Venturefest Manchester Gallery

27 September 2017

Take a look at some of the highlights from Venturefest Manchester 2017...

With Venturefest now over for another year, let's look back on a day that showcased the very best of innovation, investment and entrepreneurship in Manchester.

From Andy Burnham's opening address, seeing some truly innovative products, hearing from industry experts and being hosted by the brilliant Professor Vikas Shah, Venturefest Manchester lived up to the billing and we can't wait to do it all again in 2018.

Congratulations to Innovation Showcase winners, Beatstream Live and MELLO Drinks!

Event host, Professor Vikas Shah, CEO of Swiscot Group, said that in his experience three of the most important factors in success are building strong networks, learning from others’ experiences and harnessing the latest innovations.

648 people from across the UK attended Venturefest Manchester 2017, providing further evidence of the North West’s place as an emerging force in the global economy.

In his welcome to delegates Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, highlighted Manchester as a city that has long been recognised as innovative.

Innovation Showcase Competition Finalists, Tile Master. This innovative company based in Stockport, manufacture and distributes professional cleaning products and systems.

Exhibitor, Sci-Tech Daresbury, deliver world-class science, innovation and enterprise.

Lasse Sørensen from Vaeksthus Copenhagen, highlighted the importance of putting people rather than the idea first, and that it was crucial for any start-up to clearly understand its purpose.

"This will help put Mello on the map as a food and drink business and will also bring us more recognition for what we have achieved, and our innovation" - Rose Aldean, Mello.

"It was fantastic to see entrepreneurs, small businesses and business leaders come together at this year’s Venturefest and look at ways we can support our local ecosystem" - Heather Waters, Natwest.

Keith Morgan of British Business Bank, outlined the importance of having appropriate finance options available for small businesses.

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Lasse Sørensen delivers a breakout session focusing on increasing engagement and interest when pitching to investors.

Exhibitor, Innovate UK, is the UK's innovation agency that funds and supports science and technology innovations which will help to grow the UK economy.

Innovation Showcase Finalist, The Link App, are creators of a mobile app that provides an encrypted communication channel for legal professionals.

"We’ve got the right foundations in place for the business already but the support package and the kudos that comes from winning at Venturefest Manchester ensures that the sky’s the limit for Beatstream” - Matt Walsh, Beatstream Media.

Our Three Tribes Panel made up of entrepreneurs, investors and innovators debating top issues for growing businesses in the UK.

Innovation Showcase Finalist, Energi mine, are developers of an an app that allows it's users to find the best energy prices.

Exhibitor, STEP INto Healthcare, offer a programme which helps businesses pitch to potential investors and customers, and increase chances of success in the life sciences market.

Innovation Showcase Winners, Beatsteam Media, have developed an app which enables users to experience live performances, find events and discover new artists.

Lasse Sørensen immerses himself in the 'The Lost Bear', a hand-drawn virtual reality experience.

Innovation Showcase Finalist, Heywood Middleton & Rochdale Circle, focus on delivering ground-breaking service models in health and social care.

Exhibitor, ORCHA, carry out independent and impartial reviews of health and care related apps.

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Innovation Showcase Winners, Beatstream and Mello are joined by Business Growth Hub Director of Growth Richard Jeffrey and Host, Professor Vikas Shah.

Innovation Showcase Finalist, Virtual Training Centre, specialise in the delivery of regulatory, bespoke and accredited online courses.

Entrepreneur Melissa Snover of Katjes Magic Candy Factory, showcases the world's first 3D food printer at Venturefest.

Innovation Showcase Finalist, Avakino, provides its Masumi Headwear range of products to NHS cancer centres and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Innovation Showcase Winner, MELLO, manufacture and distribute a variety of naturally flavored snacks.

Innovation Showcase Finalist, Actiphons, are creators of a TV show and teaching resources which help children learn phonics.

Our Meet the Funder sessions, hosted by Grant Thornton, provided financial advice to 50 delegates on-the-day.

Innovation Showcase Winners for Best Established Business, Mello Drinks, manufacture and distribute a range of natural fruit juices and snacks.

"Integrity is the key ingredient to sustained business success, along with passion and commitment" - Lasse Sørensen, Vaeksthus Copenhagen.

Innovation Showcase Finalist, Bee Industrious, is a market research agency that has offices in New York, Lagos and Nigeria.

Venturefest Manchester 2016 winner, Michael Anderson of Digital Agency Nothing But Epic, outlined the successes they have had since winning the competition 12 months ago.

Venturefest Manchester 2017 - Produced on the world's first 3D food printer by Katjes Magic Candy Factory.

“It was fantastic to see entrepreneurs, small businesses and business leaders come together at this year’s Venturefest and look at ways we can support our local ecosystem. The pitching contest in particular was a fantastic success with some great ideas on the table and our congratulations go to Beastream. We are already looking forward to next year’s event.”
Heather Waters, Enterprise Manager, NatWest

"We’re delighted to have been part of Venturefest Manchester 2017. The event truly showcased the best of the North West’s business world. From more traditional models to new technology and innovation, it was great to speak to aspiring start-up and scale-up businesses from across the region and we congratulate all of the winners from the day."
Joanne Whitehead, National Partnership Manager, Business Development & Specialist Sectors, Lombard, Royal Bank of Scotland

“Catax were proud to be one of the sponsors of Venturefest Manchester 2017. The event was a great success meeting potential customers and other technology industry experts. It was fantastic to see so much innovation and business success stories under one roof. We are pleased to have discussed R&D tax relief with many people and look forward to the business opportunities Venturefest will have brought to Catax.”
Nigel Holmes, Senior Research & Development Consultant, Catax

“This was the first year we had been involved with Venturefest and from our point of view it was a great success. We had some really interesting conversations about many innovative businesses and are looking forward to following these up over the next few months. A huge amount of credit has to go to the organising team who helped the event run smoothly throughout the day.”
Tom Utley, Audit Senior, Pomegranate Consulting

“It is great to see Venturefest Manchester going from strength to strength and becoming a firm fixture for innovators, entrepreneurs and investors from across the North West. The ambition of businesses to scale and grow through innovation is boosted by the connections that are made at Venturefest events here and around the country.”
Nigel Walker, Head of Innovation, Innovate UK

Thank you to all our Venturefest Manchester 2017 sponsors...