DORCAS SUPPORTING ANGLO/ITALIAN PROJECT FOR NEW START-UP FIRMS

012 Factory bosses with new Italian start-up businesses looking to work with UK partners

DORCAS SUPPORTING ANGLO/ITALIAN PROJECT FOR NEW START-UP FIRMS

CITY business leaders recently visited Italy to support new business start-ups in Caserta, near Naples.

Dorcas Media took part in the Training Entrepreneurial Skills Transnationally (TEST) project and funded by the EU.

Directors at Dorcas Media, Ian Fleming and Kevin Kelway – were invited by the 012 Factory, and Tellus Education Group’ to talk and mentor new start-up incubator businesses in the Campania region of Italy.

Over 24 business leaders from across the UK are travelling to Italy throughout the year to support 30 Italian entrepreneurs looking to launch new business ideas from a 12-module academy, created by entrepreneurs from the 012 Factory.

Kevin Kelway, director at Dorcas Media, said: “I was invited to mentor 17 businesses looking at PR and marketing strategies, and visited the very impressive incubator business park in Naples.”

“I also met the Presidents of the Chamber of Commerce and ASI, that represents over 5,000 businesses in the region.”

Ian Fleming, fellow director at Dorcas Media, said: “I spent the week looking at sales targets, sales performances, and seeing if the new start up businesses were viable – and I was very impressed.”

Project manager Roberto Greco said: “Trainers from sectors such as IT, new technologies, sports and entertainment, are taking part in weekly seminars, delivering presentations, workshops, advice clinics, business tips and more.”

“UK trainers are called in to help our budding entrepreneurs gain the tools and confidence needed to start a business.”

“They are collaborating with 012 Factory in delivering weekly modules that will look at topics including; human resources, finance, business plans, and communication strategies.”

The first participants from Plymouth included Henry Hutchins, chief executive of Clever Student Lets, Chris Savery, and Trevor Lowman.

City marketing expert Gemma Glover also spent a week in Caserta mentoring local new start up businesses – and looking to collaborate with firms in the South West region.

Mr Greco, added: “We’re aiming to support the development of a more entrepreneurial mind-set in Caserta. Interacting with successful businesses like Clever Students, Dorcas Media, and other UK businesses and entrepreneurs.”

012 Factory supports all the businesses that start up at the end of the academy, and will award the best idea 20,000 euros to help it develop and grow.

For more information about 012 Factory, or TEST:  Contact: Roberto Greco: robertog@tellusgroup.co.uk

Gemma Glover talking about marketing

Dorcas Media director Ian Fleming

Budding Italian entrepreneurs pitching their ideas into new start-up businesses