Tech South West Growth Coaches announced for 2025

Growth Forge 2025 brings together a team of experienced Growth Coaches to support tech companies across the South West.

These business experts will work directly with founders and leadership teams, offering practical guidance, industry connections and strategic input to help businesses achieve their growth targets.

Scroll down to learn more about the Growth Coaches working with the programme in 2025.

Meet the Growth Coaches

James Cater

James has held senior global leadership roles for technology brands during periods of significant innovation in Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Start Up/Scale Up, Software As A Service and Artificial Intelligence. As former CEO of Fraser Anti-static Techniques, he built a new leadership team, expanded international business and developed new market partnerships. James helps businesses tackle complex challenges, strengthen leadership and build strategies for sustainable growth.

Anthony Story

Anthony exited Junction K, an award-winning digital agency he founded, in 2012. He has been responsible for producing multiple digital platforms, videos, marketing and brand strategies. Since then, he has supported over 200 digital, creative and tech businesses with their growth. Anthony is co-founder of Growth-leaders.com and Director of Silicon South, focusing on strategy, branding and innovation.

Siobhán Lavelle

With over 30 years’ experience in marketing, reputation and leadership communication, Siobhán helps business leaders engage effectively with key stakeholders. She works with companies to implement marketing strategies, transform stakeholder interaction, build brands, shape reputation and drive growth through effective engagement.

Paul Adams

Paul brings entrepreneurial experience across public, private and third sectors. Previously Entrepreneur in Residence at University of Birmingham and lecturer in Lean Startup at Warwick Business School, Paul specialises in helping technology startups sell to the public and third sectors. His strength lies in turning ideas into saleable products and services, then securing first customers.

Gideon Barker

Gideon has 25 years’ experience in research and insight, including roles at the BBC, ITV and Lloyds Banking. Now running Customer IQ, he helps startups and scaling brands understand their customers and communicate effectively through data.

Martin Barnes

Martin equips businesses with the skills to deliver compelling pitches and presentations. As Pitch Coach, Martin will run focused sessions for companies that need to develop this key skill.

Rhona Munro

Rhona is a Scale-Up Specialist, Business Advisor and Leadership Coach with over 24 years’ experience. She helps founders and leaders drive growth, optimise operations and scale their businesses.

Lucy Paine

As People Connector, Lucy specialises in building meaningful connections, fostering collaboration and developing engaged communities. She leads ecosystem development for TechSPARK and serves as Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Bath, supporting innovation and startup growth.

Jason Waterman

Jason has nearly 20 years’ experience building cultures, teams and processes for businesses of all sizes. Currently COO at Alderson James, he has held senior roles at 11:FS, BCG Digital Ventures, proSapient and Adecco.

Apply to join the Growth Forge programme at https://www.techsouthwest.co.uk/growth-forge/