News: Rotherham Enterprise Board launch events programme

Rotherham Enterprise Board hosted the first event in its new innovative and exciting programme recently.

The first Tablecloth Enterprise Event, which took place at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna Business Centre, saw six fledgling businesses take part in a "speed coaching" session with successful entrepreneurs.

The events are funded by Corus subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise and offer businesses the opportunity to explore their concepts and discuss running a business with experienced entrepreneurs in a relaxed and informal setting.

Discussions and thoughts are captured on a paper tablecloth and by the end of the session businesses will have refined their business ideas and will have a tablecloth full of inspiring notes and ideas to follow up and explore.

John Clarkson, who recently set up JEC Vac Solutions Ltd at Fusion, took advantage of the free advice and expertise that was on offer at the opener. He said: "The opportunity to discuss our ideas for the future with some of the leading local business entrepreneurs and obtain their advice is a great help.

"Advice on company growth, recruitment and consolidating the business has helped us further develop the Business Plan and move forward with more confidence in what we aim to achieve."

Sonia Cox, founder of Rotherham-based AIM (Accountancy in Motion) Financial Recruitment Ltd, also attended. She said: "To have this opportunity to meet and engage with successful businessmen and to gain both their positive and negative feedback at this early stage in AIM's development was fantastic and I took full advantage.

"I have already implemented three significant changes that have added value in the development of AIM."

Future Tablecloth Enterprise events will be held across the borough, with the next on May 20 at RiDO's Matrix @ Dinnington Business Centre.

The Enterprise Board and UK Steel Enterprise will also be hosting two Dragons' Den events, inspired by the BBC show, as part of their innovative programme.

The Dragons' Den events will give early-stage Rotherham companies the opportunity to pitch their existing business and its growth potential to a panel of Dragons made up of successful local entrepreneurs. And with a prize of £1,500 up for grabs for the best pitch, the winning idea could be turned into reality.

Board Chairman John Wainwright, of Executek, said: "The Enterprise Board events programme is designed to offer help, support and advice to Rotherham's pre-start and early stage businesses. The events will also provide an excellent networking opportunity; we do hope you’ll join us at one!"

Keith Williams, Regional Manager of UK Steel Enterprise, added: "We are delighted to support Rotherham Enterprise. This is one of a number of initiatives we are funding in Rotherham as part of our response to recent restructuring in the steel industry and we are also supporting more established businesses through our investment fund, which invests up to £750,000 in growing companies."

Rotherham Enterprise Board website
Rotherham Investment & Development Office
Rotherham

Images: RiDO