Coming Events

20th April

Aspire Fund Networking Event, Leicestershire

7th May

Right Funds for You, Derby

14th May

Strategy and Planning Bootcamp

21st May

Right Funds for You, Bromsgrove

18th June

Connect Midlands Springboard, Loughborough

A beacon to women led businesses?

Editorial

The government’s enterprise strategy has identified women as “the largest under-represented group in the UK in terms of participation in enterprise, offering a wealth of untapped talent and opportunity”.

Statistics show there are now over 1 million self-employed women, a 17% increase since 2000 but there could be many more. Building confidence to turn aspirations into reality is an important issue and a key challenge.

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Leicester drinks company launches with support from Connect Midlands

A new drinks company, Cell, has launched in Leicester, with vital support from Connect Midlands. Cell alcoholic drinks will be sold from vending machines and instead of bottles; the drinks will come in pouches that also offer “anti-spike” protection.

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Do you have all the answers?

Do you need a quick answer to your investment-related question? Would you like to raise your profile amongst the readership of Connected by sharing your opinion? Then Network Effect is the feature you’ve been waiting for.

This month’s question:

“How might a business go about finding a non-executive director or board member to strengthen and add credibility to the management team?”

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Ladies' equity investment fund

The Aspire Fund was established in 2008 with the objective of increasing the number of successful women led businesses in the UK. The fund is able to make equity investments of between £100k and £1m, on a co-investment basis, in order to help strong businesses grow.

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Pride in their work

A Derby-based software developer has the future firmly in its sights following a management restructure and strategic review, prompted by consultancy from Connect Midlands.

Silver Pride Software Ltd, based at Pride Park had been trading successfully for many years but following an introduction by Alan Rutherford at the London Road Incubation Centre, they began to explore new horizons and ambitious targets with Connect Midlands.

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Understanding Intellectual Property - Making the most of your IP, sponsored by SFS Legal

In broad terms there are three main methods of exploiting your IP, these are:

• Your own use, for example where the IP is integrated into your own goods and services
• Licensing to third parties
• Complete assignment of your IP rights

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