Business News entrepreneurs@chamber Introducing the Chamber’s newest start-up members


Taking the stress out of starting a business


Last summer Birmingham Chamber launched a scheme to help new entrepreneurs make a go of their fledgling businesses. The programme includes access


to 11 half-day workshops, which offer expert advice on areas such as market research, marketing and promotion, financial forecasting, raising finance, employing people, and selling skills. As part of this, the Chamber’s


business start-up initiative has engaged the help of a number of experienced professionals, who are willing to give their time on a voluntary basis, to help the start- ups.


Anabela Ferreira, head of new


enterprise at the Chamber, said: “Our mentors add value to the membership and the champions are people who have a lot of business acumen, and are willing to share their experience and know- how – this will bring additional benefits and value to young businesses. “Starting a business can be a


very stressful and lonely journey. Having a good solid background in the area you going to operating in will go a long way to ensure that the venture will succeed. “However, there are an array of


other areas such finance management and marketing strategies that are just as integral to the business as good knowledge of the core activity. “These are areas where the start-


up membership package with its training sessions offers immense value. Also, having someone with field expertise in some of the above areas, also adds immense value as this empowers young entrepreneurs with additional skills that they can implement in their business to ensure they are on the right path to success. “Our enterprise champions play


a crucial part in this area – they have the field expertise in their chosen field and by imparting this with young businesses, they are empowering them with the required skills that will help them take the business to the next level.”


26 CHAMBERLINK November 2017 Among the enterprise champions


is Cas Majid (pictured), who moved from Manchester to Birmingham to launch his first business 15 years ago. This was a technology services


company, which he later sold. Subsequently, he has been involved in various other tech based businesses, latterly as chief executive officer of digital marketing agency Wow Zone. He is also founder and CEO of Leeds- based FinTech. He said: “Over the past 20 years,


I have enhanced my skills of building businesses and teams, through the acceptance of failure being part of the process. I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing companies in the UK and internationally, alongside super talented people, for many household brands. “I’ve also been featured in the


Huffington Post, Entrepreneur magazine, Forbes, Chicago and New York Times but to name a few. I was also named as ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ for the prestigious Lloyds TSB Asian Jewel Awards. “Although business keeps me


busy, I’m a family man, married for 21 years, with two amazing children. I’m also a keen sportsman, I regularly play cricket, teach boxing and a huge Manchester United fan. “My philosophy in life and


business is simple: ‘give without expecting anything in return’.”


Infinity Room Solutions Ltd Chris Parry, 07745741900, chris@infinity-rooms.co.uk Infinity Room Solutions Ltd is a home Improvement business based in Solihull. The firm supplies and installs bespoke UK manufactured products to cater for all budgets, whether it’s a dream kitchen, bedroom makeover or bathroom refurbishment.


Rsd Events Rachel Howell, 07894314048, Rachel.howell@rsdevents.co.uk Rsd Events is a free venue finding service, covering all types of events from board meetings to trade shows, as well as golf days and team building events.


Wakeman Nutrition Mel Wakeman, 07964562161, mel@wakemannutrition.com The company was established this year by registered nutritionist Mel Wakeman, and provides a range of services, including health related workshops and well-being programmes in the corporate sector.


Jacobean Coach Travel Michael Peel, 07802 213664, mike@jacobeancoachtravel.co.uk Solihull-based Jacobean Coach Travel provides luxury small vehicle transport at an affordable price. Up to 16 people can be accommodated, and the company provides a national service, 24 hours a day, seven days a week door-to-door.


The Engine Megan Bliss, 07791343098, Hello@TheEngine.Space The Engine is a new ‘creative co-work space opening in the innovation hub of Digbeth’. It provides desk space, short term flexible contracts and all-inclusive pricing.


Error: The contact details for Willhan Training published in the September issue were incorrect and should have read: Willhan Training, Louise Vickers, 07746504635, info@willhantraining.co.uk


In partnership with


These are the latest businesses to sign up for the start-up support programme:


The Daglish Group Limited Chris Daglish, 07972810420, sales@daglishgroup.com A family owned business based in Cradley Heath, which specialises in grounds maintenance, interior planting, office cleaning and Christmas tree installation services across the Midlands.


iBuildAssets Limited Daniel Brown, 07415891451, ibuildassets@gmail.com A digital and social media marketing agency, offering a wide range of services including search engine optimisation, web design, and social media and email marketing.


Natural Soap by Design Cathy Browning, 0121 7483316, Cathy.m.browning@gmail.com Natural Soap by Design sells a range of bath salts and massage oils designed specifically to target joint and muscle aches and pains including arthritis and rheumatism. Other products include natural handmade vegetable soaps to condition all skin types.


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