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Spark Up leads Global Entrepreneurship Week in Liverpool

Liverpool’s biggest free business accelerator programme, Spark Up will encourage people to explore their inner creativity and entrepreneurial spirit as part of the city’s plans for Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest campaign to promote entrepreneurship. This year it will take place 16-22 November, with events across the world designed to help entrepreneurs get started in business.

In Liverpool, special guests Gary Millar and Andy Bounds will headline ‘Spark Up Presents’ at the Spark Up headquarters based at Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, Old Hall Street. From 1.30pm on Wednesday 18th November both will look to inspire people to explore their potential as self-starters and innovators in business.

Mr Millar, the Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Investment and a businessman in his own right will talk about his journey as an entrepreneur including his experience as the co-owner of Parr Street Studios. He will also talk about his work with fledgling businesses, helping them take their first steps on the road to growth and job creation.

International best-seller and award winning sales trainer, Andy Bounds will talk about the power of communication. He will show guests how they can transform their sales performance by delivering compelling messages about their businesses.

According to official market statistics there are more than 72,900 self-employed people in Liverpool, which is around 7.3% of the working age population. Statistics from national enterprise campaign, Start Up Britain, show that in 2013 5,470 new businesses were registered in Liverpool.

Global Entrepreneurship Week also marks a pivotal point in the Spark Up programme, as applications for its fourth cohort of entrepreneurs, starting January 2016, open offering spaces for up to fifty businesses.

To date Spark Up has generate more than £450,000 worth of investment opportunities for start-ups, increased combine turnover by 167% and created around 40 employment opportunities for local people.

Jenny Stewart, Spark Up founder said: “Our programme has demonstrated that there is talent in Liverpool and that we have the means to generate growth from within. But start-ups need support if they are to go on to create a meaningful contribution to our economy.

“That is why the work of Spark Up combined with the invaluable support of business leaders, such as Gary Millar and Andy Bounds is so important for driving our start-ups on to real success.

“Entrepreneurs are the life blood of the city, as they have the power to attract inward investment and create new jobs – they are our future.

“Spark Up is delighted to be supporting Global Entrepreneurship Week and to help inspire even more of the entrepreneurial spirit waiting to be uncovered in Liverpool. We see the campaign as a brilliant way to showcase the support that is available to entrepreneurs right here in the city.”

Mr Millar added: “Entrepreneurship is alive and well in Liverpool and the great news is that there is support available through brilliant programmes such as Spark Up.

“As a city it is important that we lead from the front. We need to listen to our start-ups and offer them support and direction in the areas they need it most.

“I have lived through all the highs and lows that come with being an entrepreneur. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire people to start their own journeys as well as help them avoid some of the early day pitfalls.”

Spark Up offers support and advice for budding entrepreneurs via their 12-week programme of workshops, seminars and one-to-one mentoring. It covers everything from the perfect pitch, business practicalities and realties through to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and making the right connections.

The event is free for all to attend with limited places available.

If you would like to attend please email info@sparkup.org.uk for further information.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Laura Berry .