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


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


DJB Engineering and Photographic Services Ltd David Blower, 0121 439 8555, Davidjohnblower59@outlook.com An unusual business which has two sides to it – owner David Blower can offer civil engineering expertise to businesses, but he is also aiming to develop a photography business, as he has a lifelong interest in that subject.


Protecting businesses: Rhian Banks and Oliver Pooley


The importance of understanding IP


Edgbaston-based Barker Brettell provides intellectual property (IP) advice to new businesses, and has been helping with the Chamber’s start-up programme by attending and hosting events, seminars and workshops. The firm’s specialist trademark,


patent, design and copyright attorneys have been helping the start-ups in a number of ways, including helping advising entrepreneurs on how to best protect their ideas and products. Among those taking part in this


are trademark attorney Rhian Banks and patent attorney Oliver Pooley. Rhian said: “New businesses are


faced with a lot of demands on their time and resources. IP can often seem like something that can be put off. “But in reality, the start-up


successes are the ones who think of IP protection from the outset. Investment in IP doesn’t have to break the bank, but omitting to focus on it could break a business. “Don’t be fooled into thinking


that because you are smaller, you have nothing to protect – you do. Every business has IP - from its


name, the way its products look, to the way it makes things. It can be the difference between success and failure.


“Securing your IP means that you can protect your ideas, brand


24 CHAMBERLINK March 2018


‘Investment in IP doesn’t have to break the bank, but omitting to focus on it could break a business’


and knowledge, and prevent your competitors taking advantage of your hard work. “Intellectual property can also be


a vital part of getting investment to help fund and grow your business. Having IP protection can give investors the confidence that third parties cannot simply copy your idea without having to bear the same development and start-up costs that you have. “Registering your IP, or at the


very least, recognising when you should do something about registering your IP can protect your investment and future proof your business.” Anabela Fereira, head of new


enterprise at the Chamber, said: “IP is something which is often disregarded by start-ups as something they don’t need to think about. But it is something they have to be very careful about – they could be breaching it by using someone’s intellectual property or if they don’t protect themselves, someone else could use theirs. “IP is relevant to everyone who is starting a business.”


SZ MusicMatters Susan Pollard, 07907 895594, Szmusicliveit@gmail.com Individually tailored recordings of songs for use at special events, such as weddings, engagements and anniversaries. The songs are covers, but with the arrangements or lyrics altered to suit the individual(s) involved.


AtmosVR Ltd Kevin Blair, 07880 552897, info@atmosvr.co.uk Helps businesses bring their brand life via virtual reality. In this way, for example, businesses can turn their events, venues or construction sites into a virtual reality walkthrough.


BusinessAdapts Limited Luke Bodin, 07902 094816, info@businessadapts.com Provides business improvement planning and project management support.


Out There Today Clive Stoddart, 07956 816695, Clive.stoddart@iutthere.today An online marketing platform for the leisure and lifestyle sector.


Pawfect Dogsense CIC Hannah Molloy, 07837 377273, info@pawfectdogsense.com A dog behaviour, training and education company. The company also runs workshops and seminars for pet owners.


Finding Your Voice Fiona Porter, 01332 527144, hello@findingyourvoice.org.uk Finding Your Voice provides a network for local professional women to come together and share experiences and challenges. The company also runs coaching workshops, training and development and mentoring.


The Female Entrepreneurs Circle Ltd Janet Bridgwater, 07725 992773, info@inspirecoaching.club Another resource which helps women entrepreneurs, by providing them with the tools to launch a business, or expand an existing one.


Meraki Menswear Sofia Clarke, 07530 886840, sofiaclarkefashion@gmail.com Owner Sofia Clarke is a designer who is strongly influenced by British fabrics and country wear.


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