Newcastle Startup Week has revealed its headline sponsor for the 2019 event. The festival has partnered with an Edinburgh-based company to enhance the experience.
Taking place from 13th to 17th May, the third annual event will be hosted across various venues in Newcastle and Gateshead, attracting entrepreneurs and business leaders from around the world.
Partnership Details
Edinburgh-based FreeAgent has been announced as the headline sponsor for Newcastle Startup Week. The cloud-based accounting software company will also sponsor the monthly Founders’ Friday events from May onwards. FreeAgent is a prominent player in the industry, known for its comprehensive online accounting solutions aimed at sole traders, freelancers, and small businesses.
Event Overview
The third annual Newcastle Startup Week festival will run from 13th-17th May. The event is expected to draw over 600 entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors from the UK, Europe, the US, and Asia. The festival is focused on fostering a supportive community for startups and facilitating connections across the business ecosystem.
Paul Lancaster, the founder and event producer, has highlighted the significance of Newcastle’s role as a ‘testbed city’ for startups. This concept emphasises the potential of the North East to become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
FreeAgent’s Contribution
Matt Perkins, senior partnerships manager at FreeAgent, expressed the company’s excitement about sponsoring the event. He stated, “FreeAgent are proud and excited to be sponsoring this year’s Newcastle Startup Week festival. We’ve always been passionate about supporting the UK’s sole traders and micro-businesses – the lifeblood of our economy.”
He further mentioned that there has never been a better time to start a new business in the North East of England. The region boasts some of the UK’s top accelerator programmes, co-working spaces, and business communities, providing aspiring startups with ample resources and support from the outset.
Support for Local Entrepreneurs
FreeAgent’s software is designed to meet the needs of sole traders, freelancers, and small businesses. It offers features such as managing expenses, running a Real Time Information (RTI) compliant payroll, and tracking time worked. Additionally, the software facilitates the creation and sending of estimates and invoices to clients.
Paul Lancaster remarked, “FreeAgent’s sponsorship of Newcastle Startup Week also supports our aim of bringing the business start-up, scale-up and investor communities in the North East of England and Scotland much closer together, with particular focus on Newcastle and Edinburgh.”
Historical Insight
In previous years, Newcastle Startup Week has seen substantial participation from the entrepreneurial community. The event has been instrumental in providing a platform for networking, learning, and business development.
Notably, more than 70,000 businesses currently use FreeAgent to manage their business accounts. This growing user base highlights the company’s success and its commitment to supporting small businesses.
Lancaster, who has over 15 years of experience in the startup world, has consistently advocated for more belief in the North East as a fertile ground for business innovation. His vision is reflected in the ongoing success of Newcastle Startup Week.
Join the Festival
The festival offers a valuable opportunity for startups to gain visibility and connect with potential investors and partners. The diverse programme includes workshops, talks, and networking events tailored to the needs of the startup community.
The collaborative environment of Newcastle Startup Week allows participants to share knowledge and experiences, fostering a community spirit that is essential for entrepreneurial success.
Looking Ahead
As the date approaches, anticipation for Newcastle Startup Week continues to build. The festival promises to deliver an enriching experience for all attendees, from budding entrepreneurs to seasoned business leaders. The partnership with FreeAgent is set to enhance the event’s offerings significantly.
With the support of such a significant sponsor, Newcastle Startup Week is poised to make a substantial impact on the local and national startup ecosystem.
Concluding Thoughts
The sponsorship by FreeAgent aligns with the goals of Newcastle Startup Week, aiming to bolster the startup community in the North East. The festival represents a significant opportunity for business growth and development.
The partnership with FreeAgent promises to elevate the Newcastle Startup Week festival, providing invaluable support to local entrepreneurs and businesses. This collaboration underscores the importance of fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem in the North East.
With an exciting lineup of events and activities, Newcastle Startup Week 2019 is gearing up to be a pivotal event for the entrepreneurial community. The involvement of a prominent sponsor like FreeAgent highlights the festival’s growing influence and potential for future success.
