Media businesses urged to gear up for growth
GROWING businesses are being urged to learn more about the financial support available to help them expand by attending Gearing up for Growth – a breakfast seminar aimed at bolstering companies in the creative, digital and media sectors.
The event, which takes place on Wednesday, June 5 at the Round Foundry Media Centre, Leeds, is an opportunity to hear about grants available through the Leeds City Region’s business growth programme and interest free loans offered through the new D-Fund set up by Creative England.
Keynote speakers David Parkin, founder of TheBusinessDesk.com and Marc Allen, of production firm, True North, will describe the challenges they have faced in setting up and growing their businesses, together with some of the lessons they have learned along the way.
Mr Allen said: “Any fast growing business, especially in fast moving industries like digital and media, can look at the cost of expansion and development as a huge challenge to overcome. It is great to grow but it comes with growing pains.
“Any support available in making these investments or taking these opportunities is invaluable and I’d recommend businesses do all they can to find organisations and initiatives that help this. In fact I’d say it is one of the first things you must do.”
Grants of between £10,000 and £1m are available through the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), with a total fund of £20m available over the next three years to drive business investment and growth.
Phil Cole, Leeds City Council’s head of business and enterprise, said: “The grants cover up to 20% of the total cost of an investment in new premises, fit outs and equipment. So, an investment of £100,000 could qualify for a grant of up to £20,000, while an investment of £250,000 could be eligible for a grant of £50,000.”
The D-Fund has been set up by investment firm Creative England in partnership with facilities management and consultancy company, Creative Space Management, to support product development projects with a strong digital component. Interest free loans of up to £50,000 are available.
Gearing up for Growth has been organised by Creative Space Management, developer Igloo, which owns Marshall’s Mill, and Leeds City Council’s economic development service, which is delivering the business growth programme on behalf of the Leeds City Region LEP.
Toby Hyam, managing director of Creative Space Management, which runs the Round Foundry Media Centre, said: “This event will offer creative businesses clear and practical advice on the two new funds available which could help them expand at a time when banks and more traditional lenders are reluctant to fund business growth.”
Business owners and decision-makers will also have the chance to find out more about the range of other support available to growing businesses through Finance Yorkshire. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme, Leeds Met’s Enterprise Office and Connect Gazelles.
The event will take place 8.30am to 10am and places are still available.
Delegates must pre-register either by contacting anys@anitamorrisassociates.co.uk or click here to book online.
