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Leeds Ahead launched the Leeds Enterprise Forum on 5th February, where a number of banks in Leeds are working together to mentor and support inner city start-up businesses. The Forum is targeted specifically to help young businesses make accelerated progress and become established successes. Commercial bankers from HSBC, Santander and Yorkshire Bank will meet the young entrepreneurs quarterly in the forum to discuss and help with key aspects of running a business such as planning growth, financial management, cash flow, raising finance and reaching new markets. The entrepreneurs in the Forum are all involved in the Leeds Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) programme which funds business growth schemes and start-ups in inner city communities.

Stephanie Burras, chief executive of Leeds Ahead, said: "We welcome this support from the banks in 2010 which has been designated the Leeds Year of the Volunteer. This is another way we can work together to unlock more of the city's potential to the benefit of all who live and work here."

Leeds Ahead also offer business support to inner city businesses by organising a mentoring programme where managing directors of established businesses volunteer as business mentors to entrepreneurs of new start businesses. This programme helps entrepreneurs to develop their skills and knowledge by learning from someone who has 'been there and done it'. Mentees report that the mentoring programme helps them with their confidence, to stay focused and motivated, to learn and develop their skills and to grow their business. Mentors also benefit by getting involved with the programme by helping them to develop their coaching skills, to learn about the industry which the mentee works in and by providing the mentor with a rewarding experience.

For more information about our mentoring programme, please contact Laura Kilfoyle, Business Broker at Leeds Ahead on 07912 391 087.