Entrepreneur accelerator programme launched in Leeds
ACCELERATOR programme Entrepreneurial Spark has launched in Leeds.
Supported by NatWest, the “hatchery” hub is based at the NatWest building at The Headrow, Leeds.
80 businesses have secured a place in the first wave of entrepreneurs, and if they show promise, will double their initial six month programme there.
A new round of entrepreneurs will be invited in every six months.
The “bootcamp” will include superfast internet and access to mentoring from Entrepreneurial Spark partner KPMG.
The Leeds Hatchery is part of a network being created across the UK by Entrepreneurial Spark in conjunction with NatWest and KPMG. These will support 7,000 entrepreneurs over the next five years.
Alison Rose, chief executive of Commercial and Private Banking at NatWest, officially opened the Leeds hub on Friday, September 11.
She said: “NatWest has just released new research which shows that 42% of people in Yorkshire and Humber would prefer to be self employed but 62% are held back by a fear of failure.
“While 33% think now is a good time to start a business just 5% are actually taking the plunge.
“The complexities of setting up a new company can be overwhelming – having to understand finance, becoming experts in employment law and trying to be part of a network.
“For many, running their own business can be a lonely, slow and isolating experience. But it doesn’t need to be like that.
“The hub provides business owners with the infrastructure, advice and support they need to give them that extra boost during the key early stages of building their business.”
Five of the entrepreneurs currently based at the hub took part in a pitching competition during the official launch, which was judged by Alison Rose, NatWest chief executive Ross McEwan, head of National Markets at KPMG Iain Moffatt, non-executive chairperson of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership Roger Marsh, and chief HR officer at NatWest Elaine Arden.
Iain Moffatt, head of National Markets at KPMG, added: “”Starting up a business is all about getting the right support in place and having the confidence to see your plans through.
“With Entrepreneurial Spark, Leeds’ thriving entrepreneurial community has just the platform to nurture their ideas into reality.
“The energy created by the hub is infectious – our KPMG Enterprise team is extremely excited to be an official partner and can’t wait to get stuck in to mentoring some truly inspiring and incredible businesses.”
