Bringing some of Manchester’s most promising tech businesses to Web Summit was always front of mind for GM Business Growth Hub director Janine Smith.
The six-month programme is taking 25 businesses on a scaleup journey with delivery partner KPMG.
“A colleague came to Web Summit with KPMG a few years ago and raved about it,” Smith tells me before a wrap-up dinner with the businesses in Lisbon. “When we were forming the whole concept of ASCEND, bringing them to Web Summit for the full four days was an integral part of that.
“The connections they’ve made by spending that time together is invaluable. The planning that some of them put in was also immense, in terms of understanding who was going to be at the conference and making those new connections – but there are also those chance connections which can be of huge benefit, as well as investor meetings and other partnership opportunities.”
ASCEND cohort on final night of Web Summit
Smith adds: “One of the things that’s really come to the fore is the power of that group, and the potential of them working together in the future. They’ve all said that they want it to continue, whether formally through an alumni network, or informally themselves.”
The talk in the cohort WhatsApp group has included a project to help combat homelessness in Manchester. “That feelgood project is a great example of how they are looking to work together for a greater good: that’s the power of people in businesses at different stages and from different sectors coming together.”
Edy Heng of mindcubes with his GM Business Growth Hub colleagues Janine Smith, Kellie Noon & Heather Waters
ASCEND mentor Howard Simms, co-founder of Apadmi, says one of the greatest benefits of a leadership programme is the cohort of people you are learning alongside – and the trust that builds between them.
“Getting everyone to go on the same trip and spend such quality time together is incredibly valuable. From a personal perspective it’s very similar: the time I’ve had talking, laughing, and having a few drinks with people has been amazing. I now feel I know many of them far better.
“We’ve had interesting conversations cross-pollinating ideas, so rather than one-to-one mentoring there has been a wider version of that at times.”
Fellow mentor Susanna Lawson, exited founder of OneFile and co-founder of Circle of Trust, said the trip has come at the perfect time for the businesses on the programme.
“They had a few sessions before in Manchester, but this time together in Lisbon has given them the time to really get to know each other personally and professionally, which – as Howard says – will deepen their relationships and build that trust.
“Web Summit was epic. So many opportunities to learn, from the speakers to meeting others! I particularly enjoyed wandering around the startup exhibition stands and learning more about new businesses coming through.
“As a mentor, it has been a fantastic opportunity for me to get to spend more time with not only my own mentees but also the others to get to know them better too.”
Lawson with mentees Dave Mansbridge of Mercury Support Ltd, Phil Gold of ZAPT & Dominic Appleby of H2Origin
So what were the key moments for the ASCEND businesses themselves?
Felix Robinson, Pet Trust UK
“What an incredible experience! Each day was full on, and as a startup founder, I made sure not to waste a single moment—running on 18-hour days to make the most of every opportunity.
“Over the past few days I had the chance to attend four insightful roundtables that sparked some game-changing ideas; participate in three masterclasses that challenged and inspired me to think differently; connect with 10 amazing pet tech companies, two of which we’re already planning to collaborate with; had eight productive meetings, and three companies already having software we can utilise for future features we already have in our roadmap; received 15 introductions to people who can either assist me on my journey as a founder or help with our fundraising efforts, which we opened last week; and I was interviewed three times about our vision and the exciting plans for Pet Trust UK!”
Phil Gold, Zapt
“It’s been a great trip all round. More than anything, getting to know the ASCEND Scale Up colleagues has been fantastic. What an amazing bunch of people.
“I’ve met with a load of people who might be able to help us on our growth journey, while Janine and I had an opportunity to talk in more detail about the ZAPT platform and its capabilities.
“We also talked about ZAPT offering some support to people who have not been in employment for a while and are looking for ways to re-enter the market.”
Sarah Cross, Code Beautiful
“Highlights for me were meeting some amazing businesses bringing the shopping experience to life for customers through tech. I’m looking at making our beauty products more interactive online and using AI to engage customers at the point of purchase on-site.
“I’m also really keen to develop a community app for our super customers who make stand-out beauty products, so I’ve been looking for tech that can enhance the customer experience online.
“I’ve loved the atmosphere and energy from everyone who are passionate about pushing boundaries and shaping the future of commerce. I’m leaving full of ideas and excitement for the future.”
Dave Parker, Parker Neal Limited
“I have immense admiration for the number of startup businesses that have put their livelihood on the line to do a one-day pitch. I have never seen such breadth in innovation; however there were multiple similarities in app design and function so I wonder how many will be there in a year’s time.
”For our business Parker Neal, signing a contract with a new customer was a highlight.
“I loved bumping into people at meeting points and discussing our businesses. I have picked up a number of opportunities to follow up next week.”
Blal Choudhry, Flight Patrol
“I met with two major partners, one new B2B customer and have four introducers and three agents in the pipeline to still work through. Phew!
“It’s been a great first Web Summit. Looking forward to the value/growth these relationships will now unlock for Flight Patrol in coming months and year ahead.”
Lewis (quoted) & Ryan Keeling, Wolf Network Security
“We have had a great time chatting with other businesses about cybersecurity and the UK’s Cyber Essentials certification. Getting to know the cohort better has been great too! We’ve made real friends.
“Meeting with Stephen Kines, COO of Goldilock, was also a highlight.”
Stephen Kines, COO of Goldilock, with Lewis and Ryan Keeling of Wolf Network Security
Paul Cook, Pimberly
“Hearing from 4x Premier League and Champions League legend Ruben Dias about his off-field patronship of the Anti-Bullying Alliance was a highlight.
“Speaking with the many ESG-supportive suppliers about how Pimberly can synergise with them in mutual collaborations is another.
“And EZPR’s Ed Zitron’s no-holds-barred, trash-talking of big companies’ thirst for growth at the customer’s expense was fascinating,”
Patrick Smith, zally
“Being at Web Summit has enabled us to secure conversations for a potential multi-million-pound investment deal.
“We have also had conversations with potential partners in Saudi Arabia and Dubai to look at how we could deploy our technology into their ecosystems. That could be worth tens of millions of pounds in revenue for us as a business.”