined-up experience for our customers.
“Our growth has been shaped by listening closely to customers, developing specialist expertise in probate property sales and finding practical ways to remove delays and uncertainty. I’m looking forward to sharing what we have learned and discussing how a clear purpose, the right team and a focus on service can help a business grow.”
Simon Adcock, Regional Director, South West and Wales, Business Banking at HSBC UK, said:
“The South West and Wales is home to some of the UK’s fastest growing and most successful businesses and entrepreneurs, with a strong appetite for innovation and growth. To help them turn that ambition into sustainable growth, we want to provide practical guidance, specialist expertise and access to networks that can help them navigate challenges and identify opportunities.
“Strategies for Success brings that support together in one place, giving business owners useful insight, relevant connections and ideas they can apply to their own plans. It reflects our wider commitment to helping SMEs thrive and supporting sustainable growth across the South West and Wales and the UK’s regions.”
Following the success of the 2025 events, the 2026 Strategies for Success series will visit a total of 10 locations across the UK until November. The events are designed for business owners and decision-makers seeking practical support to make informed choices and build sustainable growth.
Strategies for Success forms part of HSBC UK’s Small Business Growth Programme, which provides free resources, events, guidance and training to help small businesses start, develop and thrive. HSBC UK works with businesses at every stage of their journey, helping them invest, create jobs and strengthen local economies across the UK.
