At CW GrowthHub, we know our stuff
Many of us have successfully set up our own businesses or been instrumental in generating growth from the inside. In fact, we draw upon more than 200 years of combined business expertise across automotive, manufacturing, technology, digital and financial sectors, to name but a few.
What’s more, we can really help: since we launched in 2014 we’ve created approximately 2,400 jobs, added £89,000,000 in gross value and secured more than £65,000,000 in private sector investment for businesses like yours. And that doesn’t take into account the invaluable mentoring, financial advice, growth planning and networking opportunities we’ve generated - all at no cost, and with each company’s commercial objectives firmly in mind.
We’ve yet to find a business that hasn’t been able to benefit from our advice, market knowledge or vast book of contacts. Are you ready to grow?
Craig Humphrey
Craig has a wealth of experience working across both private and public sectors, with a career spanning more than 30 years.
His role as Leader of Rugby Borough Council was extended in 2010 when he became the first Executive Leader in the country. Praised for his strong and progressive leadership by the Prime Minister and Secretary of State, Craig is now at the forefront of the growth agenda within Coventry and Warwickshire.
Recognising the need for businesses to have a single point of contact for support, he instigated the nationally recognised model of account management alongside robust data to assist decision making across the sub-region.
Out of hours, Craig raises funds for The Motor Neurone Disease Association and likes nothing more than spending a few hours trying to manoeuvre a golf ball around Lutterworth Golf Club in as few shots as possible.
Phil Peak
IIC&M
Deputy CEOPhil spent more than 20 years in senior IT and sales and marketing roles delivering projects for manufacturing giants such as Rolls Royce, Rover Group, Jaguar, British Shipbuilders, GEC and GKN, and their supply chains.
In 2000, he moved into business ownership, taking three of his own businesses through the complete business lifecycle, from start-up, through growth and acquisition, to sale and exit.
Now Deputy CEO of CW Growth Hub, Phil has a great deal of real-world business experience to offer SMEs.
Phil’s spare time is spent with his family including two grandchildren, tinkering around with classic cars and following sports including Formula 1, and supporting Birmingham City Football Club.
Adam Norburn
Company Secretary
Adam is a qualified accountant with more than 30 years' financial management experience, working his way up from trainee to the CEO of Rugby Borough Council, working as a Strategic Finance Manager at Northamptonshire County Council along the way.
Adam has been responsible for leading a whole host of major transformational projects and has cultivated successful relationships across the public, private and voluntary sectors throughout his career.
Outside of work, Adam enjoys socialising, is a keen quizzer and loves a wide variety of sports, especially football, rugby, cricket and golf.
Gary Thyeson
Gary joined the Growth Hub from a key player within the Health & Wellness sector where he was responsible for the implementation of key elements of company strategy along with the operational management of call centre and customer service functions.
With roots in the automotive sector Gary has a mechanical background and has since accrued diverse and extensive experience across customer service and team environments within Financial, Health and Training industries.
Out of work Gary enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as following motorsports, especially Formula One.
Justine Chadwick
CertEd
CW Growth Hub - Senior Account ManagerJustine has 30+ years consultative business development experience, working with both the private and public sector. Justine understands the challenges of starting a business after creating a software company with a US royalty partner in the 90’s. Her experience includes consulting with businesses to develop learning solutions, working for professional bodies, commercial companies, recruitment agencies, awarding organisations, certification bodies, training providers and learning & tech. providers. Justine has supported SME’s and blue-chip organisations to develop their online proposition to deliver training to global teams, achieve accreditation, professional status, and certification. Highlights include being part of award-winning journeys for companies such as Ernst & Young, Cap Gemini, Nokia, Apple, and Microsoft.
Out of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, open water swimming, pilates, yoga and travelling to new destinations.
Adam Plumb
BA Hons
Account ManagerAdam has years' of experience in many fields including recruitment, project management and internal process improvement.
Since graduating in 2014 with a degree in Business and Enterprise Management, Adam has gained experience working in multiple industries including automotive, healthcare, wholesale and construction. During this time he also gained experience setting up and running his own consultancy business. Recently Adam has completed additional study on Project Management and Change Management courses.
Outside of work Adam enjoys socialising with friends, going to the gym and playing a number of sports including rugby, squash and golf.
Cathy Gall
Cathy joined the Growth Hub in March 2018 as a business administrator and PA to the CEO. Her role is to provide organisational support to the Growth Hub team and act as the customer interface.
Prior to joining the Growth Hub, Cathy worked in the public sector for 13 years supporting the leadership team and she has a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area.
In her spare time, Cathy enjoys walking, especially caddying for her son on the golf course. She also likes to cook and spend time socialising with friends and family.
Ellie Nowill
Ellie joined the Growth hub in July 2022 following the completion of 3 years' at Warwickshire College studying Public Service, culminating in distinction.
She has integrated seamlessly into the team as a trainee administrator and particularly enjoys helping both individuals and supporting businesses. A talented athlete, Ellie was ranked 5th in the UK for high jump in 2015.
In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new places, spending time with her family and admits to being a petrol head!
Nina Bale
Nina began her career in the early years childcare sector & quickly rose to management level.
After years of management experience, Nina made the decision to start her own business.
Nina quickly became versed in all aspects of starting & running her fine art printing business & her hands on approach & attention to detail undoubtedly contributed to the success of her business over the span of 14 years.
Joining the Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub team in 2023 marked a new chapter in Nina’s career, where she brings her wealth of experience to support businesses in the region.
Outside of work Nina enjoys throwing clay & spending time with her sons.
Laura Delahunty
Since joining the CW Growth Hub team back in March 2017, Laura has been involved in many different roles and projects; starting as an administrator internally and now supporting business across Warwick District.
As Account Manager, Laura is invested in supporting local businesses, working with them on their growth plans and future projects, making them aware of initiatives and services available to help them overcome challenges and flourish.
As a creative individual, in her spare time, Laura enjoys baking, crocheting and teaching her dog Ollie fun new tricks!
Kerry Smith
Kerry has worked in both the travel and banking industry for many years delivering on excellent customer service. She loves meeting new people and Kerry excels in her role as a business navigator helping companies grow to their full potential.
Outside of work Kerry is involved in her son’s football and swimming teams. Fantastically, she has recently qualified as a swimming judge for Swim England. She also enjoys spending time with her family.
Kayleigh Preston
Kayleigh has worked both in the travel and fleet management industry for many years delivering excellent customer service.
Kayleigh loves meeting new people and hearing their stories and she is looking forward to putting these skills into her new role as a Business Navigator.
Outside of work, she enjoys visiting new places, spending time with family and friends, walking her dog Poppy and is currently busy planning her wedding for December 2024.