This is the first core event of the BCS/BEN Tech Startup School (TSS) - you can see more details on the TSS here, buy a 20% discounted ticket for all 6 core events and find more information on ticketing arrangements.

'From Idea to Plan' explores the overall theme of the TSS: the process of developing an idea for a product or service into a realistic outline business plan.  

Our expert speakers will highlight the challenges, pros and cons of business plan development.  They will contrast the traditional, linear approach of business planning with the real-world situation where most plans evolve during the early stages of an innovative new business.  They will illustrate this with stories, examples and case studies from their own extensive experience.

Food and drink are included in the ticket price for this event.

Speakers

Main speaker: Mark Farmer, Partner, Eden Ventures

Mark is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Eden Ventures, where he primarily focuses on opportunities within the telecoms market.  Before joining Eden, Mark co-founded several telecoms companies, most recently Cramer Systems, which emerged as the leading supplier of inventory systems to the telecoms industry – acquired by Amdocs in 2006 for $425 million. 

Mark's presentation slides can be viewed here.

Commentator speakers

Chris Tanner, Founder, BrightPearl

Having grown and sold two businesses, Chris is vastly experienced in the nature of small businesses and e-commerce.  He started his first company at the age of 21. Being frustrated by a patchwork of traditional systems such as Sage, ACT! and OS-Commerce, but lacking the budget for the options available, Chris went on to develop Brightpearl.

Chris' presentation slides can be viewed here

Dr Tim Monks, Founder, Third Dimension Software

Tim founded Third Dimension Software in 1995 and has grown the company to become a world leader in optical metrology solutions for manufacturing industry.  The flagship GapGun wireless laser measurement gauge is used by all the world's major automotive and aerospace manufacturers. The company's strategy has continually evolved in response to market demands and economic conditions.

Tim's presentation slides can be viewed here

Schedule

6:00-6:45 networking, food and drink
6:45-7:00 Chairman's introduction and overview of TSS
7:00-7:40 main speaker
7:40-8:00 commentator 1
8:00-8:20 commentator 2
8:20-8:30 questions and answers
8:30-9:00 further networking and refreshments

About the Tech Startup School

Tech Startup School is a unique event series to help aspiring and early-stage tech entrepreneurs start or grow their own tech businesses.

The 6 core events will help you develop your business idea into a viable outline business plan, while the 5 skills workshops build a range of relevant personal skills.  At each event we will signpost relevant resources and information that you can access to learn more and get further help on that event’s topic.

You will get the greatest help in developing your business idea into a plan if you attend all, or most, of the 6 core events.  However you are free to choose to attend whichever events you feel will benefit you most.

Tech Startup School is run jointly by BCS (British Computer Society) and BEN (Bath & Bristol Enterprise Network).

Notes:

[NB Ticket sales payments are being administered by Test and Verification Solutions Ltd via PayPal. TVS is a local company who are underwriting the event. Any surplus from the event will be paid by TVS to BCS and BEN to support their ongoing local activities.]

TSS core events are kindly supported by