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START-UPS INVITED TO BRAVE WIRRAL WOLVES’ LAIR
FOLLOWING LAUNCH OF
DRAGONS’ DEN-STYLE INVESTMENT SCHEME
Start-ups and micro businesses seeking investment are being
offered the chance to pitch their ideas to Wirral Wolves, a
new Dragons’ Den-style initiative aimed at helping fledgling
firms get off the ground.
Taking inspiration from the hit BBC television show, Wirral Wolves
is the brainchild of Nik Ellis and Justine McLaughlin, directors of
Heswall-based SME incubator service Whitfield Business Support
(WBS). Established in April 2015, WBS works with more than 200
clients providing marketing and design services, office space, virtual
office functions and a range of bespoke business support packages.
Backed by a £50,000 investment pot and decades of business expertise,
Nik and Justine are inviting firms from across the region to present a
case for investment in return for equity.
Justine said: “The North West is a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity
and we want to help the brightest prospects enjoy the best chance of
success by providing critical support, especially in the early stages.
Through Wirral Wolves we’re hoping to invest in a wide range of
exciting start-ups and micro firms, using our know-how and financial
backing to help them become thriving businesses. We are particularly
keen to hear from firms operating on the Wirral, Cheshire and North
Wales regions.
who operate within the Whitfield Business Hub. This includes director
level personnel currently running multi-million turnover businesses.”
Nik, who is also the founder and managing director of Laird Assessors,
said this is a unique opportunity for businesses operating across all
sectors. Laird is an expert witness services firm supporting the legal,
insurance and motor industries across the UK. It has a £5 million
turnover employing more than 60 people across the country.
“The Wirral Wolves is made up of entrepreneurs who have a common
understanding of what is required to be successful in business,” he
said. “Sound judgment, resilience and the ability to capitalise on
opportunities are important assets for any business owner. However,
these skills are often honed over time, through many mistakes. We are
offering fast track support to help fellow entrepreneurs navigate their
own business journey with greater certainty.
“In our experience too many businesses fail because they do not have
the right support network in place. This could be extra help with
finances and accounting, marketing and branding or recruitment
and staff. These are fundamental building blocks which cannot be
neglected. However, when you’re devoted to delivering your primary
product or service it can feel like ‘spinning plates’ and it’s easy to let
important things slide.
“As well as funding, we are offering a complete range of business
support services. Start-ups that pitch successfully could receive help
with start-up assistance, accounts and IT support, recruiting, and
a host of marketing services such as web and graphic design, social
media and email marketing. “We are hugely passionate about business and find real joy in seeing
other regional businesses succeed, especially start-ups, micro
businesses and SMEs. The Wirral Wolves platform provides an
opportunity for us to invest greater time and energy into the local
business community and share our broad knowledge and expertise
for mutual benefit.”
“Crucially we can also provide guidance, advice and mentoring
support through a network of senior managers and business owners For more information about Whitfield Business Hub, visit the website:
www.whitfieldbusiness.co.uk or call 0151 342 0679.
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