Leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM has partnered with not-for-profit angel investment organisation NorthInvest to launch Tech Mentors: Yorkshire, a free mentoring programme for tech and digital entrepreneurs based in Yorkshire set to launch on 18 September 2019.
The 12-month mentoring programme will invite experienced business leaders to share their expertise with up-and-coming tech founders to help expedite the growth of their business. The programme has been developed with NorthInvest angel investor and a finalist for this year’s Mentor of the Year award at the NMA awards, Gareth Healey, and aims to build a nurturing and collaborative network among experienced business leaders.
On top of facilitating monthly one-to-one mentoring sessions, the programme will also provide world-class expertise and training to participants, including insights into R&D tax, talent acquisition, funding options and insights into corporate finance.
Adding a personal touch to the scheme, the participating mentors will be hand-matched with mentees based on their interests and ambitions after an initial speed-networking event on 2 October.
Chris Etherington, RSM’s head of tech and media for Yorkshire and the North East said: ‘The Yorkshire start-up sector has seen rapid growth in recent years, clearly demonstrated by the exponential growth of Leeds Digital Festival, co-working spaces and tech-related meet-ups. Increasing numbers of new businesses are also strategically locating themselves in more accessible markets in the North, incorporating themselves here from the outset or ‘Northshoring’ their existing businesses to cities like Leeds, instead of London. RSM is a global leader in supporting fast-growing businesses and partnering with NorthInvest to help early-stage start-ups grow into thriving companies feels like a perfect fit.’
Helen Oldham, Director of NorthInvest, said: ‘NorthInvest has always prioritised the quality of support we offer to our community of entrepreneurs, mentors and investors. We are delighted that we are able to now offer a structured mentoring programme to further assist ambitious entrepreneurs get the support they need to thrive, and enable experienced business leaders to continue to develop their professional skills through mentorship. We encourage all Bradford and Leeds-based business people in tech and digital to apply to the scheme which will help create an environment in which potential mentors and mentees can meet, form relationships and develop through insight, events and guidance.’
NorthInvest Founder, Professor Adam Beaumont. said: ‘Startups don’t just need money – they need smart money and this partnership is an example of the work we’re doing to support growth and success beyond investment.’
Tech Mentors: Yorkshire will officially launch on 18 September at RSM, where interested mentors and mentees can discover more about the programme. Interested participants can sign up via the NorthInvest website.
