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Dragons’ Den Cymru

Published: 26/11/2014

Seven budding entrepreneurs benefited from the expertise of Flintshire’s Dragons at an event held recently. The County’s fifth Dragons’ Den event was just one part of an Enterprise Information Shop which took place at Coleg Cambria in Connah’s Quay and was run by Communities First. The Dragons included Askar Sheibani, CEO of Comtek, Christine Sheibani, HR Director at Comtek, Mike Scott of Mike Scott Associates, Dave Fields of DFS4 SME Business Consultants & Mentors, and Adam Butler from Easy On Line Recruitment. Running alongside the Dragons Den event was an Entrepreneur Showcase, featuring a selection of new micro businesses who are all members of the Flintshire Enterprise Club and who have been supported and mentored to start their business ideas. The new businesses who took part were: So Taraesque (portrait photographer Tara Hughes, who has been a regular member of the club since its start in January 2013). Yarn & Scissor Crafts (Baerbel Persson-Hughes’ business is teaching craft skills to groups of all ages on a social basis). Say It With Style (Callum Kennedy-Hulme is a writer and poet who offers bespoke and individual poetry for special occasions). Crwban Design (Rachel Winstanley makes bespoke personalised items for the home). Ddraig Dragon (Tony Roberts makes graphic design prints). Taylors Dance Inspiration (Lisa Francis has created a new enterprise enabling anyone with or without a disability to experience dance to benefit their social and emotional well-being). And also Gaz Johnson, who makes custom figures to scale and sells them on the internet. The event was also supported by Lord Barry Jones, Carl Sargeant AM, Mark Tami MP, David Hanson MP, and local councillors, councillor Paul Shotton and councillor Ian Dunbar. Councillor Derek Butler, Cabinet Member for Economic Development said: Our fifth Dragons’ Den style event was another great success. This is just one of the ways in which Communities First is providing support and commitment to people starting a business. It is encouraging to see the variety of small businesses that are starting up in the area. This is all part of the excellent work that is taking place through the established Flintshire Business Entrepreneurship Network from Communities First, helping local people in their search for suitable employment.” Flintshire’s community is full of budding entrepreneurs and the fact that the Dragons’ Den events are in their fifth round proves that this appetite for setting up new businesses is unlikely to cease,” said Askar Sheibani, Comtek CEO, Entrepreneurship Champion for Wales and chair of the Deeside Industrial Park forum. “New enterprises that satisfy local demands are key to the economic success of the whole country; they will keep the economy afloat and the community prosperous. For more information please contact Communities First 01244 846090 or email beverly.moseley@flintshire.gov.uk Editor’s Note The Business Entrepreneurship Network programme from Communities First involves support from Flintshire’s successful business entrepreneurs; membership of the Flintshire Enterprise Club; a full training programme funded through the Wales Business Start Up programme; additional support from Flintshire’s Dragons and Dynamo mentors and additional, integrated Communities First and other partner activities. To contact the individual businesses referred to above please contact Communities First. Image