Hear top business experts’ problem-solving tips at intimate events in London, Birmingham and Manchester as part of our exciting ‘Plusnet Pioneers’ programme
We’re on a mission to help small businesses grow and realise their ambitions because we know from our customers how important it is to have the right support and advice when starting a business.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with Startups.co.uk and a panel of business experts to create Plusnet Pioneers, a programme of stimulating events, content and mentoring.
Created to provide the helping hand every founder needs, this exciting initiative exemplifies our joint commitment to the UK’s small businesses community because we know there’s nothing small about small business.
Today in the UK alone, there are 5.5 million businesses – of which small and medium-sized businesses account for 99%.
Almost 1,000 small business owners revealed the things that keep them awake at night. And the research findings have helped to form the agenda for an exclusive series of free masterclasses.
The events in London, Birmingham and Manchester will get to the heart of the common issues small business owners face when it comes to marketing, funding and hiring talent.
Each dedicated to one of the three topics, the masterclasses will feature successful entrepreneurs including Dragons’ Den’s Sarah Willingham, Gymbox founder Richard Hilton, and Claire Morley Jones of fast-growing human resource company HR180, as well as a host of pioneering talent.
Why has Plusnet Pioneers been created?
As our research exposed, 85% of founders feel they're sometimes 'winging it' when it comes to big moments for their business.
The research, carried out in conjunction with Startups.co.uk , revealed small business owners like you feel they lack the knowledge to solve some of their toughest challenges. But, with the right tools and advice at your disposal, such things can be overcome.
That is why we’ve decided to launch the Pioneers programme to address that very need.
So what will Plusnet Pioneers offer?
Kicking off this week, both ourselves and Startups will share the findings of our small business owner research , uncovering the things that really give them sleepless nights.
We will also publish the unvarnished fears of small business owners and how amid the excitement of seeing their venture take off they’ve coped with the challenge of finding new customers, financing their businesses, and building a team.
You’ll also have the chance to sign up to attend one of our three Plusnet Pioneers events in London, Birmingham, or Manchester, each event devoted to one of the key topics:
Small business marketing masterclass
The best ways to market a small business and compete revealed
Where do you begin with marketing a small business? With so many options, from free to paid to earned, it can feel like a confusing task.
To help clear the fug, we’re hosting a free marketing masterclass and Q&A with the help of Startups and our expert panel of business pioneers
London: Wednesday, March 1
Speakers:
- Richard Hilton, founder of Gymbox, London’s most talked about gym brand
- Giles Brook, UK CEO of Vita Coco, the number one selling coconut water
- Anna Bance, founder of Girlmeetsdress.com, the challenger brand revolutionising the fashion industry
- Ben Biboul, chief executive of communications agency Karmarama
Register to join us for an evening of discussion here.
Small business funding masterclass
How to manage your money and funding needs as you grow.
The prospect of securing funding can seem daunting at first, but there are all sorts of different ways to finance your start-up and grow your business – once you know where to look!
To help you understand which options are best for you – be it angel investment or raising venture capital – we’re here to help with Startups.co.uk and our expert panel with our free funding masterclass and Q&A
Birmingham: Wednesday, March 8
Speakers:
- Sarah Willingham, Dragons’ Den investor, entrepreneur and finance expert
- Jordan Daykin, founder of GripIt Fixings and Dragons’ Den winner
- Tracy Sambrook, CFO of the UK’s first online discretionary investment management company Nutmeg
- Leigh Purnell, founder and inventor of rapid phone charger Petallite
Register to join us for an evening of discussion here.
Small business marketing masterclass
Find out how you can attract and keep the great people happy.
Bringing the right people on board is important for any business, and having a happy team can make a big difference.
To ensure you attract and retain top talent, come along to our free talent masterclass and put your questions to our expert panel of pioneers
Manchester: Wednesday, March 15
Speakers:
- Andy Baker, CEO of Plusnet
- Claire Morley Jones, founder of human resource company HR180
- Jo Harman, HR director at leading communications agency Karmarama
- Simon Swan, co-founder of online recruitment marketplace Hiring Hub
Register to join us for an evening of discussion here.
Over the next three months, we’ll be sharing exclusive interviews with our Plusnet Pioneers, including Dragons’ Den’s Sarah Willingham, Gymbox founder Richard Hilton, and CEO of Plusnet Andy Baker, as well as leading figures from some of the UK’s best loved brands and most successful start-ups.
For more information on the Plusnet Pioneers, exclusive interviews and features, news on events, video, and the Plusnet Pioneers mentoring scheme head over to our Plusnet Pioneers LinkedIn Hub or visit www.startups.co.uk/plusnet-pioneers
Plusnet is on a mission to help small businesses and budding entrepreneurs grow and has teamed up with Startups.co.uk to create Plusnet Pioneers, an exciting programme of content, events and mentoring Article written by and first published on Startups.co.uk.