Grant Thornton adds support to BSPA technology start-up scheme

A BUSINESS development programme at Birmingham Science Park Aston has been boosted by the support of business advisor Grant Thornton.

The firm is the latest organisation to sponsor BSPA’s Entrepreneurs for the Future (e4f) initiative, which provides start-up businesses working in the technology sectors with support and assistance getting their ideas off the ground.

The e4f scheme provides funding support, office space and access to state-of-the-art technology, including super-fast broadband for up to six months.  

Alongside its sponsorship, Grant Thornton will also be providing a mentoring programme and drop-in sessions, covering aspects of business including financing and business advice, strategy and VAT issues.

Simon Jenner, head of incubation, BSPA, said: “I am extremely pleased they (Grant Thornton) have decided to provide their extensive expertise to our e4f programme.  For the businesses in e4f, this level of support is vital for their development, providing them with both the fundamental infrastructure and specialist knowledge and experience of an established professional company.”

David White, partner at Grant Thornton, said: “This is a truly great opportunity for us to support innovative companies that are working on some genuinely exciting projects. We appreciate that young entrepreneurs often require technical guidance and practical advice to help get their business up and running, and we are delighted to be able to provide our experience and expertise to the companies taking part in e4f.”

Ben Eason, business development manager at Grant Thornton, who introduced the e4f initiative to the firm, said having the opportunity to help the start-up companies was an attractive opportunity for his firm.

“Our focus is on advising entrepreneurial businesses and our specialism is in high-tech companies.  As part of our sponsorship, Grant Thornton will be providing mentoring sessions for these embryonic businesses, which will cover tax, funding as well as general business advice,” he said.

Grant Thornton is the second professional services organisation to provide sponsorship for e4f, following Marks & Clerk’s appointment last month.

Since launching in November 2009, the e4f programme has seen 35% of start-up businesses go on to become revenue generating companies in their own right. BSPA recently launched the third phase of the programme, which included the addition of more offices and desk space, enabling the programme to support up to 50 companies a year.