Successful business skills event returns to Leeds next week

Leeds will again play host to the PopUp Business School, the UK’s leading start-up training team for providing vital business, marketing and social media skills to people in local communities.

The free 10-day event, running from 5^th March, is designed to help people launch their small business ideas and also gives the opportunity to test their ideas at one of the drop-in sessions.

The PopUp Business School is making a return to the city due to the success and popularity of last year’s event. The PopUp Business School was founded in 2011 and is a two week programme which provides leadership development and support to small business start-ups and gives people the knowledge, skills and confidence to test their business ideas and get started on their journey to self-employment.

The concept is different to other start up programmes due to its innovative approach which includes mentoring and online business support; a platform for potential start-ups to get together, share information and explore collaboration opportunities with other like-minded or complimentary entrepreneurs. The programme also incorporates the set-up of a ‘community support network’ – helping businesses to sustain after the two week programme is complete.

The PopUp Business School will run every week day from 5 March until 16 March March at Platform, New Station St, Leeds LS1 4JB. Limited free tickets can be secured here: http://www.popupbusinessschool.co.uk/leeds.html

Co-founder, Alan Donegan, says what he most likes about teaching aspiring

entrepreneurs is “changing people’s perceptions of what is possible for them, altering the way they look at business and helping them to see a brighter future that they can take charge of.”

Co-founder, Simon Paine said he founded the PopUp Business School because:

“Business shouldn’t be an exclusive club for those people with cash or who know how to write a business plan. I want to make it possible for everyone – that’s why we developed our approach.”

Craig Burrow, Director of Bruntwood Leeds, said:

"We're delighted to be able to welcome the Pop-up Business School back to Leeds and host them at Platform. Following a successful first year in 2017, the Pop-up Business School needed a much larger venue this year so we are very pleased to be able to accommodate them. It's a great concept that will help many people start their own business from grassroots level and Bruntwood is proud to support the scheme."

James Rogers, Community Executive of Hammerson Plc said:

“Hammerson is committed to investing in the local communities around our assets such as Victoria Leeds. In collaboration with our partners, we are proud to once again support PopUp Business School in Leeds. PopUp Business School offers a completely different and unique approach, engaging and supporting people in establishing and running their own successful business”.

Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District), said:

LeedsBID’s investment in 2017 helped established the first PopUp Business School in the city last year and it is great to see others now adding their support to bring the event back to provide people with that essential start-up assistance, advice and practical help.”

Cllr Mohammed Rafique, Executive Member for Employment, Skills and Opportunity said:

“I am delighted to welcome Pop Up Business School back to Leeds after a successful first year in 2017.This is a brilliant opportunity for people in Leeds to expand their entrepreneurial skills and to learn key skills about social media, marketing and how to run their own business. Limited free tickets are available, but it is strongly encouraged that people book early to avoid missing out.

Notes to editors:

About PopUp Business School

Frustrated by the traditional approach to starting up, co-founders Alan Donegan and Simon Paine decided to challenge the system when they set up five years ago. Forget suits, ties and briefcases. PopUp Business School is all about offering BIG opportunities to every member of society, from lone parents to the unemployed, people with disability and ex-offenders, NEETs and other disadvantaged members of the community.

PopUp Business School is the polar opposite of tried and tested approaches to enterprise support. Rather than preach the importance of business plans, company structures and loan funding, Donegan and Paine turn this model on its head to achieve far greater results. Using a combination of the latest online business models and a rapid approach to sales, PopUp Business School is fast, smart and seriously hard hitting and their results speak for themselves, with 50% attendees getting going within two weeks.

Over the past five years Donegan and Paine have worked tirelessly to transform PopUp Business School from an ambitious idea into a nationwide enterprise that’s helped hundreds of Brits kick-start their commercial dreams, with zero reliance on grant funding!

“Most people think you need a business plan and funding to get an idea off the ground. We show people how to start with no money, find the confidence to get going and make sales,” added Donegan. For more information or to book a place, visit: http://www.popupbusinessschool.co.uk/leeds.html

Notes to editors:

1. Twitter: @popupbusiness

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PopUpBusinessSchool?ref=hl

   Website: www.popupbusinessschool.co.uk