Ready Steady Grow! 2019 is the best opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors and business advisers to meet and share knowledge on all the exciting funding options and growth financing for start ups and SMEs. We are now delighted to announce our new event partners, Seedrs
Here at the offices of Clarion Solicitors, 13-19 Queen Street, Leeds LS1 2TW we are bringing together small businesses, investors, funders, entrepreneurs and business advisers – all in one place to hear expert opinion from SME industry experts.
Speakers:
Dave Gibson, Co-Founder, Blu Sky Chartered Accountants
Blu Sky Chartered Accountants was established in it’s early form in May 2005. Our 16-strong, award winning team now provide a range of advisory, accounting and tax services to around 350 businesses nationwide. Organic growth has been delivered through excellent client service. Blu Sky has a unique brand based on our mantra that we are a people business, not a numbers business, and my role within the business has focused on business growth and development, development of the service portfolio, client relationship management and, of course, good financial and HR management. As a practice we are proud to say that our services go way beyond the compliance products offered by many of our peers. The historical numbers are used for cash and financial projections, and we work with a number of clients as a virtual FD or business partners, mentoring them not just in finance, but in all aspect of business growth. We’re also keenly involved in Corporate Finance and funding applications, business valuations, exit planning and many other aspects of business.
Helen Oldham, Founder, North Invest
Helen Oldham is a Founding Board Director of NorthInvest and currently works with a number of charities as a Non-Executive Director, as well as running her own coaching business, Grow and Thrive. NorthInvest brings together dedicated individuals who are eager to help startups reach their full potential, create meaningful relationships among the community of investors and entrepreneurs, and see the North of England thrive as a global leader in innovative technologies. As a group of entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders, they understand the challenges both startups and investors face when growing a business and are always on hand to help others address these challenges.
Charlotte Thompson, The Knowledge Transfer Network
Charlotte Thompson is part of the Access to Funding and Finance team, working on early stage investment for the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine. Previously Charlotte was part of the commercial team at Arvia Technology, taking it from lab scale to demonstration plant. She has previously worked in business incubation where she supported start-ups and SMEs in maximising their growth. Charlotte has a BSc in Economics and a MA in Enterprise evaluating the commercial potential of intellectual property at the University of Manchester.
Judging Panel:
Callum Quirk, Seedrs
Callum is part of the Campaigns Team at Seedrs, responsible for sourcing exciting growth-stage businesses to raise funds via equity crowdfunding.Previously, Callum held positions at Eventbrite, helping ambitious event organisers to grow and scale their business following a multi-purpose role at family-ran startup, Emoov.
Paul Munn, Par Equity
Par Equity is a venture capital firm created to facilitate investment into smaller companies with high growth potential. Their primary interest is in companies that are innovative and do things in new and better ways, and so gain competitive advantage. The company has been built by investors, for investors.
Simon Green,CEO, Innovation SuperNetwork
Simon Green is CEO of the Innovation SuperNetwork. He started work as a scientist at Procter & Gamble before working at a medical device manufacturer and then becoming head of business support and engagement at Newcastle Science City. He has led the Innovation SuperNetwork since 2015.
Through practical seminars, Q&As, panel discussions and networking, we review a wide range of funding options, including the government-backed Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS).
We will also explore:
- Funding challenges facing small businesses
- How to make yourself ‘Investor Ready’
- How funding options such as the Enterprise Investment Scheme, Venture Debt, R&D tax credits and government funding can support you
- How investors and advisors can gain access to exciting new companies with strong growth potential!
Other Ready Steady Grow! 2019 events are taking place in:
MANCHESTER/LONDON/LIVERPOOL/EDINBURGH/BELFAST/BIRMINGHAM/BRISTOL/CARDIFF
FAQs
Who should attend this event?
Entrepreneurs looking to start a business, or access funding to take your business to its next level
Investors looking to invest in the ‘Next big thing’
Professional Advisors who want to help SMEs develop and grow.
Is there the opportunity for me to pitch my ‘Big Idea’?
Yes! If you are an entrepreneur looking for investment in your big idea, you can pitch your plans to investors and business advisors at this event – with just 5 minutes to pitch to our panel, they will offer you insight and advice directly relevant to your business idea! Email Mark Brownridge or Ceri Evans to secure your pitching spot!
Will refreshments be provided?
We will be serving breakfast, as well as hot and cold drinks.
Register here