digitalbeans, Author at The Kent Foundation

A huge array of business talent, ideas and passion!

October 22, 2013

The young entrepreneurs started off a little tense and a few nerves were flying around the room. The young entrepreneurs knew this was their chance to pitch their business and win a fantastic package of business support.

Kicking the evening off was a little bit of light hearted networking. It provided a smashing chance for like minded people to express their visions. The important factor was to get that all important headstart in discussing their business ideas with the Business Partners on the judging panel.

Time to pitch…

The contestants were ready and raring to go. After attending preparatory workshops to fine tune their business ideas and rehearse their pitches, now was their time to shine. Each contestant was allocated five precious minutes to showcase their business and promote their ideas to the best of their ability.

Being so passionate about their business ideas really came across in their presentations, a great display of talent and ideas. There was even a bit of creativity thrown in to the mix with some magic and football skills. All of them should be ecstatic with their performances as all of their visions are something to shout about.

The big decision?

After viewing all the hard work from the contestants, it was now time for the Business Partners to leave the room and decide upon a winner. This was no easy task, with such a mix of ideas the decision took some contemplation but after much debate a winner was picked:

Carl Crane and Emily Edwards of Herne Bay Music

They are currently utilising a gap in the market. Having recognised the huge array of talented musicians in the Herne Bay area, their mission is to provide a platform in which those who love creating music and those who love listening to it can come together to share this passion. With many events already under their sleeve and many more planned they have expressed plans of expansion in the future so… watch this space!

The Peer Award

The contestants had the chance to vote amongst themselves for the person/business they thought was the most inspiring and passionate. An award to be proud of, being recognised by your peers is a great accolade to have. The award went to Josh Woodcock who captured his peers attention with his bold and enthusiatic personality. His passion for business is second to none. Josh provides high energy entertainment for children of all ages and is now aspiring to reach out to the corporate community.

Guest Speaker – Trevor Sturgess – Kent Business Editor

Keeping up to date with current business affairs is Trevor’s passion. Having worked with the Kent Messenger group for over 20 years he shared his wealth of knowledge with the young entrepreneurs. Trevor provided inspiration and reiterated the need to market, promote and keep up to date with current business affairs. Look for that all important gap in the market before someone else finds it.

Find out more about all the contestants here:

Corralex Media – Jason Correia – High quality online video and advertising solutions

Ambition House – Marcus Ball and Diego Bejarano – An innovative approach to starting a company and improvong employability for students and graduates

Herne Bay Music – Carl Crane and Emily Edwards – Bringing local music talent and those who love music together.

Josh Woodcock – Corporate Events and Childrens Parties

Yo’s Street-Style Football – Yofi Yvarro – Engaging football programmes teaching and showcasing tricks.

Virgil Alin Marinescu – Aspires to create and run a designer fashion label aimed at students

Radoslaw Kowalski – Aspires to run a fresh food business specialising in nuts and seeds

Avril Wintle – Aspires to run her own pet store and pet food business

A final thank you to our Business Partners

They played a great part in the evening not only judging the performances and business ideas but pledging offers of professional support to the young people:

Adrian Wenn – Chairman of the panel

Terry Hewett – Zest – The Creative Communications Agency

Katie Hodson – Wilkins Kennedy Accountants and Business Advisers

Andrew Watson – Girlings Solictors

Rob Reynolds – Wilkins Kennedy Accountants and Business Advisers

Wayne Wright – WSQ Solutions

Nick Christodoulou – Lloyds TSB Mid Kent Commercial Banking

Kent Foundation News

A Blast Is Back!

October 22, 2013

Face to face networking is still a favourite marketing tool amongst businesses. Creating a business community, expanding your social network and finding the all important contacts. Kent Foundation holds an annual event to promote the importance of this, offering young entrepreneurs free exhibition space and the chance for businesses across Kent to develop that link in the business chain.

With over 150 young people and businesses in attendance the evening went off to a flying start. The room soon filled up, and with all those like minded people in one place their was a certain buzz about the room. Don’t forget the amazingJosh Woodcock providing magic to add that extra sparkle to the evening!

BLAST OFF!

This was when the serious networking really began. A fun and interactive approach to speed networking – Blast Off! was introduced by Paul Barron – Director of Kent Foundation. Do you ever find it difficult to pinpoint those who might of interest to your own business? A unique approach was implemented, questioning the audience in order to identify those from various business sectors. Hands were raised as the questions were asked. Eyes scanned across the room, with businesses taking a mental note of who their were going to approach. Blast Off! businesses had five minutes to swap cards, information and gain that all important face to face contact. Now just to follow up those leads!

Presentations

A message was delivered that entrepreneurship needs to be promoted as a realistic career choice. It is important to recognise that young people are starting businesses now and having support enables them to have an increased chance of success. Talking about success takes us on to the next part of the evening:

KAYE Success Session (Kent Association of Young Entrepreneurs) – Jonnie Jensen committee member of KAYE presented interviews with previous winners of the KEiBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. We found out why they started a business, the struggles of a start up, the rewards of owning your business and the the fun parts too. Video coming soon…

Luke Quilter of Sleeping Giant Media – Winner 2011

Craig Harrison of Aquaread – Winner 2012

The Entrepreneur Profiling Tool – presented by Alex Kofinas introduced and questioned who would become an entrepreneur? Is it in our genes, personality, background, networks or learning patterns. The Profiling Tool is being designed to answer some of these questions and discover the traits of an entrepreneur. The benefit of such a tool is that it will help identify areas where young entrepreneurs are lacking support, this can then be tailored to suit their needs and increase their chances of business success.

Time To Celebrate!

With a fantastic turnout of young entrepreneurs showcasing their businesses there was an added bonus of winning a Peer Award. Young entrepreneurs voted amongst themselves for who they thought was the best networker/exhibitor. The votes were in and the award was presented to:

Elle Skinner – Elle’s Cupcakery

Another fantastic prize – Daniel Warren – Mint Fresh Services was presented with a year’s free membership kindly donated by Federation of Small Business and Roger House. It means so much to an up and coming business. The business concentrates on providing honest and reliable cleaning services to both commercial and domestic markets. A absolutely superb prize, opening so many channels of support and business growth to a young entrepreneur.

Supporters of Enterprise

Kent Foundation relies heavily on in kind support and donationsto keep our services up and running. We would like to send our thanks to:

Trevor Sturgess – Editor of Kent Messenger Group – Business Editor

Alex Kofinas – Working in partnership with University of Greenwich to develop the Entrepreneur Profiling Tool

David Ing – For his ongoing support and recognition of the need to support young entrepreneurs and business across Kent

Roger House, Federation of Small Business – Donating a year’s free membership and business support.

Dick Fedorcio – Providing marketing support and networking on the evening.

Kent Foundation News

Miles and Smiles

October 22, 2013

It was a chilly October morning and people had risen early from the warmth of their beds. Their destination? Penshurst Place, the starting point for fundraising bike ride, Miles and Smiles. The place was buzzing with over 100 cyclists all ready and raring to go. There was only one way to get them started a big wave of the flag from The Viscountess De L’Isle. Not only is she the home owner of Penshurst Place but also plays the part of being the Patron of Kent Foundation.

The chilly morning turned in to a spectacular warm Autumn day, and it wasn’t long until we saw some cyclists pedalling their way to the finish line. Amongst them was a few sporting particpants in fancy dress.

We would like to thank all the cyclists for their sporting efforts. The volunteers for their organisation, marshalling and promotion of the event. Not forgetting our sponsors for their contribution to the goody bags and equipment for the day. That is not all British Cycling played a great part in supporting the event with an Event Officer in attendance for the day.

Parachute Jump – A Flying Success

October 22, 2013

A big thank you to those that took the plunge for Kent Foundation

Kent Foundation for young entrepreneurs went ahead with a parachute jump at Headcorn Aerodrome on Saturday 14th May 2011.

The purpose of the event was to raise funds for Kent Foundation to support some of Kent’s young entrepreneurs.

To date, Matt Hobbs, the Tangerine team and Tara Humphrey have raised in excess of £2000 which is a great help towards supporting young entrepreneurs.

Paul Barron, Director said:

”We are extremely grateful to Matt, the Tangerine Team and Tara for their continued support. For many young people, getting a good start on the employment ladder is impossible. The Fourth Option aims to help them achieve their career goals in the early stages so they may contribute to Kent’s economy, rather than relying on others, or worse, becoming a burden on society.”

It’s never too late to support us

If you are as passionate as our brave parachute volunteers in supporting young people start up in business it is never too late to support us. Visit our Charity Giving Page to make a donation. Alternatively if you have a bright idea on how to raise money then we would love to chat with you call us on: 01622 694 341

Wheelie great welcome for Kent Peloton

October 22, 2013

Two hundred miles and two days after setting off from County Hall in Maidstone, fourteen cyclists were welcomed in Brussels last week by the British Ambassador to Belgium, Jonathan Brenton.

The group had taken on the epic ride to raise money for the Kent Foundation charity, which helps young people get started in business.

Their achievement was celebrated at a networking reception at International House in Brussels where they had the chance to promote the foundation’s work and make valuable links for young business at a European level.

The brainchild of Kent Foundation Director, Paul Barron, the bike ride has raised valuable funds to help run the foundation’s services. It is hoped that the event will now be a major annual fund-raising event for the charity.

Kent Foundation Director, Paul Barron is one of the cyclists. He said:

“In the current economic climate, the work of the foundation is perhaps more important than ever. Our target is £5,000 and it’s not too late to get involved and donate. This was a huge challenge for everyone involved, and it was great to be part of it. The funds we’ve raised will mean that we can help even more young business men and women.”

Star Business of the Month

Clockwork Moggy: Star Business of the Month – November 2013

October 22, 2013

Client: Carrie Stay and Neil Dickson

Business: Clockwork Moggy – Branding and Web Design

Description: Creative graphic design, unique web design and original illustration. Complete company branding to suit your needs.

Get In Touch:

Website Facebook Twitter

Telephone: 01634 388 916

Our partnership company was founded 4 years ago. We (Carrie and Neil) met at college with similar interests in Graphic design and illustration. We both worked very hard to achieve our degrees. Before Clockwork Moggy was founded, I (Carrie) was working for publishing companies on a variety of magazine titles from music to lifestyle, whilst Neil was working for a large publishing company in Surrey. We thought it silly to be working hard for other people when we had the experience and know-how to work for ourselves and fully let our creativity loose for our own clients. We decided to put the 9-5 lifestyle behind us.

Now, we know the name (Clockwork Moggy) isn’t the norm but as a branding and web design company, it was a must to stand out from any other design team, practicing what we preach! We often have many of our clients ask us where the name comes from and we can only reply with ‘the deep depths of our quirky minds’.

Clockwork Moggy has developed significantly in the last 4 years, not only in terms of our client base but also in the variety of projects we have worked on. From packaging graphics for a company that sell flavoured bugs (yes, real ones!!) to ecommerce stores to help businesses grow and sell online as well as a fair few branding projects for small to medium businesses.

We love design and strive to keep on developing as a company and keeping up with the latest technology and design trends is a must!

Business Tip

‘Always strive to be the best you can be. Whatever your chosen career path’.

Author: digitalbeans