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BG Futures Inspires New Enterprises in Global Entrepreneurship Week
BGU Enterprise Club, run by the BG Futures, Careers, Employability and Enterprise team recently ran a series of events as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW); an international initiative which spans 170 countries, and inspires millions to engage in entrepreneurial activity. The week started with the ‘be enterprising boot camp’ where students discovered what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Sessions on how to join The Lincoln Teenage Market, become self-employed, and how to build your professional profile followed along with a talk from Rachel Linstead of Firecracker, a BG Futures based business, who shared her start-up story. On the final day individuals had the opportunity to pitch for free office space to start their own business in BG Futures Business and Enterprise Centre. Becky Goodman, Enterprise Development Manager at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) expressed her hope that the GEW activities would encourage more students to begin their entrepreneurial adventures: “It was great to see learners from a variety of our courses engage with the enterprise offer we are developing here at BGU. “We currently have two Master's Students in residence with us in BG Futures developing their business idea into an effective plan, and we are looking forward to welcoming another undergraduate into our enterprise centre in the New Year who secured a free place with us through the GEW initiative. “I am looking forward to helping more of our students take steps towards self-employment as we continue to develop the enterprise offer at BGU” All BGU students have access to free enterprise and business start guidance, access to free hot desking and a virtual office in BG Futures Business and Enterprise Centre, in addition to networking and volunteering opportunities with a wide variety of local organisations. There is also an opportunity to secure enterprise grants to aid self-employment and business start via the BGU enterprise club. To find out more email enterprise@bishopg.ac.uk. -
Meet BG Futures virtual tenants McCarthy Adams Ltd
BG Futures, Business and Enterprise Centre are featuring a selection of their tenants and getting some sound advice for BGU students and graduates considering entering the world of self-employment. Our Enterprise Development Manager, Sarah Moseley chatted with Virtual tenants McCarthy Adams Ltd. This regional recruitment consultancy for Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas was established in 2018 by Emma McCarthy and Caroline Adams. Emma explains: ‘We are a professional services recruitment consultancy and recruit across all back office support teams and departments. For example: Accountancy, HR, Sales, Purchasing, IT, Finance, Office support. We continue to grow and develop the business locally along with further supporting businesses with Executive / Senior appointments into their businesses. The pandemic enabled us to considerably grow our executive recruitment service, in supporting businesses hire at Director level. Going forward we want to promote Career Coaching, Recruiting Services and Job Search’ Caroline added: ‘Our Virtual tenancy at BG Futures provides flexibility to access superb facilities and great support from the team as well as the opportunity to collaborate, when required. Early in the first UK Lockdown we assisted with a Q&A video for BGU students who were having to make the rapid switch to online interviews for teaching positions.’ Emma and Caroline’s advice for setting up in business: ‘Make sure you have a good business plan, budget to understand costs, market knowledge and market appraisal. Good systems both IT & Procedural. It helps if you are passionate about what you are considering doing as a business or a career.’ To find out more about McCarthy Adams Ltd or to make an enquiry: www.mccarthyadams.co.uk hello@mccarthyadams.co.uk The Q&A video can be viewed here. The original news story can be found here. For information on the range of tenancy options and student enterprise support available at BG Futures: Tel: 01522 583900 Visit the website here Connect on LinkedIn Email: sarah.moseley@bishopg.ac.uk -
BG Futures Summer Social Offers New Entrepreneurs the Chance to Celebrate their Success
The recent Summer Social organised by Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) BG Futures Team provided an informal opportunity for organisations and entrepreneurs to further develop their professional network whilst promoting their individual repertoires. -
Former BG Futures Tenant Think2Speak goes from strength to strength
A year on from completing her incubation session at the BG Futures Business and Enterprise Centre, Lizzie Jordan, Founder and CEO of Think2Speak, has been looking back on her journey as an entrepreneur, and how being a BG Futures tenant helped Think2Speak grow in its formative years. Lizzie’s life completely changed in 2006 when she was widowed and then diagnosed with HIV. From these personal experiences Think2Speak, an award winning social enterprise, was born: “Think2Speak believe that communication skills are integral to young people’s lives, and confident communication empowers, protects & enables decision-making. Our programmes embed these integral skills, which are pivotal to the quality of relationships, and successes whether in education, employment, or life.” Lizzie knows from her own experiences as an entrepreneur that being self-employed isn’t for everyone; it is all consuming and hard work and not everyone is cut out for it. However, Lizzie acknowledges the tireless effort can produce incredible rewards which, for her, included receiving recognition from NatWest on their WISE100 list. When asked about Think2Speak’s time in BG Futures Business and Enterprise Centre, Lizzie said: “BG Futures has a special place in my heart; it is where the idea of Think2Speak germinated. I was able to benefit from the team within the building, and also the wider network and resources that being based at BGU tapped us into. The foundations that I built whilst based in BG Futures, paved the way for us to grow substantially and 2019 saw us move into commercial premises in Marshall’s Yard in Gainsborough.” Becky Goodman, Enterprise Development Manager at BGU, commented: “Think2speak’s work as an award winning social enterprise is fundamental to driving change, and to giving people the confidence to have a voice. It is great that BG Futures could provide a platform from which Think2Speak has been able to grow, and to make positive connections across Lincolnshire and beyond. At BG Futures we are particularly proud of the partnership work that Think2speak has been able to develop with the wider university offer, and I am pleased to see the annual conference #T2SLive19 back at BGU in November. We look forward to seeing Think2Speak continue to grow and effect positive change.” In addition to enjoying fantastic successes with Think2Speak Lizzie has gone on to become ‘one of the UK’s highest profile HIV advocates’ working as a consultant and speaker for various pharmaceutical companies and as a Visiting Lecturer at a number of universities. Through these roles she discusses her experiences, her story, HIV and sexual health with audiences varying from Year 7 secondary school classes to conferences and pharmaceutical board strategy meetings. If you have got a vision for your own business but aren’t sure where to begin then the BG Futures team are the perfect place to start. With facilities and expert support available in their incubation centre, they’ll be able to get you on the road to success. Visit our website or contact them today to see how you can start your own adventure. -
BG futures business centre gives hr professionals a flying start
Human resource professionals, Amica HR, credit BG Futures with playing a key role in putting them on course for commercial success. The business incubation complex on the Bishop Grosseteste University campus provided the former home-based consultancy B&G HR with the perfect premises and support to supercharge their success. Following rapid growth B&G HR rebranded and expanded to become Amica HR (with a sister venture Amica Legal). Now they have two offices in Lincoln, a third in London along with a newly opened fourth office in Humberside. When B&G HR started out, Director David Grech brought more than 10 years’ experience of human resources, employment law and leadership experience of working with SMEs and management teams going through rapid change, to the table. He was joined by fellow Director Suzanne Tricker, an accomplished and committed HR professional, added a further 20 years’ experience in delivering HR solutions to clients across the public and private sectors. This encompassed transformational advice on change management, restructures, outsourcing, TUPE transfers and redundancy situations. Both were passionate about building meaningful partnerships with companies by providing them with a wide spectrum service, irrespective of their business sector. They also knew that B&G HR needed a respected business address which made the BG Futures centre an ideal location, as David explained: “BG Futures Business & Enterprise Centre is a brilliant complex for fledgling businesses. With its professional reception, on-site support and its mix of tenants, means it offers ambitious businesses a safe starting point. “Initially, we rented a small office in keeping with the size of our client base, but we also had enough room to take on an intern. A year later, we realised we needed twice the room to service our clients, but we were easily able to switch to a bigger office within BG Futures. “What was so fantastic about this aspect was that we could upgrade without suffering any downtime or disruption to our day-to-day operations.” Suzanne was also full of praise for the opportunities offered by BG Futures: “We are convinced that starting out with a professional office helped us to attract more business and grow faster than we would have done otherwise. Usefully, BG Futures units are also come furnished and they are cost-effective to rent. “It was great to build relationships with other businesses and to have other commercial expertise on site. We were also able to assist BGU by writing the HR Module for the Undergraduate Business Degree course, which will be taught to this year’s students.” David and Suzanne know first-hand how challenging it can be when you are just starting out in business. They said it is vital to start out with the right attitude, a clear plan for growth and the right premises: “Our advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is – believe in yourselves, write a clear business plan, base your business in premises tailored to your needs and which, ideally offer on-site support services. After that you will be able to concentrate on building trust in your clients and those word-of-mouth referrals will follow!” Nikki Smith, Careers, Employability and Enterprise Advisor at BG Futures, expressed congratulations to Amica HR on their well-deserved ongoing expansion and success and praised them for their work with the BGU community: “Whilst running their very successful business they always had time to encourage any of our students who were interested in or wanted to find out more about the world of Human Resources. Since their relocation, they have continued to offer this support. We’re thrilled that Amica HR are still actively engaging with BGU.” If you have got a vision for your own business but aren’t sure where to begin then the BG Futures team are the perfect place to start. With facilities and expert support available in their incubation centre, they’ll be able to get you on the road to success. Visit our website or contact them today to see how you can start your own adventure. -
BG Futures and Lincolnshire Co-op collaborate for social enterprise event
BG Futures & Lincolnshire Co-operative joined forces to raise awareness of the importance of social enterprises and community businesses to Greater Lincolnshire at a collaborative event. The event - “Supporting the creation of Social Enterprises and Community Businesses" - was organised by BGFutures in partnership with Lincolnshire Co-operative and hosted on Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) campus at Lincolnshire Social Economy Hub. The focus of the event, sponsored by Key Fund, was to identify the support available to individuals and organisations interested in becoming a social enterprise or community business. The event featured a panel of speakers from organisations who support the creation of community-owned enterprises. Harriet English, Head of Engagement at the Plunkett Foundation, discussed the business support available and how they can partner directly with local county councils and support bodies to help raise the profile of the community business model. Emma Laycock, Head of Co-operative Advice at Co-operatives UK, spoke about the benefits of co-operatives and how they can be used as a legal structure for social enterprises, while Dave Thornett, Business Development Manager at Key Fund, outlined the different types of social enterprises and legal structures. Allison Webb, Director of External Engagement at Bishop Grosseteste University, shared insights into BGU's involvement in the sector including the recent development of a social economy hub and academy. She also announced the exciting launch of Greater Lincolnshire as a Social Enterprise Place, which will see local authorities, organisations and enterprises coming together to promote the growth of the sector in Greater Lincolnshire. Allison said the event was a great opportunity to work collectively. She said: "It was really inspiring to see the collective enthusiasm and support available to aspiring enterprises. The event helped us raise awareness and equip attendees with the skills required to support individuals interested in exploring these business models. "We're excited to move forward with our launch of Greater Lincolnshire as a Social Enterprise Place and identify more ways we can make real, impactful change for individuals and community businesses. "The development of these enterprises is so important because they offer a direct response to the wants and needs of the local communities they serve. So many of these businesses have positive social impact at the heart of what they do and we're proud to be part of that." Find out more about Social Enterprise Places here. -
BG Futures Business & Enterprise Centre Tenant Case Study – Complete Careers LLP
By Cassie Rainey, BG Futures Complete Careers LLP is a partnership of careers professionals with over four decades of experience from a diverse range of roles. Janet Hutchinson, a partner of Complete Careers, took some time out of her busy day to talk to me about what Complete Careers do, her journey, and how being a Tenant at BG Futures Business & Enterprise Centre has benefitted their thriving business. Originally a Secondary school teacher in English and Maths, Janet’s career originates in education. Janet then moved on to a pastoral care role, then Head of Sixth Form. With the wealth of experience gained in these positions, Janet went on to work for careers companies like Connexions; a Department for Education funded independent service whose responsibilities included providing support for careers education in schools. With the introduction of the Education Act in 2011, schools became responsible for funding and providing careers education. Janet noted that “although public funding for careers education in schools stopped, the demand for these services did not.” Janet and her colleagues began to offer careers services privately to schools, taking advantage of adversity and developing a profile as trusted careers professionals. After spending her whole career employed, Janet found the change of mindset from being an employee and working to a job description, to identifying what needs to be done, working out ways to take the responsibility to source work a challenging adjustment. However, three years down the line Janet has overcome these and many other challenges as an entrepreneur and developed “a thriving, growing company which is beginning to consider hiring employees.” Being a BG Futures Tenant has given Janet and Complete Careers partner John Ambrose the opportunity to network and make great connections with people in a similar field (such as LiNCHigher), boosting their business growth and profile in the careers industry. If you’d like to see what support Complete Careers can offer you, visit their website: www.complete-careers.com -
BG Futures Businesses pull on their Christmas jumpers for a great cause
Staff and businesses from BG Futures at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) were full of festive cheer as they joined thousands of people up and down the UK by pulling on a Christmas jumper for a great cause. The Christmas Jumper Day initiative (which raises funds for Save the Children UK to create a brighter future for children) helps bring essential food, healthcare, education, and protection to millions of children around the world who are missing out. Becky Goodman, Enterprise Development Manager, was delighted to see the BG Futures team and tenants come together in support of the charity: “Initiatives like this are incredibly important especially during the festive period so it’s been fantastic to see so many of our team and tenants support it. "A huge thank you must also go to BG Futures administrator Cassie Rainey for organising and promoting the initiative” The BG Futures team would like to extend their thanks to all that supported their event, and furthermore encourage others to donate £2 to wear their favourite Christmas jumper over the festive period. For more information on all these events and how you can get involved contact the BG Futures team at bgfutures@bishopg.ac.uk. -
New Year heralds a new chapter for BG Futures based Belvin Construction
The New Year heralds a new chapter for BG Futures based Belvin Construction Limited, as they move from their incubation space in BG Futures Business and Enterprise Centre to new commercial premises. -
BG Futures Tenant White Wealth Management share their start-up story
White Wealth Management, a BG Futures tenant since October 2017, are approaching the end of their journey with the Business Incubation Hub. Danny White, owner and director, shared his start up story and reflected on how being a BG Futures tenant has benefited his business. Danny worked in NatWest bank from 2001 and became a Regulated Financial Advisor in 2005. Following changes in regulation in January 2013 the majority of UK banks exited the face to face financial advice market. Danny developed his new skills in a role at a company in Nottingham for two years. During this time, Danny worked towards becoming a Chartered Financial Planner and, in 2017, became a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society; it was in October of the same year that he decided to set up White Wealth Management. Danny felt the initial transition from employment to self-employment was a fluid one: “I had a set of skills that were easily transferable in terms of employment. Through contacts from my previous roles, it was quite clear there was a demand for advice in areas such as pensions and inheritance tax which was exacerbated by UK banks exiting the advice market.” Of course, setting up his own business was not without its challenges: “I found it really difficult getting used to cash flow; some complex pension cases could mean there would be a 9-12 month wait for remuneration” Ultimately, though, Danny felt encouraged by the amount of referrals he received from other financial advisors, as well as glowing recommendations from clients; thus spurring him on to grow and develop his business. Through all of his experience being self-employed, good and bad, Danny feels it is key to have a plan when you start your entrepreneurial journey but above all: “Research your market and be prepared to fail and adapt” When asked about his time at BG Futures Danny said: “The BG Futures approach to building a community atmosphere is great. In addition, the managed office space at BG Futures is great value, professional with some great facilities.” Becky Goodman, Enterprise Development Manager at BG Futures, praised Danny’s growth and his impact on BG Futures: “It has been great to see Danny’s business flourish during his time with BG Futures, and it has been great to have White Wealth Management as part of our community. White Wealth Management have contributed greatly to the BG Futures offer, supporting the BGU Enterprise Club networking events, the charity events we have held, and to our community in the Business and Enterprise Centre by being there for other co-businesses and their colleagues. We will certainly miss Danny and his team when they move on after their 2 year period of business incubation with us in BG Futures” If you have got a vision for your own business but aren’t sure where to begin then the BG Futures team are the perfect place to start. With facilities and expert support available in their incubation centre, they’ll be able to get you on the road to success. Visit our website or contact them today to see how you can start your own adventure.
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