Venturefest Accelerates Innovative Reputation
10-Jan-07
The countdown is on for the fourth annual Venturefest Yorkshire, which celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurialism and supports, advises and inspires would-be entrepreneurs and owner-managers.
The vibrant and dynamic best practice event at York Racecourse on 7th February 2007 has benefited hundreds of businesses and brought significant opportunities for investors.
Barbara Greaves, manager of Yorkshire Association of Business Angels (YABA), highlights that as an association of investors with the potential to provide that start-up or earlystage funding, they attract many enquiries from being involved.
Said Barbara: “Our members attending the 2006 Venturefest were extremely excited by the potential of some of the companies exhibiting in the showcase Innovation Central area. “Of the 20 or so enquiries from entrepreneurs in 2005 and 2006, a number progressed to meet with YABA members, with two fledging businesses taking advantage of the YABA introduction service to present their idea to the network of 120 Angel investors.”
Driving innovative success
After a record number of entries and a rigorous selection process, sixty of the region’s most innovative new businesses have been selected to showcase their dynamism and creativity in the Innovation Central exhibition section.
With many seeking funding investment, the new-start or highgrowth knowledge and technology ventures range from water supplements to web services. Those chosen include solar energy system provider Positive Planet which supplies and installs Britishmade solar energy systems for clients such as Barratt Homes. Established 18 months ago, the five-strong team is seeking £100,000 investment to develop the business and break into new markets.
Said Janine Leadbeater, marketing manager: “The UK is currently striving to be a successful forerunner in implementing sustainable technology and we are confident that our robust products can play a major part in delivering green energy across the country. “Having attended
Venturefest last year we recognise its strong potential for securing investment and networking with professionals. Being given the opportunity to exhibit is a powerful way of increasing the profile of solar power and our specific products to our target audience.”
Another example is China Business Times International, a ten-strong team based in China and the UK, which is looking for £150,000 investment. Established ten months ago, it helps Yorkshire companies take advantage of the buoyant Chinese market.
Fellow exhibitor, Sheffieldbased Graybox Ltd, has developed the Aqua SacTM S.O.S bag, which acts as a flood defence system by absorbing up to 6 litres of water. On sale for just three months and with a patent pending, the bags contain a super-absorbent polymer that eradicates the need to stockpile and store sand, making them more cost effective. Others include The Town House, whose three-strong family team is launching LottieScript, an educational software tool that teaches handwriting developed by owner Nigel Town. Using a laptop connected to a whiteboard, the teacher selects the font type then the computer conducts the lesson allowing the teacher to focus on individuals’ needs.
Cardiologic Innovations, the research and development arm of a distributor of niche medical devices for cardiology and cardiac surgery set up in 2003, is set to turnover £2m next year. The ream is currently applying for DTI grant to develop a treatment for Atrial Fibrillation – the most common heart irregularity. High-profile entrepreneurs share success tips Venturefest focuses on three key themes – Securing Investment, Everything the Entrepreneur Needs and The Global Market and Innovations – which provide a solid basis for those up and running and others looking to start out.
Highlights of the event include speeches by Ajaz Ahmed, a former junior Dixons salesman who founded Freeserve, and Mick Jackson, the 36-year-old entrepreneur behind Wildday.com, one of Europe’s largest online outdoor-equipment stores.
Commented Venturefest Yorkshire Chairman Professor Tony Robards who spearheaded Venturefest: "The innovation and passion of the entrepreneurs, investors, speakers and attendees have to be experienced at first hand. It permeates the whole event and extends to experienced MDs and CEOs who get a great kick out of helping to launch tomorrow’s leaders on their entrepreneurial path."
Venturefest Yorkshire starts at 7.30am with a breakfast networking event. Guest speaker Stephen Armitage from myfotowall.com, which won a £25,000 package of support at the 2006 event, will outline his success over the last 12 months. Tickets cost £10 with participants gaining early entry to the event afterwards.
Concluded Barbara Greaves from YABA: “Venturefest has certainly built up to being an annual enterprise event not to be missed. There was a real buzz of energy about the place last year. As an excellent one-stop shop for all the professional advice a company starting out or growing could want, it is a powerful marketplace for professional firms and advisers to meet.”
To register for Venturefest Yorkshire and the breakfast briefing event, please visit www.venturefestyorkshire.net
