have an idea for a business but uncertain how to get started or if your idea really has legs.
already have a business but want to make changes.
are thinking of leaving salaried employment - for redundancy, retirement, family or lifestyle reasons - and you are uncertain if running a business could work for you.
are struggling to get the time and space to focus without all the normal interruptions of your life.
want to talk through your ideas with others and see if they makes sense.
want guidance from people that know about business issues and how to make good plans.
are looking to be in an environment that inspires you.
want to be looked after, nourished and supported while you spend time working on your ideas and plans.

We have been providing business support, workshops and courses for sole traders and small businesses for several decades, usually on behalf of universities, local and regional business support agencies. Participants have often told us of their struggle to think creatively, explore ideas, make decisions and write coherent business plans amidst the everyday demands and distractions of their lives. So we have carefully designed this 4 night retreat to provide focussed time and structured support in an inspirational and nurturing environment.

What do the retreats include?

Pre-arrival information including a preparatory phone call from one of the tutors.
3.5 days of a Business Imagining and Planning Programme. You can attend the full programme or select sessions and spend more time working on your own, accessing support when you need it.
One-to-one business advice and guidance sessions.
Time to talk through ideas and plans with others and get feedback from the tutors and other participants.
4 nights in a cosy en-suite or period bedroom in a beautiful Victorian hall.
Full board - healthy, tasty vegetarian meals include 4 night retreat - 3 lunches, 4 breakfasts, 4 evening meals (with some complimentary wine) and hot beverages and snacks on tap throughout your stay
30 acres of grounds and miles of footpaths through an ancient landscape. Ideal for getting away and thinking.

We have designed the Retreat to help you emerge with a clear sense of your future direction, steps you need to take and energy and enthusiasm to move things forward - even if you have let go of ideas you came with! Indeed spending this focussed time with expert support could save you a lot of work, heart-ache and money in the long run.

Book by August 25th for Early Bird Fee of £795 all inclusive for our 4 night retreat

Book here to complete our booking form. If you have questions and would like to talk to us about the retreat call Emma on 07879 445654.

Please view our terms and conditions.

About the programme

The programme is made up of a mixture of small group workshops, guided self-study and one-to-one's with the tutors, and is designed to take you through the essential elements required of a business plan. However a business plan is a living document, something you will need to review and change over time - very few businesses go completely to plan! So we want you to leave the Retreat knowing how to tackle each element and how to write a business plan for different purposes. You can also tailor the programme for your needs, opting out of sessions you feel confident with and spending more time on tasks you want to focus on.

About the organisers/tutors

Emma Torrance and Jeanne Booth

Emma Torrance MBA SFEDI

I co-ran THiNK , a meeting room hire, gallery & cafe in the centre of Nottingham and now we're running business retreats, workshops and events. I’m an independent SFEDI qualified Business Adviser with over 10 years experience providing business advice and mentoring to freelancers, small businesses, social enterprises and business support organisations including The Big House & Nottingham Trent University. I co-run Blue Stockings Womens Network & previously managed and ran organisations for over 20 years. I particularly enjoy making things practical & easy. I help people understand how to run their businesses, even the bits they thought they would struggle with like the finances! For more info on me please see my linked in profile

Jeanne Booth MBA FRSA

Over the last 20 years I have owned and managed two city centre gallery, meeting and event spaces (View from The Top 2005-11) and the second, with Emma Torrance, THiNK in NG (2016-21). I have also worked freelance developing small business, employability and entrepreneurship programmes with universities, colleges and business support agencies in the UK and abroad. I particularly enjoy teaching business skills in interesting and memorable ways, combining practical understanding of the challenges of running a small business with knowledge and insights from other business owners and business schools.

FAQ's

How many will be on the retreat?

We are keeping the group size small, as it allows for more personal support. We are restricting the number attending to between 8-16 people.

Where and when is the retreat?

4 night retreat from the Sunday 1st October evening through to the Thursday 5th October late morning.

We will be in a private retreat estate just outside Loughborough, Leicestershire (Less than 1.5 hours train journey from London). It is peaceful and beautiful and surrounded by 30-acres of woodland, valleys and pathways, with amazing views and walks from the door. It’s a place to be inspired.

The bedroom accommodation is set over three floors, with various bedrooms sizes available. The first floor has period bedrooms which are elegant with high ceilings and large windows. The Attic rooms are smaller with en-suite bathrooms set amidst the eves. There is a lift to the attic.

Is the venue accessible?

Apart from the bedrooms, all of the rooms we are using are on the ground floor. There is also a ground floor bedroom en suite suitable for participants with disabilities including wheelchair users. Please contact us to check availability and to discuss any specific requirements you have.

How much does it cost?

4 Night retreat Early Bird Fee £795/person for 3.5 days, 4 nights - book by August 25th 2023

Standard Fee after May 20th £895

How do I book or make an enquiry?

Please email either emma@thinkinng.org or Jeanne@jeannebooth.org for more details or for an informal chat.

Please view our terms and conditions.

Book here to complete our booking form.

Future retreats

2 nights all-inclusive mini retreat to help you get started. Learn how to make plans to take your idea and turn it into a business. For more info please contact emma@thinkinng.org.