Thursday, November 5, 2015

News: Collaboration for Korean startups

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Rotherham firms have been offering advice and support to new business startups from South Korea that are taking part in an innovative accelerator programme hosted by the borough.

Following a successful trade mission, five companies have now invested in the region, bringing remarkable new products to market. After receiving initial support from the South Korean Government, they are being housed in one of Rotherham's four enterprise centres run by RiDO, the Council's regeneration arm.

Based at Moorgate Crofts Businesses Centre, the five companies have teamed up with over 15 local businesses to help them gain an insight into the UK market. Through a number of workshops, mentoring sessions and knowledge exchange the South Korean companies are now much better informed on running a business in the UK.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, advisory cabinet member for Housing and the Local Environment at Rotherham Council, said: "Our local businesses have proven to be great ambassadors for Rotherham and the UK. They have all been extremely forthcoming in sharing their skills and knowledge which has been well received by the South Korean companies."

Town centre retailer Charlotte Scothern from Patchwork Pig has been passing on her wholesaler and customer experience with the "Daytripper" team who have come up with an innovative idea for the umbrella. Charlotte (pictured, right) said: "The Daytripper team have been wonderful to work with, they have great energy and enthusiasm for their product which would work well in the giftware and retail market."

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Local accountancy firm, Allotts, organised focus groups to enable Daytripper to develop the features of their new umbrella and led workshops to give advice on the legal requirements for operating a business in the UK. Jackie Saunders from Allotts said: "It's been an exciting new venture working with high tech businesses that are new to the region."

The "Ultimate Drone" team has been supported by Vertex Access, a Templeborough company, to help develop their first drone prototype. Vertex Access have shared their expertise in the market and enabled them to identify their customer segments and applications for the use of the drone.

Julia Millea for RiDO (pictured, second right) said: "We've being delighted by the response from local businesses to get involved, they have been very generous with their time and support, which has been one of the key successes of the programme. The teams received a warm welcome which has helped them to integrate into the business community."

"The South Korean Government is delighted by the teams' progress here in the UK and we hope to see at least three of the teams setting-up their business in the region over the coming months."

The Accelerator programme runs until mid-November with a final pitch day for investment being made on November 12.

RiDO website

Images: RiDO

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