16/01/2009
12/01/2009
myCatalystTM January Event
Hello!
I would like to invite you to January’s myCatalyst™ event! How to understand tax and Value Added Tax and save yourself money.
Paying tax and death are two of life’s certainties. What isn’t always certain
is our understanding of how the tax and VAT systems work and how we can make
sure our businesses don’t get caught out in this potentially complicated
minefield.
Come and join us at our next networking event on Thursday 29th January 2.00pm
-4.00pm when Colin Devey, one of the leading experts at HMRC, will help you
make the right decisions for your business.
His workshop will explain;
- Tax,
VAT, Self assessment
- Becoming
Self Employed
- Are
you actually bonafide 'self employed'?
- What
is your tax and NI paying for?
- When
and how to pay - online etc.
- Should
I be registered for VAT? The advantages and disadvantages.
- Why
market research is important
- What
to do if you decide to take on employees?
- Thinking
of going LTD? Advantages and disadvantages
Agenda-
2.00pm Reception, coffee and general networking
2.15pm Workshop How to understand tax, VAT and save yourself money
3.00pm Table networking; an opportunity to identify new business introductions
4.00pm Close of meeting
To book/reserve your place for this
event, please confirm your place by emailing me at: [email protected] or
call me on 07718 982546 if you have any questions.
This event is free to event paying members.
Non Event Paying Members: £17.25 inclusive of vat
YOU MUST CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE IN
ADVANCE.
Kindest Regards
Chandra
P.S keep an eye out for your monthly myCatalyst™ newsletter!
*Rise Catalyst
Brooklands View
Seacroft
Leeds
LS14 6SA
09/01/2009
19/12/2008
Vintage Bo'tique by Ringlit*
Laura Butler has been a member of myCatalystTM centres for over six months and is going from strength to strength. She has her own Fashion line – Vintage Bo’tique by Ringlit specializing in vintage scarf tops, denim and leather pieces – as well as offering a Made-to-Measure commissions service and a range of accessories. Laura describes her clothes as ‘sexy cool’ one-off designs and can produce a great look for any occasion.
Laura joined the Catalyst because she needed the connections to get into business for herself, and having the support of others in the same boat has helped her to keep motivated and strive for what she wants. As Laura puts it, myCatalystTM, “spoke to me and I could see the opportunity to open doors I thought would stay closed forever”.
After working with our resident Business Advisor, Balbir Sembhi, Laura has got a clear plan of action to turn herself into a top fashion designer. At the moment she is testing out her market and methods of distribution and next year she will have the information she needs to produce a business plan and really start flying. Laura has found that producing one-off pieces, though her preferred style of working, is not profitable enough to base her whole enterprise on. She is looking to design a range of mass-produced ladieswear aimed at 15-30 yr olds and get her designs out in boutiques and fashion fairs across England.
One of the difficulties Laura has had is reaching a broader spectrum of people - the portfolio she is working on will show people that you don’t have to be a model size 8 to look amazing! Laura is also working at Tiger 11 in Hillside as a way of giving back to the community and help save funds to put into her business.
Since
joining myCatalystTM Laura has taken part in three fashion shows and
has had radio and newspaper publicity.
She has trialled markets and fairs in Leeds and Sheffield and will
continue to sell her wares at the Affordable Vintage Fashion Fair, which will
be rolled out across Nottingham, Newcastle, Lincoln, Liverpool, London etc.
next year. Vintage Bo'tique by Ringlit* is also now available
to buy in DARE Boutique, Kirkburton, Huddersfield, HD8 0RU. http://www.ringlit.co.uk
18/12/2008
Insider Yorkshire Digital Awards 2009
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Are you bowled over by some of the talent you have seen in the Yorkshire digital and creative sector? Perhaps you work in the sector itself, and feel the project you are working on at the moment, or the piece of technology you are developing, really needs wider attention. Even if you don’t work directly in the industry, perhaps you have seen a mind-blowing website that establishes a new benchmark in quality, or a new digital equipment you think could really make a difference to our lives or the way we do business.
Whatever your situation, if you wonder why so many companies still seem to think they have to go to London for creative work done when so much excellent work goes on up here, then the Insider Yorkshire Digital Awards are for you. Whether you are in the industry or just an interested observer, we want to hear from you.
This successful awards programme, now in its tenth year, acknowledges and promotes digital companies in Yorkshire and the Humber who are really pushing the bar in creativity and technological prowess. There are clearly benefits to winnng too. Huddersfield-based Liquid Accounts, for example, won the Best Application of Internet Technology category in 2008. “Winning that has really given us a boost,” says marketing director Lisa Kendrick. “It has opened up a number of doors for us, and it has given us the confidence to go on to bigger and better things. Finally, it was a great do that allowed us to let our hair down and celebrate three years of hard work.”
Here at Insider we think it’s really important to talk up the importance of the creative and digital sector at a time like this as well. Too much of what the industry does in this region is still taken for granted, yet the possibilities of what the industry could achieve – both for itself and for the regeneration and future development of Yorkshire as a whole – are enormous.
That’s one reason why this year we are introducing a new award for best new talent*. The award will be open to any student in their final year of study on a creative or digital course in a Yorkshire
institution who can demonstrate by their project work and their ideas that they really are the “next big thing”. We want to be first to give them recognition and make them aware too that there is plenty of work on offer up here in Yorkshire.
So do you need any more reasons? Why not enter now?
How to Enter
Entries are open to any digital company that is based in Yorkshire and the Humber. Please be aware that companies will be restricted to enter a maximum of two award categories. The awards categories are:
Best Web Design Company sponsored by Yorkshire Forward
Best IT Consultancy
Best Business to Business Website sponsored by NYnet
Best Business to Consumer Website
Best Application of Internet Technology sponsored by Yorkshire Forward
Best Digital Start Up sponsored by Barnsley Digital Media Centre
Best Game sponsored by Screen Yorkshire
Best Entertainment Site
Best e Learning Initiative
Best Application of Mobile Technology sponsored by 4iP
Best New Talent sponsored by Leeds College of Art & Design
If you wish to submit an entry to the Awards, without any further obligation, please click here for a nomination form. *We will not be seeking formal nominations for the Best New Talent award. These will be sought individually from college tutors.
Entries Close: Friday 6th February 2009
Attending The Dinner
Based on response to the black tie dinner/disco last year we expect an audience of over 300 and demand for tables to be high. Therefore early booking of tables is advised. Table reservations will be held pending payment and will be booked on a first come first served basis. Please click here for a table booking form and return it to us as soon as possible to secure your table.
Should you require further information regarding the awards or the dinner itself, please call Lynda Craig or Helen Rangeley on 0161 907 9704 or email[email protected].
Yours sincerely
Rupert Cornford, editor, Insider
17/12/2008
16/12/2008
December MyCatalyst Event
Good Afternoon
I would like to invite you to the December myCatalyst™ event!
Key speaker Nigel Gorski will be
discussing:
The
challenges facing the SME
Planning - why bother?
What good planning can look like - the numbers are the result not
the dictator!
The Planning Game
This is going to be a wonderful networking event that gives you practical and
invaluable advice with the opportunity to network in a relaxed and informal
atmosphere.
I hope to see you there on what will be
the last myCatalyst™ business networking event of the year! This event is
something not to be missed and is just the tip of the iceberg for what we have
planned for you going forward in 2009!
If you would like to attend, then please confirm your place to me by responding
to this email. If you have any questions or queries then please give me a call
on 07718982546.
This event is free to event paying members.
Non Event Paying Members: £15 plus vat. Payment from January onwards will need
to be made three days in advance.
YOU MUST CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE IN
ADVANCE.
Kindest Regards
Chandra
P.S keep an eye out for your monthly myCatalyst™ newsletter!
*Rise Catalyst
Brooklands View
Seacroft
Leeds
LS14 6SA
15/12/2008
11/12/2008
05/12/2008
28/11/2008
26/11/2008
25/11/2008
24/11/2008
21/11/2008
1st Global Business Incubation Day
8th December 2008 will see the first ever
global celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship through business
incubation. Although the process of business incubation has been
utilised to regenerate and revitalise economies across the global for
over 50 years, never before have practitioners and supporters all
focused on one day to detail how they are growing the enterprises for
the future.
The MyCatalyst centres will be holding an Open Day for all to come and speak with our staff about the flexible workspace and connections we can offer. Drop in anytime!
Tech Talk 2008
Yorkshire
Don’t miss the opportunity to join us to discuss
‘The challenges of digital & creative media in the 21st Century’.
Hear the views of one of
A seasoned panel of experts from the finance,
media and business sector will then join Andrew to debate the issues that
matter to you. This part of the event will be moderated by David
Parkin the CEO and editor of thebusinessdesk.com.
Reserve your place today and learn how the 21st
Century company needs to explore, embrace, and leverage new digital &
creative media….the revolution is now on at TechTalk 2008!
An open floor discussion will allow you the
opportunity to ask any questions that YOU wish to raise to both Andrew
and the panel. Reserve your place today!
Your ticket includes:
·
Entrance to TechTalk & Exhibition
·
Lunch & Champagne Reception
·
Chance to network with like-minded professionals
We have limited places available: attendance to
TechTalk is £45.
Venue:Mercure St Paul's Hotel, Sheffield Date: 26 November 2008 Time:
13: 00 to 16:00 pm Call Rachel today on 0113 384 5640 or email [email protected]
Kind regards,
Rachel.
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|
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Rachel Kirby
Operations
Manager Yorkshire
Leeds Innovation Centre 103 Clarendon Road Leeds LS2 9DF UK
Registered in England Company No. 4238885 |
19/11/2008
17/11/2008
14/11/2008
Argentica Drop In sessions with Nicola McDonald
Nicola
McDonald is the Managing Director of Argentica Ltd, a company which specialises
in training and software sales for accounts, payroll and contact management. Nicola is passionate about helping others to
grow their businesses and has had a great deal of success since Argentica began
trading two and a half years ago. She joined
the catalyst centres to make new contacts and would recommend it to anyone wishing
to work with young businesses.
Nicola has
years of expertise in this field and is an accredited SAGE business
partner. She enjoys making a real impact
and seeing businesses go from strength to strength. Whether its getting customers to pay in a more
timely manner, improving your marketing or just simply making life easier - Its
amazing what you can get out of effective utilisation of a piece of software.
Nicola will
be holding a drop in session at the Hillside catalyst on 24th
November. Come and see what Nicola could do for your business!
10/11/2008
If An Eight Year Old Can Do It So Can You!
The
children of Seacroft Grange school are getting into enterprise early. The budding businesspeople have set up their
own company called Painting Perfect with support from the Primary Enterprise
Network who support the development of children’s financial and economic
literacy.
One child
has kindly donated a painting to the Rise centre and it will shortly be on
display for all to be inspired. The
children are looking for businesses that can support them to: market their
business or assist with publishing and design,
or display the children’s artwork in their place of work for an annual
fee. Funds raised will be re-invested
into this worthy project so that others can join in. If you are interested in lending your support
please contact Viv Gibbons, Parent Support Adviser on: 07983 002504
([email protected])
Pictured here are: (from left to right) Victoria Hughes (Year 6 pupil on the Painting Perfect Business Team), Trish Rogers (Education and Community Co-ordinator BITC), Mrs Knight (Deputy Head Seacroft Grange), Liz Needleman (Regional Director BITC), and Katie Lorimer (Year 6 pupil on the Painting Perfect Business Team).
06/11/2008
Darn! That's Community Spirit!
Last wednesday Thuja Phillips brought a group of lovely ladies from the community to Hillside for their weekly knit-meet. Randolph could not believe his luck! Hillside was alive with excitable chatter and our very own Zarida Hussain was giving complimentary beauty treatments.
Zarida will be attending the centre on Wednesday mornings for the next few weeks to do treatments such as manicures and eyebrow tinting. If you would like to book a treatment please call Zarida on: 0113 276 2363 for more details. She is available to come to you if you have a party of friends needing pampering, or you can visit her at her purpose-built home salon.
Now Hillside is open we will be keeping up the momentum with plenty of networking opportunities and get-togethers.
Lunch & Learn!
Tuesday 3rd November saw the opening of the new Hillside Catalyst Centre in Beeston. As usual, Mr Randolph Robinson pulled in the crowds from far and wide and after his introductions the Catalyst members began to mingle over the buffet bonanza. A good ol' time was had by all!
The centre is now ready for use so do drop in and say hello! Your Catalyst membership covers use of all the centres.
31/10/2008
27/10/2008
24/10/2008
21/10/2008
17/10/2008
Inspire to Success!
An event that could transform your
lives and awaken the entrepreneur in you !!!
ABDN (Asian Business Development Network) in association with Business Link is proud to present “Inspire to Success”, an annual event to motivate, energize and help you identify your business goals.
Inspire to Success on the 6th of November at Beckett Park, Leeds Met will transform the way you think about your business. Our three inspirational speakers will give you a sense of direction to your aspirations and help you achieve your dreams!
The day will provide an opportunity for networking and engaging yourself with successful entrepreneurs. It is also a good platform for existing businesses to identify their glass ceilings and self imposed limitations and reach out to break those barriers.
Inspirational speakers include the 27 year old Imran Hakim whose Dragons’ Den investment launched his iTeddy business to phenomenal heights. Abigail Udenze, 1st Resource started a multifaceted recruitment and virtual PA company. She will talk about her success mantra . Ajaz Ahmed of Freeserve fame will address the audience on how to think outside the box and stand out in business.
Spaces are limited to 200 only. For bookings please contact [email protected] or log onto www.abdn.org.uk/inspire.htm. Free parking space and lunch will be provided for this event
14/10/2008
Latitude 53
Art Rental & Greetings Cards for Business
Helping Businesses to Create Motivating Workplaces and Build Better Relationships with Their Customers
Andrew joined Rise a few weeks ago with his company Latitude 53, which provides corporate art rental and greetings cards for businesses. Having worked in transportation consultancy for many years he decided to make a change and follow his passion for photography and art. Andrew began by taking his own photographs and continues to use these as of a wider portfolio of artists' work. Rebelling against what he sees as the TV makeover trend towards inoffensive, 'co-ordinating', bland art, Andrew provides engaging pictures which reward repeated viewing, stimulate thought and energise the environment. The images are changed, typically on a quarterly basis, to keep the space fresh and interesting. Andrew’s philosophy is that great art can help motivate employees, interest clients and increase productivity.
Art can also be a powerful medium of communication, and in the cut-throat world
of business Andrew’s branded greetings cards (which utilise the same artists' portfolio
of images) are great for companies to remind their customers they’re still
there and they care. Regular and carefully thought out communication with
customers is a value-for-money way of ensuring repeat business. “A client
isn’t just for Christmas,” he jokes.
Headingley-based, Andrew works with
up-and-coming artists and photographers in the Leeds/Bradford area and hopes to
become involved with universities in the future. Showcasing local
artists is a key part of his ethos and a big reason why he chose to join our
network. Andrew says it's the sheer energy in the Catalyst centres that
sets them apart.
Latitude 53 has just landed a contract with a top
Leeds recruitment firm and with Christmas coming up we’re sure the greetings
cards will be going into overdrive. If you’re interested in wall art or
branded cards for your business check out the website: http://www.latitude53.co.uk or call
Andrew on 0113-2740351.
Grain Design
Designer Mark
Lucas set up his company Grain Design two years ago and has built up an
impressive portfolio of work from branding, print, advertising and digital
media. Mark began working as a freelance designer, nurturing his own
dreams in his spare time and has now reached a point where he has two talented
staff members working for him on a contractual basis. Mark used the
experience he had in the industry to make a better business model: realising
that a lot of companies go wrong with middle-men, Mark chose to staff Grain
with creatives. This way Grain’s customers get 5-star communication and
Chinese whispers don’t dilute the end product.
Grain is also
unique in that the service is tailored to the individual company’s needs and
means – the budget might be lacking but the quality of work is always top
notch. What drives this perfectionism? A team of passionate
individuals who, Mark says, are “the kind of people who can’t sleep at night
for thinking about typography.” Sounds crazy? Then they’re probably
the right guys for the job!
Mark enjoys
working with start-up companies in particular as they are at a great stage for
branding, but design briefs can range from a full re-brand to individual
projects in photography, print, web design and advertising. The list of
clients is impressive and since Grain won a Pixel Award in California last year
the business is taking on a global market. In the future Mark plans to open
a second office in the States and continue growing his dedicated
workforce. If you’re interested in quality design for any of your
business needs, check out the website: www.designbygrain.com
09/10/2008
06/10/2008
03/09/2008
01/09/2008
Member Spotlight: Melanie Martin, Braid Da Bambino
Where do you live?
Harehills and Chapeltown
What is your business?
Braid Da Bambino - Baby hair braiding salon. Targeting 18 months to 11 years old.
How long have you been going?
We launch in November!
Why did you decide to start up?
Zara and I met at hospital, there are 2 hours difference between our children being born. I was a frustrated employee, who worked in sales and had big targets. I wanted to look at doing something myself. I spoke to Zara about my idea as I felt that I needed a business partner. Zara had been ready to go to University to study social work,her pregnancy made her change her direction, so we teamed up.
How did you come up with the idea?
I have always been interested in hair, and started thinking of a way that I could make money that just wasn’t being done. I thought about how hard it is to control not just afro hair, but hair in general. There are enough hairdressers out there, and we wanted to create something that kids would want to go to because they would have fun being there. Braid Da Bambino will have speakers outside playing Disney music with bubble machines. The salon chairs are aeroplanes and hummers and barbie carts, specially ordered in from America. We will have plasma’s playing Disney films and cd’s going round the mirrors. We will have a creche area, somewhere that parents can gain peace of mind, knowing that they can leave their kids in safe hands whilst their hair is being done. To keep the kids busy there will also be computers with games. We will also have baby changing and feeding facilities. There will be a children’s wall of fame, with the parent’s permission, a photo will go up on the wall. Votes will go towards the best hairstyle of the week. There will be loyalty cards for discounts, we have so many things, and we are only just starting, we are coming up with ideas all the time.
What are your challenges?
Finance. Everything else is fine, it’s very difficult to get money for start up businesses. We have had to be creative, cut back and pool our resources to make sure that we have enough money to go round to start up with the equipment that we need.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Go with your own gut feeling. Keep your vision.
What is your pet hate?
Dishonesty.
21/08/2008
19/08/2008
A unique arts & crafts @ Pudsey Market Place!
The Artsmix* market comes back to enliven Pudsey Market Place on Sunday September 7th with a host of local artists selling arts & crafts ranging from cards and jewellery to wood work, paintings and textiles art.
September’s market will include an actual tea dance organised by Armley’s The Marvellous Tea Dance Company, who are Leeds’ original and authentic vintage events company. They create unforgettable occasions for all with their passion for all things kitsch, vintage and cakey! A blues band will be playing live on the day, and dance lessons will take place to involve members of the community around the retro theme.
Also for the first week back at school, lots of gifts for children to enjoy – handmade soft toys, wooden wands, children’s books, knitted toys and tea cosies, and more…. Visitors of all ages can get a beautiful henna tattoo, or their face painted! Winners of the arts competition and treasure hunt will be able to win small arts-related presents.
Bar 57 from Lidgett Hill is providing a coffee and snacks stall at the market, and invite you to take up their offer of 2 Sunday roasts for the price of one, at only £7.95 it’s a bargain! World’s End is also offering a free litre of wine with every meal for 4 and half a litre with a meal for 2. Come down to the market to pick up a flyer to claim the special offers.
You can combine a trip to the market between 12 and 5pm with a visit to Pudsey Park, and plan to pick up some unique Christmas gifts at Pudsey’s Artsmix* Christmas market on Sunday 7th December.
The arts and crafts markets are run by Artsmix supported by Leeds Ahead and Leeds City Council’s Outer West Area Management. Artsmix has been funded by the Leeds ‘Sharing the Success’ programme, part of the government's Local Enterprise Growth Initiative and supported by Park Lane College Leeds.
The Artsmix* market regularly takes place in Leeds City Centre, behind the Corn Exchange. Next market Sunday 14th Sept, 11 – 4pm, @ Chancellor Court. For more information, please visit www.artsmix.co.uk
Press contact Sophie Michelena T: 07725940795 E: [email protected]
Pictures attached to email, more available on request
