Tablecloth brainstorming sessions aiding Rotherham businesses

ROTHERHAM Enterprise Board is helping to put local businesses on the  track to success having hosted the first event in its new programme.

The first Tablecloth Enterprise Event, which took place at Fusion@Magna, one of

Rotherham's four council-owned business centres, saw six fledgling businesses take part in a speed coaching session with successful entrepreneurs.

The Tablecloth Enterprise events, which have been funded by Corus subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise, offer discussions and brainstorming sessions that are captured on a paper tablecloth.

By the end of the session, businesses had a tablecloth full of notes and ideas to follow up and explore.

John Clarkson, who recently set up JEC Vac Solutions Ltd, said: “The opportunity to discuss our ideas for the future with some of the leading local business entrepreneurs and obtain their advice is a great help.”

Sonia Cox, founder of Rotherham-based AIM (Accountancy in Motion) Financial Recruitment Ltd, also attended.

She said: “At this early stage in AIM's development was fantastic and I took full advantage.

“I have already implemented three significant changes that have added value in the development of AIM.” 

Future Tablecloth Enterprise events will be held across the borough, with the next on May 20 at Matrix@Dinnington Business Centre.

The Enterprise Board and UK Steel Enterprise will also be hosting two Dragons’ Den events, inspired by the BBC show, as part of their programme.

These will give starting-up Rotherham companies the opportunity to pitch their existing business to a panel of Dragons made up of successful local entrepreneurs.

And with a prize of £1,500 up for grabs for the best pitch, the winning idea could be turned into reality. 

Board chairman John Wainwright, of Executek, said: “The Enterprise Board events programme is designed to offer help, support and advice to Rotherham's pre-start and early stage businesses.“

For more information on Rotherham Enterprise Board and the events programme please contact Laura Brown, Enterprise Events Co-ordinator at Rotherham Borough Council on 01709 823817 or via email on [email protected].