This newsletter covers:

1. Next Event: Tech StartUps and Digital Advocates – UMIC, Manchester on 22nd July
2. Membership
3. Sponsor an Administrator
4. Your Feedback
5. Partner Events (The Insider, Chinwag and Technology World 2009)
6. Contact Details
7. Our Partners

1. Next Event: Tech StartUps and Digital Advocates

Programme: 22nd July 2009 – 6 to 9pm
Venue: UMIC, Grafton Street, Manchester

Two sessions, each with four early stage technology companies pitching to a panel of digital marketing agencies with the hope of convincing their account directors (digital advocates) to introduce the companies to their clients. 5 mins pitch followed by 10 minutes grilling.

It became clear recently (at Futuresonic09 in May 09, Craig McGinty et al) that marketing agencies lacked knowledge about the innovative digital products launched by UK based tech companies, and especially those based in the North. As early stage tech companies lack commercial credibility necessary for securing medium to large customers, many have not explored the commercial opportunities presented through working with media agencies. This event intends to explore and build partnerships between the tech startups and digital media agencies.

For more information: http://www.nwstartup20.co.uk/jul09

Current Needs:

– Panelists
– Pitching companies
– Sponsors

Costs for attendance:

– Members: £15+VAT
– Non Members: from £25 to £30+VAT
– At door: £40

Costs for pitching:

– Members: £60+VAT
– Non Members: £80+VAT

Includes free entry for two employees including the presenter

2. Northern StartUp 2.0 Membership

Cost: £10+VAT per month and pay £15+VAT per event

NS20 was created to support startups across the north with an ecosystem of peers, investors, service providers and support organisations. With your support the group has grown significantly over the last two and a half years to over 1500 like minded individuals. We hope that you have found it valuable and will continue to do so by becoming a Member. In return for your membership we are offering a range of additional services and benefits:

– Service Discounts: e.g. Accountancy (2 startups signed up) and legal services
– Product Deals: free software for startups through Microsoft BizSpark Programme (4 startups signed up). More deals in discussion
– Digital Content: coming soon
– Training and Workshops: coming soon
– Investment readiness: coming soon
– Corporate finance: coming soon

For more information: http://www.nwstartup20.co.uk/membership

3. Sponsor an Administrator

NS20 has evolved in to one of the key organisations promoting tech entrepreneurship in the United Kingdom. We now need a full time Administrator to help us deliver a consistent service. The revenues we collect from event attendance and odd sponsorsorship are hardly sufficient to cover our costs let alone pay a full-time employee. Therefore we have no choice but to seek new sponsorship towards financing our first employee. We believe we can recruit a young graduate for about £20,000. We are interested in hearing from organisations who might be interested in supporting this initiative.

For more information: http://www.nwstartup20.co.uk/recruitment

4. Feedback

Nick Rhind has come on board to help us improve your on-line experience. Both Nick and I are very much interested in hearing your thoughts on how to improve the website, and appreciate if you could add your thoughts at http://startup20.uservoice.com

5. Partner Events

Business Finance Conference 2009

Date: 29th June 2009
Event registration: http://www.insidermedia.com/event/business_finance_conference_2009/index

The Insider Business Finance Conference will bring together funders with businesses. The Northwest Regional Development Agency will be discussing its new publicly funded Venture Capital and Loan Fund and wider access to finance services at this event. And we want this positive event to introduce businesses and advisers to the wide range of funds available from banks and other financiers in the present market. We will be presenting a day packed with opportunities for banks, the public sector, private businesses, angel investors and leading business figures to meet and learn about the new landscape for business finance in the North West. This is a must-attend event for anyone looking to raise finance for businesses or to stimulate growth. It is also at the centre of a major debate about the future of finance and business in the North West.

Chinwag – Digital Mission UK Tour: Manchester

Date: 1st July 2009
Event registration: http://dmmanchester.eventbrite.com/

As part of a series of regional workshops to publicise the Digital Mission trips to the USA in 2009/2010, the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and Chinwag will be visiting Manchester on Wednesday,1st July. Digital Missions are a series of trade missions organised by Chinwag and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI). They are specifically designed to help UK-headquartered digital SME’s expand internationally, understand foreign markets, attract investment, find partners and develop business relationships. The seminar will be followed by an informal networking session with drinks and nibbles, providing the opportunity to grill any of the speakers or previous attendees that you didn’t catch in the Q&A session.

Technology World 2009

Date: 23rd and 24th November 2009
Conference Site: http://www.technologyworld09.com/

We have negotiated with UKTI for ten stands at heavily discounted prices for our Members. edocr.com will be taking one stand. Stands must be secured before 1st September 2009

As one of the largest technology ‘speed meeting’ events in the UK, Technology World has helped over 500 buyers and sellers to do business each year. The event provides a highly effective platform for companies to identify and build new international business and partnership opportunities. It brings together UK and non-UK based companies from across the globe to do business via a 2 day, focused ‘speed meeting’ event.

+ Stand shell scheme (3X3), including name plate with 3 exhibitor passes. Full price: £800. Our price: £350
+ Pod, one of the three compartments, shared with two other businesses. Full price: £600. Our price: £200
+ Day Delegate, Full Price – 1 Day £100; 2 Day £170. Our price: 1 Day £60; 2 Day £80

As part of the partnership, edocr.com will provide a virtual exhibition (visit http://www.edocr.com/organisation and select Technology > Tech Events > TechnologyWorld09) where you could access marketing collateral of exhibitors before, during and after the conference.

6. Contact Details

Email: Manoj Ranaweera
Mobile: +44 7769734491
Skype: ranaweeram
Twitter: @manojranaweera

Team:

+ Business Development – Phil Tapsell – TechVenture Solutions
+ Marketing – Tom Cheesewright – And Digital
+ Public Relations – Fiona Barker – BarkerPR
+ Website – Nick Rhind – CTI Support Network