
Leeds Beckett University, in partnership with European Funded programme Ad:Venture, ran a business growth workshop at their University Business Centre in Halifax earlier this week.
The day was aimed at young, tech businesses, with a real potential to grow. Prior to the organisation of the event the university asked a wide range of young organisations what support they needed to assist with growth. Using the results from that research, the university business support team went on to design a schedule to provide just that.
The full day workshop, exclusive to 10 tech businesses from across the Leeds City Region, offered 5 one hour slots with experts in the fields of marketing, funding, legal, user experience and business confidence.
Deb Hetherington commented: “Concentrating on the 5 key areas identified from our research allows us to provide the basis for the next stage of growth for these companies. Not only are they gaining expert knowledge transfer, but it’s completely bespoke to their business which is key for businesses at this stage”
Logan Smith, Co-Founder of mental health app Unmasked Mental Health, commented that the day was unique in its setup and provided more bespoke support in one day than several workshops across the year.
Holding events such as this in Calderdale, highlights the variety and geographical reach of exciting young businesses within the Leeds City Region. When UX specialist, and expert advisor, Kelly Moran from Covea Insurance was asked about the startup culture within Leeds City Region he commented;
It feels pretty special; it’s a great place to be with so many great business currently thriving. With a new business, it will always be a challenge to make it successful, but gaining insightful business knowledge from various areas will really help provide an important lift to anyone
There is a wealth of business support out there for young and growing businesses, and Leeds Beckett is clearly a good place to start. The day long workshop was delivered in partnership with Calderdale Council, Leeds Beckett University and AD:VENTURE, the ERDF funded programme that provides support for start-ups and young organisations across the Leeds City Region.
The event took part in Calderdale Enterprise Month, which saw a range of free events and support for businesses across the Calderdale district.
Experts included;
Asad Ali; Gunner Cooke
Dan Rahnavard; Fountain Legal
Toni Gifford; Halston Marketing
James Oshaughnessy; Black & Blue Agency
Karen Bharaj; Peopleist
Frances Day; In the Company of Leaders
Vivien Badaut; Driad
Jeremy Meadowcroft; Angel Groups
Dan Akers; Lightstart Apps
Kelly Moran; Covea Insurance