The Bristol entrepreneurs bucking the national trend

High up on the pent house level of the glass-panelled NatWest building by Temple Meads, a group of entrepreneurs hone their pitches.

Among them, the founder of Gympanzees, who plans to open the UK’s first ever disabled gym, Collecteco, specialists in recycling and redistributing unwanted office furniture, Marmalade Trust, a charity dedicated to tackling loneliness, Tusko Films and many more.

Members of this diverse cohort are among the many businesses in Bristol bucking the national trend in terms of sustainability and demographic.

Nationally, the number of startups that succeed in their first year is around 40 per cent – this increases to 87 per cent for those who go through NatWest’s accelerator programme, where half of the entrepreneurs are women in a field that is still male-dominated.

“You need to have that support – it’s about building the community and helping entrepreneurs,” says Charley Patrick, entrepreneur development manager at NatWest.

Charley says a supportive community is vital to enabling entrepreneurs to succeed

The company has 12 hubs across the country, but Charley says the Bristol HQ stands out above the rest – coming second only to London in terms of success.

“You can come to Bristol with a startup idea and it will actually get done,” she says.

Aware that the vital help and support are more accessible to some than others, Charley says one of her key priorities is to collaborate with other accelerators and reach out to potential entrepreneurs.

“Our door is open but that doesn’t mean that people will come. We have to go into the communities,” concludes Charley.

Bristol’s strong independent streak and entrepreneurial spirit make it a hot spot for new businesses and a number continue to make waves on the national stage.

Huggg has been named in the Forbes’ ‘startups to watch in 2019’ list

Huggg – a platform that enables people to send real gifts via messaging – has been named in the Forbes’ list of startups to watch in 2019 and Lettus Grow – creator of aeroponic technology for indoor farms – has secured £1m in funding to build world-leading facilities to help feed the growing global population.

…………………

Read more: Bristol startup named in Forbes ‘ones to watch in 2019’ list

…………………

It is the culture of fostering and boosting entrepreneurial talent that helps businesses succeed here, and the growing number of accelerators in the city are regularly working on innovative new ways to stay ahead of the curve, while improving inclusivity.

SetSquared Bristol launched a diversity and inclusion programme last year

SetSquared Bristol launched its diversity and inclusion programme early in 2018, with the aim of tackling barriers to support for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) entrepreneurs, and increasing the support provided.

The organisation also runs regular accelerator workshops and courses to help businesses reach their potential.

In January, the Engine Shed announced a new partnership with Ordnance Survey’s startup support initiative, Geovation, meaning that new businesses in the region could be in line to receive specialist support, as well as access to HM Land Registry data.

“Our region is a growing economy that is inclusive, sustainable, should benefit everyone who lives here, and is recognised internationally as innovative and dynamic,” says Engine Shed director Nick Sturge.

“This new partnership is a fantastic opportunity for our local GeoTech and PropTech businesses to receive the support and backing of two major government agencies.”

Engine Shed has teamed up with Ordnance Survey’s startup support initiative, Geovation

Alex Wrottesley, head of Geovation, adds: “In an increasingly data driven world, the location and property industries are currently experiencing an evolution.

“Startups have the potential to play a driving role in this evolution, but without nurturing, access to experience, expertise, and quality data, it is much harder for them to make an impact.”

Further targeted support is available through events such as the annual Festival for Female Entrepreneurs (main photo) held in Bristol, and the School for Social Entrepreneurs, which has recently opened application for its 2019 community business trade-up programme.

Running from June 2019 to March 2020, the course focuses on growing income from trading to improve impact and sustainability.

School for Social Entrepreneurs has recently opened application for its 2019 community business trade-up programme

Speaking about the entrepreneurial spirit in Bristol, Traci Lewis, partnership development associate at the School for Social Entrepreneurs, says: “Bristol has a wealth of diverse and innovative social enterprises working across the city, providing real social, environmental, as well as economic benefits to our communities.

“Our new programme, in partnership with Power to Change, is a great opportunity to grow and develop your enterprise, as well as being a great opportunity to meet a new group of like-minded people.”

Film courtesy of Tusko Films.

Read more: ‘Bristol’s a fantastic place to start a business’