Flagship Entrepreneurship Collaboration Sparks Start-Up Success

Leeds Beckett University (LBU) launched a flagship programme in conjunction with the University of Leeds and corporate innovation specialist L Marks to support Leeds-based start-ups in January, and the hugely successful initiative has just come to an end.

The Go-to-Market (GTM) Launchpad Programme was designed to help startups in Leeds refine and execute their market entry strategies, and provided structured guidance and practical tools to help local entrepreneurs accelerate business growth.

The programme began with a one-day bootcamp. Ten selected start-ups then advanced on to an eight-week accelerator programme, held weekly at and run by LBU, which also provided weekly one-to-one mentoring sessions. Corporate engagement activities were facilitated by L Marks, including a corporate visit and a roundtable with industry leaders.

Caleb Forbes was one of the entrepreneurs who took part, a Leeds Beckett graduate who launched TRL Fashion Space in 2024, helping clothing brands to make their products more sustainable. He feels that his involvement in the programme has really given him fresh impetus: "I'd hit capacity with the knowledge I had, I wasn't clear what the next step would be. I needed to be in a space where there's guidance, access to mentorship and like-minded people. It has been very, very useful."

Daniel Saunders, CEO of L Marks, reflected on the success of the programme: "L Marks has been delighted to collaborate with the partners and deliver the Leeds Go-to-Market Launchpad, with our focus centred on leading an intensive bootcamp and corporate engagement activities. This programme has showcased the exceptionally talented and ambitious startup founders in Leeds, all driven by a strong desire to learn, scale and grow their innovative businesses."

Peter Slee, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University and Chair of Leeds Anchor Network added: "It's rewarding to see so many ambitious startups getting involved in this new accelerator. This programme is a perfect demonstration of the value that the Leeds Anchors network brings to the city. The collaboration is precisely the kind of initiative that will drive growth and innovation in our city and is just one example of our network's impact in fostering inclusive growth in our city."

The programme was made possible through Leeds City Council's Innovation@Leeds 2024/25 initiative, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which in West Yorkshire is administered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).