News: Dragon-slayer set to inspire Rotherham entrepreneurs

Successful mumtrepreneur Kirsty Henshaw will be in Rotherham later this year to tell the tale about when she entered the Dragon's Den and came out with significant financial backing for her business.

Kirsty has confirmed she will be speaking to local entrepreneurs at Rotherham Enterprise Board's Dragons' Den style event on the December 6.

Last year, on series eight of the hit BBC2 show, Kirsty demonstrated passion, commitment and a gritty determination to succeed by delivering one of the best pitches ever seen on the BBC Dragon's Den programme. She impressed all of the panel and secured £65,000 worth of angel investment from Dragons Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne in return for a 30% stake in her company, Worthenshaws Freedom.

With the backing of the Dragons, Kirsty's company now supplies every major supermarket in the UK with dairy-free, nut-free and sugar-free frozen puddings, which were originally inspired by her four year old son who has a serious nut allergy and is dairy and gluten intolerant.

She began experimenting with a little ice cream maker from Argos in her tiny kitchen at home and formulated a recipe for success combining brown rice milk, coconut oil and natural fruit extracts - all renowned for their health giving properties.

At 24, the former care assistant, bar maid and massage therapist from Preston, became one of the youngest entrepreneurs to receive investment on the show.

Now an inspirational, confident and "can-do" young woman, Kirsty will talk about her experience of entering the real Dragons' Den and about her entrepreneurial journey so far to Rotherham businesses and entrepreneurs. Kirsty will not only be passing on her knowledge and tips to the businesses who are selected to enter the Den, but she will also be putting them through their paces by taking on the role as one of the dragons.

This is the third event of its kind and proudly sponsored by UK Steel Enterprise and funded through the European Regional Development Fund.

The last event took place in July this year and was won by Kara and Tony Chapman of The Whistle Stop Sweet Shop. Kara said: "Since the event, business has definitely increased. It's been great for us, it's made us stand back and look differently at things and it's totally increased our confidence."

Tony will be passing on his own valuable knowledge and experience this time around by taking on the role of a dragon.

The event is free to attend and open to businesses based within Rotherham, that have been trading for three years or less and have excellent growth potential. The best pitch on the night will receive a prize of £1,500 to support their businesses growth potential and they may also receive capital investment opportunities and guaranteed exclusive editorial coverage in the South Yorkshire Business Magazine.

To apply for this event or find out more details contact The Regeneration and Development team at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council on 01709 823848 or email; eds-economic-strategy@rotherham.gov.uk or visit; www.rotherham-enterprise.org for more information.

Rotherham Enterprise Board website
Kirsty Henshaw website

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News: Export Essentials in Rotherham

Rotherham-based businesses looking to expand into new international markets can learn the export essentials at an event hosted by the Rotherham Enterprise board next month.

The free 2 hour workshop will be facilitated by an export expert and aims to help begin your thinking about whether the export market place is worth exploring as part of your sales strategy.

It will help local businesses establish and assess whether they are ready to export products and services abroad. Following that the event will cover practical first steps needed for selling overseas and establish where to begin.

The event will also help to identify risks, rewards and benefits in order to protect exporting businesses.

The free Export Essentials workshop takes place on Thursday October 20, 9.30 – 12.30pm at RiDO's Moorgate Crofts Business Centre in Rotherham.

In Rotherham, companies looking to export are also getting help through the "Soft Landings Zone" (SLZ) project managed by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) and funded from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

In addition to helping overseas companies that are looking to establish operations in the UK, the SLZ project works with local companies through accelerated support programmes to develop ideas that have true potential to create export focused businesses.

Rotherham Enterprise Board website

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News: Tablecloth enterprise event in Rotherham

Rotherham entrepreneurs are being given another chance to table their business ideas at the next Tablecloth Enterprise event taking place in October.

The fourth event this year organised by the Rotherham Enterprise Board sees fledgling businesses take part in "speed coaching" sessions with successful entrepreneurs.

The events, which are free to attend, 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.

A previous attendee Diana Mesa-Torres of DMT tutoring said: "It was great to listen to new ideas and different ways to approach my business."

The next event takes place at Swinden House Conference Centre, Rotherham on October 12, 4-7pm.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. For more information on how to reserve a place please contact Helen Allison, Enterprise Events Co-ordinator on 01709 823816 or email: helen.allison@rotherham.gov.uk

The Enterprise Board is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is led by successful business men and women from a wide range of different backgrounds and business sectors. They are using their experience to change the way business support is provided and make it more helpful to Rotherham entrepreneurs.

Rotherham Enterprise Board website

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News: Sweet taste of success at Rotherham's Dragon's Den

Kara and Tony Chapman, owners of The Whistle Stop Sweet Shop in Rotherham, claimed the top prize of £1,500 after impressing a panel of local "dragons" with their sweet dreams of business growth.

Rotherham Enterprise Board hosted a Dragons' Den-type event, inspired by the BBC show of the same name, at the Park Inn Rotherham in Manvers last week.

It is the second successful event funded by UK Steel Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and aimed at recognising Rotherham companies with the potential for business growth. A panel of local business experts and mentors had the difficult task of selecting the best pitch on the night.

The successful couple from Swinton, opened their sweet shop last year in the refurbished Imperial Buildings in Rotherham town centre. It has become a popular hotspot for those longing for the sweets they enjoyed in their childhood.

After the event Kara said: "We were really surprised, but really happy to have won. George Elliott at The Source and Peter Robinson at the Chamber helped us prepare our pitch, but it was still nerve-wracking going in front of the dragons.

"The other businesses were very strong and gave great presentations. I think we won because we were very clear with our business plan and outlined exactly what we would spend the money on.

"It was a good opportunity for us to take a step back from actually running the shop and put our ideas for growing the business down on paper. And even if we hadn't have won, the event was a great opportunity for us to network with business people and meet potential business mentors."

Kara is no stranger to sweet shops as her parents and grandparents ran similar shops as she was growing up. She received business help and support from the Rotherham Enterprise Project, whose business coaches helped her with a business plan and marketing.

The business plan played a key part in convincing the panel of judges of their realistic future expansion plans which involve tapping into the wedding market with sweet favours, buffets and even bouquets.

The judges also saw Kara and Tony’s genuine passion for their business come through in their "brilliant" pitch but may have been swayed by the samples brought along from their shop, including a cake made entirely of sweets. It was a tactic that worked for last year's winner, Fiona Morgan who used her cheesecakes from the Alexandra Buffet Company to impress the panel. Fiona was back this time as a judge.

The other finalists entering the den were commended for their enormous enthusiasm and excellent pitches. They were Enviro Thaw, Pizzatainment, Renton Productions, Sports Media Advertising and City Deal of the Day Ltd.

For these entrepreneurs it is hoped that relationships will develop between the budding business brains and members of the board's mentor bank, where local people who have run their own businesses or have specialist expertise, will pass on their knowledge and give them a better chance of success.

Keith Williams, Regional Manager of Tata Steel subsidiary, UK Steel Enterprise said: "We are delighted to support these events. It was extremely successful and the businesses pitches were impressive. I'm sure it was a great experience for the enterprises and has helped them identify new potential opportunities and given them the confidence to progress their ideas further.

"There is a wide range of business support available in Rotherham. The Enterprise Board events are designed to help early stage and smaller businesses, whilst loan and equity finance of up to £750,000 is available from our own investment fund for more established businesses in Rotherham and throughout South Yorkshire."

The Enterprise Board is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is led by successful business men and women from a wide range of different backgrounds and business sectors. They are using their experience to change the way business support is provided and make it more helpful to Rotherham entrepreneurs.

Whistle Stop Sweet Shop Facebook page
Rotherham Enterprise Board website

Images: Rotherham Enterprise Board

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News: Six businesses to enter the den

Six Rotherham businesses will be looking to impress a panel of local Dragons next month in a bid to secure a prize of £1,500.

Rotherham Enterprise Board and UK Steel Enterprise are hosting the Dragons' Den-type event, inspired by the BBC show of the same name, offering local businesses a unique chance to further develop their already established business.

The event is aimed at businesses based in Rotherham that have been trading for three years or less and have the potential to grow.

The businesses have now been chosen to enter the den on July 7 at the Park Inn Rotherham where they will pitch their expansion dreams to a panel of successful Rotherham-based entrepreneurs.

The best pitch on the night will receive a prize of £1,500 to support their business'
growth potential, as well as possible capital investment opportunities.

Pizza chef, Danny West will pitch his unique business, Pizzatainment, that teaches children about the value of nutrition by showing them how to make stone-baked Italian pizzas.

Media production company, Renton Productions, will showcase their work on music videos, training videos, educational films and live events.

Sports Media Advertising will describe how they support local clubs and businesses by using advertising space in sports clubs.

Kara Chapman will outline plans for her Whistle Stop Sweet Shop operating in the renovated Imperial Buildings, that has a huge range of quality traditional, retro and modern sweets.

Jamie and Sharon Clarke will pitch their expansion plans following the launch of City Deal of the Day, a niche online marketing tool which brings slashed price deals from local businesses via email and online.

The team behind Enviro Thaw will highlight the potential of an environmentally friendly and non-toxic product used in China as an alternative to rock salt.

Last year's winner Fiona Morgan, owner of Very Delicious Ltd, will be passing on her own valuable knowledge and experience of the event to the prospective entrepreneurs by taking on the role of a dragon.

The Rotherham Enterprise Board is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is led by successful business men and women from a wide range of different backgrounds and business sectors. They are using their experience to change the way business support is provided and make it more helpful to Rotherham entrepreneurs.

Rotherham Enterprise Board website

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News: Enter the Dragon's Den in Rotherham

Rotherham businesses are being given another fantastic opportunity to prove their worth to a panel of Dragons.

Rotherham Enterprise Board and UK Steel Enterprise are hosting a Dragons' Den-type event, inspired by the BBC show of the same name, that will offer local businesses a unique chance to further develop their already established business.

The event is aimed at businesses based in Rotherham that have been trading for three years or less and have the potential to grow.

A select number of businesses will be chosen to enter the den on July 7 at the Park Inn Rotherham where they will pitch their expansion dreams to a panel of successful Rotherham-based entrepreneurs.

The best pitch on the night will receive a prize of £1500 to support their business'
growth potential, as well as possible capital investment opportunities.

The event will also see last year's winner Fiona Morgan owner of Alexandra's Café, Parkgate, Rotherham passing on her own knowledge to perspective entrepreneurs by taking on the role of a dragon.

Fiona was crowned the winner of the first Dragons Den inspired event last year and received the £1,500 cash prize along with plenty of press coverage. The panel felt Fiona's passion and energy for her catering business shone through and were impressed that she had reinvested her profits not only in the development of her business but also in the local community.

Fiona said: "After the outcome of last years Dragon's Den event I've been amazed by the support both from the Rotherham Enterprise Board but also local people who had read about it.

"I was keen to be able to help other local businesses benefit in the same way I have and I'm really looking forward to being able to pass on my expertise to others so they get the recognition they deserve. I'm also very pleased not to be pitching again as being a Dragon surely has to be less nerve-wracking."

The deadline for entries is June 17 and anyone who is interested in entering the den should contact Helen Allison, Enterprise Events Co-ordinator, email helen.allison@rotherham.gov.uk

Rotherham Enterprise Board website

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News: Rotherham Enterprise Board searching for business mentors

The Rotherham Enterprise Board is searching for business mentors to support new and growing Rotherham businesses and entrepreneurs and give them a better chance of success.

The Mentor programme offers new and early stage businesses in both the private and social sectors the opportunity to work with an experienced business person who has kindly volunteered their time to the programme.

A Mentor Bank of people who have run their own businesses or have specialist knowledge such as accountancy, marketing and finance are keen to help pre start and early stage businesses. Most Rotherham based early stage businesses will be eligible for free support from one of the fully trained mentors.

Current mentors include retail expert, George Elliot at The Source, Steve Roberts of Fripp Design, and John Fox of Horner Brothers Print Group.

The Board are holding an introductory session on becoming a business mentor on Thursday May 26, at the Best Western Elton Hotel in Bramley. The event will provide more information on the Rotherham mentor programme and how entrepreneurs can join, along with mentoring skills and techniques.

The Enterprise Board is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is led by successful business men and women from a wide range of different backgrounds and business sectors. They are using their experience to change the way business support is provided and make it more helpful to Rotherham entrepreneurs.

Rotherham Enterprise Board website

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News: Rotherham's version of Dragons Den returns

Rotherham Enterprise Board and UK Steel Enterprise are offering Rotherham businesses another fantastic opportunity to prove their worth to a panel of Dragons.

The second Dragons' Den-type event, inspired by the BBC show of the same name, will offer local businesses a unique chance to further develop their already established business.

The event is aimed at businesses based in Rotherham that have been trading for three years or less and have the potential to grow.

A select number of businesses will be chosen to enter the den on July 7 where they will pitch their expansion dreams to a panel of successful Rotherham-based entrepreneurs.

The event will also see last year's winner Fiona Morgan owner of Alexandra's Café, Parkgate, Rotherham passing on her own knowledge to perspective entrepreneurs by taking on the role of a dragon.

Fiona was crowned the winner of the first Dragons Den inspired event last year and received the £1,500 cash prize along with plenty of press coverage. The panel felt Fiona's passion and energy for her catering business shone through and were impressed that she had reinvested her profits not only in the development of her business but also in the local community.

Fiona said: "After the outcome of last years Dragon's Den event I've been amazed by the support both from the Rotherham Enterprise Board but also local people who had read about it.

"I was keen to be able to help other local businesses benefit in the same way I have and I'm really looking forward to being able to pass on my expertise to others so they get the recognition they deserve. I'm also very pleased not to be pitching again as being a Dragon surely has to be less nerve-wracking."

Anyone who is interested in entering the den should contact Helen Allison, Enterprise Events Co-ordinator, email helen.allison@rotherham.gov.uk

Rotherham Enterprise Board website

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News: Rotherham entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to the table

The Rotherham Enterprise Board are set to host further Tablecloth Enterprise events to help local entrepreneurs develop their business ideas.

The previous events, which took place at RiDO's business centres, saw fledgling businesses take part in "speed coaching" sessions with successful entrepreneurs.

The events, which are free to attend, are funded by 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.

Janine Neville a potential entrepreneur from GlowFX who attended an event in the past said: "The event has helped me refine my business idea; I now know that not everyone has the right answers. It was great to have a wealth of advice available to choose from!"

Events are scheduled for April 14 and June 2.

Places at this event are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. For more information on how to reserve a place please contact Helen Allison, Enterprise Events Co-ordinator on 01709 823816 or email: helen.allison@rotherham.gov.uk

The Enterprise Board is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is led by successful business men and women from a wide range of different backgrounds and business sectors. They are using their experience to change the way business support is provided and make it more helpful to Rotherham entrepreneurs.

Rotherham Enterprise Board website

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News: Showcase your enterprise at Rotherham Means Business 2011

Exhibitors are being encouraged to sign up for Rotherham Means Business 2011, the borough's first business and enterprise event, which will take place on Thursday March 10 2011 at Magna Science Adventure Centre.

The show will combine a major Business to Business and business support exhibition alongside a dedicated Meet the Buyer Zone. The event will also boast an array of inspirational keynote speakers and a full and informative seminar programme, including subjects such as retail, innovation and exporting.

In addition to attracting established businesses the show will include a major section focused on new and start-up businesses. This is a key growth area for Rotherham as evidenced by our recent success as winner of the 2010 Enterprising Britain Competition.

The show offers budding entrepreneurs, SME's and established businesses excellent networking and development opportunities, whilst for exhibitors it offers a great opportunity to promote their products and services to a wide business audience, not just from Rotherham but across the South Yorkshire region and even wider.

John Wainwright, Chairman of Rotherham Enterprise Board said: "2011 is set to be a key year for Rotherham's companies as the economy continues to recover from the recent downturn, and the Rotherham Enterprise Board saw this as the ideal time to hold this new event.

"Exhibiting at Rotherham Means Business 2011 will enable you to promote your business to a wide range of other businesses and visitors from across the region, provide great networking opportunities, and find out how to do business with major public sector buyers.

"Whether you're an established businesses looking for new development and networking opportunities, or a recent start up, then you'll find plenty of useful, worthwhile reasons to exhibit."

At £500 + vat, exhibitor opportunities may be limited and will be issued on a first come, first served basis.

Rotherham Means Business is being organised by Rotherham Enterprise Board, sponsored by AESSeal Ltd, UK Steel Enterprise Ltd, The Source, Rotherham Work & Skills Board, and Business Link Yorkshire.

The project is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

Rotherham Means Business website
Rotherham Enterprise Board website

Images: Rotherham Enterprise Board

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News: Rotherham Means Business 2011

The Rotherham Enterprise Board has announced the borough's first Enterprise & Business Show to offer delegates the chance to find out what makes Rotherham the most enterprising place in Britain.

Rotherham Means Business 2011 is free to attend and will be delivered in partnership with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Business Link Yorkshire.

The event will take place on the March 10 2011 at Magna between 8:30am – 4pm and will offer pre start, early stage and established businesses excellent networking and development opportunities.

At the start of Global Enterprise Week, Rotherham was named as the winner of the prestigious Enterprising Britain competition for their innovative model for creating a culture of enterprise.

The event will boast a range of inspirational keynote speakers and practical seminars. In addition the show will feature a major Meet the Buyer opportunity for a whole range of businesses, key public sector organisations will be on hand to give large and small businesses alike an opportunity to pitch for business.

John Wainwright, Chair of Rotherham Enterprise Board said: "We envisage that Rotherham Means Business 2011 will offer budding entrepreneurs, early stage and established businesses the inspiration and vision to turn their dreams into reality.

"The event will offer practical advice to anyone who is interested in setting up their own company, improving sales, developing local supply chains or achieving expansion plans. It will also offer excellent business to business networking opportunities alongside an extensive seminar programme.

"The Board recognises the challenge thrown down by government for the business sector to lead us out of the deficit situation and is seizing this opportunity to put Rotherham and South Yorkshire squarely on the map."

Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the business led Rotherham Enterprise Board has concentrated their efforts on driving the spirit of enterprise within the borough. This has been achieved through a variety of innovative initiatives including Tablecloth Enterprise and Dragons' Den events both of which have been funded by UK Steel Enterprise and a free mentoring programme.

Rotherham Means Business website
Rotherham Enterprise Board website

Images: Rotherham Enterprise Board

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News: Alexandra Buffet Company impresses local Dragons

Fiona Morgan of the Alexandra Buffet Company has won the first Dragons' Den event hosted by the Rotherham Enterprise Board and UK Steel Enterprise.

A panel of local Dragons agreed that Fiona gave the best pitch at the event held at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna Business Centre, and she was awarded the prize worth £1,500.

The panel felt Fiona's passion and energy for her business shone through and were impressed that she had reinvested her profits not only in the development of her business but also in the local community.

Fiona said: "I'm honoured to have won the Dragons' Den Event. I have had offers of help and support from the Dragon's and audience members - never in a million years did I think this was possible and I'm very grateful for all the help and support!"

Fiona set up her business Alexandra Buffet Co last year, delivering delicious hand-made buffets to homes and businesses in the region. The idea sprang out of her other company - Alexandra's Café, in Parkgate.

Fionna added: "I got a call from a business asking to order one of my buffets from the menu. I hadn't got a menu and up until that point, I hadn't done buffets - but very quickly got the hang of it and delivered it all on time and to budget!

"I enjoyed it so much I set up my own company and it's been going from strength-to-strength. My cheesecake has become a legend and I'm often asked if I can pay people in food - I've got plumbing jobs and all sorts done in exchange for one of my cheesecakes!"

In a good month for the entrepreneur, The 28-year-old was also named as a runner up at the Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2010 and received £250 prize money courtesy of Jackie Frost at the Rotherham Enterprise Network.

Rotherham Enterprise board website

Images: Rotherham Enterprise Board

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News: Rotherham’s very own Dragons’ Den is hailed as a roaring success

Rotherham Enterprise Board and UK Steel Enterprise hosted their first Dragons' Den event, which was inspired by the BBC show of the same name, last month at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna Business Centre.

Five local companies pitched their business expansion dreams to a panel of local Dragons, which included Rotherham Enterprise Board's Vice Chair and Operations Director of Optimas Training, Matthew Smith.

Matthew said: "The calibre of businesses that pitched their expansion ideas was truly awe-inspiring, their stories were so diverse and their vision for the future excellent. As a panel we were pleased to be able to offer all the businesses some degree of support, free advice or the potential to discuss investment opportunities."

The pitching Entrepreneurs were Matthew Burgin of BBAD Ltd, Mick Conlin of Bramley Blinds, Peter Kuleszka of Velocity Legal, Paul Moorhead of Moorhead Savage Ltd and Fiona Morgan of Alexandra Buffet Company.

Fiona was crowned the winner and received a £1500 cash prize. The panel felt Fiona's passion and energy for her business shone through and were impressed that she had reinvested her profits not only in the development of her business but also in the local community.

Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise funded the event. Regional Manager Keith Williams said: "We are delighted to support Rotherham Enterprise Board and the Dragons' Den-type Events. There is a wide range of business support available in Rotherham.

"The Enterprise Board events are designed to help early stage and smaller businesses, whilst loan and equity finance of up to £750,000 is available from our own investment fund for more established businesses in Rotherham and throughout South Yorkshire."

Rotherham Enterprise Board website

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News: Local dragons to provide cash boost to Rotherham business

Rotherham Enterprise Board and UK Steel Enterprise are offering Rotherham businesses the opportunity to prove their worth to a panel of Dragons'.

The Dragons' Den-type event, inspired by the BBC show of the same name, will offer local businesses a unique opportunity to further develop their already established business.

The event is aimed at businesses based within Rotherham that have been trading for three years or less and have excellent growth potential.

A select number of businesses will be chosen to enter the den on September the 30th 2010, where they will pitch their expansion dreams to a panel of successful Rotherham based entrepreneurs.

The event also provides the opportunity win a prize of £1,500, venture capital investment opportunities, and exclusive editorial coverage.

Laura Brown, the Board's enterprise events co-ordinator said: "We're looking for people who are ready to take the next step in developing their business. If you feel your business would benefit from a cash injection or some advice and support from successful local entrepreneurs who will make up our panel than this event will prove invaluable."

UK Steel Enterprise's regional manager, Keith Williams, said: "We are delighted to support Rotherham Enterprise Board and the Dragons' Den-type Events. There is a wide range of business support available in Rotherham.

"The Enterprise Board events are designed to help early stage and smaller businesses, whilst loan and equity finance of up to £750,000 is available from our own investment fund for more established businesses in Rotherham and throughout South Yorkshire."

For further information please contact Laura Brown, Enterprise Events Co-ordinator (01709 823816 / laura.brown@rotherham.gov.uk)

Rotherham Enterprise Board website

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News: Rotherham entrepreneurs to table business ideas

Rotherham Enterprise Board are set to host their third Tablecloth Enterprise event at Century Business Centre in Manvers on the September 16.

The previous events, which took place at RiDO's business centres, saw fledgling businesses take part in "speed coaching" sessions with successful entrepreneurs.

The events, which are free to attend, 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.

The Enterprise Board is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is led by successful business men and women from a wide range of different backgrounds and business sectors. They are using their experience to change the way business support is provided and make it more helpful to Rotherham entrepreneurs.

UK Steel Enterprise's regional manager, Keith Williams, said: "The Enterprise Board events are designed to help early stage and smaller businesses, whilst loan and equity finance of up to £750,000 is available from our own investment fund for more established businesses in Rotherham and throughout South Yorkshire."

For further information please contact Laura Brown, Enterprise Events Co-ordinator (01709 823816 / laura.brown@rotherham.gov.uk)

Rotherham Enterprise Board website

Images: rido.org.uk

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News: Rotherham named most enterprising place in Yorkshire

Rotherham has won the regional heats of the prestigious Enterprising Britain awards.

Enterprising school children and young entrepreneurs from the town wowed a panel of tough, private sector judges last week to help secure Rotherham's crown as "The Most Enterprising Place in Yorkshire."

Primary and secondary school pupils told the panel how enterprise education was making a difference to their aspirations, and then Young Entrepreneur Luci Bennett described how she successfully developed her own fashion label, Roc and Doll.

Their stories showed how Rotherham has the complete package for developing enterprise - with Rotherham Ready inspiring children about business as soon as they start school, and Rotherham Youth Enterprise providing all the support young people need to make their business dreams a reality.

Rotherham is home to some of the most deprived communities in the region, but has been undergoing a profound shift in culture, due to almost 54,000 enterprise interventions in schools between Rotherham Ready and Rotherham Youth Enterprise in the last five years.

Rotherham Ready, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, has trained hundreds of teachers to develop enterprise in schools and colleges, and harnessed the passion of the business community to promote enterprise and entrepreneurship in education.

An astounding 103 schools and colleges in Rotherham have also achieved the Warwick Award for Excellence in Enterprise Education - the quality mark for enterprise learning.

Rotherham Youth Enterprise provides start up support, business coaching and incubation workspace for young entrepreneurs - enabling 232 youngsters to start businesses in the last five years.

The group were up against tough competition in the final from enterprise projects from Leeds, Airedale and Cottingley. But the panel of seven judges unanimously agreed that Rotherham was the winner.

They said they were 'blown away' by the presentation about enterprise in schools and, which was 'professional' and 'inspirational.'

Jackie Frost, Rotherham Ready Manager and Enterprise Projects Manager for the Council said: "Winning this award is well deserved recognition for the effort and passion of everyone involved in developing enterprise in Rotherham.

"Young people in Rotherham need to be enterprising - more so now than ever - and people from education and business involved with Rotherham Ready and Rotherham Youth Enterprise have been working to make sure that young people leave school, college or university ready for the challenges and opportunities of life, and ready to help shape the economy of Rotherham.

"Developing a culture of enterprise is only possible when people from across the local authority and the borough work together to make a difference. This award has been achieved because of that spirit of team work and passion. We give our warmest thanks and sincerest congratulations to everyone involved."

John Vincent - Yorkshire Forward Board Member and chair of the Regional Judging Panel said: "The success of Rotherham Ready demonstrates what can be achieved if people work together to improve the social and economic prospects of their community.

During August the Rotherham team will go up against the other eleven regional finalists from around the UK for the Enterprising Britain 2010 national title. The overall winner will then go on to represent the UK at the European Enterprise Awards next year.

Rotherham Ready website

Images: rotherhamready.org.uk

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News: Dragons' Den-style event for Rotherham businesses

Rotherham Enterprise Board and UK Steel Enterprise are offering Rotherham businesses the opportunity to prove their worth to a panel of local dragons.

The Dragons' Den-type event, inspired by the BBC show of the same name, will offer local businesses a unique opportunity to further develop their already established business.

Dare you face the dragons? If your business is based within Rotherham, if you've been trading for three years or less and you feel your business has excellent growth potential then you could be exactly what the Enterprise Board is looking for. A select number of businesses will be chosen to enter the den on June 17 2010, where they will pitch their business expansion dreams to a panel of successful Rotherham based entrepreneurs.

Laura Brown, the Board's enterprise events co-ordinator said: "And with a prize of £1,500 up for grabs for the best pitch, your dreams could soon be a reality!

"We're looking for people who are ready to take the next step in developing their business. If you feel your business would benefit from a cash injection or some advice and support from the successful local entrepreneurs who will make up our panel than this event will prove invaluable."

UK Steel Enterprise's regional manager, Keith Williams, added: "We are delighted to support Rotherham Enterprise Board and the Dragons' Den-type Events. There is a wide range of business support available in Rotherham. The Enterprise Board events are designed to help early stage and smaller businesses, whilst loan and equity finance of up to £750,000 is available from our own investment fund for more established businesses in Rotherham and throughout South Yorkshire."

Anyone who has the confidence to enter the den should contact Laura Brown, enterprise events co-ordinator, at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, for an informal discussion and to find out more about the application process – just ring her on 01709 823817 or email laura.brown@rotherham.gov.uk

Rotherham Enterprise Board website

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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

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News: Enterprise Week call to Rotherham entrepreneurs

To coincide with Global Entrepreneurship Week, the newly formed Rotherham Enterprise Board is outlining ways to boost levels of enterprise across the already enterprising borough.


Funded by the European Regional Development Fund and made up of Rotherham entrepreneurs who want to give something back to the community, the Board is steering the promotion of enterprise and ensuring the right support is out there for businesses and budding entrepreneurs.

A key event will be a Rotherham Enterprise Show, something currently missing locally but which budding entrepreneurs in Sheffield and other Yorkshire towns benefit from.

And the Board is giving an open invitation to existing entrepreneurs to join and throw their weight and experience behind its efforts. A "Mentor Bank" is already under way and should be up and running in January, with successful and active business people offering support to existing and new businesses.

Other projects include a new website and a Rotherham version of TV's Dragons' Den. The website will be an easy-to-use and up-to-date website, providing an invaluable local resource, while the Dragon's Den will help mentors find out about investment opportunities among Rotherham businesses and, if they wish, invest to bring these to fruition.

Board chairman John Wainwright, of Executek, said: "We know that many people dream of running their own business. But the prospect can be daunting, so we're working to ensure there is help at hand.

"The Board is new, but we have made significant progress in 2009, and 2010 will see the pace of activity quicken up and the hard work continue. We've much activity planned and the consistent support from Board members has enabled the achievements to date.

"We're focused on identifying key strategies and actions to ensure an increase in the rates of successful business start-ups and growth in Rotherham, something we'll be monitoring very closely."

Rotherham

Images: RiDO

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