The scene at about 7.10pm, Thursday 15th:
Tom Garry, Mowgli Entrepreneur, is standing looking slightly nervous outside the large events space in Beachcroft’s law offices- a room crammed full of dignitaries, civic and business leaders (including the Lord Mayor) and Bristol’s finest entrepreneurs- like Tristan Hogg (Pieminister) and Catrin McDonnell (Papadeli).
Tom’s mentor for the past 10 months, Jason Baker of People Source Consulting, was reading over the speech he was about to give to the assembled gathering. “Well done Tom.” he said. “Good speech. You’ll be great!” Words of support and encouragement that set the tone for Mowgli’s event.
Tony Cherry, Lord Mayor Geoff Gollop, Tony Bury , Jason Baker and his mentee Tom Garry (front)
The VIPs were gathered to celebrate the launch of Mowgli UK’s programmes for entrepreneurs in the South West. Tony Bury (founder of Mowgli) outlined the programme’s aims to match 20 local entrepreneurs with a mentor- and described the support he himself has recieved from mentors on his path to success, making him believe every business man and woman deserves the same support. Tony Cherry, Regional Senior partner of Beachcroft (sponsors of the launch) spoke too of the imperative in the South West to throw community support behind local business, inspire more people to become entrepreneurs and create jobs. And then it was Tom’s turn.
Telling the story of his meeting with his mentor and the months since, Tom remembered how his business idea had progressed from a brilliant but slightly flawed and risky concept to a proper product. OnCampus Applications is a platform providing students with tools and access to a range of services, external to the learning environment- helping students get more out of their time studying. Speaking of his mentor, Tom told his audience of the insight and encouragement Jason had given him along the way. Looking round, it was clear that his story touched most of the audience, who he encouraged to remember the mentors who had supported them in their business careers.
A fantastic night- and we thank everyone who turned up to show their support for our work in the South West. It was a privilege to be in a room with so many people who really do drive community development and will create jobs.
The Mowgli Foundation are recruiting now for South West UK entrepreneurs and mentors to get involved. As a not-for-profit, we are also looking for contributions from the local business community to support this social and economic development initiative. You can find out more at http://mowgli.org.uk/about-mowgli/get-involved or by contacting Mowgli directly.
Mowgli would like to thank our PR, Marketing and Development partners Bud UK for their invaluable help in organising this event- and our launch sponsors Mercure, Beachcroft, and Mitie for their support. We look forward to working with everyone who attended to make a real difference in the South West.
Thanks to Martin Bennett, photographer, for his wonderful pictures on the night. More here.
