About this Event
Important Eligibility Notice – Please Read Before Booking
This workshop is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. As such, strict eligibility criteria apply:
- You must be a resident of Leeds Local Authority to attend this workshop.
- This opportunity is only open to individuals who have not previously attended the Start-up and Grow programme.
- The programme requires completion of registration paperwork and attendance forms, including paperwork submitted after each day.
We kindly ask that you do not book if you do not meet these criteria, as places are limited and reserved. If you’re unsure about eligibility, or have any questions, please contact [email protected]
Day One – 9:15am arrival - registration
Morning: Business Planning – Getting the Basics Right
We’ll start the day by helping you lay strong foundations for your business. Using a simple three-step approach—Identity, Market & Offer—we’ll explore how to shape a business that fits your goals and stands out from the crowd.
You’ll look at:
- Setting clear, realistic goals.
- What makes your business different.
- Who your customers are and what they need.
- How to explain the value you offer.
Lunch break – 1:15pm – 2:00pm
Tea and coffee will be provided throughout the day. Attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch or visit nearby shops
Afternoon: Pricing Your Product or Service
After lunch, we’ll dive into pricing—how to make sure your product or service is both valuable and viable. We’ll look at different pricing models, including tiered and subscription options, and how to position your offer in the market.
You’ll come away with:
- A clearer idea of your value.
- A pricing strategy that works for your audience.
- Tools to help you compare and refine your pricing.
Talks will finish at 3.30pm, but you’re welcome to stay until 4:30pm to complete any paperwork, ask questions, or chat and network over a cuppa.
Day Two – 10:00am arrival
Morning: Introduction to Marketing
We’ll start the day by breaking down the essentials of marketing in a clear, practical way. This hands-on session is designed to help you build a marketing approach that fits your business and feels manageable—whether you're just starting out or looking to grow.
We’ll cover:
- What marketing really means for your business.
- How to define your brand voice and find your audience.
- The difference between traditional and digital marketing.
- Planning content that connects—especially on social media and video.
Afternoon: Sales (Without the Hard Sell!)
In the afternoon, we’ll tackle one of the trickiest parts of running a business—sales. If the idea of selling makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. This session is designed for people who don’t like selling and want a more natural, authentic approach.
We’ll explore:
- How to find and connect with your first customers.
- Using your personal stories and networks to grow your business.
- Building a referral-based approach that feels right for you.
- How these skills can support networking, pitching, and social media.
It’s an interactive session that will help you build a sales strategy that works—without the pushy tactics.
Day Two Ends – 3:30pm
We hope you find the sessions valuable and full of ideas you can take straight into your business.
It’s also a great chance to connect with fellow entrepreneurs—so take the time to share, chat, and build those all-important networks. We’re really looking forward to seeing what you take from the day and how your plans grow from here!
Speakers
Janet Doran works with solopreneurs and small business owners to answer the big question: How do we build a business that stands out, attracts customers, and grows? Since 2015, she’s delivered business coaching and leadership development, drawing on over 20 years’ experience leading teams and driving growth in both blue-chip and family-run companies.
Gareth Allen of GAP Coaching is a former Bank Manager who has been running his own business for more than a decade. As a coach, he specialises in working with solopreneurs, especially those at the start of their business journey.
Rebecca Hopwood is a marketing strategist with nearly 20 years’ experience in sales, marketing, and business development. She founded Youbee Media in 2020 to help small businesses grow with confidence.
Rebecca works with start-ups and SMEs across the UK, delivering practical, tailored marketing support. She’s also a trusted trainer, known for making marketing feel clear and approachable.
She’s been recognised on Insider Media’s 42 Under 42 list and the Northern Power Women Future List.
Andrew Gibson has been helping people start and grow businesses since 2007, with a focus on sustainability and practical support. He’s especially passionate about supporting those who help others—whether that’s new entrepreneurs, charities, or NHS teams.
He’s the author of two best-selling books, What’s Your URP? and Make Life Simple, and has over 15 years’ experience training coaches in Solution Focused Practice. Based in Leeds, Andrew brings warmth, insight, and a people-first approach to everything he does.
The Start-up and Grow project is being delivered by Leeds City Council and Leeds Libraries, and is part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). In West Yorkshire, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority leads the implementation of the Fund as part of the Mayor's ambition to make West Yorkshire the best place to work, learn and live.
Privacy policy statement
After you have attended one of our events we ask that you complete a short feedback form. We will use the information you provide to improve the services we offer in line with our legitimate interests. This information is collected and transferred to us by our third-party processor, Impact Reporting using their Impact Assessment Tool. Impact Reporting will retain your data to save time when completing any future feedback forms we may send you. For more information about how they use personal information, please see their privacy policy online at https://impactreporting.co.uk/legal/privacy-policy/
For information about how the British Library will use your personal data, you can view our Privacy Policy at https://www.bl.uk/about-us/privacy-policy
For information about how Business & IP Leeds will use your personal data, you can view our privacy policy at:https://www.leeds.gov.uk/privacy-statement/privacy-notice
This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
The Start-up and Grow project is being delivered by Leeds City Council and Leeds Libraries, and is part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). In West Yorkshire, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority leads the implementation of the Fund as part of the Mayor's ambition to make West Yorkshire the best place to work, learn and live. "
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Business and IP Centre Leeds, Leeds Central library, Leeds, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
