26 business focus Driving change through partnerships
When my co-founder, Adam Clark, and I launched ConnectTVT nearly a year ago, our goal was simple. We wanted to reconnect the region with its potential as a truly innovative tech hub, putting it back on the cluster map, writes Louize Clarke
Our vision was to tap into the start-up potential residing beyond the established tech giants that have given the region its Silicon Valley name, reaching the pockets of grassroots, disruptive innovation we’d encountered.
A big task and central to our strategy is developing dynamic, meaningful partnerships with like-minded organisations who recognise the value, and need, to unlock the region’s technology and start-up talent. Only by harnessing and fostering this can we ensure the Thames Valley stays ahead when it comes to digital skills and confidence. Collaboration is a core value for us and we knew that we would need support from the Thames Valley business community to make ConnectTVT and GROW, our accelerator hub, a success.
By coming together with those also invested in the tech start-up agenda we are on our way to making a real difference – pooling resources, channels and expertise to make the Thames Valley a better place to establish new innovative businesses.
As a boot-strapped start-up ourselves we were delighted when the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce came on board to run our Big Pitch Competition with us. Endorsement of this kind makes a real difference to our profile and builds on the way we can support our growing start-up community.
For example, KPMG, one of the UK’s leading professional services firms, will be providing pro-bono advice to Thames Valley tech businesses to help them set up their business and achieve their
growth ambitions. The firm is also supporting The Lab, opened as part of our Festival of Digital Disruption, enabling us to provide a more connected experience. Leading tech specialist law firm Pitmans LLP has a long-established commitment to supporting the entrepreneurial community across the Thames Valley and beyond. We’re delighted to be teaming up with their business advisers via a series of new legal clinics and mentoring sessions. The drop- in sessions based at GROW and Henley Centre for Entrepreneurship will enable start-ups to access Pitmans’ advice on key legal issues to be aware of when setting up and launching their venture.
We’re also excited to be partnering with the SME community. CREAT3D, the Reading-based specialist retailer of desktop 3D printers has provided the support for our new
53% of businesses are operating illegally: Are you?
• 53% of business requiring Employers’ Liability cover failed to buy it • 43% have no protection against accidents/damage they may be responsible for • 52% of business who provide advice failed to buy professional indemnity cover
The above findings from AXA Business Insurance* show that too many businesses, perhaps unknowingly, are putting themselves at risk, by not having appropriate cover. After all the worst time to discover your insurance is not as comprehensive as you thought is when you need to make a claim.
So what do you need to consider when buying business insurance?
Review regularly – With numerous insurance products available it can feel overwhelming, however this is where a good broker can make you aware of the important areas that need insuring for your business. By reviewing your policies, you may also find that there are gaps in your existing policy that cost a minimal amount to insure, but will save you thousands of pounds in the event of a claim occurring.
www.businessmag.co.uk
Use a specialist – Using a specialist broker within your industry could not only mean substantial savings, but also increased cover. Due to their knowledge of your market, a lot of brokers will have agreements with insurers whereby they offer increased levels of cover at no additional charge.
Make sure your broker is doing their job – If you have been with your broker and insurance company for a number of years, it is worth making sure they have been doing a regular market review in order to obtain the most competitive rates possible for your company.
Get testimonials – When you are deciding on which brokers to use for alternative quotes, don’t be afraid to ask for contact details of a couple of their existing clients so you can see the type of service they offer.
Make sure it’s like for like – If an alternative quote offers a substantial
premium saving on your existing policy, be sure to compare the policies to ensure the covers offered are like-for-like. You wouldn’t want to be left exposed in the event of a claim.
Check for exclusions - Don’t forget to ask yourself, what’s excluded? Does the insurance specifically restrict cover for certain activities or events? Do any of the exclusions mean you’re not going to be covered for the things your business does regularly? It is also worth getting your insurance adviser to check your contracts to make sure your policy will respond.
Good quality professional advice from a chartered insurance broker is just as important as seeking advice from your accountant or solicitor… is it time for a second opinion?
Jelf Insurance Brokers specialises in offering insurance solutions
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – MAY 2015
and risk management advice to businesses in the Thames Valley region. If you have any questions or would like further information on checking whether you may be underinsured, contact Dominic Preist details below.
Details: Dominic Preist 0118-9839821
dominic.preist@
jelfgroup.com
Jelf Insurance Brokers is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) not all products and services are regulated by the FCA. JIB068.04.15
*
http://www.axa.co.uk/ newsroom/media-releases/2014/ little-oversights-with-big- consequences-smes-breaking- the-law-as-they-fail-to-protect- themselves-and-their-livelihoods/
lab to help start-ups create rapid prototypes and will be supporting the development of this through a series of workshops.
Working with our future-focused, proactive partners gives us that catalysing effect. Iterative steps towards change, opening up new opportunities and ways of working for start-ups in the area is what defines our purpose. Over the next few months we want to build on these foundations, create a little more inspiration, a little more magic, a little more opportunity, for all those fledgling entrepreneurs out there who are holding the nuggets of a great idea in their minds – and help them make it a reality.
If you’re interested in becoming a ConnectTVT partner, contact Louize Clarke.
Details: Louize Clarke
louize@connecttvt.co.uk @connectTVT www.facebook/connectTVT
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