AD:VENTURE gives business support boost to ambitious start ups

What does a successful marketing company, an architect and a living wall company have in common? They’re all West Yorkshire start-up businesses that have enjoyed successful growth thanks to start-up loans, growth grants and business support from AD:VENTURE.

All three companies (Youbee Media, THIS Architecture, Living Walls) are about to pay-it-forward as guest speakers at the Leeds leg of the new AD:VENTURE programme launch roadshow, (Thursday 12th October, Avenue HQ, Leeds). They’ll share their personal business success stories, and explain how funding, mentoring, webinars and workshops from the business support programme have propelled their fledgling businesses to the next level.

The event is aimed at young businesses across West Yorkshire, that have been trading for less than three years, with a clear ambition for growth. AD:VENTURE is keen to welcome business support and intermediaries too, such as accountants, professional services and consultants to understand what the new look comprehensive programme has to offer new businesses and start-ups.

After seven years of delivery, AD:VENTURE has secured new funding through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to provide ambitious early stage businesses based in West Yorkshire with fully funded, tailored support to help them flourish.

Cllr Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader of Leeds Council and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education, said: “The AD:VENTURE programme is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and its Partners which allows us to offer these business support services at no cost to the early stage companies.

“Over 25,000 new start-ups were created in West Yorkshire in 2022 and we recognised the value organisations such as AD:VENTURE bring to support the survival and success of new businesses that make a huge contribution to our economy. We have secured new funding for business growth, and a broader eligibility criterion which allows us to support even more clients. That, in turn, encourages business growth, creates employment opportunities which improves the economic wealth and well-being of West Yorkshire.”

Enterprises under three years’ old have access to funding and grants from £1,500 - £10,000 and knowledge as well as support from experienced Business Managers in their local area, to guide them to growth and stability. New businesses are also given a helping hand with access to a wide range of free training workshops such as mapping your customer journey, marketing, strategy, and sales.

Rebecca Hopwood will share her experience of the support received by Youbee Media, an award-winning marketing agency based in Morley that provides cost-effective traditional and digital marketing. About to celebrate its third birthday, Youbee Media has benefited from grants and business support from AD:VENTURE and has also delivered marketing advice to support other AD:VENTURE clients.

Living Walls installs and maintains living walls across a number of different sectors. The company is known for its premium-quality, eco-friendly living walls which sport luscious foliage, bringing event bustling city centres closer to nature.

Living Walls not only look stunning, but they can also reduce the carbon footprint of a building, improving noise installation, enhance urban biodiversity and protect exterior walls from corrosion and the weather. Ricky Talbot will explain how AD:VENTURE has helped him to grow this successful business during the Leeds launch event.

Daniel Harvey of THIS Architecture will share the invaluable assistance provided by his business manager, Marianne Smith, who has showcased professionalism and expertise, guiding him adeptly through the application process.

The first phase of AD:VENTURE (2017 to 2023) actively worked with over 4,112 businesses and 1,989 individuals, delivered a programme of over 1000 events, and approved 709 grants worth a total of £3,621,774. The support also created 890 additional jobs across Yorkshire.

The launch of the new-look AD:VENTURE takes place at Avenue HQ, on Thursday 12th October, from 9.30 am until 1pm. The presentations from the AD:VENTURE team, successful start-up businesses, Cllr Jonathan Pryor and introductions to the Leeds-based Business Managers, Marianne Smith and Balbir Sembhi, will be followed by a free networking lunch. Visit AD:VENTURE Leeds Launch to reserve a free place on a first come, first served basis.

For more information of how AD:VENTURE can support new businesses across West Yorkshire contact by telephone on 0113 5351199 or email adventure@leeds.gov.uk.