Expert advice on offer to entrepreneurs at Leeds Art Gallery event

Entrepreneurs will have the chance to pick the brains of a panel of business experts as part of a special event set to be held at Leeds Art Gallery next week.



Hosted by Leeds City Council’s Business & IP Centre in partnership with the British Library on Monday 23 February from 17.45pm -21.00, joining the chat at the art gallery via a live webcast from London will be Paul Lindley, founder of Ella’s Kitchen, Julie Deane, founder of the Cambridge Satchel Company and Eamon Fitzgerald, managing director of Naked Wines.



Sponsored by Barclays, a range of questions will be discussed at the free ‘Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Growing Pains and Gains’ event, which will focus specifically on how to expand your business successfully when growth comes. Key questions will include, when should you move into offices or invest in bigger computer systems? How do you raise money for the next phase of growth? How do you know the time is right to recruit? And how do you get the right people?



Local entrepreneur Eric Hawthorn from Radio Design will also be speaking about his own experiences in business, with all experts available on the night to answer any questions. This is an event not to be missed for anyone who wants to build their own business and take advantage of the chance to network with other local business owners.



Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for digital and creative technologies, culture and skills, said:



"We are delighted to be hosting with the British Library this special event at Leeds Art Gallery, which will discuss in depth what needs to be considered if you are thinking of expanding your business.



"An expert panel will be available on the night via a live webcast from London to answer any of your questions, and they will be joined by local entrepreneur Eric Hawthorn who is also set to pass on his vast business experience in person at the art gallery.



"If you are unable to attend, or want to find out more about how to start or build your business, please feel free to drop in to our fantastic Business & IP Centre at Leeds Central Library which offers a wide range of advice and support."



This event forms part of a programme of work being undertaken by the Business & IP Centre at Leeds Central Library which provides a free and accessible service to anyone wishing to set up, protect and grow a successful business. Visitors to the centre can also access business databases and market research reports, trade journals, directories and a wealth of other information about starting up and running a business. A programme of free workshops and 1:1 advice sessions delivered by staff and business experts on a range of topics including starting up, business planning and marketing, as well as how intellectual property can protect products, brands and designs are also available and are proving to be extremely popular.



For more information and details regarding Leeds City Council’s Business & IP Centre on: (0113) 247 8266.



For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk