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 Engine Shed, Station Approach, Bristol BS1 6QH 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:
Isabella Ghassemi-Smith, Ecosystem Manager, SeedLegals
Isabella is the Ecosystem Manager for SeedLegals, a platform that lets start-ups create the exact investment legals they need in minutes. Launched in 2016, SeedLegals is now the number one UK destination for start-ups to close a funding round. Initially specialised in corporate law, Isabella went on to join an accelerator and co-found her own social enterprise Stepforce which streamlines getting refugees into work. The legal and startup drive was bridged in joining SeedLegals where she oversees their accelerator partnerships.
Rob Wilson, Seedrs
Rob is a Campaign Associate at Seedrs where his role is to source and qualify new opportunities for the platform. Prior to joining Seedrs, Rob spent four years supporting entrepreneurs to raise capital through rewards-based crowdfunding.
Linda Davies-Carr, The Master Fixer
Linda has worked with leading global brands on turnaround the performance of huge teams and business operations. Linda knows how to stir passion, inspire action, and genuinely move people. It’s not about her; it’s about you, your client and your audience. She’s passionate about making a difference and it comes through on and off stage. Her commitment is simple: serve you and do whatever it takes to make your event an explosive success. A Business Turnaround Expert, Best Selling Author and Business Turnaround Coach, Linda has had 30+ years experience in running businesses, at executive and board level for leading FTSE 100 companies. Professionally qualified as a Turnaround Coach, an Executive MBA, trained to Master Belt in Six Sigma Process Improvement and a Master NLP Practitioner. Linda built a great reputation as a business turnaround expert and has been privileged to work with some amazing people and businesses. Successfully manoeuvred through 3 recessions – with the experience and scars to prove it! She is known as the #masterfixer. She coaches on business turnaround, performance coaching, mindset, success, confidence and more, encouraging her clients to dramatically improve turnover, embrace change, learn the tools to be more resilient and to achieve and lead the lives they desire..
Judging panel:
Katie Cazaly, Edition Capital
Katie is an Investment and Advisory Director at Edition Capital, an EIS fund for Leisure and Entertainment companies. Since 2017, the team have invested £35m into 21 companies, ranging from F&B and competitive socialising venues, to fitness brands, festivals and tech-enabled platforms.
Katie’s role focuses on sourcing, due diligence and management of new investment opportunities. She also oversees the Advisory division of Edition, which offers accounting and finance support to companies within the Leisure and Entertainment sectors.
Prior to Edition, Katie spent 2.5 years in Sydney, Australia, where she specialised in business advisory, due diligence, accounting and audit. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant at Mazars LLP in 2014.
Simon Tutton, Business Development Director, Deepbridge Capital
With a wealth of experience in investments, tax efficient strategies and pensions; Simon’s role is to develop and manage relationships with intermediaries across the South West of England and South Wales.
Simon is a Chartered Member of the CISI, is DipPFS qualified and has worked, as a stockbroker or financial adviser, for various financial services organisations including St James’s Place, Edward Jones and Siddall’s.
Rupert West, Puma Investments
Rupert is Co-head of the Puma Private Equity team, and has over ten years of VCT/EIS investment experience. Rupert joined Shore Capital’s Principal Finance function in 2008 after working as a securitisation structure at Barclays Capital on the Eclipse CMBS conduit. Rupert is responsible for sourcing and leading investments across the UK for Puma’s range of tax-efficient products, and also heads up the Puma EIS service, where he is responsible for negotiating with third party management teams and devising investment strategies. Rupert read Philosophy and Economics at the University of Bristol whilst sponsored by Arthur Andersen, before completing an MSc in Globalisation & International Policy Analysis.
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/LEEDS/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 a light breakfast, as well as hot and cold drinks.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Register here