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Furness Young Entrepreneurs

Aspiring entrepreneurs from Furness gathered at the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel recently, for the latest event from Furness Young Professionals.

Ben Tyson gives us this report from the evening.

Furness Young Professionals is a group for young people living and working in Furness. Members include graduates, apprentices, trainees and entrepreneurs.

Thursday’s event was a social networking get-together, which consisted of three speakers, followed by dinner and refreshments.

The first speaker of the evening was Kerry Kolbe, of Signal Films. In 2009, Kerry was crowned the Daily Mail’s Enterprising Young Brit of the Year. Pursuing her passion for the media, Kerry helped to establish the now widely acclaimed film production company, Signal Films, which is based on Michaelson Road, Barrow.

The 50-strong audience was given an insightful view into the life of an entrepreneur and into the growing success of Signal Films.

Next up was Dominic Hall of Field Skills. Field Skills is an international adventure business, which has offices in Ulverston and Borneo.

In an engaging presentation, Dominic spoke of how he caught the “travel-bug” while on a two-month volunteer trip to Belize. Despite gaining his degree in Mathematics, Dominic decided to follow his heart and create expedition opportunities for like-minded travellers.

Field Skills also provides First Aid training to businesses, and works with schools and universities both in the UK and in Borneo.

As well as local entrepreneurs, the event was well attended by many leading graduates from around the country. One such graduate is Giles Hugo, a material engineer on the BAE Systems graduate scheme. Full of praise for Furness Young Professionals, he said: “This group offers a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded people. Events like this help to redirect people who have been drawn in by traditional security and corporate framework.”

Furness Young Professionals was founded by local entrepreneur Sally Broom. Sally also runs her own unique travel business, Tripbod.com.

The group was set-up with the help of Furness Enterprise, as a way of encouraging more young business people and graduates from Furness to stay and make their careers in the area.

Miss Broom, the final speaker of the evening, hailed the latest event a huge success: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s great to see so many new faces. There are new entrepreneurs and graduates from all over the world, all enjoying themselves in Furness, and all getting to know each other.”

Kudze Chikohora, a graduate working for Diamould, opened up proceedings by introducing the speakers. Afterwards he said: “It was a very personal evening for me; it was the first time I have been a spokesperson.”

Kudze was extremely keen to point out the resourcefulness of Furness Enterprise. He added: “If anyone is thinking of starting their own business or is in need of business advice, Furness Enterprise is extremely informative and helpful, whatever ideas, plans or issues you may have.”

Furness Young Professionals regularly hosts events that encourage the involvement of young professionals in the area. To get involved with the group and for information on future events, you can visit the website at www.thefyp.com

Photo: Dominic Hall, Fieldskills; Sally Broom, Tripbod and The FYP; Kerry Kolbe, Signal Films; Kudzi Chikohora, Diamould and host for the evening. Pictures courtesy of Signal Films.

Posted by Phil Powell on 16th March