Nexus scales up as community reaches membership milestone

Nexus is scaling up its business support network as the innovation-led community reaches a 100-member milestone.

“When we launched back in May 2019, our ambition was always to make Leeds a global centre for fast growing start-ups.” said Dr Martin Stow, Nexus Director.

“Now with 100 high-growth companies in the Nexus community, who are scaling fast, creating jobs and a wealth of products and services, we are achieving international recognition for the city as a place where those with the most innovative ideas can solve societal problems and create new market opportunities.

“We’re delighted to be able to help those businesses achieve their ambitions and we start 2022 with an expanded support programme, scaled-up network opportunities and some exciting new initiatives, all designed to nurture their continued growth and that of our wider regional economy.”

Nexus has extended its professional service partnerships with KPMG, launching KPMG@Nexus – a dedicated incubator space for businesses to access commercial and research expertise. Law firm Squire Patton Boggs and IP specialists HGF, have also renewed their formal partnerships to support the community this year, to ensure member businesses have access to vital financial and legal support.

John Alderton, Office Managing Partner, Squire Patton Boggs Leeds said “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Nexus, which over the last 20 months has involved us in sharing our insights and knowledge with Nexus members, to support them as they develop, finance and commercialise their innovations. The firm has a long track record of advising innovative and fast-growth companies and SMEs, particularly in the technology, manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences sectors globally and is proud to support Nexus and its 100 members here in Leeds.”

Nexus is also continuing to collaborate with organisations across the region to provide business advice and support to entrepreneurs and start-ups. In collaboration with NorthInvest and Leeds City Council, Nexus is continuing its support for Grow@Leeds – a programme aimed at early-stage founders to help them scale their business and aid international expansion.

And in the digital health sector, start-ups on the Propel@YH accelerator – the latest cohort to join Nexus – will be able to benefit from enhanced support services as part of the innovation community. Dr Stow added:

“We have curated a very special community here. Inspiring companies who we can support and nurture and who add real value to our region’s economy and wider society. I’m very much looking forward to welcoming more like-minded entrepreneurs and businesses in 2022 and beyond.”