Expert panel grills budding entrepreneurs

Seven businesses pitched to a Dragons’ Den-style panel of entrepreneurs and advisers, in the hope that they might be invited to to set up an office at The Leeds Digital Hub.

Judges Ajaz Ahmed, the co-founder of Freeserve, Helen Roberts, a partner at boutique accountancy practice WGN Chartered Accountants, Fran Parkinson, QU2 Operations Manager and Shelley Ross, account manager at Quest PR were seeking evidence that the candidates combined creativity with the ability to deliver.

Mr Ahmed said afterwards: “One of the things that upsets me is that we don’t see great companies coming out of Yorkshire because we put too many obstacles in their way - even if they have a great idea. For instance, we say we want a business plan before we actually listen to the idea. For me, this process has been about finding good ideas.”

The Yorkshire Post is partnering with Leeds Metropolitan University in a scheme that helps new digital companies to achieve their growth potential.

The Digital Hub in Leeds provides flexible city centre office space, mentoring and training services and the opportunity to work with like-minded people in a collaborative environment. Hub businesses can also benefit from regular exposure in our business pages. Organisers are looking for early stage, start-up and established companies to join the programme.

Steve Baker, a successful software entrepreneur who now works with QU2, the university’s business support service, will provide expert mentoring.

Law firm DWF and accountancy practice WGN will provide professional services and The Yorkshire Post will provide media training. The first tenants moved in earlier this month.