Lord Kirkham’s support for the budding entrepreneurs

He’s supporting the Connect Gazelles, a group that is helping small companies to flourish during a period of economic upheaval.

Lord Kirkham, who turned the Doncaster-based sofa retailer DFS into a national brand, will be one of the keynote speakers at a summit for SMES (small and medium-sized enterprises) which is being organised by Connect Gazelles.

The event is being held on November 29 at the Cedar Court Hotel in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, from 8.30am to 2pm.

Other speakers at the summit include Paul Walker, the former chief executive of the technology company Sage Group, and Martin Penny, the co-founder of the hairstyling brand GHD.

Last year, Connect Yorkshire, an organisation that was established to support fast-growing businesses, devised a programme that has provided a boost for grassroots and established companies.

The company launched Connect Gazelles, an initiative that puts entrepreneurs in touch with people who can help their business to expand.

The project formed part of Connect Yorkshire’s next phase of development.

In the past, it had received funding from the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, which was scrapped earlier this year as part of the coalition Government’s austerity measures. It has now become a not-for-profit company which is funded by the private sector.

During times of austerity, it is ensuring ambitious entrepreneurs get the guidance they need to increase the scale of their enterprise.

Nick Butler, the chief executive of Connect Gazelles, said: “The aim is to bring together all our members to listen to the success stories and learn from these eminent business people and hear about business-critical issues that are imperative for expansion.

“There will also be a panel event about the growing importance of social media in the business world.

“Our Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) will be present for one-to-one meetings.

“It aims to be an important and very valuable business event for the region’s aspiring companies.”

Connect Gazelles has a Sheffield group, which covers South Yorkshire, and a Leeds group, which provides support for businesses in West and North Yorkshire.

Members can attend masterclasses throughout the year and be involved in Gazelle Spring boards, where members can meet with two EIRs who will help them with a major strategic issue.

Gazelle members can also take advantage of one-to-one mentoring from 35 of the region’s highest achievers.

They include Larry Gould of thebigword, Deidre Bounds founder of i-to-i, and Peter Wilkinson of Freeserve.

They all act as EIRs and give their time for free.

Mr Butler said: “Because we are not for profit, and so many very successful business people give their time for free, we are able to offer a service for our members and keep the membership price at £300 per annum.

“The formula is working well and we already are on course for 200 members. This summit is another opportunity for members, and other fast-growing companies who want to access this level of expertise, to take away valuable lessons.”

He added: “Our only aim is to put wealth back into the Yorkshire economy and create jobs.

“It (the Connect Gazelles) is a learning group, and members get the benefit of learning from some of Yorkshire’s most successful entrepreneurs.”

For more details about the summit next month, call 0113 384 5638 or visit www.connectgazelles.co.uk.

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