Unlocking Innovation In Suffolk

Unlocking innovation is central to the development of Suffolk’s economy, but starting and growing innovation-based businesses can be a minefield, with many failing unnecessarily at very early stages. To help such companies succeed and to develop a culture and environment that encourages and inspires more startups, the Ipswich Startup Masterclass programme has been created.

Funded by ideaSpace Enterprise Accelerator and run in conjunction with University Campus Suffolk (UCS) and Suffolk Digital, the programme’s launch event, Survival Stories from the Startup Jungle, will take place on 3 October 2011. The event will feature a panel of successful entrepreneurs from the technology, digital, biotech and environmental sectors who will share the highs and lows of their business careers to date.

Confirmed panellists are:

• Harry Berry (New Venture Partners)
• Simon Grice (Belocal.com, Ideasorg)
• Kevin Gooding (Oxems)
• Katharine Riddell (Digital Tomorrow Today)

This interactive session aims to inspire both those involved with early stage companies and those contemplating forming their own startups, arming them with the vision and encouragement to succeed. It will cover the decisions panellists took along the startup journey – good and bad, and explain the pitfalls and rewards of launching an innovation-based business.

“At UCS our aim is to work with our partners to provide the training and support needed to unlock Suffolk’s tremendous potential,” said Charles Wilby, UCS Senior Business Development Manager. “The Startup Masterclass events form an important part of our strategy to support the business community and foster innovation and thereby to increase the economic prosperity of the region.”

“Suffolk has more than its fair share of innovative startups with great ideas, but suffers from having a lower profile than other hotspots such as Cambridge,” said Emma Jell, Suffolk Digital. “The Startup Masterclass programme aims to address this, building a strong innovation ecosystem across the county that will provide current and future entrepreneurs with all the skills they need to succeed.”

The Ipswich launch event will be held between on the evening of 3 October 2011 at UCS. Tickets are free, but places are strictly limited and should be reserved online: http://groupspaces.com/StartupMasterclass

“Innovation is critical to driving the regional economy forward. While many entrepreneurs have brilliant ideas, turning these into viable businesses requires a complete range of skills if they are to flourish,” said Mauro Ciaccio, organiser of the Startup Masterclass programme. “Working in conjunction with UCS and Suffolk Digital, and our overall sponsor ideaSpace, this programme will provide a combination of inspiration and practical advice to nurture Suffolk startups and help them thrive and grow. For anyone in an early stage company – or simply thinking about starting up an innovation-based business – this is the perfect opportunity to come along and learn from successful entrepreneurs about the rewards and potential pitfalls involved.”

The ten month Ipswich Startup Masterclass programme will cover the whole startup and early stage company lifecycle, including developing and protecting your idea, building a company, attracting investment, identifying target markets, marketing and positioning and generating sales.

For more information visit the Startup Masterclass website, follow on Twitter or Facebook, or connect via email info@startupmasterclass.co.uk.