SUCCESS
Innovative – Imran Anwar , programme director for Tees Valley Labs and owner of Alt Labs , which has introduced a different approach to launching and supporting businesses .
The 34 % of women on the programme and 9 % from Black and Minority Ethnic communities are all launching businesses that we hope will grow to thrive in our region
Support – Imran says Tees Valley Labs is contributing to the wider picture of new business growth , job creation and job safeguarding on Teesside .
“ If you ’ re thinking of applying for funding or support in the future or pitching for new work , we can help you become pitchready .”
As programme director , Imran has seen a high interest in both The Stable and The Forge business incubation programmes – something that makes him feel optimistic about the future of entrepreneurship across the Tees Valley .
Four of the businesses from cohort one of The Stable project are also already turning revenue .
“ Across those who have been successful in achieving a place on the programme , we are already seeing good collaboration and community , mentorship and peer learning and it ’ s clear that the programmes are going to have a really good outcome for the businesses involved and be really positive for the region ,” Imran said .
“ The fact we had so many high-calibre applications to both programmes also paints a very positive picture in terms of future employment opportunities and successful entrepreneurs here on Teesside .”
Dr Suhaib Arogundade , of Carbonetrix , a carbon-reduction platform aimed at the construction industry , said The Stable programme offered by Tees Valley Labs had been “ nothing short of amazing ” for his business .
“ The networking opportunity with industry leaders and support provided by the Tees Valley Labs team has been very useful in processing the cloudy thoughts in my head !” he said .
“ Going forward , I am looking at harnessing the strength of the cohort , mentors and advisors provided through the programme to shape the go-tomarket strategy of Carbonetrix and raise pre-seed funds .”
Helen Dawson , managing director of Access CV , said The Stable programme had made a huge impact on her business .
“ The Stable Incubator programme offers us the resources , mentorship and local connections we need to build a strong foundation ,” she said .
“ Since joining , we ’ ve already benefited from expert workshops and strategic insights , helping us clarify our approach and strengthen our business model – not to mention some amazing offices to work from !
“ Our goal through this programme is to refine Access CV ’ s capabilities in career data management , ensuring we deliver value that resonates within the offshore industry and beyond .”
Mark Easby , MD of Better , started on The Forge programme in October and said it was the perfect programme at a pivotal time for the business .
“ We have ambitious plans to grow our agency and our products division is key to this growth ,” he explained .
“ The programme gives us the opportunity to access support and mentorship , helping us refine our business model , accelerate our development roadmap , develop our sales strategy and extend our reach into new markets .”
The Stable and The Forge programme is closed for 2024 , but there are events happening across the Tees Valley that you can still attend to help your business grow .
You can still register your interest at teesvalleylabs . co . uk / register
The voice of business in the Tees region | 71