Catalyst Newsletters

Current Edition: Winter 2011/12

In this edition:

• EIS Relief - Better Than Ever Before
  For a number of years the Enterprise Investment Scheme has provided business investors with some of the most generous tax reliefs on offer. As a result of the govenment's increasing desire to encourage investment in small and new start-up companies, the existing rate of EIS income tax relief has been increased and a new relief has been introduced, specifically aimed at start-up businesses.
• Fan Frames Is Streets Ahead
  Hull based eyewear company Fan Frames Ltd was the winner of a mock investment forum run by Yorkshire Association of Business Angels (YABA) and Hull-based Streets Chartered Accountants.
• Angel Member Profile - Ian Brierley
  John L.Brierley is 125 years old but it's changing with the times. YABA business angel Ian Brierley is the fourth generation of his family to run the Huddersfield-based textile manufacturer and he's found that diversity is the key to the company's longevity
• Company Update: Little Helper
  Little Helper is the company behind the FunPod, a multi-award winning safety device that enables toddlers to have a safe and easy access to kitchen worktops. The product, which allows children to stand at worktop height safely, without fear of falling, was developed back in 2005 by company Sales and Marketing Director, Kim Johnson. A syndicate of four YABA members invested £100,000 in Little Helper in 2008 and this was the catalyst for the company's immediate expansion and continuing success.
• University Commercial Evaluation Service Pilot
  A new service to appraise commercial opportunities arising from university research in the region was trialled in October as a potential further addition to YABA's portfolio of business activities
• Associate Member Profile - Irwin Mitchell
  As one of the largest full service law firms in the country, Irwin Mitchell aims to promote the benefits of obtaining timelylegal advice and break down misconceptions about the perceived expense of consulting a lawyer. The company's business clients range from small to medium-sized firms to multinational companies with a more complex set of legal requirements, but one thing remains the same - Irwin Mitchell's dedication to building a relationship with them
• Engineering Students Head For Poll Position, Thanks To YABA
  A team of telented engineering students from the University of Sheffield is revving up for their best performance yet at the 2012 Formula Student competition, after securing sponsorship and support through a YABA investment forum.
• Investment Forum November 2011
  New chocolate and drinks brands were on the menu at the November investment forum, along with a whole host of other businesses that whet the audience's sensory appetites
• Expo Of Inspiring Science, Technology and Innovations
  Wednesday 08 February at York Racecourse. Venturefest Yorkshire showcases the region's finest science, technology and innovation entrepreneurs and brings them together with the professionals who support them

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