Member Article

Dragon’s Den investment competition for North East growth businesses

Advanced Digital Dynamics (ADD) - a global IT supplier specialising in computer hardware and data destruction - is inviting budding enterprises across the North East to take part in a Dragon’s Den style business investment competition to power three businesses to the next level.

Entries are welcome up until October 14 from innovative start-ups and ambitious businesses founded in the last three years and three successful entrants will each be awarded a £5k investment boost from ADD along with expert business mentoring from its directors. ADD is seeking a minority stake in the three successful companies.

Launched in 1997, ADD has grown organically with headquarters in Harrogate and a sales office at Daresbury Science Park in Cheshire. In the last six years alone turnover has rocketed from £300k with a team of three to £3.4 million with 20 staff.

Investment competition judge and ADD operations director Julie Pickersgill said: “Far from being involved in the project solely as an angel investor, we are genuinely committed to forging strong partnerships. Our investment encompasses more than just financial input - and extends to training, mentoring and developing those with the potential to succeed”.

“We are seeking a minimum stake in each of the three successful businesses and are committed to sharing and passing on the formative lessons we’ve learnt to those with passion and the potential to grow their enterprises. Our commercial advice will span critical areas such as innovation, strategy, sales and recruitment - while reinforcing the importance of always keeping the big picture in mind.”

Shortlisted companies will present their goals and vision to a judging panel on October 24. QU2, Leeds Metropolitan University’s hub for high growth businesses, is supporting the vibrant venture and is offering the winners a years free access to its business accelerator programme.

To download an application form visit http://www.qu2leeds.co.uk/add.htm.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Julie Pickersgill .