BHP’s specialist Entrepreneurial Advisory team is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and has considerable expertise across a range of service and sector specialisms. In a period of growth itself, BHP is keen to share its knowledge with those businesses that are also looking to develop their businesses, and sees Gazelles as a way of meeting like-minded organisations to help support regional growth.
The Connect Gazelles business support group that was launched to help fast growing SMEs by not-for-profit organisation Connect Yorkshire has signed up its 100th member three months ahead of schedule.
Connect Gazelles was launched last September with a Sheffield group followed by a Leeds group in November. Chief executive Nick Butler: “It was never about big numbers in terms of membership as we have a select target audience – fast growing SMEs and entrepreneurs with a turnover in excess of £250,000 – but it’s very gratifying to have had such a positive reaction to the Gazelles initiative and to have reached this milestone ahead of expectations.
“We believe it is succeeding because of its uniqueness – giving members direct access to Yorkshire’s most successful entrepreneurs who are not consultants looking for work but high achievers who freely give their time to be mentors and share their considerable expertise. We also feel that the broad range of services provided coupled with very competitive pricing of just £300 a year for membership makes it an exceptional offer for ambitious companies.”
The 100th member was Anita Morris founder of Ilkley-based PR consultancy Anita Morris Associates which was formed in 1999 and specialises in the arts and cultural and property sectors. Anita signed up following the last Gazelles event which featured speaker Jonathan Straight of Straight plc: “I was amazed at how much I took away from the event; it’s about learning rather than a networking event. It was a very honest and open-minded gathering, not a PR-pitch, with Jonathan talking about real challenges and solutions. I couldn’t have come away with a better impression of the Connect Gazelles.
“I felt I could approach anyone and be direct, talking about work and the economic climate with like-minded people. I think it’s an exceptional and worthwhile initiative that will help me develop my business.”
Fast growing SMEs wanting to join or have more details can visit www.connectgazelles.co.uk.
