Wales Office
Yesterday, HSBC, in partnership with over 40 of the UKs most successful business founders, launched Entrepreneurs Exchange, an opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to grow their business, to be inspired, gain practical advice and build vital networks with other entrepreneurs at events taking place across the UK.
On 18 May, for one day only, these innovative business leaders with international experience from the worlds of tech, e-commerce, fashion and retail, food and drink, services, leisure and beyond, will share their knowledge at 20 free talks in cities across the UK at Entrepreneurs Exchange.
In Wales, Laura Tenison MBE, founder of JoJo Maman Bebe, and Rachel Flanagan, founder of Mrs Bucket, will share their insights at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.
Attendees will find out how they started and grew their businesses, the challenges they have overcome to enable success, and the advice they wish they had been given when starting out.
Backed by HSBC, the free talks will also allow entrepreneurs to make contacts and build networks with business founders in their region. The events all take place at 6pm and run until 8:30pm.
The event is free and open to all, enabling attendees to build networks with other like-minded entrepreneurs in Wales.
The Rt Hon Anna Soubry MP, Minister for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise, said:
Small businesses are the engine room of our growing economy and the Government continues to back them by cutting red tape, reducing business taxes and boosting access to finance.
But its people who do business who know whats best for business. The Entrepreneurs Exchange events will be a great opportunity for the next generation of entrepreneurs to build valuable networks and hear from those who have been there, done that, and know what it takes to succeed.
Warren Lewis, HSBCs Area Director in Cardiff, said:
A strong business sector is critical to the growth of any regional economy, supported by local entrepreneurs who create jobs and invest in its future success. Wales offers an environment where businesses can flourish and were pleased to see so many of our local entrepreneurs become leaders within the community.
Were confident these events will help aspiring entrepreneurs realise their business ambitions, through expert guidance provided by two of the UKs most successful business owners.
Entrepreneurs Exchange is business-led, by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. Taking part in the events are, among others, the founders of: Pret a Manger and Itsu; Lastminute.com; Moonpig.com; Jo Malone; Tangle Teezer; Cobra Beer; Ultimo lingerie; Gu puddings; Not on the High Street; and Leon.
Entrepreneurs Exchange events will take place at 20 locations in Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Reading and Southampton.
Entrepreneurs can register for at www.entrepreneurs-exhange.co.uk. The full list of speakers and biographies, venue details, and further information can be found on the website. Places are free but limited.