May 20th @Home Event Overview

May 27th 2021

Our May event saw members and guests login to our latest @home event in partnership with Clive Owen LLP.

David Wilson, corporate finance director at Clive Owen LLP, alongside colleague Carl Wright, head of grants advisory were joined by clients to help explain the role of corporate finance in driving growth.

Club chair Jane Reynolds MBE opened up the event by welcoming attendees to the monthly event before group networking commenced. Following the networking sessions, members and guests were brought together to hear from the evening’s speakers.

David Wilson introduced the topic and discussed the importance of a strategy and how this is unique to every business. He shared his thoughts on what should be considered when selling a business and how valuation and exit strategy are important factors when considering a sale.

David was then joined by Andrew Leek, partner at Ignite Growth for a live question and answer covering the process of a sale. Andrew shared examples of what he has been working on and explained how business is doing well as people begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Next up was Carl Wright, head of grants and advisory at Clive Owen LLP who explained some of the grants available to businesses and how to take advantage of the opportunities within the region. Carl shared tips and advice as well as things to be aware of when applying for grant funding before David discussed buying a business, explaining trade acquisitions, management buy-outs and buy-ins.

Ben Richardson and John Lamb of Acceddo Group presented a case study showcasing the pivotal role Clive Owen LLP played in providing them guidance and expert advice.

Finally, from Clive Owen’s guest presenters was Mike Styan of KASL Precision Engineering and Purpose Build Group. Mike explained his experience of founding and exiting two engineering companies and how the team at Clive Owen LLP worked closely with him and his team to find opportunities and help to progress the transactions.

Phil Jackman of North East Initiative on Business Ethics joined the discussion and presented to the audience why understanding ethics is beneficial to businesses. Their toolkit is available for free and Tees Valley Business Club board member Emily Bentley explained her experience of using the toolkit and how it has impacted her organisation Bentley’s Coffee Shop, a family run, independent business operating a chain of cafes across the North East, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

The event concluded with Jane Reynolds MBE summing up the evening and inviting guests to take part in a poll to establish members’ appetite for returning to face-to-face events.

Thank you for joining us once again and we look forward to our next event which will be held on Thursday 24th June at 6pm until 8pm.