Digital hub is helping to boost the economy

Colin Glass believes the Leeds Digital Hub will support sustainable growth in the region’s technology sector by mentoring and nurturing the business stars of the future.

Over the last 18 months, the hub has helped small businesses with big dreams. The hub has supported 22 businesses and entrepreneurs to date, including Leon Doyle, a former star of BBC TV’s The Apprentice, and the digital advertising company Top Screen Media which secured a contract to deliver the digital marketing strategy for New York’s World Trade Centre.

The Leeds Digital Hub was established in the summer of 2014, as a partnership between The Yorkshire Post and the Enterprise and Innovation Hub at Leeds Beckett University.

The hub offers flexible workspace for digital and creative businesses, as well as professional support and mentoring.

The hub’s supporters include Mr Glass, who is a member of the board at the Government-owned British Business Bank. Over the last four decades, Mr Glass has helped many small firms who wanted to expand into new markets and territories.

As founding partner of WGN, the business advisers and chartered accountants, he has plenty of experience of mentoring and advising tech start-ups and SMEs with growth potential.

Mr Glass has been closely involved with the digital hub’s development.

Mr Glass, who is a senior partner at WGN, said: “We are impressed with the calibre of companies that are invited to join the hub.

“We believe that the services available to these companies, including relevant advice and guidance on obtaining funding, will lead to the creation of sustainable innovative tech-based SMEs, which are so important for the future of the local and national economy.”

The Leeds Digital Hub is now on the hunt for the next generation of budding tycoons who deserve a place among the best small firms in our region.

If you feel your company is heading for the top, then you could get the opportunity to pitch your business proposition to a panel of experts who have been brought together by The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Beckett University.

Those applicants who really shine will get a chance to join the hub.

Fran Parkinson, the operations manager at the Enterprise and Innovation Hub at Leeds Beckett University, added: “We would like to see more ambitious fast-growing digital innovators and tech companies – maybe the next Google – applying to join the digital hub co-working space.

“In keeping with the digital theme we are encouraging video and online applications by Monday, January 25.

“Successful applicants will be invited to pitch their business to a panel of business experts and The Yorkshire Post on February 4 2016.”

The previous application processes have identified rising stars who have blossomed at the hub.

Here’s the application form: http://eia.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/services/digital-hub/.

The Leeds Digital Hub offers an attractive modern city centre office space which inspires creative thinking and collaboration between like-minded businesses.

To apply for space please complete and submit a one-page online application by Monday, January 25.

Please provide a business plan in support of your application and send to [email protected]

Leeds Beckett University also welcomes applications by video.

Please send them to the same email address.