How To Start A Business In 2016

Want to start a business in 2016? This event is for you. Join Virgin StartUp as we host a panel discussion with entrepreneurs both established and new as they reveal how they started their businesses and give tips on how you can start yours.

The fact is 2016 is the best time there has ever been to start your own business. You can do it faster than ever, for as cheap as ever with more support around to help you than ever before.

This event will focus on how you can take advantage of this opportunity. We’ll be looking at everything from how to fund your business idea, how to validate your business idea, how to attract your first customers and finally what steps you need to complete to hit that launch button.

Speakers include Nick Coates, co-founder of Federation Coffee. Nick launched and grew Federation Coffee into one of London’s most popular coffee shops before leaving to join Virgin StartUp as a business advisor to help the next generation of entrepreneurs turn their ideas into a reality.

Event running order: 

18:30-19:00         Networking

19:00-19:15         Nick Coates, co-founder of Federation Coffee and Virgin StartUp business advisor

Nick launched and grew Federation Coffee in Brixton into one of London’s most popular coffee shops before leaving to join Virgin StartUp as a business advisor to help the next generation of entrepreneurs turn their ideas into a reality.

19:15-19:30          Andrew Shebbeare, co-founder Essence

Andrew co-founded digital ad agency Essence and grew it into a global business with 470 staff from Singapore to San Francisco before exiting late last year.

19:30-19:45          Melanie Goldsmith, co-founder Smith and Sinclair

Melanie co-founded edible alcohol company Smith and Sinclair in 2015. They produce alcoholic fruit pastilles and in their first year managed to secure contracts with Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Whole Foods. Smith and Sinclair launched after taking out a £25,000 Virgin StartUp Loan.

19:45-20:30         Q&A

20:30-21:00         Networking