A positive display of Leeds businesses taking action, over 70 organisations from across the region came together to explore a new way of collaborating, as ipnconnect launched in Leeds over the last couple of weeks.

“Businesses need to adapt to thrive in this climate” said Leeds Met’s Andrew Raby, one of the first members to join ipnconnect, who added: “We need to get much better at working together across sectors to make the most of the skills we have in the region and I’m excited by the opportunities of this”.

“The private sector has to solve the issues with the economy” said Bill Midgley OBE, Ex- UK President of the Chamber of Commerce. “It’s in your hands to develop your business - there are winning ways you can strengthen it and I believe collaboration is one of them”.

Both comments come from the launch event of new business membership organisation, ipnconnect, where SMES from across the city came to hear how a successful model from the North East, that’s now live in Leeds, could help them win more business across the public, private and third sectors.

With visitors from across professional services, business consultancy, marketing, construction and the energy sector, as well as representatives from a number of third sector organisations, ipnconnect founder Paul Lawton showcased the model he believes will help drive business growth for SMEs in the city.

Lawton also took the opportunity to introduce what is believed to be a worldwide first, the launch of a business money back guarantee that is offered to members, guaranteeing them business worth at least £800 (the cost of membership) within the first year, or their money back. Leeds Met are doing research to prove this point on behalf of ipnconnect.

Lawton said: “When looking to roll out our model we were keen to include a real hook that offers businesses confidence. We know that our system works and want to help SMEs use it to get through these difficult times, but we appreciate people are no in a position to take financial risks. With our guarantee, which has been compiled by Morton’s solicitors, we hope this provides businesses with the confidence to try something new, without the fear of financial loss.”

He added:” We’re taking the retail approach that very rarely happens in the B2B world – Marks and Spencer or Boots wouldn’t get into a debate if a customer wasn’t happy – they’d just give them their money back – this is our philosophy and one that is helping to build genuine trust”.

Collaborating with the team behind a similar proposition that’s been active in the city since 2008, Unique Synergy, ipnconnect hopes to create a network of 250 members in Leeds by July.

Not to be mistaken for a networking group, or a business referral group, ipnconnect is a business generation peer group. Members are provided with 4 key channels through which they can drive new business opportunities and a set of steps to follow along what they term ‘The Profitable Journey’.

Members become part of a trusted business community, working together to win work and a key USP of the organisation is its connections to a myriad of systems such as online tendering platforms, social networking sites and training academies– all incorporated to fuel business opportunities.

Membership also provides the chance to exhibit for free 6 times a year and free attendance to an induction event to build core business skills. Newcastle members reported over £1.4 million of new business within the last 12 months and some attended the Leeds launch to share their experiences.

Lawton said: “We’re encouraging businesses to start thinking a bit more creatively about how to evolve and are keen to drive a movement to change the way SMEs are currently approaching their new business sales, to replace staid, unsuccessful methods with a more sustainable, flexible, collaborative approach ”.

The next ipnconnect event is at Stew&Oyster Bar, Calls Landing on Wednesday 2nd May, from 6.30pm. Leeds organisations interested in getting involved are welcome to attend. Register at http://ipnconnectleedsdrinks.eventbrite.com/.

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