County Durham’s most promising start-ups are set to gain an unparalleled opportunity to receive first-hand support and advice from a host of successful business owners and entrepreneurs from the region at the third annual Durham Ambitious Business Start-ups (DABS) Festival of Enterprise, sponsored by Swinburne Maddison.
Taking place on Thursday 13th October at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham, the event brings together like-minded people from across the region and offers entrepreneurial inspiration from leading industry experts and a range of exciting keynote speakers.
The theme of the event, ‘New Start-Ups in a New World’ will focus on entrepreneurs who have pivoted their business model to taking opportunities in the new economic environment, post-pandemic. The event will be hosted by broadcast journalist and presenter Charlie Charlton. Expert speakers confirmed includes Bradley Jensen, co-founder of Jensen and Jensen; Jack Sutcliffe, CEO and co-founder of national award-winning Power Sheds; and Jeni Smith, founder of NetKno.
Sarah Slaven, Managing Director at Business Durham said:
“We are delighted to be hosting the Festival of Enterprise for a third year. In this post-pandemic era new businesses need to be more innovative and agile than ever before. DABS is a unique programme to equip ambitious new entrepreneurs to tackle these challenges. I encourage anyone who has an idea for a new business or who is in the early stages of their business journey to come along to the Festival and connect with our DABS and Business Durham teams to find out about the extensive support that is available in County Durham.“
DABS is an ERDF-funded programme that helps high-quality start-ups in County Durham start trading and offers premium quality support during those critical first 12 months in business. There are two support packages available – one for pre-start businesses with a great idea and the other for early-stage businesses. The programme is delivered by Business Durham, with key partners TEDCO, UMi and Candle Digital.
Nicki Clark OBE, chief executive at UMi added:
“At a time when businesses of all sizes are seeking the best advice, insight and knowledge to help navigate the many challenges that exist as well as opportunities, the DABS Festival of Enterprise provides an unmissable event for start-up owners and entrepreneurs to gain strategic support and make connections to help grow their business.”
Speakers confirmed for the event include:
- Bradley Jensen, co-founder of Jensen & Jensen
- Jack Sutcliffe, CEO and founder of Power Sheds
- Jeni Smith – founder of NetKno
- Danielle Phillips, founder and principal consultant, Inside Out Communications Consulting
- Gillian Smellie, owner and CEO, Gillian Smellie Eco Print Textiles
- Kimberley Cattin – CEO, West Barn Co
Those interested in attending the Festival of Enterprise can book their place online.