Sponsors

The following companies and bodies have contributed to the foundation of Connect Yorkshire.
Founding sponsors are denoted by an asterisk (*).

Abchurch Communications Ltd

Abchurch is one of the UK's leading financial, investor and corporate communications consultancies, advising more than 85 clients, over 70 of which are quoted on the London Stock Exchange.   We are recognised as a specialist in communicating the financial stories of growth companies, with particular expertise in IPOs and M&A. Abchurch has a long-established Northern Region office in Leeds, working closely alongside our City of London office.

Apax Partners UK Ltd*

Apax Partners is a leading private equity investment group. With over £12 billion under management or advice worldwide, Apax Partners pursues a balanced equity portfolio strategy, investing in companies from start-up to buy-out. Apax Partners has 160 investment professionals operating across Europe, Israel, the USA and Japan.

Ashton Morton Slack LLP

Assisting in the development of Yorkshire's technology -economy is an important goal at Ashton Morton Slack. We are a law firm with an extensive range of business and technology expertise; our lawyers are renowned for understanding your business, as well as the law. Having the right legal expert at your side is a vital investment for any new enterprise and Ashton Morton Slack is proud to support growth in the regional economy through Connect Yorkshire

Baker Tilly

Baker Tilly and Horwath Clark Whitehill in Leeds have merged. We are a leading national provider of accountancy and business advice. We offer a partner-led service focusing on providing high quality, proactive support. With three Yorkshire offices located in Leeds, Bradford and Keighley, our aim is to build up a long-term relationship with our clients and dedicate as much partner time as possible to ensure that we are able to meet their needs. This culture is reflected in our high partner to staff ratio which is greater than any other firm of our size. At Horwath Clark Whitehill we pride ourselves on listening to our clients', predominantly SMEs, needs and delivering innovative solutions. For more details email Shaun Mullins or telephone 0113 285 5000

BRANDED!

'A modern international business with robust foundations'. An IP practice specialising in trade marks, designs and copyright based in York but handling IP matters throughout the world. Our client-base is international but also serves the local needs. As European Trade Mark Attorneys we develop, select, search and police trade marks globally. We also advise businesses about IP strategy and portfolio management. We offer an initial free consultation.

BTG McInnes Corporate Finance LLP

BTG McInnes Corporate Finance is recognised as one of the largest and most experienced Corporate Finance teams in the UK, with an outstanding reputation for deal origination and execution. Our clients range from major international corporations and FTSE 100 companies to owner-managed businesses, management teams and many of the UK's major financial institutions. Our objective is to consistently exceed our client's expectations by delivering creative and effective solutions on all forms of corporate transactions.
Our track record for achieving successful completions for our clients in the £1m to £100+ million mid-market is unparalleled. We have the depth of skills and expertise to deliver proactive, honest and creative advice to our clients and ultimately to make transactions happen, irrespective of complexity.

Business Link Yorkshire

Business Link Yorkshire offers information and advice for all businesses, no matter what their size or stage of development. We are funded through Yorkshire Forward and we aim to make Yorkshire and Humber a great place to start and grow a business. We do this by providing free, impartial advice to solve problems, meet needs and create growth opportunities.
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Deloitte*

Deloitte is the second largest Professional Services Firm in the UK. The firm operates in over 130 countries providing integrated solutions to some of the world's largest PLC's through to SME's. The Deloitte Technology Group is dedicated to providing practical solutions-driven assistance to busy entrepreneurs.

DLA Piper*

DLA Piper is one of the UK's top ten law firms with major offices in Yorkshire and throughout the UK. As a client focussed operation, our aim is to be at the heart of our clients' businesses, by understanding their individual commercial concerns. Our key priority is to add value to clients by delivering the highest quality professional advice and expertise.

Ernst & Young*

Ernst & Young is committed to the success of people and clients by creating value and confidence. Our services and solutions are delivered on an integrated basis, providing creative and innovative solutions which not only meet the client's immediate needs but also enhance their ability to manage future change and growth.

Ford Campbell Freedman

Ford Campbell Freedman LLP are business advisers with a difference. A corporate finance led practice, we have built a reputation for finding imaginative solutions to the issues faced by entrepreneurs and business owners, and for consistently delivering creative and tax efficient results. The practice is an entrepreneurial business, managed by principals with broad experience in Corporate Finance, Tax, Audit & Accountancy Services and in industry. We identify with the issues faced by our entrepreneurial clients and are committed to adding value to their businesses through our strategic planning approach By investing time in our relationships with clients to listen and understand their goals, we are able to work closely with them to help realise their ambitions. We understand the close link between our clients' business and personal affairs and our approach is designed to help them achieve their objectives. We are proud of our record of consistently delivering value to our clients. If you would like to speak to us and see if we can make a difference to your business, please visit our website below.
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Garbutt & Elliott

Garbutt & Elliott are one of Yorkshire's larger independent firms of chartered accountants, taxation and business advisors, with offices in Leeds and York. We believe we can offer 'big 4' expertise at local prices to the technology and knowledge based sectors, and we are fully committed to helping support this vital part of the local economy.

Grants

Grants Chartered Accountants was established in Leeds in 1946. It offers businesses and individuals an expert accounting and taxation service enabling them to achieve financial success. Today Grants is a microcosm of a large accounting firm ,offering the whole spectrum of business development, financial assurance and corporate finance services. We welcome new and emerging businesses and offer our vast experience to become part of the team in moving the business forward. Visit our website and call us to experience our unique way of helping you!.

Harrison Goddard Foote

Harrison Goddard Foote is a dynamic young firm of Patent Agents and Trade Mark Attorneys. Founded in 1995 it has rapidly grown and now has over 80 staff based in five UK offices including offices in London and Leeds. Growth has been based on a philosophy of providing clients with a first rate professional service at a fair cost.

HLW commercial laywers

HLW is a fast growing and exciting commercial law firm. We specialise in providing regional businesses with partner-led expert advice on a wide range of legal matters. Offices in both Sheffield and Leeds.

Knowles Warwick Chartered Accountants

We pride ourselves on our core values: building strong, open relationships with our clients so that we can help them build for the future. We have a wealth of skill and expertise - corporate finance, accountancy practice, international and IT expertise. Your business is more important to you than just facts and figures. We understand that; and this understanding is at the heart of every service we provide. Every client has a named contact who will take the time to get to know them and their business. That way, we know we can offer you the advice and support you need, when you need it. Knowles Warwick - helping you secure your dreams and ambitions.

KPMG*

KPMG is the global advisory firm whose aim is to turn knowledge into value for the benefit of its clients, its people and its communities. KPMG responds to clients' complex business challenges with seamless service across industry sectors and national boundaries.

Lee & Priestley LLP

Lee & Priestley is a well-established medium sized law firm based in Leeds. With an excellent reputation for providing a full corporate and commercial service to its clients, Lee & Priestley is also ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers. With a strong Yorkshire focus, we act for several of the region's Universities, their spin off technology companies and many other knowledge based companies. Lee & Priestley is unique in being able to offer its clients the same quality and breadth of experience as the larger law firms, whilst maintaining a more competitive pricing structure.

MFL Science & Technology Insurance Brokers Limited

MFL Science & Technology provides a wide range of bespoke insurance solutions for the financial exposures and potential legal liabilities in the science and technology sector. Our services are designed to accommodate new start ups and established businesses alike, including those involved in IT, biotechnology, research and clinical trials.

Pareto

Pareto Law is the UK's leading sales assessment, sales recruitment and sales training organisation specialising in sales jobs and sales training. Established in 1994 we have an office in Leeds and further offices throughout the UK. The company believes that often 80% of sales come from the top 20% of the sales team. Pareto Law aims to provide this top 20% through a mix of rigorous sales assessment and professional sales training. The company also runs communication skills and sales training for experienced employees, enabling companies to raise the calibre of their existing teams. Our goal is to provide UK businesses with the tools and sales skills to win more business, increase sales and provide more a more skilled sales force. Call us today on 0500 363840 or visit www.pareto.co.uk/clients.aspx for further information.
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PricewaterhouseCoopers*

PricewaterhouseCoopers www.pwc.com is the world's largest professional services organisation. Drawing on the knowledge and skills of more than 124,000 people in 142 countries, we build relationships by providing services based on quality and integrity.

Rothschild*

Rothschild, the privately owned investment bank, has the largest and most successful advisory operation outside London with established offices in Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham. It is the principal provider of corporate financial, banking and treasury services to ambitious public and private companies based in the North of England.

South Yorkshire Investment Fund (SYIF)

South Yorkshire Investment Fund provide seedcorn, loan and equity linked investments ranging from £15K-£2.5m to small and medium sized business already in, or planning to relocate to South Yorkshire. Our finance packages help businesses fill the gaps in funding they need for development to acquisition, where conventional sources of finance are insufficient or unavailable. The Fund can back suitable businesses through critical stages of growth from start-up to major expansion, management buy-outs, buy-ins and turnarounds. An integral part of the way the fund helps businesses is through Money with Management which provides mentoring support to help management teams grow their business.

The Conference Coach

Often the success or failure of great ideas and great business propositions can hinge on the standard of the presentation and the skills of the presenter.Jon is one of the UK's most experienced communication/presentation consultants, with a who's who of business leaders amongst his worldwide client list. For the important pitch, the conference platform or the television or radio appearance, he and his team:

• Work with you to help focus your key messages and plan the overall structure of the presentation.
• Will suggest a range of creative and effective ways to get your messages across, to persuade and influence your audience.
• Coach your presentation team to make them comfortable and confident presenters, to put across clear understandable messages in an interesting and entertaining wayand make the opportunity as enjoyable as possible for the audience... and the presenter!

When making the right impact is important, there's only one call to make.

Turn Key Ltd

Turn Key is a full service marketing agency based in Leeds City Centre. A diverse agency, Turn Key specialises in seven core services; Advertising, Branding, Digital Design, Event Management, Image Retouching, Photography and PR. A small entrepreneurial start up in 2000, Turn Key now prides itself as a unique, passionate and committed agency, dedicated to supporting clients from numerous different industries, exceeding expectations through delivering material of extremely high standards. Building a strong reputation amongst clients, Turn Key is growing rapidly as a company and is a key player in the Marketing Agency field.

UK Trade & Investment

UK Trade & Investment is the Government organisation that helps UK-based companies succeed in an increasingly global economy. Its range of expert services is tailored to the needs of individual businesses to maximise their international success. We provide companies with knowledge, advice and practical support. UK Trade & Investment is an international organisation which employs around 2,300 staff, in UK embassies, consulates and trade offices, and in the nine English regions. Further information on UK Trade & Investment is available on www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk. Information on UKTI's Yorkshire Team can be found on www.tradeyorkshire.com

University of Leeds

The University of Leeds is acclaimed world-wide for the quality of its teaching and research. One of the largest universities in the UK, Leeds is also the most popular among students applying for undergraduate courses. An emphasis on innovative research and investment in high-quality facilities and first-rate infrastructure means that no fewer than 35 departments are rated internationally or nationally 'excellent'.

Walker Morris*

Walker Morris is one of the leading independent law firms in the country and has an extensive and impressive client list operating in all sectors. The firm's lawyers are well known in the market for their commercial acumen, their broad experience and their technical expertise. Speed, commerciality, value and approachability have been cited by clients as major attributes of the firm. Its work includes the full range of corporate, commercial property and commercial dispute resolution matters.

Winburn Glass Norfolk

WGN assist in the development of small business start-up situations and more established companies, using a 'hands on' approach. This often involves fund raising through debt and equity. We can work on a contingency basis, 'rolling up' all or part of our fees to be paid in the future when funding has been raised. In return we look to be granted a small 'sweat equity' shareholding to act as an incentive to add value to the business. Apart from the above approach, we still provide the full range of audit, accounting and taxation services on a time-cost basis.

YFM Group

The YFM Group provides risk capital and consultancy services to emerging hi-tech businesses. Given that its investment arms, YFM Venture Finance and YFM Private Equity, have had direct experience of the effectiveness of the Connect model elsewhere in the UK, the Group is an enthusiastic supporter of the Connect Yorkshire initiative.

Yorkshire Forward

Yorkshire Forward is the driving force behind the economic regeneration of the region, delivering a programme of change that will make a positive difference to our people, our business and our environment. We need to grow the region's existing businesses and double the rate of new business start-ups. Connect will help achieve these targets.

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