Telford & Wrekin Council celebrates success of Start Up Telford 24 event

25th March 2024

Last Wednesday over 50 aspiring entrepreneurs and new businesses received support on their business journey at the Start Up Telford 24 event organised by Telford & Wrekin Council's business support team, Invest Telford.

Held at Hadley Park House Hotel, the event, funded from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, showcased the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit within the borough.

Rob Stone, founder and CEO of Telford-based Instaloft, spoke to those in attendance and expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It was a real pleasure speaking at Start Up Telford 24; there was a real buzz in the room. Some attendees had already started on their own journeys whilst others where right at the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what happens with them over the coming months and years. I hope my small talk on my own experience, including the ups and downs, served as an inspiration to those working towards their own dreams." 

Councillor Lee Carter (Lab) Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet Member for Place (The Economy & Neighbourhood Services), added, "We were delighted to welcome Rob Stone, a true Telford success story, to our line-up of speakers who gave real-world advice, as well as highlighting the many funding and support options currently available. The event was a great success and truly inspiring to anyone starting a business here in the borough."

Other speakers included Tracy Sherratt from the British Business Bank as well as Tim Luft and Nigel Birch from Thrive Telford’s Business Start-up Service. Aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from a dedicated service that provides tailored support, including one-to-one mentoring and workshops. The aim is to equip individuals with the confidence, awareness, knowledge, and skills to launch their ventures successfully.

Additionally, the Investment Readiness Programme was launched as part of the event, offering a unique opportunity for ten Telford businesses to prepare for external investment. This fully funded program, with a selective application process, provides access to a handpicked panel of investors, a first-of-its-kind opportunity in Telford.

Sally Pugh, who attended the event, shared her experience, stating, "The support provided via the Business Start-Up Service has been invaluable in helping me launch my business, Freedom at Home. The guidance and resources offered played a significant role in turning my entrepreneurial dreams into reality."

This event showcased the council’s dedication to fostering innovation and growth within its business community, with Invest Telford serving as a vital platform for accessing funding and support to nurture businesses that are starting and growing.

For those interested in accessing support from Invest Telford visit www.investtelford.co.uk/thrive-telford 

Image: right to left, Tim Luft - European Innovation, Tracy Sherratt  - British Business Bank, Rob Stone – Instaloft, Katherine Kynaston – Telford & Wrekin Council Director – for Housing, Employment, Infrastructure & Housing Solutions.