Company Creation ConferenceDelivered by Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network
Wednesday, 2nd May 2018, 10:30 am - 4:45 pm
Registration from 10:00 amAre you a Strathclyder with a business idea or in the early stages of starting your own company?
The Company Creation Conference is a free, one-day event designed to give you the tools you need to turn your ideas into successful companies. It is aimed at identifying and nurturing entrepreneurial talent at Strathclyde. Participants will hear from industry experts and entrepreneurial champions who will offer a unique and inspiring perspective on how to launch a business.
Following an opening plenary session with a guest speaker, you will be able to tailor the event to suit your requirements in 3 parallel sessions. Each session will cater for those at both the idea and start-up phases, and will cover topics to highlight the unique package of entrepreneurial support at Strathclyde. Please see the programme below and session descriptors, selecting your preferences at the point of registration.
Please also indicate at registration if you are able to join us for the networking lunch and exhibition, as well as the drinks reception from 4.45 - 6.00pm.
Programme (download a copy here)
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Arrival, Registration and Morning Refreshments |
| 10:30 – 11:30 |
Opening Plenary - Entrepreneurial Leadership: Leveraging the past to shape the future Professor Sara Carter: Associate Principal (Learning & Teaching) Dr Margaret Anne Craig: CEO of Clyde Biosciences Professor Lynne Cadenhead: Chair of Women’s Enterprise Scotland Adrian Gillespie: Chief Commercial Officer, University of Strathclyde A panel of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders will compare and contrast the entrepreneurial landscape of the last 20 years. This discussion will highlight the opportunities and challenges facing start-ups today, while also identifying the characteristics that have remained a vital part of the success of entrepreneurial leaders. This inspiring session will spark a discussion on the following question: how can we build on the foundation of Scotland’s resilient entrepreneurial culture to create a step-change in developing global business success? |
| 11:30 – 12:45 | Parallel Session 1 - choose one of the following 3 options: |
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Health Checking Your Idea: Building a Business Model Canvas Professor Jonathan Levie, Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship The Business Model Canvas is used to describe, design and challenge your business model. This session will help you to test and validate your business idea, while also identifying gaps and evaluating risk areas in your business plan. |
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Investment: A Business Angel’s Perspective Jamie Andrew: Chairman, TRICAPITAL This session will introduce you to the different types of investment and the key factors that business angels look for when investing in a company. You’ll receive a practical overview of how to prepare for an investment presentation, what role risk and people play in your company, types of exit and key points to be aware of on the journey from investment to exit.n, what role risk and people play in your company, types of exit and key points to be aware of on the journey from investment to exit. |
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Commercialising Your Research at Strathclyde Dr Catherine Breslin: Commercialisation Manager, Research & Knowledge Exchange Services This workshop is designed to give participants the fundamentals of the University’s Commercialisation process and provide the opportunity to ask questions relevant to their own commercial aspirations. It will cover the University's Key Performance Indicators relating to Knowledge Exchange; key messages on protection, disclosure and ownership of IP and the role of Research and Knowledge Exchange Services. |
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| 12:45 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch and Exhibition |
| 14:00 – 15:15 | Parallel Session 2 - choose one of the following 3 options: |
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Start-Up 101: Have Fun Make Money Live a Better Life Ewan Ecclestone: Business Advisor, Glasgow City Council Iain Scott: Founder, Enterprise Iain Anyone can start a business. But start with you, not the business plan. Begin with why, not how. Being in business is about a better life. It’s as much about personality as finance. And who says it can’t it be fun? |
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Entrepreneurial Finance Professor Jonathan Levie: Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship Understanding finance and the value of money is key to any business's success. This session will focus on the benefits of understanding the financial aspects of your business, such as the importance of market research and the difference in running costs and profit. Examples will be shown to demonstrate financial subjects essential for start-up and growth. |
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Intellectual Property: Commercial Drivers Donald Lawrie: Director, Lawrie IP Every company has intellectual property (IP). However, which forms offer the best commercial advantage for the business? This session will include a brief rundown of the different types of IP and a look at why you should (or shouldn't) protect it. |
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| 15:15 – 15:30 | Comfort Break and Afternoon Refreshments |
| 15:30 – 16:45 | Parallel Session 3 - choose one of the following 3 options: |
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Accessing External Funding Jonathan Simpson: SMART Appraisal Officer, Scottish Enterprise Claire Smith: Wider Innovation Team, Scottish Enterprise Entrepreneurs have access to a plethora of funding opportunities through various organisations across Scotland. This session will highlight key grants and awards that are available to start-ups and will provide participants with information on how to apply and access funding. |
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Perfecting Your Pitch Dr Richard Norris: Consultant, Kissing With Confidence You always need to be pitch ready, whether on the elevator, in the street or in front of a panel of investors. Pitches are powerful tools that can often mean the difference between success and failure for your business idea. In this energetic and engaging workshop you’ll learn how to prepare for your next pitch using the Kissing With Confidence Method. You’ll also find out how to make the all-important Emotional Connection with your audience and use the Art of Delivery so that your pitch has energy, spontaneity and creativity. You’ll even have an opportunity to develop, practice and perfect your pitch amongst your peers! |
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Legal Aspects of Building a Business Stewart Moy: Senior Solicitor, Morton Fraser The legal process of forming a company is not always one that is straight-forward and it is important to understand the legal risks involved. This session will cover the legal issues faced when setting up a business, considering types of structures and key agreements to put in place when starting up. |
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| 16:45 – 18:00 |
Drinks Reception |
Who should attend?
The Company Creation Conference is open to the entire Strathclyde community, including:
- Students – Undergraduate, Masters & PhD.
- Staff – Academic, Researcher & Professional Services.
- Alumni.
The conference is ideal for those who have business ideas or early-stage start-up / spin-out companies.
Benefits of attending
- Hear from industry experts on a wide range of topics relevant to those considering a business idea.
- Network with others in a similar situation and find out how we can help to support you in your endeavour.
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Contact
Further information
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