NorthInvest have partnered up with leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK to launch Tech Mentors: Yorkshire, a free mentoring programme to connect tech and digital entrepreneurs with experienced business people and expedite business growth.
The 12-month mentoring programme has been developed with NorthInvest angel investor and a finalist for this year’s Mentor of the Year award at the NMA awards, Gareth Healey, and aims to build a nurturing and collaborative network among experienced business leaders.
On top of facilitating monthly one-to-one mentoring sessions, the programme will also provide world-class expertise and training to participants, including insights into R&D tax, talent acquisition, funding options and insights into corporate finance.
The Tech Community Spoke, We Listened.
Since the foundation of NorthInvest, we have connected over 200 entrepreneurs with our investor network of over 100 angels. On both sides of the investment term sheet, we have been asked about available mentoring opportunities to help entrepreneurs and experienced business leaders build a nurturing business relationship. The kind of ‘beyond money’ smart support that tech startups need to get them truly thriving, according NorthInvest Founder, Professor Adam Beaumont.
We are now delighted to invite our community of investors and Yorkshire-based tech entrepreneurs to take part in Tech Mentors: Yorkshire to develop a mentoring relationship that will see help tech startups level up their business game.
Helen Oldham, Director of NorthInvest, said: ‘NorthInvest has always prioritised the quality of support we offer to our community of entrepreneurs, mentors and investors. We are delighted that we are able to now offer a structured mentoring programme to further assist ambitious entrepreneurs get the support they need to thrive, and enable experienced business leaders to continue to develop their professional skills through mentorship. We encourage all Bradford and Leeds-based business people in tech and digital to apply to the scheme which will help create an environment in which potential mentors and mentees can meet, form relationships and develop through insight, events and guidance.’
Chris Etherington, RSM’s head of tech and media for Yorkshire and the North East added: ‘The Yorkshire startup sector has seen rapid growth in recent years, clearly demonstrated by the exponential growth of Leeds Digital Festival, co-working spaces and tech-related meet-ups. Increasing numbers of new businesses are also strategically locating themselves in more accessible markets in the North, incorporating themselves here from the outset or ‘Northshoring’ their existing businesses to cities like Leeds, instead of London. RSM is a global leader in supporting fast-growing businesses and partnering with NorthInvest to help early-stage start-ups grow into thriving companies feels like a perfect fit.’
Meeting your match: Mentoring Speed-Dating
Adding a personal touch to the scheme, participating mentors will be hand-matched with mentees based on their interests and ambitions after an initial speed-networking event on 2 October. Details for this event will be shared at the official launch.
Attend the Tech Mentors: Yorkshire Launch
Tech Mentors: Yorkshire will officially launch on 18 September at RSM, where prospective mentors and mentees can discover more about the programme. Reserve your space now!
