Mediamix: Accelerator for MediaCityUK; Avant PR; Peppermint Soda

A BUSINESS accelerator specialising in technology and media has launched at MediaCityUK.

UP, based at the Greenhouse, will provide early stage entrepreneurs with introductions to investors and offer a programme to develop their business skills.

It has been founded by Danny Meaney who has secured backing for the idea from MediaCityUK landlord, The Peel Group, and the University of Salford.

He said: “We’ve taken the very best bits of the very best accelerators around the world, and then we’ve added a completely new set of features that the start-ups will benefit from. These include partners hungry for product and ready to invest significant funding in the right businesses, a unique and radical business knowledge development programme, and a relational investment process that means the start-up entrepreneurs are going to be developing genuine, face-to-face relationships with their likely investors from day one.”

UP is looking for businesses with a prototype, early stage product, service or platform with the potential to grow significantly.

UP also has support from BT, Rackspace, Microsoft, MTGx, Mediacom, Channel 4, Silicon Valley Bank, Panmure Gordon and investment group Par Equity. 

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MANCHESTER fashion agency Avant PR has secured three new clients and appointed an extra member of staff.

It has been hired by Manchester online fashion brand In The Style, London hair extension brand Hair Rehab, and sports clothing firm Mayfair & Fifth.

Avant has also appointed Lauren Mason as an account executive.

Director Jazmin Cabrera said: “The agency’s appointment by three new clients in a matter of weeks, along twith the team expansion, is exciting news all round. We’ve seen rapid growth in the 18 months the company has been trading which is testament to the team and the results generated.”

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HALE PR firm Peppermint Soda has scooped four awards at this year’s Fresh PR Awards.

The firm won three gold awards for: a consumer campaign for SheLikes.com; media relations for SheLikes.com; and public sector work for Adopt North West. It also picked up a bronze for best low budget campaign for SheLikes.com.

The SheLikes.com work related to the marketing of a dress that went on sale for £3.68, the minimum wage for under 16s.

Managing director Jean-Philippe Glaskie said: “At Peppermint, we’ve a proven track record of delivering impactful PR campaigns that deliver a strong return on investment for our clients. We’re always delighted to have our work acknowledged by the industry and are thrilled to have won another four awards.”