Fabulous news for Keighley European cash boost of £4.8 million for Keighley

19th December 2017

FUNDING totalling almost £5 million has been awarded to Keighley to stimulate economic growth and jobs.

Some of the most deprived areas of the town will receive matched EU funding via the Leeds City Region European Structural Investment Fund to support activity that addresses local needs and opportunities over the next five years.

This funding zone includes Braithwaite, Bracken Bank, Hainworth Wood, Highfield, Ingrow, Knowle Park, Lawkholme, Parkwood, Fell Lane and Showfield.

Keighley MP John Grogan this week said that small businesses, start-ups and the long-term unemployed would be among those to benefit next year.

He hoped the programme would provide “significant opportunities” to people in the least well-off parts of Keighley.

He said: “There is a lot of entrepreneurial talent in these communities and often all that is needed is a hand up to make a fresh start either in a new job or in starting a new business.

“Ironically this important initiative may well be one of the last acts of the European Union in Keighley during our membership.”

Mr Grogan added that Airedale Enterprise Services, who will deliver the project, already had a good track record of supporting small business in Keighley. He said Bradford Council would oversee the project.

The EU funding will lead to a Community Led Local Development (CLLD) programme being set up to cover Keighley East, Keighley West and Keighley Central wards.

The Keighley CLLD area has been granted £1.4 million European Regional Development Fund from the Department of Communities and Local Government, and European Social Fund cash of £1 million from the Department of Work and Pensions. When matched with local funding this has the potential to deliver a £4.8 million programme.

Clllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said the district was already known for its entrepreneurial talents.

He said: “This funding is about bringing together local communities giving opportunities to develop projects that tap into the potential of people in these two areas.

“These Community Led Local Development projects will provide support, education and skills to unemployed people, raising their aspirations and helping to lift barriers to entry to and progression within jobs.

“They will also aim to support new business start-ups and existing small businesses to help them to grow and expand.”

A Local Development Strategy has been developed for the Keighley zone, in partnership with local delivery partners, business and the local community.

Wendy Spencer, vice-chairman of Keighley CLLD, said she was “absolutely delighted” that Keighley had been awarded the funding.

She said: “Our aim is to make the area a better place to live, work, start new business and help existing businesses to grow. Skills development and job creation is a priority.”

“The Local Action Group together with the support team at Airedale Enterprise Services will be working hard over the next few weeks to get the plan into shape so that commissioning of projects can begin in the new year.”

The project will be funded through the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.

GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATIONS – GDPR

6th September 2017

Are you aware that new Data Protection laws will be introduced from May 2018.

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a wide ranging overhaul of legal requirements which must be met by ANY business involved in handling personal data

There is the potential for significant financial penalties for non-compliance – up to 20 million euros.

Small Businesses will not be exempt. You MUST comply if you regularly process certain categories of personal data, legally this includes collecting & storing as well as using personal data for any purpose.

The course will be delivered by Data Protection expert Gary Baker co-founder of Baker, Lomax & Shackley Limited. They provide information, governance & information management services including consultancy and CPD accredited training to the public & private sectors.

GDPR Course – Understanding ‘General Data Protection Regulation’ – Compliance for businesses
Monday 23rd April 2018
10am – 4.30pm
Light buffet & refreshments provided

Venue
Airedale Enterprise Services
Sunderland Street
Keighley BD21 5LE

Read more about the course outline and book your place

Empya Pro Sound

20th July 2017

My Business

Empya Pro Sound is a modern, Fresh and Exciting Music Brand. Born with a strong vision and passion for creativity. A wide range of quality, professional and tailored music technology services with a difference. 

Where are you based and why is it a good location for your business?

Bradford which is my hometown. There are a lot of creative places within the West Yorkshire district such as local radio stations, media companies and media hubs within Bradford and Leeds which are good business target areas and custom.

How did you come up with the idea?

The story behind this has come from the past ten years of my life. I have done nothing but live and breathe my passion and love for making music. Growing up I have been musical all my life and was bought many instruments such as guitars and a keyboard at the age of just two. It was at about fourteen when my talent for music really began to blossom, where I took an interest in Songwriting and music production. I was in recording studios before I had even left school! I guess I’m at a point in my life right now where I just want to channel all that energy and experience I have!

What stage was your business at when you applied for the start-up loan?

I was at the Pre-Startup stage when i applied for the Virgin Start Up Loan.

How have you used it to grow your business?

By building my website and being able to buy Music Equipment.

Who is your mentor and how did they help you?

Richard, he has helped me with marketing techniques in the early stages of My business and to get it off the ground.

Who is your regional delivery partner and how did they help you get a Virgin StartUp loan?

David Gagen from Airedale Enterprise Services assisted me to develop my business plan and provided me advice and support throughout the application process.

Biggest Achievement so far?

Record deal by far. Also being blessed enough to do something I love and enjoy every single day since a very young age and now to turn that passion into a business

What’s next for your business?

I have a very strong vision for the company as being an entire brand one day in the future. I would love to expand into other avenues such as a recording studio, record label, clothing line and maybe even a product range, if I’m lucky enough!

Founder(s) name: Maya Krishan

Loan funds received: £500 – £1000

Based in: Bradford

Website: www.empyaprosound.co.uk

Facebook: @EmpyaProSound

Titus Learning – How I Started a Business in Yorkshire

23rd February 2017

Titus Learning provide online learning solutions for schools in the UK and overseas – allowing teachers, students and parents to easily share learning resources, track progress and keep in the know! Here’s how founder Seb Francis started a business in Yorkshire. Titus Learning received their Virgin Start Up loan after working with Airedale Enterprise Services.

Who did you speak to in your region for advice, and how did they help you?

I started chatting with our local advisor, David Gagen, from  Airedale Enterprise Services (AES). It was the first business I’d started, so it’s fair to say there was a lot to learn! David and AES helped massively with not only the access to Virgin Start Up (VSU) and funding, but also working on the business plan, forecasts, and looking further ahead at things like employment. We still stay in touch, and their help is part of the reason I’m now a VSU ambassador.

Did you go to any networking events in Leeds or Bradford – what were they, and were they any good?

If I’m honest I’ve been to plenty…some better than others! VSU and AES have hosted a couple which are really useful, as you’re chatting with people in a very similar position to yourself, and I’ve made a number of good friends off the back of those.

As you’re growing (or potentially at the beginning) you’ll also be looking for finance, ranging anywhere from the thousands to millions. Therefore any investment events you can attend to get a better understanding of the world of finance (It’s pretty complex!) will be massively helpful, even if it’s for future planning.  

Finally, we attend quite a few events in London and overseas – these will be very specific to our EdTech market, and usually have some sales opportunities as well to cover the cost. 

Why is Yorkshire a good place to do business?

Yorkshire isn’t called ‘God’s Own County’ for nothing!

On a serious note, starting a business in the Leeds/Bradford area has been much easier than anticipated. The prices are much more reasonable than the south of the country, and this helps massively in the early days, not only with business costs, but also your own living costs. The transport links are getting better and better, so we can easily be in London in a couple of hours, and we have great international links from Manchester Airport, which is important for us servicing international clients. The talent in terms of employment opportunities is also great. Lastly, it will be interesting to see how the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ impacts things over the next few years, but it can only be a positive!

Where in Leeds/Bradford is your office and why did you base it there?

We initially started teleworking, with our small team and contractors all having home offices. Whilst I’d certainly recommend working from home in the early days, it’s really important to have some separation with your working space otherwise you’ll go stir crazy with your work-life balance.

As the team has grown we’ve just moved into an office in Bradford City Centre. As well as having all the tech/communication facilities we need to keep things running smoothly, we also picked it’s fairly central location so the commute wasn’t too far for any of us. We still have the odd days working at home and are pretty flexible on that front.

What advice would you give to other people looking to start a business in the region?

In general my advice on this would have to be: DO IT! It needs to be well thought through, and make sure you go through the process of validating your idea, but don’t be afraid of failing or putting your idea out to the world. I’d also say the younger you are (and most probably have less responsibilities) the better.

For Leeds/Bradford specifically; chat with the likes of AES and VSU, look at some of the entrepreneur incubators that are being set up, check out Finance Yorkshire (and others similar) for other financing options, get to networking events like Yorkshire Mafia, etc. The last point (and probably one we didn’t do too much) is research the local area to see what demand there will be for your product – if you can have your customers, testers, advocates, close by then it’s always a bonus!

Is it expensive to start a business in Leeds/Bradford?

As mentioned above, it’s much cheaper in Yorkshire than it would be down south, but depending on the area, cost can start to rack up. Until you start hiring staff, some of the highest costs will be office rent. If you can avoid getting an office or premises immediately then that will pull your fixed costs down. If you do need a premises right away then look at some of the towns/villages on the outskirts. It’s worthwhile thinking about your potential client base and what they’ll expect from you as well!

What types of businesses do well?

There’s such a diversity of businesses in Leeds/Bradford, it’s becoming a really attractive place for people to study, work and live. It has a very strong financial and legal centre so we’re seeing more of those type of companies pop up. It’s also becoming somewhat of a tech hub – the talent coming out of the universities is brilliant and you have some of the larger tech firms with a presence here. Last one…I’m a bit of a foodie, so it’s awesome to see so many new bars and restaurants opening up. It was great to meet the guys from Red’s True BBQ at the recent FastTrack 100 and VSU Ambassador day…just make sure you’re hungry if you take on The Donut Burger™!  

Any other tips?

I’ve kind of taken inspiration for this answer from Simon and Michael’s post, but I couldn’t agree more. You won’t have all the answers, and whilst it’s important in the early days to keep costs low, as soon as you can start outsourcing work, or bringing someone on at an early stage as a partner, it will really lift the strain from you and allow you to grow the business. We certainly wouldn’t be in the position we are now if it wasn’t for how Mike, our co-founder, and I work together, and you’ve got someone to share the journey with: goods and bads!

Founder(s) name: Seb Francis

Loan funds received: £5,001 – £10,000

Based in: West Yorkshire

Website: www.tituslearning.com

Twitter: @tituslearning

JMH Aspirations

1st February 2017

My Business

I am a corporate specialist in career coaching and stress management who specialises in the development and delivery of bespoke coaching and training programmes designed to manage change effectively, reduce stress, and unlock creativity in individuals and teams in all business environments. Using a unique mix of traditional and non-traditional delivery techniques I work with senior managers and their leaders, providing the essential ingredients for them to continue their transformational success.

Where are you based and why is it a good location for your business?

I am based in Keighley in West Yorkshire, near to the borders of North Yorkshire. This is a predominantly rural area which is developing its potential well. We have an increasing number of entrepreneurs; our demographic is diverse, which provides so many different experiences and opportunities for people to celebrate and enjoy. People are proud of their achievements and their heritage and strive to be successful. If I can be part of that journey by helping them to see the wood from the trees as they develop and grow, then my journey also becomes worthwhile.

How did you come up with the idea?

I have worked successfully with people in the last few years who were suffering from stress or who have reached a crossroads in their career and need to open their minds to new challenges and opportunities. I also headed a team in my previous employment where something similar was developed, working alongside occupational health, which resulted in the team being finalists in the National Association of Business Psychology awards in 2014 for Excellence in Wellbeing and Excellence in Training. I have seen the strategies and support that I can provide work, which is why I want to bring this to as many people as I can.

What stage was your business at when you applied for the start-up loan?

I applied for the loan at the start of going into full time business in December 2016, with the support of David Gagen from Airedale Enterprise services.

How have you used it to grow your business?

I have used the funding to pay for my website, which is currently in development, and to join local networking groups, as well as getting my programmes CPD-accredited.

Who is your mentor and how did they help you?

Penny Wing is my Virgin Start Up mentor. She is providing invaluable support around marketing and promoting my business, and she has a font of knowledge and experience which she generously shares with me.

Biggest Achievement so far?

My biggest achievement so far is learning to network, something I have not done before. Being part of a group of other businesses in the area working together to bring each other business to develop and grow our success is inspiring. When you work on your own it can be a lonely experience, but building networks with others, learning about their businesses and working together for each other brings support, new business referrals, and an opportunity to celebrate the success of everyone around you.

What’s next for your business?

We are developing our Gold, Silver and Bronze coaching programmes Inspiring Your Success for people who are wanting to change their lives and careers to reach their ultimate goals. We will be inviting people to apply to join the programmes in the next few weeks, and I look forward to helping them on their journey to greater success.

Founder(s) name: Judith Marples

Loan funds received: £5,000-£10,000

Based in: Keighley

Creative Crafts

22nd November 2016

My Business

This unique little shop is much loved by it’s customers, old and new alike. We sell good quality incense, ethically sourced gifts, essential oils and many crystals. We have the largest range of body piercing jewellery in the area and have built a reputation of stocking only high quality jewellery. We are always open to a chat or discuss customers needs and concerns regarding spirituality and pagan practices. We help them choose the right tarot deck or crystal ball or a piece of silver jewllery to assit in their journey.

Where are you based and why is it a good location for your business?

Creative Crafts was an existing, well established business when we acquired it. The location is in the centre of Scarborough, near a large car park and on a main bus route. It has a good regular customer turnaround and attracts new customers on a daily basis. The scent of incense burning travels into the town centre and draws people in to browse.  

How did you come up with the idea?

Trevor worked for over 20 years in the print industry and took redundancy back in 2010. After a short time, he took a temporary job as a postman that lasted 5 years! He wasn’t happy in this job but it paid the bills and kept us afloat. Debbie was extremely happy working for Yorkshire Ambulance Service but fate decided it wasn’t the right job for her and, after sustaining an injury, was forced to leave the service. She took a job back in Health & Adult Services but it wasn’t the job she wanted to do for the rest of her working life. It was pure luck, and maybe a nudge from fate, that Debbie was walking past Creative Crafts with her son, Steven, that she was told the business was for sale. As Debbie had a background in retail management and ran a successful business in the past, she decided to ask the owners for the last three years accounts. After much discussion, lots of working out the figures, and starting on the financial aspect of the business plan, we decided this was the lifestyle we wanted. Debbie had been customer of this shop for over 20 years so knew and loved it well.

What stage was your business at when you applied for the start-up loan?

The business was fully established. Debbie had written the business plan and worked out the financial forecast with assitance from the current owners. She had also done a personal budget to ensure we could survive with limited drawings from the business initially. We appointed a local solicitor and accountant at an early stage and they assisted us as appropriate. 

How have you used it to grow your business?

The start up loan was used to buy the shop as a going concern, purchase all of the exising stock and buy in new stock. We invested in the new shop fittings, a new website and buying the exsiting domains. The new website is easy to use and navigate and has much of the main stock available to buy on-line. 

Who is your mentor and how did they help you?

Our mentor is Phil Harrison of Airedale Enterprise and he has been fantastic in helping us to improve our business plan, supported us at every stage of the application process and guided us in the initial stages of self employment. 

Biggest Achievement so far?

Consulting with regular customers as to what they wanted to see us stock. They have not been wrong yet. Many customers were afraid this little shop would close down or change dramatically. By giving first class customer service and listening to people, we have increased turnover from our projected figures within the first month and can now invest in some new lines that fit in with the existing stock. We promote the shop on Facebook and the page likes have increased from 600 to nearly 1000 in two months.  

What’s next for your business?

We have already established links with other local small businesses in the town and intent to carry on creating more links to different businesses, we believe small, local businesses can work together to support each other. We are about to stock new ranges of locally hand made, vegan friendly soaps and balms. We are looking into increasing the range of incense available and increasing the body jewellery lines. We are now able to see which lines sell and which don’t so we can change stock to increase turnover. The website has started to receive orders and Trevor is working hard to add more lines to the site. 

Founder(s) name: Debbie & Trevor Landray

Loan funds received: £45,000

Based in: Scarborough

Website: creativecraftsscarborough.co.uk 

Facebook: @creativecraftsscarborough

Andy Spencer

6th November 2016

Andy joins us as an experienced Company Director who has held senior positions including Managing Director, Sales and Marketing Director and Operations Director at UK based organisations primarily in ancillary equipment supply to the road transport industry.

Andy will be lending his support to clients who are beginning their business journey as well as those in established businesses seeking growth and business development assistance. Andy is well placed to be able to offer businesses another perspective in the form of mentoring as well as practical support in the form of training in the sales and marketing arena.

Andy is a keen motorcyclist having recently completed a 10,000 mile tour of North America, an experience which he says was ‘’demanding and rewarding’’ His interest in two wheels extends to mountain biking too. He also builds scale model aircraft in his spare time echoing his passion for manufacturing.

RS Digital and Creative

31st August 2016

My Business

RS Digital and Creative is a digital marketing and creative consultancy that specialises in the fashion, retail and leisure markets. We provide services such as websites and app development, PPC (including Google Shopping and YouTube Advertising) Video Marketing, social media advertising and content strategy, email marketing and SEO strategy. We also provide creative consultancy for brand visuals. I coordinate seasonal ad campaigns on behalf of my clients; this includes managing all areas of production of the ad visuals from creative direction, to sourcing the creative team to retouching image retouching. 

Where are you based and why is it a good location for your business?

I am based in my office at home most of the time but I also now operate from a co working space in the centre of Leeds called Duke Studios a few days a week. It is a shared space where other creatives, developers and startup companies work from and grow a complimentary network. It also has meeting rooms and a photographic studio which is perfect for my fashion and retail clients and also for pitching to new potential clients. Working from home and on the go is great because it means that i can pick up any online work immediately and respond quickly which is very important in the digital world. 

How did you come up with the idea?

I have been working in digital marketing for almost 8 years now and i have a good understanding of both sides of the coin having worked both client and agency side throughout those years. I know how retail clients think and what they need from their agencies in terms of work, response times and costs. With that in mind i often found that agencies were not flexible, responsive or price realistic enough for retailers. With the nature of retail and marketing today, there needs to be a lot more willingness from digital specialists to work quickly at a more productive cost which i can offer. I also feel very strongly that the best marketing campaigns are born from passion and I know that my passion lies with fashion, retail and leisure and this is where my consultancy shines. 

What’s the business model?

I currently work with a number of clients on both a monthly retainer fee basis and also on ad hoc projects which are charged as a one of fee. This provides both consistency and the potential for growth.

Who are your competitors?

Other digital marketing agencies and freelancers across the UK. 

What’s unique about your business?

My consultancy offers services that are within a saturated market, however what makes my services unique is that I specialise in a very specific industry and those skills are few and far between outside of London. In fact I am yet to find a specialist fashion and retail digital marketing agency in Leeds other than myself and the advantage of a Northern based specialist is that pricing is much more affordable. 

What stage was your business at when you applied for the Start Up Loan?

I hadn’t started my business yet, the idea and intention was there however I was still in full time employment with a Leeds based marketing agency therefore due to conflict of interest and respect for my employer I decided to wait until a later stage to officially begin working with my own clientele.  

How have you used it to grow your business?

I purchased some essential equipment such as a macbook air so that I am able to work on the go. I also used it to purchase essential design and web software so that I can undertake certain types of projects for my clients. Lastly I used a chunk of the budget for initial social media advertising.

Who is your mentor and how have they helped you?

Tom Leavsey is my mentor. He has helped me to focus on networking more and to get out and talk to people and potential clients instead of relying on my marketing techniques. Tom has helped me to develop my interpersonal skills and that face to face interaction is much more impactful than an email or phone call.

Who is your regional delivery partner and how did they help you get a Virgin Start Up Loan?

Airedale Enterprise Services provided full support for my loan application process, and my Business Adviser David Gagen guided me through the Business Plan and Financial Forecast development; making sure that they were comprehensive, consistent and compelling. David also worked with me on putting together the pack of vital supporting documents which meant that the loan was swiftly approved.  

Biggest achievement so far?

Working with a major well known leisure brand in the UK to develop their first HR orientated social media strategy. I manage their content and advertising strategy on social media enabling them to portray a positive employer perception to a relevant audience and to reduce resourcing time spent at their various UK sites.

What’s next for your business?

I would like to grow the business and gain another high profile client before taking on a small office at Duke Studios where I can hire a student developer/designer to work with me a few days a week. This would be the start of my team growth. 

Founder(s) name: Rachel Smith

Loan funds received: £6,000

Based in: Leeds

Website: rsdigitalandcreative.co.uk

Twitter: @RS_Digital

Facebook: @rsdigitalandcreativeleeds

Just Lovett Design

3rd August 2016

My Business

My name is Sami Lovett, I am an independent designer maker and the owner of Just Lovett Design. I provide three services, bespoke design and making, laser cutting and 3D printing. I take on commission work too, so the project possibilities are endless.

Where are you based and why is it a good location for your business?

I am based in Leeds, where I have been living since I moved here for university in 2009. I love living here, it’s such an up and coming creative city which is perfect for my business. I’m able to access a range of creative facilities and network with other local designer makers. 

How did you come up with the idea?

I have always had a creative flair and have been interested in owning my own business since my last year of university. In 2012, I graduated with a degree in Furniture Design. After graduating, I focused on improving my wood working skills, whilst gaining management skills within local medium sized businesses. Following this I sought employment at a secondary school as a design technology technician, where I discovered that I have a talent and a passion for laser cutting. Since then I have been advancing my laser cutting skills which has led to discovering a new world of CNC design and manufacture, including 3D printing. Earlier this year, I decided to take the leap to become self-employed. Thanks to the support from Airedale Enterprise Services and Virgin Start Up, in June i was able to do so.

What’s the business model?

I produce quality products that are worth that little bit extra than mass-produced items because they have been designed with a particular customer or need in mind. My target market are those individuals who need something making that they can’t find in the shops, whether it’s a small personalised gift or a bespoke piece of furniture that meets their particular needs. At the moment I’m using social media and my own website to advertise the products that i make. I am also attending networking events and makers markets to sell my products over the next few months where I hope to meet new customers. I intend to grow my customer base and existing relationships by making great products and providing great service.

Who are your competitors?

I’d say that my designs and personal style make me different from a lot of other designer makers, enabling me to provide my services across the whole country.

What’s unique about your business?

I am what makes Just Lovett Design unique. I create my own designs, I work with customers to fulfil their bespoke specifications and carry these out with my extensive range of skills and techniques.

What stage was your business at when you applied for the Start Up Loan?

Making products was just a hobby for me. I used to make things as presents for friends and family. So when I applied for the Virgin Start Up Loan, Just Lovett Design was just a dream. The Start Up Loan has made this dream become reality.

How have you used it to grow your business?

The money helped me in a lot of ways I have been able to buy: a vehicle for transport, a decent computer for CAD work, a laser cutter, a 3D printer and marketing materials, It’s really helped me getting the business off the ground. 

Who is your mentor and how have they helped you?

My mentor is David Gagen. He has been instrumental in helping my business become reality. He believed in my business idea, helped me put my business plan together and along with my financial forecasts.

Biggest achievement so far?

Just Lovett Design is in the early stages but business is already taking off.

What’s next for your business?

In three to five years when I have established Just Lovett Design within the essential markets. i would love to expand the business to employ other designer makers and become more involved in Computer Numerically Controlled manufacture. There is a huge potential in CNC manufacturing techniques and I would like to be part of this growing industry. I also believe that hand craft skills are important and should not be forgotten. That is why I see a future for Just Lovett Design, where tradesmen with essential hand craft skills can work alongside CNC machines and techniques to provide a wider bespoke designer maker service.  

Founder(s) name: Sami Lovett

Loan funds received: £15,000

Based in: Leeds

Website: www.justlovettdesign.co.uk

Twitter: @SamiLovett

Facebook: @justlovettdesign

Innotech Insights Ltd

4th June 2016

My Business

Innotech Insights develop new and existing technologies to primarily apply, through both product sales and applied tailored services, to the Smart Cities, Data Collection and Security industries, Innotech Insights have identified certain  markets where our collective expertise and technologies will provide greatly improved processes and services. Initially, we have marketed towards the Data Collection Industry, where both directors have a wealth of experience. Here, the company aim to generate new methods of data collection with unprecedented accuracy and all new visualisation tools for fully interactive end client engagement. Having designed and built equipment for national events during our previous employment, we have witnessed an ever increasing market for crowd observation and pedestrian monitoring which is a large part of our upcoming developments. Additionally, we have developed off-grid ‘mobile’ equipment applicable to various industries in an attempt to widen our market and aid future diversification, complimented by some key supplier partnerships.  

Where are you based and why is it a good location for your business?

We are based in Whitwood, Castleford, in West Yorkshire. This location is perfect for us due to it’s proximity to the M62 at Junction 31, and also the A1M and M1. We expect to be playing a contributing role to the continuing growth of the Northern Powerhouse. 

How did you come up with the idea?

After twenty collective years in one of the UK’s leading data collection companies, we identified certain areas that were not being explored or capitalised on by its current market leaders. With new “smart” collection methods emerging on a global scale, we felt the timing was perfect for a small, fresh and innovative company, with a focus on innovation, to lead the introduction of smart detection and data collection to the UK market, which research shows is not as advanced as its European of global counterparts. As an emerging company, we feel we are free to innovate within this evolving industry through our own research and development, and also bridge the gaps between adjacent markets like the security industry through manufacture and sales of current mobile technologies.

What’s the Business Model?

Our business model is ‘no matter how keen, let’s keep it lean’. We are well aware of the fact that most businesses don’t survive their first two years. We will buck this trend, as we wish to realise our ambition of becoming employers on a large scale, and boost manufacturing in the locality. We believe in investing in a workforce to provide expansion and stability, whilst maintaining a lean management structure. We are already looking into employment grants with a view to taking on our first full time employee before the first anniversary of our company.

Who are your competitors?

There are very few companies within the data collection industry that offer the products and services Innotech Insights are providing. All data collection companies that develop their own technologies do not offer sales and servicing within their industry as it does not compliment their business model as a data collection service provider. This has resulted in a lack of technological advancement. Our model differs in that we have identified several UK councils and events that are actively seeking to purchase their own technology to create a self-contained service and not rely on outsourcing to companies that may prove unreliable. 

What’s unique about your business?

As a smaller company, we have more control over both front and back office operation. This results in a more efficient and accurate service. With almost all similar competition based overseas, we are faster to react, more available for support and with no importing of some of the finished products, and those that are imported done so through partnership, our products are very competitive on price. We have partnered with two EU manufacturers, allowing Innotech Insights to represent their interests in the UK.

What stage was your business at when you applied for the Start Up Loan?

Innotech Insights had been established for one month when we decided to apply for the start up loan.

How have you used it to grow your business?

We have used the loan to allow us to buy materials and components to build prototype equipment and test its performance before marketing. This has resulted in our company securing equipment sales and led to a partnership offer from a leading data collection company.

Who is your regional delivery partner and how did they help you get a Virgin Start Up Loan?

Airedale Enterprise Services provided a complete management service of our loan application process. our mentor, Phil Harrison, guided us on the business plan and the Financial Forecasts; making sure that these were comprehensive, consistent and compelling. Phil also worked with us on putting together the pack of vital supporting documents which meant that the loans were approved swiftly on the first submission.

Biggest achievement so far?

We currently have a proposed partnership offer from a data collection company based in the south of England. This offer, though not agreed in full, will see our company benefit from their marketing and customer connections, whilst they will benefit from showcasing our tech to their current client portfolio, and expanding their current operations into the north of England. This we see growing into a mutually beneficial business relationship which will lead to the rapid expansion of both companies in their respective fields of expertise.

What’s next for your business?

We are looking into further funding options such as business angels. This is to allow for the rapid growth and expansion potential to be capitalised upon. We are also currently prototyping more ideas which will have significant appeal across various market places. 

Business name: Innotech Insights Ltd

Founder(s) name: Liam Wright & Chris Hambleton

Based in: Whitwood, Castleford

Website: www.innotechinsights.com 

Twitter: @Tech_insightsUK 

GEM Compliance Training

27th May 2016

GEM Meeting the Rise in Demand for First Aid Training

At GEM Compliance Training, we specialise in delivering accredited First Aid and other Safety training to support the compliance training needs for workplaces, groups and individuals. You can either book on to one of our public courses open to anybody wishing to book a place or places for a group. These public courses are held at our training venues in Keighley, Bradford, Bingley & Skipton. Alternatively we can bring our training courses out to workplaces right across the Yorkshire region and wider areas.

Where are you based and why is it a good location for your business?

We have training venues based in Keighley, Skipton, Bradford & Bingley. Our office is based in Airedale Enterprise Services in Keighley which is a good central location to support the delivery of our public courses held in Keighley, Skipton, Bingley & Bradford and all our workplace courses across Yorkshire and the wider areas.

How did you come up with the idea?

My business partner and I have over 20 years’ experience within the training industry mainly in the delivery and management of apprenticeships and compliance training. From time to time we had to seek externally to source First Aid and other Safety training to compliment the apprenticeship we were involved in delivering. This proved difficult at times as there was not much option out there. It was during this period we realised there was a gap in the market for this type of training in the local area and the rest is history!

Who are your competitors?

There are other training providers and local colleges within the area that offer some of the courses we offer. Although our competitor’s offer similar services to us, we strive to offer unique services that our competitor’s don’t.

What’s unique about your business?

• We pride ourselves on our approach in meeting our client’s needs and offer flexibility to also run courses in evenings/weekends as we understand our client’s needs, something our competitors not always offer.
• We offer public courses at four locations, open to anybody wishing to book a place(s) that offers more flexibility than our competitors.
• We’ve integrated an online booking system into our website making it easy for our clients to book onto our public courses. We’ve also integrated our e-learning courses into our website as another option if clients cannot attend one of our face to face courses.
• We manage very active social media accounts which have been well received. We have built up a large following and we are passionate about engaging content as well as promoting our services, where we’ve run competitions, celebrated attendee’s success and kept our followers up to date with relevant industry news.
• We also work with community groups to offer low cost courses and where possible sourced funding to upskill the local communities.

Who is your mentor and how have they helped you?

David Humphreys at Airedale Enterprise Services has been assigned as our business mentor. David has always been at hand to provide us support if we have needed it. David has supported and advised when planning the growth and development of GEM Compliance Training.

Biggest achievement so far?

Our biggest achievement so far is having exceeded all our goals and objectives during our 1^st year in business. We are pleased to be in front having met some of our Year 2 objectives during our 1^st year! We are very proud to have developed a successful business from scratch, acquired our own office, obtained a company van and have helped and supported lots of people to achieve qualifications with us.

What’s next for your business?

We want to continue the success we have had to date and keep growing and developing GEM Compliance Training as we have done in our 1^st We will be looking to expand our business by hiring additional tutors to run further courses for us, thereby meeting all our increasing customer requirements. To continue developing GEM Compliance Training by forging strong working relationships with businesses, maintain existing relationships to enable growth within the company and to continue to develop additional working partnerships to maximise our offer to our customers.

Business name: GEM Compliance Training

Founder(s) name: Gavin Milligan & Emma Milligan

Based in: Bingley, West Yorkshire

Website: www.gemcompliancetraining.co.uk

Twitter: @GemCompliance

Facebook: @gemcompliancetraining

ISO upgrade prompts business support

20th April 2016

Business advice and mentoring organisation, Airedale Enterprise Services (AES) is delivering support to Yorkshire’s firms who have to update their quality systems in line with changes to the ISO 9001 standard.

As the business world continues to evolve and organisations face new challenges, the International Standard has been modified to reflect the changes in globalisation, complex supply chains, shifts in technology, increased business diversity and a greater focus on consumers’ expectations since it was first introduced nearly 30 years ago.

Currently accredited businesses now only have until September 2018 to make the transition and retain their registration. Enterprise Agency AES is ensuring firms in the region are supported by offering audits and internal training either on site or through workshops delivered at its business centre, based in Keighley.

Business advisor and ISO specialist, David Gagen is one of the experts at AES helping Yorkshire businesses navigate their way through the recent ISO 9001 changes. He works with a range of sectors in the region, delivering high calibre advice to help them both acquire and retain the coveted quality management standard.

He said, “As a well-established enterprise agency our ethos is on supporting businesses to grow, prosper and, most importantly, to ensure that all the advice we provide is affordable. The recent update to ISO 9001 has seen an increase in businesses needing to understand the improvements and we have designed a range of common sense workshops demystifying the changes. Delegates are also offered additional support with consultancy and on-site support should they require it.”

With support from AES, West Yorkshire based business Control Technology UK Ltd has successfully acquired ISO 9001 accreditation.  A manufacturer providing industrial heating and control systems, the firm invested in the ISO 9001 to help increase its market share, streamline its procedures and increase its efficiency.

Control Technology UK’s Managing Director, Henry Pettinger said, “The ISO 9001 accreditation has been an excellent way to improve the way we operate and has led to improvements in some of our practices. It certainly ensured that nothing was overlooked and that we run as efficiently as possible. We currently work with a range of Blue Chip organizations across a range of industries and I believe having the latest IS0 9001 will certainly stand us in good stead.”

The latest version of the ISO standard was designed by over 150 leading global businesses, industry and government experts to help business of all type, sector and size. It aims to ensure they become more efficient, increase profit margins, expand into new markets, meet their legal obligations, increase employee motivation and improve customer satisfaction.

As well as supporting firms across Yorkshire and Lancashire to attain and update the new standard, AES is also helping firms to meet the costs involved.  An approved LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) provider, it helps eligible businesses access funding of up to 50% towards the cost of training and coaching support.

Keighley Business Awards 2016

8th April 2016

The Keighley Business Awards were created to showcase the success and achievements made by businesses in Keighley and District.

The Awards are a celebration of hardwork, innovation and integrity in the business world. Recipients of a Keighley Business Award will be forever documented within its history. An award show dedicated to the achievements of the great businessmen and women has been long overdue in the area, hence why a group of like-minded local business people and organisations came together and dedicated their own time to make such a ceremony possible. All the individuals involved are passionate about Keighley and District businesses and truly want them to be recognised and rewarded in their own right. Nominate, support and enjoy a night of great celebration!

Below are the categories for the Keighley Business Awards 2016. Within each category you will find more details about the award along with a form which you can use to submit your entry. Alternatively a PDF document is also available for each award should you wish to post your entry to us.

Entry Forms

• New Business of the Year
• Small Business of the Year
• Large Business of the Year
• Independent Trader of the Year
• Manufacturer/Engineering Business of the Year
• Apprentice/Trainee Business of the Year
• Engineering Apprentice of the Year – Judged and Awarded by Keighley Training Consortium
• Financial/Professional Services Business of the Year
• Success through Innovation and Diversification
• Hospitality/Leisure Business of the Year

ENTRIES NOW CLOSED – DEADLINE 6TH MAY ENTER NOW

Rovernighter Ltd

21st January 2016

My business  

The Rovernighter is a travel bag for dogs (with pockets for all their things) that converts to a comfortable bed in less than 20 seconds. The bag saves people time (as all the pets stuff is there at hand), and reduces dog travelling stress by providing them with a familiar environment and their toys. It also provides them with all they need for a getaway, or time with the sitter. In summary – ‘the smart dog travels lighter with the Rovernighter’.

Where are you based and why is it a good location for your business?

Rovernighter is based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. I love Sheffield as it’s great for dog walkers, being officially the greenest city in England, with lots of parks and access to the Peak District. So there is a great dog community here, which enables me to get lots of feedback from people who know and own dogs on our products and services. As my business is also online I can sell to anywhere in the world.

How did you come up with the idea?

The Rovernighter was inspired by Bronwyn (my Welsh Terrier). I was working on a contract and was due to work on Christmas Eve before travelling 200 miles to spend Christmas with my family. I asked if Bron could come in with me so I could leave straight from the office as I was due to finish work at 6pm on that day. If I had her with me I could leave at 6pm and get back to my Mum’s at around 10pm, which wouldn’t have been too bad. However, if I had to go home and then pack the car etc I would have ended up leaving about 8pm and then getting home at midnight on Christmas Eve (which wouldn’t be great). I was thinking about what I could do with her when she was in the office. A colleague jokingly said “Just put her in a bag and bring her in!”  I thought: what if there was a bag that converted to a bed? And the idea was born.

Initially I looked for a bag that did this and couldn’t find anything, just holdalls and some cheap-looking barrel bags with what looked like a thin, not-very-warm blanket in it. I also travelled with Bron a few more times and was spending 20 minutes getting her stuff together and wasting time doing it, so I came back to the bag/bed idea. I worked with a luxury bespoke bag company to make my design into a reality and created a high quality prototype.

What’s the business model?

The strategy for year one is to sell at high-end events, such as Crufts, other major dog shows, major national horse events and large country fairs, whilst also promoting the online sales side. My intention is to move into supplying high-end department stores and bespoke pet boutiques in year two, whilst increasing the online sales and presence at events. After that I intend to expand into overseas sales, which I see as a huge market for me.

Who are your competitors? 

There isn’t another product like the Rovernighter in the market at the moment, so I believe that I will be able to make the most of our first mover advantage. I have positioned Rovernighter in the mid- to high-end of the   market and hope to develop a prestige range with a high-end handbag or luggage company. In this market my major competition is the high-end dog bed suppliers and those which make portable travel crates for dogs.

What’s unique about your business? 

The product itself is unique, as is the vision. I have placed the needs of the pet at the centre of our business. My own dog is the Canine Chief Officer (or CCO). She provides product feedback and even does PR for us – Bronwyn has her own Twitter account, @bron_lucas, ‘writes’ blogs, and is the inspiration for our branding. She is the model for the logo, and our branding expert even pantoned our logo to her ear colours.

If our CCO approves I know it will work! I am passionate about animals (I am a qualified riding instructor) and love making things that work for them. I have also been a professional public sector manager and worked in customer-facing services, so appreciate the importance of making our service great. I want my business to provide quality from start to finish, but as a pet retail company I don’t have to be stuffy – people love their pets and want to have fun with them, so that’s what I aim to achieve.

What stage was your business at when you applied for the start up loan?

I had tested the idea, developed the prototype and the business model when I applied for the Start Up Loan and was in the process of testing the prototype with our user group for feedback. I had also begun developing our brand concept, had registered the company, captured the domains and was investigating how we could protect the idea intellectually.

How have you used it to grow your business?

The loan has allowed me to create the branding, has enabled me to do an initial order run and is paying for all the legal work needed (such as Intellectual Property and insurance). It has also meant that I have been able to book our first set of major shows this year. Without the funding I would be a long way from being able to attend any major events and creating sales.

Who is your mentor and how have they helped you?

David Wilkin (Non Exec Director) at Real Life Options.

This is a recent match so we are developing this relationship, but already he has advised me with how you organise yourself for major trade shows and with information on how I can strengthen our Intellectual Property protection.

Who is your Regional Delivery Partner and how did they help you get a Virgin StartUp Loan?

David Gagen from Airedale Enterprise Services in Keighley West Yorkshire worked with me to get my application approved. David helped to get the business plan into shape, and addressed all the questions I had about how the process worked and how it would move forward. He supported me to make sure that the plan was up to speed, so that when it went for assessment all the possible questions that Virgin Start Up could possibly have asked had been answered, and the process went through smoothly from there.

What’s your biggest achievement so far?

There have been two major achievements so far. I have managed to get media coverage, which has even lead to me being approached by a television production company to find out more about me as they’re looking for entrepreneurs for a programme they’re making. I’ve also launched the company and have been running pre-order.

What’s next for your business?

The first batch of bags is arriving in the next few weeks and will be dispatched to customers. I’m also excited to have secured a trade stand to exhibit at Crufts on 10-13^thMarch, so am busily getting organised for that!

Business name: Rovernighter Ltd

Founder(s) name: Ruth Lucas

Based in: Sheffield, Yorkshire

Website: www. rovernighter.co.uk

Twitter: @Rovernighter

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Rovernighter/

http://www.virginstartup.org/case-study/startup-week-rovernighter/

We’re in the Keighley News and the T&A this week!

17th December 2015

Thanks to @manifestjane for the lovely article in today’s Keighley News!

Take a look – Keighley News