Free event aims to boost Staffordshire business growth as project celebrates new start-ups
Staffordshire businesses are being urged to unite as part of a project to boost business growth in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Economic growth programme Your Path to Profit, which was created by Staffordshire entrepreneurs Vic Taylor and Veronica Kitton, focuses on helping people take the next step into self-employment.
Working with Keele University the duo has supported 30 Newcastle-under-Lyme start-ups in the last year and is now calling on the business community to come together to look at how they can offer additional collaboration and support opportunities.
On Wednesday, 27 November Your Path to Profit Networking will be launching its first free event to bring together local businesses and start-ups in a bid to help new and established businesses to grow in the town.
Held at The Old Library in Keele Hall, at Keele University, from 2pm till 4pm businesses at every stage in their journey are being urged to come along for extra support, mentoring and collaboration opportunities.
“Whether just starting out or a fully established business the Your Path to Profit Network is designed to bring together businesses to boost economic growth,” said Vic Taylor, who runs Touchpoints Marketing and is passionate about promoting entrepreneurial opportunities.
“We are so proud of how Your Path to Profit has supported Newcastle start-ups and are now looking to take this support to the next level.”
Veronica added; “Sadly, half of all businesses fail within three years of opening so encouraging economic growth isn’t just about inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs it is about nurturing and building the support network which helps businesses grow together.
“Your Path to Profit Networking does just that and helps businesses at any stage to unite and find the support they need.”
Focusing on creating a business plan, improving money mindset and marketing tactics the 8-week programme, funded by Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council through the UK SPF Funding, has successfully helped to bring additional business opportunities into the town including lawyers, yoga teachers, mental health support workers, app developers and children’s education book designers. Vic and Veronica are now looking to roll out the course across other areas in the East and West Midlands to help entrepreneurs take the first step into self-employment while promoting business collaboration.
Katie Shaw, who has just completed the Your Path to Profit course and set up social media company Shaw Socials, said she wouldn’t have had the skills and confidence to start a new business without the course.
She said: “It was an incredible learning experience that increased my self-confidence and gave me the reassurance to start up my own social media marketing freelance business after graduating with a first-class degree. The commitment, energy and time Vic and Veronica have given to mentor, listen, and encourage progression has meant my branding and opportunity to work with clients is becoming a reality.”
Emma Bonfiglio, Partnerships Development Manager at Keele University, said: “We are committed to supporting local businesses who are the lifeblood of our communities. We are thrilled with the results of the project that has helped to inspire and boost business growth in our area.”
Vic Taylor and Veronica Kitton were first asked to deliver the course as part of Keele University’s Thriving in the Digital Age workshop. Following the success of that course last year the duo have created the Your Path to Profit programme which brings together both their skillsets to help businesses grow.
Vic Taylor, who runs Touchpoints Marketing and graduate self-employment programme Marketing Mavericks, has over 25 years of experience in the marketing industry and was awarded UK and Ireland’s Marketing Strategist of the Year in the Enterprise Nation Awards 2022.
Veronica Kitton, founder of VK Business Consulting Ltd, is a customer relationship management (CRM) specialist with expertise in planning the customer journey to enable small businesses to scale. As one of the first three global solution partners invited to join Capsule CRM’s prestigious partner program, Veronica is at the forefront of CRM innovation. She has also brought her expertise to Manchester Metropolitan University, where she recently delivered a four-week program focused on CRM and customer journey strategies to small businesses participating in the university’s Growth Programme. Veronica’s work continues to shape the future of CRM for businesses looking to scale.
Tickets to the Your Path to Profit Networking event are free and can be booked through eventbrite.co.uk/e/your-path-to-profit-networks-tickets-1059743103149
For more information on the Your Path to Profit program and how you can access the course contact Veronica Kitton on 07765 604510 or email veronica@vkbusinessconsulting.com.
