Business leaders gathered for an evening of networking, insight and investment opportunities.
The annual Spring Drinks Evening was hosted by Dorset Business Angels (DBA) at Renoufs wine bar in Southbourne, bringing together high-net-worth investors, sponsors and guests in a lively setting.
Now in its 14th year, DBA connects investors with promising opportunities while emphasising informed, risk-assessed decision-making in a collaborative environment.
Simon Hawtrey-Coombs and Don McQueen (Image: KTPR)
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Don McQueen, chairman of Dorset Business Angels, said: “What makes DBA distinctive is not just the quality of investment opportunities it curates, but the spirit of community, fun and mutual support that underpins everything it does.”
Guests enjoyed a curated wine tasting, cheese pairings and relaxed conversation.
The evening’s keynote speech was delivered by Simon Hawtrey-Coombs, entrepreneur, president of Bournemouth Rugby Club and co-founder of peer2peer Boards and Conventus Boards.
Mr Hawtrey-Coombs, who built his DPD UK franchisee operation into a business turning over in excess of £30 million before exiting in 2025, shared his experiences with leadership, growth and the importance of culture during business scale-up.
He told the room: “The real differentiator in business and life is not a list of achievements, but how you make people feel.”
He spoke about “tiny noticeable things” – small, intentional gestures that transform customer experiences from ordinary to exceptional.
Mr Hawtrey-Coombs also outlined a framework for lasting success based on harmony, health and happiness, and offered a five-part model for business leaders: clarity, execution, growth, culture and energy.
The next DBA pitch event will take place on Monday, May 11, at the Bournemouth Carlton Hotel.
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