5 Key Inspirations We are Taking from Start Up Day At Liverpool Central Library BIPC

Start-up Day at Liverpool Central Library was the event pencilled in every local budding entrepreneurs calendar this month, as the day promised to be jam packed with enterprise expertise, and it definitely did not disappoint.  If you missed out, here is a flavour of what happened throughout the day, and some key takeaway tips to help you move your business idea forward. 

Opened by Assistant Mayor and enterprise champion Councillor Gary Millar, the day kicked of with the Enterprise Hub Start-up Conference hosted by Bernie Cox from Enterprise Hub lead The Women's Organisation.

Sabah Shams from Enterprise Hub with Councillor Gary Millar

Starting by 'thinking outside of the box' Bernie got people thinking about how they can exercise the skill of lateral thinking to the benefit of their business. 

“Advice given was a great help” said one person who attended the session. 

Google Digital Garage Session

Next up digital giants Google held a Digital Garage session looking at 'How to build a social media strategy' which proved very popular, packed out with local budding entrepreneurs hoping to soak in their knowledge. This session was closely followed by a choice between hearing from the brilliant Nicola Wass (CEO of So-Mo) talking about her journey as 'The Unexpected Entrepreneur', having a look into 3-D printing with a display by MeLT or getting serious about Business planning through a focussed workshop.

“Very useful event.  The speakers were insightful and the content was all relevant.  Well organised and I will recommend future events” said one delighted visitor.

The afternoon was packed with more brilliant inspiration for local businesses featuring talks from Barrington Powell, a profesional entertainer, Garth Dallas offering his key tips to success, founder of PLACED Jo Harrop sharing her insights, and the return of Google for another session around understanding your customer.

Thanks too to Councillor Gary Millar and the mentors who ran the entrepreneurs clinic, Peter Dunning of Digital Config who offered Website advice and Dr Les Pritchard from Culverstons who was on hand to talk all things IP. 

“Very good.  Inspirational is an understatement” said one of the thrilled attendees

The day culminated in a brilliant pie and networking event featuring pies and inspiration from the fantastic 'Homebaked' a local co-operative bakery talking about their journey from start up to success. 

Some of the comments at the end of the event were:

“Excellent and inspiring” 

“Great initiative.  Very inspiring.” 

5 Key Tips to Takeaway
If you missed the event, all is not lost.  Here are 5 useful business tips taken from the themes covered that you can apply to your business idea:

1. Strategise your social media - Don't just add your business to every social media channel because 'everyone is doing it'. Work out where your customer can be found and focus your effort on those few channels so you can reach the right people well. 
2. We are all in the same boat - feeling like an 'imposter' who is going to be found out, or wondering if you are alone in feeling like you may be out of your depth is typical for a first time business owner.  Just know EVERYONE goes through it, but keep your confidence growing, talk to others at the same stage and take comfort that you are not alone and that you will get past this phase. 
3. Network - In business it is often the truth 'not what you know but who you know' that can be key to success. Get building relationships, and be specific. You never know who in your network may be the key to linking you with the right connection for your business so let them know who you are trying to reach. 
4. Protect your ideas and your business - If you have a business name, logo, product or service that you don't want anyone to copy, then ensure you get expert advice around Intellectual Property Rights. Also check you aren't infringing on anyone elses by always asking permission before using others images etc. 
5. Don't forget SEO - If you are going to have a website for your business, don't assume it will just be found. Look at key Search engine optimisation principals, or bring in an expert to ensure search engines like Google pick it up and it isn't languishing on page 27 of results. 

Massive congratulations to the team at Enterprise Hub Partners Liverpool Central Library Business and IP Centre for putting together an amazing day.

If you are thinking about starting a business and would like additional help then contact the Enterprise Hub team for advice and support on 0151 706 8113 or enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk. 

Enterprise Hub is part funded by European Regional Development Fund and draws together expert organisations from across the Liverpool City Region to offer a simplified approach to business support for local residents wanting to explore their ideas. 

We Asked 'Is Freelancing for Me?' during Enterprise Hub Start Up Week

Kicking off Enterprise Hub Start Up Week was a brilliant 'Is Freelancing for Me?' event with Enterprise Hub Partners The Women's Organisation! Local business women Heather from Blue Tang Marketing and Jenny from Jenny Ball - Life & Business Coach for Women shared their experiences of getting started and promoting yourself as a freelancer. 

If you are thinking of becoming a freelancer and missed out on the event, here are some quick tips to takeaway:

1. Always put a contract in place - Managing expectations on both sides is key and ensuring you have a written agreement avoids any misunderstandings
2. Take a down payment - Where possible ask for a percentage up front. It can take a long time to finish a project, so ensure you have cashflow to keep you going
3. Showcase your work - Build a portfolio of examples as you go from previous work and ask for testimonials
4. Ensure you are insured - Depending on the type of work you are doing you will need different business insurances. Get some advice to make sure you have everything you need
5. Network for the next project - While you may be busy now, don't lose sight of the next project.  It can take a while to bring in new work, so plan in time to promote while you are working on other things

A fantastic morning was had by all with some real food for thought taken away.  Some of the women who attended the morning said:

"This has been the kickstart I need- everyone input was invaluable" 
"Really well presented good time to explore options" 
I enjoyed "Hearing from other entrepreneurs  their stories advice and experience" 
My favourite thing was "Being able to speak to others in similar situation in a relaxed environment" 
"Really liked the talk from new starter." 
I enjoyed the "Positive attitude and experience"

The next similar event will be the Enterprise Hub Start Up Conference on 10th October, so if you are looking for help to get started follow this link to book. 

Thank you to the DWF Foundation who match funded this event which was offered as part of our Enterprise Hub programme, part funded by European Regional Development Fund. 

Enterprise Hub Start Up Week: Thanks for Joining us!

September welcomed Start Up Week with Enterprise Hub celebrating self-employment and entrepreneurship across the Liverpool City Region. Enterprise Hub hosted a number of free events including seminars and workshops to support individuals in LCR considering self-employment with business advice and support.  Enterprise Hub is THE enterprise gateway for business start-up support in Liverpool City Region, and through a network of business support agencies, Enterprise Hub is able to offer expert guidance to anyone who is thinking about starting a business. Last year, the British Library delivered a national 'Start Up Day' to mark the tenth anniversary of the London Business & IP Centre and over 1,500 events took place across the country. This year, Thursday 21st of September marked national 'Start Up Day' and Liverpool Central Library had a whole host of events in place, including a masterclass in 'How to Build a Social Media Strategy' and 'Understand Your Customer', led by media giant, Google. Start Up Week may have came to an end, but you can still access advice and support through Enterprise Hub if you are thinking about setting up a business. Enterprise Hub are hosting a Start-Up Conference; a free and informative event where you can hear from business owners, learn more about the practicalities involved with self-employment and find out about the support available through Enterprise Hub. Book your place here, or contact enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk or 0151 706 8100 for more information.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram Launches Enterprise Hub Start-up Week

From left: Maggie O’Carroll (chief executive The Women’s Organisation), Steve Rotheram (Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor), John Mathias (business adviser at Alt Valley Community Trust), Dan Hennessey (Worthy Campervans) and Cllr Marion Atkinson (Sefton Council Cabinet Member of Regeneration & Skills)

A series of free events, seminars and workshops take place across the Liverpool city region this week as Enterprise Hub Start-Up Week gets under way.

The aim of the the week, which is being co-ordinated by Enterprise Hub lead partners The Women’s Organisation, is to encourage more entrepreneurs to take a leap of faith and start their own businesses.

The Women’s Organisation chief executive Maggie O’Carroll joined with Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram at Invest Sefton in Bootle to kick start the initiative.  The Metro Mayor commented "new business start-ups are as important as large scale inward investments to growing the Liverpool city region economy and increasing our prosperity.”

Enterprise Hub offers FREE expert advice and support to residents within Liverpool City Region who are thinking about starting their own business. Find out more about the events on offer here. 

Read the full story of the launch and Enterprise Hub Start Up Week here with YBNews. 

Enterprise Hub’s Start Up Week | 18th – 22nd September 2017 | Your Full Programme Of Events!

#EntHubStartUpWeek

Something exciting is coming your way! From Monday 18^th September to Friday 22^nd September, Enterprise Hub has a full programme of event and activities to mark and celebrate Start Up Week!

Start Up Week is a celebration of self-employment and entrepreneurship across the Liverpool City Region.

You are invited to join Enterprise Hub at a range of free events and seminars throughout the week.

Come and discover how to start and sustain a successful business, hear from the experts, and find out more about what support is available to you.

Enterprise Hub is THE enterprise gateway for business start-up support in Liverpool City Region, and through a network of business support agencies, the Enterprise Hub partners, we are able to offer expert advice and support to anyone who is thinking about starting a business!

So…

What does Enterprise Hub Start Up Week have in store for you? 

See the full programme below and remember to join in the conversation on Twitter by following @MerseyEntHub and #EntHubStartUpWeek

Monday 18th September – Click here to see the events and activities

Tuesday 19th September – Click here to see the events and activities

Wednesday 20th September – Click here to see the events and activities

Thursday 21st September at Liverpool Central Library Business & IP Centre Start Up Day – Click here to see the events and activities

Thursday 21st September & Friday 22nd September – Click here to see the events and activities

Remember! If you are wanting to get in touch with Enterprise Hub directly, you can do at any time! Email us on enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk or ring us on 0151 706 8111

Enterprise Hub Start Up Week | Monday 18th September | #EntHubStartUpWeek

#EntHubStartUpWeek

Start Up Week is a celebration of self-employment and entrepreneurship across the Liverpool City Region.

You are invited to join Enterprise Hub at a range of free events and seminars throughout the week.

Come and discover how to start and sustain a successful business, hear from the experts, and find out more about what support is available to you.

Monday 18th September

‘Is Freelancing For Me?’ – 10am-1pm – The Women’s Organisation

At: 54 St James Street, Liverpool, L1 0AB

The Women’s Organisation are going to help you find out if you have the skills and qualities needed to be a Freelancer? If you’re wanting to find out more about how Freelancing works, and if it’s right for you, then join The Women’s Organisation at this informative session!

Register here! (Please note, this session is specifically for women living in Liverpool City Region)

‘Enterprise Hub in Halton’ – 10am-3pm – Wirral Chamber of Commerce

At: Halton Chamber Municipal Building, Kingsway, Widnes, WA8 7QF

Wirral Chamber of Commerce will be available for anyone living in Halton to come and speak to about their business ideas! So, if you are in this area, and would like to start receiving support and advice on how to get your business idea moving, there are 1-2-1 business advice sessions and 1-2-1 marketing sessions available from 10am-3pm!

Call in advance to book your place! Ring Wirral Chamber of Commerce on 0151 541 0976

‘Sales & Selling With Alt Valley Community Trust’ – 9:30am-12:30pm – Alt Valley Community Trust

At: The Communiversity, Alt Cross, L11 0BS

Join the Enterprise Hub team at Alt Valley Community Trust at this workshop which will cover the basics of how to sell yourself and how to gain prospective customers and clients!

Call in advance to book your place! Ring Alt Valley Community Trust on 0151 546 5514 and email enquiries@altvalley.co.uk 

‘Enterprise Hub At Huyton Library’ – 10am-12:30am – Alt Valley Community Trust

At: Huyton Library, Civic Way, Knowsley, Huyton, Liverpool, L36 9GD

Feel free to drop into this informal session at Huyton Library to speak to an Enterprise Hub business adviser about your new business idea and the support you can receive via our Enterprise Hub business start-up programme.

No need to book! Just drop in!

‘Enterprise Hub At Prescot Library’ – 1:30am-4pm – Alt Valley Community Trust

At: Prescot Library, 1 Park Road, Prescot, Liverpool, L34 3LN

And in the afternoon, an Enterprise Hub business adviser from Alt Valley Community Trust will be in Prescot Library hosting another drop-in session! So pop in and speak to them about your new business idea and the support you can receive through Enterprise Hub.

No need to book! Just drop in! 

To return to our full programme of events click here!

Enterprise Hub Start Up Week | Tuesday 19th September | #EntHubStartUpWeek

#EntHubStartUpWeek

Start Up Week is a celebration of self-employment and entrepreneurship across the Liverpool City Region.

You are invited to join Enterprise Hub at a range of free events and seminars throughout the week.

Come and discover how to start and sustain a successful business, hear from the experts, and find out more about what support is available to you.

Tuesday 19th September

‘Boost Your New Business – Survive And Thrive In Year 1 In Business And Beyond’ – 9:30am-3pm – The Women’s Organisation

At: 54 St James Street, Liverpool, L1 0AB

Boost Your New Business is a brand new, fully funded, interactive 2 day training programme available to any new businesses that have been registered for under one year!

During these two days (spread over two weeks) you will learn how to conduct a simple business review and look at building a strategic marketing and strategic action plan that will help you to ensure your business survives and thrives in your first year and beyond!

Boost Your New Business will run on Tuesday 19^th September and Tuesday 26^th September, from 9:30am-4pm

Register here! (Please note, you must be the eligibility criteria and be able to attend both parts of this course, but this course is open to BOTH men and women)

‘Planning For Success’ – 9:30am-4pm – The Women’s Organisation

At: 54 St James Street, Liverpool, L1 0AB

Planning For Success is the perfect starting point for any woman who is thinking about a business plan! Join The Women’s Organisation and plan for your business success, in a friendly environment with like-minded women!

Register here! (Please note, fully funded places are for women living in Liverpool City Region who have not yet registered or started a business)

'Drop-In With Granby Toxteth Development Trust – 10am-4pm – Granby Toxteth Development Trust

At: 129D Lodge Lane, Liverpool, L8 0QF

Granby Toxteth Development Trust will be holding a drop-in day at their offices, so pop by anytime from 10am-4pm to speak to an Enterprise Hub business adviser about your idea for a business, and find out about the support you can receive.

No need to register! Just drop in!

‘Introduction To Business Start Up’ – 10am-12pm – SAFE Regeneration

At: SAFE Regeneration, St Mary’s Complex, Waverley Street, Bootle, L20 4AP

SAFE Regeneration are hosting this informal session; ‘Introduction to Business Start-Up’ – where you can drop in and speak to an Enterprise Hub business adviser about your idea for a business, and find out what support you can receive through Enterprise Hub.

No need to register! Just drop in!

‘Pitch Perfect Workshop’ – 2pm-4pm – Wirral Chamber of Commerce

At: Wirral Chamber of Commerce, The Sheds, 1 Pacific Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 1LJ

Wirral Chamber are inviting you to learn how to convert your business idea into the perfect pitch! This interactive session will help you effectively communicate pitching yourself and your business and understand how to sell proactively in a networking environment.

To register your place, contact the Enterprise Hub team on 0151 541 0976 or email enterprisehub@wirralchamber.co.uk

‘The Princes Trust Enterprise Information Session’ – The Princes Trust

At: The Princes Trust, 60-62 Renshaw Street, Liverpool, L1 4EN

This is a 4-day Enterprise Awareness programme for young, unemployed people who want to research their idea for a business! Enterprise Hub partner; The Princes Trust run this programme regularly, and as this session is fully booked – you can contact The Princes Trust for future dates and opportunities!

Contact The Princes Trust by emailing liverpoolcentre@princes-trust.org.uk or ring 0800 842842

To return to our full programme of events click here!

Enterprise Hub Start Up Week | Wednesday 20th September | #EntHubStartUpWeek

#EntHubStartUpWeek

Start Up Week is a celebration of self-employment and entrepreneurship across the Liverpool City Region.

You are invited to join Enterprise Hub at a range of free events and seminars throughout the week.

Come and discover how to start and sustain a successful business, hear from the experts, and find out more about what support is available to you.

Wednesday 20th September

‘Marketing & Social Media With Wirral Chamber’ – 9am-12:30pm – Wirral Chamber of Commerce

At: Wirral Chamber of Commerce, 1 Pacific Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 1LJ

Whether it’s to develop your marketing strategy or just to get hints and tips on how to use social media to attract customers to your business, this interactive session will help you shape your businesses marketing strategy!

Register here!

‘The Women’s Organisation Enterprise Hub Drop-In’ – 9:30am-12:30pm – The Women’s Organisation

At: 54 St James Street Liverpool, L1 0AB

Drop into The Women’s Organisation to speak to an Enterprise Hub business adviser about your idea for a business and find out all about the support you can receive through the Enterprise Hub start-up programme!

No need to register! Just drop in! 

‘Start-Up Lite Workshop’ – 9:30am-12:30am – Alt Valley Community Trust

At: Alt Valley Community Trust, The Communiversity, Altcross Road, Liverpool, L11 0BS

The ‘Start-Up Lite’ workshop is here to help you find out the advantages of working for yourself, what type of company structure would be best for you, how to develop your business idea and looking at how to begin your business plan! And the ‘Start-Up Lite’ workshops run each Wednesday at The Communiversity too!

Call in advance to book your place! Ring Alt Valley Community Trust on 0151 546 5514 and email enquiries@altvalley.co.uk 

‘Legal Forms Of Business With SAFE Regeneration’ – 10am-1pm – SAFE Regeneration

At: SAFE Regeneration, St Mary’s Complex, Waverley Street, Bootle, L20 4AP

Join the Enterprise Hub team at this structured workshop, where you can look at the different legal forms of businesses, and find out which ones suits you and your idea best!

Call to book your place in advance on this informative and structured workshop – Ring now on 0151 933 1311

‘Ever Wanted To Be Your Own Boss’ – 5pm-7pm – Alt Valley Community Trust

At: Alt Valley Community Trust, The Communiversity, Altcross Road, Liverpool, L11 0BS

If you’ve ever had an idea for your own business or thought about becoming your own boss, the Enterprise Hub team at Alt Valley are here to help you with this workshop! Whether you are at the very early stages and just have a few ideas you want to discuss, or whether you’re nearer to starting – book onto this course, and get the ball rolling!

Register here!

'Be Your Own Boss' - 6pm-8pm - St Helens Chamber

At: St Helens Chamber, Salisbury Street, Off Chalon Way, St Helens, WA10 1FY

If you’ve ever had an idea for your own business or thought about becoming your own boss, the Enterprise Hub team at St Helens Chamber are here to help you with this workshop! Whether you are at the very early stages and just have a few ideas you want to discuss, or whether you’re nearer to starting – book onto this course, and get the ball rolling!

To book your place contact Connor Tutty - email him on connor.tutty@sthelenschamber.com or ring on 01744 742096

To return to our full programme of events click here!

Enterprise Hub Start Up Week | Thursday 21st September @ Liverpool Central Library

#EntHubStartUpWeek

Start Up Week is a celebration of self-employment and entrepreneurship across the Liverpool City Region.

You are invited to join Enterprise Hub at a range of free events and seminars throughout the week.

Come and discover how to start and sustain a successful business, hear from the experts, and find out more about what support is available to you.

Thursday 21st September

Liverpool Central Library Business & IP Centre Start Up Day

Liverpool Central Library’s Business & IP Centre exists to support entrepreneurs from all walks of life to start, protect and grow successful businesses. The centre is part of the British Library’s network of 11 Business & IP centres which offer services to aspiring entrepreneurs across the country!

Last year, the British Library delivered a national Start Up day to mark the tenth anniversary of the London Business & IP Centre and over 1,500 events took place across the country! 

This year, Thursday 21^st September marks ‘Start Up Day’ and there is a whole lot of exciting things happening in Liverpool Central Library (and across the country) to celebrate this!

At the ‘Start Up Day’ you can attend free seminars, workshops and talks on a range of topics including: protecting your intellectual property, using the internet effectively for your business, how to write a social media policy and how to understand your customers.

The day will also feature talks from local entrepreneurs, sharing their business models, hints and tips and the stories behind their success. As well as this, you can learn all about the library resources that are available to give business start-up the best possible chance of success, as well as networking opportunities to make important connections!

All of these events will be taking place at Liverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EW

So what can you get involved with on the day...

‘Enterprise Hub Start Up Conference’ – 10am-1pm

At the ‘Enterprise Hub Start Up Conference’ we are inviting you to join us to find out all about the Enterprise Hub programme of support available to you, and discover if setting up a business is right for you! Joining the Enterprise Hub team at the event will be Councillor Gary Millar, Nicola Wass of So-Mo and Google’s Digital Garage. You’ll also be given the opportunity to find out about the practicalities involved in self-employment and hear other business owner’s journeys to success!

Find our further information and register here!

‘How To Build A Social Media Strategy With Google’ – 11am-12pm

Discover exactly where your small business needs to be seen and heard on the web in this short talk designed for aspiring social media marketers. You’ll get a rundown of the best social media platforms to use in 2017, plus Google will explain how to create a social media strategy that delivers the right goals for your business!

Find out further information and register here!

‘Start Up Day With Nicola Wass Of So-Mo’ – 12pm-1pm

Nicola is the CEO and founder of So-Mo, a social innovation and engagement company that helps government, public, private and 3rd sector organisations to engage, innovate and problem solve. Constantly curious, Nicola is always looking to bring new thinking and ways of working into So-Mo’s approach. Please join us to hear Nicola's inspiring and informative start-up story.

Find out further information and register here!

‘Start Up Day With Barrington Powell’ – 1pm-2pm & 3pm-4pm

Barrington is a full-time magician whose work has taken him all over the world. He is also in demand as a guest speaker, helping both individuals and large companies, get the most out of their business whether it is as a start up, sole trader or as an established name. He will be joining us on Start Up Day to tell his own story and to offer some expert advice to anybody who would like to start their own career as a performer. Sure, to be not only an informative highlight of Start Up Day but a particularly entertaining one, too!

Find out further information and register here for 1pm-2pm OR 3pm-4pm

‘Understand Your Customer With Google’ – 2pm-3pm

In this session, Google's digital experts give you the inside track on how you can use data, such as Google Analytics, to uncover trends about your customers, including how people use your website or interact with your business online. Take the guesswork out of digital marketing by learning how Google Analytics can empower you to make data-driven decisions for your business…

Find out further information and register here!

‘Start Up Day With Garth Dallas - 5 Steps For Start Up Success’ – 3pm-4pm

Garth Dallas is a Jamaican-born British entrepreneur and lawyer, who is highly regarded for his work in promoting social inclusion and equality of opportunities in the UK, for over 20 years. He is also a Liverpool Business & IP Centre Ambassador!

Garth has received accolades and recognition as a high profile and respected voice on workplace diversity and inclusion, corporate social responsibility, commercial law, and employment law. He is the founder of the Diverse Magazine Group and also owner of Dallas Legal Ltd. Join us, then, as he guides you through ‘Five Steps For Start Up Success’!

Find out further information and register here!

‘Start Up Day With Jo Harrop of PLACED’ – 4pm-5pm

Jo Harrop will be talking about setting up her award-winning social enterprise PLACED. Jo founded PLACED because of her desire to develop young people’s understanding of the towns and cities in which they live and how the quality of design impacts on the lives of all residents. She believes that through bringing local people and the decision makers together to share a conversation and explore ideas we can create better places. Join Jo to hear her business journey story!

Find out more and register here!

‘Start Up Day With Homebaked’ – 5pm-6pm

Homebaked is a community land trust and co-operative bakery situated on the boundary between the neighbourhoods of Everton and Anfield, just opposite the Liverpool Football Club. The project is co-owned and co-produced by people who live and work in the area.  Join us to hear the Homebaked story (and have a free Homebaked pie!)

Find out more and register here!

‘Meet The Advisors at Liverpool Central Library’ – 11am-5pm

All day at Liverpool Central Library, members of the Enterprise Hub team will be on hand, so you can speak to them about your new business ideas and find out about the support available to you.

No need to register, just drop in!

To return to our full programme of events click here!