Pictons Helps Local Would-Be Entrepreneurs With The University of Bedfordshire’s Knowledge Hub

Pictons is helping local would-be entrepreneurs grow their potential business ideas this spring by taking part in the University of Bedfordshire’s Knowledge Hub innovative entrepreneurial support programme, B-innovative.

B-innovative is a European partnership programme funded by the European Union’s Lifelong Learning Programme. Since 2012 it has already assisted 180 local entrepreneurs to realise their dreams of starting their businesses. Each course offers a prize fund to the best would-be entrepreneur who has proved that their idea is a viable business.
The B-innovative programme consists of a number of varied interactive sessions, with topics ranging from business idea development, costing and pricing to HR, employment, commercial law, sales and marketing. The sessions are delivered by local business experts such as Aye Limbin Glassey a Partner at Pictons and Head of the Employment dept, Tony Roberts, Senior Associate Solicitor and Pictons’ Head of Corporate, Emerson Patton from ActionCoach and Gary Jesson from EFM Financial Management amongst others.

Aye says “This is an excellent programme for new entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses and Pictons is delighted to be taking part. I work closely with employers who range from small start up companies, family owned businesses to large PLCs, assisting my clients in all aspects of the employment relationships, from drafting contracts of employments, policies and procedures to advising on restructures, grievances, disciplinary proceedings and employment tribunal claims.

“There is so much that potential employers need to be aware of when they are starting out or growing their businesses. It is so easy to make simple mistakes which can end up costing a lot of time and money. It is vital for new start ups to invest in getting good professional advice.”

Tony, who joined Pictons in January this year from one of London’s top international law firms, Herbert Smith Freehills, adds “There are many legal issues to consider when starting a business. I will be presenting a broad session which will cover topics including different structures for the business, liability issues for directors and managers, methods of resolving business disputes and why exit strategies to sell the business need consideration at the outset.

“I have extensive experience advising clients on starting, developing and selling businesses and the issues arising for consideration by directors, managers and shareholders at the various stages of the life cycle of a business.”

Daniel Nicholls, B-innovative Project Manager says “I am delighted to have Pictons on board and we anticipate that this year’s B-innovative programme will be our best yet, with more content and support in aiding delegates to realise their business dreams. New additions include, more involvement from the local business community in delivery and as part of our assessment panels, a support network and the assistance of an expert business advisor to help delegates at every stage of the programme.”

Declan Sweeney the winner of the winter 2013 course prize fund has already started his business with two partners. Currently studying for a PhD at the University of Bedfordshire, Declan has created a hugely practical education tool that can be used by educational establishments to enhance and support student’s learning. Declan says “The B-innovative course has been very useful in helping organise my business. The structure of each session, the practical advice provided and the assessment process have provided me with milestones in developing my business idea.”