By Joshua Robinson –
New businesses based in Kirklees with ambitions for growth are urged to get along to the Glass Box on Wednesday 25th October to hear about the fully funded, tailored support they could receive from AD:VENTURE to help fledgling enterprises survive and thrive.
After seven years of delivery, AD:VENTURE has secured new funding through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to provide ambitious, early-stage businesses based in West Yorkshire with fully funded, tailored support to help them flourish.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, Kirklees Council, said: “Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the UK economy and play a vital role in enhancing the employment and economic growth in the UK, with SMEs account for 99.9% of all businesses in the United Kingdom at the start of 2021. Encouraging and supporting new businesses to thrive is vital for the local economy, contributing to growth across the region. We recognise the value that organisations such as AD:VENTURE bring to support the survival and success of these new businesses that make a huge contribution to our economy.”
“The AD:VENTURE programme is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and its Partners, including Kirklees Council, which allows us to provide business support services at no cost to the early-stage companies. This support encourages business growth and creates employment opportunities which improves the economic wealth and well-being of West Yorkshire.”
The event is aimed at new businesses across West Yorkshire, who have been trading for less than three years, with a clear ambition for growth. AD:VENTURE is keen to welcome business support and intermediaries too, such as accountants, professional services, and consultants to understand what the new-look comprehensive programme has to offer.
As well as understanding how AD:VENTURE’s support programme can help new businesses, attendees can meet local Business Manager, Bruce McLeod, and hear how early-years assistance from the programme helped three local businesses, Sophie Seddon PR, Frame and Single Thread, to sustainable growth.
Sophie Seddon, of Sophie Seddon PR, said: “I started my business journey initially unplanned following a school mum conversation, which led to some freelance work. Another chance meeting created a copywriter job, and it was this encounter where I was encouraged to get on the AD:VENTURE programme.”
“The programme has been invaluable, especially the support of my Business Manager, Bruce McLeod. The informative workshops, personalised consultations and collaborative approach make AD:VENTURE an indispensable partner for any aspiring business owner in search of innovation and growth.”
Want the latest news in Kirklees sent directly to your phone? Join the KLTV WhatsApp Community today!
Silver Thread, is a creative immersive website design agency, based in Huddersfield.
The company received vital support and advice in its early days, as co-founder, Marcus Morgan-Etty, explains: “Our collaboration with AD:VENTURE greatly impacted my fledgling design agency Single Thread. We gained funding from BEF, accessed grants for expansion and met many business owners, some of whom we partnered with stimulating our business growth. All of this happened in under three months. AD:VENTURE guided us towards essential business tools we didn’t know were available to small businesses, making our launch much easier.”
Marcus Morgan-Etty of Single Thread
Frame is at the forefront of AI and Data Training and delivery, ensuring businesses harness the full potential of their data. The company was helped in its early stage of development with funding and support from AD:VENTURE and will be in attendance encouraging other businesses to access support.
Hannah Bratley, CEO of Frame, said: “The AD:VENTURE programme has been invaluable in helping Frame bring our innovative AI solutions to market. From assisting with company formation and planning to facilitating connections and providing hands-on coaching, the AD:VENTURE team has been with us every step of the way.”
“Their expertise in developing early-stage creative ventures has allowed us to transform our idea into a viable product and establish real traction. AD:VENTURE’s comprehensive support network gives start-ups like ours access to funding, facilities, mentors and more. We’re grateful for the AD:VENTURE team’s guidance and belief in enabling entrepreneurs to build successful and sustainable businesses.”
Enterprises under three years’ old have access to funding and grants from £1,500 – £10,000 and knowledge as well as support from experienced Business Managers in their local area, to guide them to growth and stability. New businesses are also given a helping hand with access to a wide range of free training workshops such as mapping your customer journey, marketing, strategy, and sales.
The first phase of AD:VENTURE (2017 to 2023) actively worked with over 4,112 businesses and 1,989 individuals, delivered a programme of over 1000 events, and approved 709 grants worth a total of £3,621,774. The support also created 890 additional jobs across Yorkshire.
The AD:VENTURE programme is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and its Partners, including Kirklees Council, which allows it to provide business support services at no cost to the early-stage companies. This support encourages business growth and creates employment opportunities, improving the economic wealth and well-being of West Yorkshire.
The AD:VENTURE Kirklees event takes place at Glass Box, Wednesday 25th October, from 9.30 am until 1pm. There will be presentations from the AD:VENTURE team, successful start-up businesses, and an introduction to the Kirklees Business Manager, Brian McLeod. The event will be followed by a free networking lunch. Visit AD:VENTURE Kirklees Event to reserve a free place on a first come, first served basis.
For more information of how AD:VENTURE can support new businesses across West Yorkshire contact by telephone on 0113 5351199 or email: adventure@leeds.gov.uk.
Loading ...