New group for young people with a yen for starting a business

A trio of young Swindon entrepreneurs has launched YEN, a new networking group for business owners like them.

Young Entrepreneurs Network, which offers networking opportunities and business support to business owners aged 35 and under, is the brainchild of social media expert Marcus Lilley, promotional baker Samantha Whittingham, and fashion designer Emma Phipps.

The three – all aged 26 – were brought together by Outset Swindon, which closed in June after its council and European funding expired. Each of them had been helped in the early stages of their careers by Outset, and wanted to ensure the networking and support aspects of the service continued.

Samantha, whose business Little Miss Cake Maker provides cupcakes decorated with corporate branding said: “The aim of YEN is to inspire, motivate and support young entrepreneurs. We’ve all launched successful businesses and we want to encourage other young people to start their own companies, and to be role models for them.”

Marcus, whose company FutrSocial provides social media and online content support and consultancy to organisations in the creative and cultural industries, said: “The group is open to people with a business idea, or people who’ve already started their business and want colleagues to bounce ideas off. Being an entrepreneur can be lonely – we want to offer friendship, advice and support.”

Emma, who as Beau Tie designs and handcrafts neckwear and accessories for men, said: “We’re launching in Swindon, but our ambition is to roll YEN out to other locations.”

Informal sessions have already attracted more than 20 people, from as far afield as Wiltshire, West Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds.

The next meeting is at Baila Coffee and Vinyl at 85 Victoria Road, Swindon from 2.30pm until 4.30pm this Friday, July 17. For more information, log on to www.yenswindon.co.uk