This week marks one year of Alys Stewart (Together We Balance) starting her own business, and we’re happy to say she’s doing extremely well! Alys moved into Cotton Court six months into her new venture and her business has only gone up since working here! Here’s what Alys has to say about her experience at Cotton Court:

My decision to move to Cotton Court was prompted by the lack of parking at my previous office and the competitive rates offered in comparison to other hot desk/desk share providers. I have spent the last 6 months working from here and can honestly say that I got far more than a free parking space and a cost effective desk. Some of the extras are what I would expect from any good office solution provider – for example pleasant and friendly reception staff, use of kitchen facilities and meeting rooms when available. There are, however, some unexpected benefits, the main one of these being the positive impact on my business of sharing the space with other small business owners in various stages of growth. I regularly get to network with these business owners for free, whether that’s while taking a few minutes break at my desk, while making a drink in the kitchen or at a social event. I have been able to discuss my challenges, receive actionable support and advice and have had access to other’s larger networks – all the sorts of things you would expect from an organised networking event without the additional cost, both in terms of money and time. I have also been able to assist others with their general bookkeeping queries, the sort of things that you wouldn’t bother your Accountant with but would have otherwise spent some time googling without the added security of knowing that the advice was correct. Finally, the staff at Cotton Court are more than receptionists, they have an understanding of the needs of small business owners and are a good port of call for all sorts of queries, either by dealing directly when it’s about photography or marketing support or indirectly by pointing you in the direction of someone who can help; their flexibility in dealing with last minute meeting room space is also much appreciated! I know that I will be with Cotton Court for a while as my business grows.

Alys has also added a new element to her business and is using the facilities at Cotton Court to deliver a series of workshops! To find out more or to book onto her latest session click here

Fast-growth transparent ticketing app, Vibe Tickets, has appointed Cornel Lazar as marketing director to assist in developing the brand as the company continues to expand its offering.

Cornel not only brings with him a profound knowledge of the entertainment industry, having worked for Ticketmaster Resale brands, GET ME IN and Seatwave, but his digital experience will ensure that Vibe continues to provide an innovative digital solution to disrupt the traditional ticketing industry.

Since 2013, Vibe Tickets has grown exponentially, attracting investment from a range of different sources including Virgin founder Richard Branson and North-West entrepreneur Scott Fletcher MBE. The app is now operational in eight countries and, with plans to further expand its global footprint and develop its offering, the appointment marks an important step forward for the company.

Luke Massie, founder and managing director at Vibe said: “Cornel’s experience in the fast-paced ticketing industry and his enthusiasm for digital innovation really stood out to us. His ambition is endless and his drive to disrupt the market will be vital for Vibe as we reach our goal of becoming the global ticketing marketplace app of choice.

“The secondary ticketing market is highly competitive. It’s therefore vital that we recruit the right talent to help us promote the message of transparency and continue to grow. This is an exciting transition period for Vibe, and we look forward to taking advantage of Cornel’s expertise as we pursue our ambitions.”

Commenting on his appointment, Cornel Lazar said: “I’ve always had a passion to work with entrepreneurial figures that are making bold moves to disrupt the industries they’re working in. Leaders like Luke are changing the way we transact and interact in the UK and across the world, and it’s this type of digital innovation that I want to be part of.

“The future for Vibe is extremely bright. We have something here with masses of potential I’m relishing the task of attracting investment, expanding our global presence and helping the Vibe brand stand out amongst other industry names.”

Vibe is set to increase its UK presence with the opening of a second office in London in the coming weeks and is targeting further high profile appointments in the first half of 2017.

VOOM has played a huge part in Vibe’s story too – from the positive exposure to being mentored by Richard Branson himself, there’s no doubt that the lessons that they’ve learned from the world’s most famous entrepreneur have massively contributed to their success.

But for them, the benefits didn’t stop after reaching the final of the competition last year. As part of the Virgin family, they’re also proud to be the face of the official launch of #VOOM2017.

The competition, designed by Virgin, will help Richard Branson find the UK’s next outstanding business idea. By providing financial support, advice and national exposure, it will drive the country’s budding entrepreneurs to make their dream a reality.

Speaking to and working closely with Richard Branson since VOOM 2016 has played a huge part in our journey here at Vibe Tickets. Vibe’s founder, Luke Massie, has spoken to broadcaster Nikki Bend about what it’s like to work with the entrepreneur:

“As a disruptive business, we’re excited to be part of the conversation that’s encouraging the UK’s next generation of entrepreneurs. What every VOOM pitch shares is passion, and the goal of the competition is to shape this passion into a solid and successful business.”

As part of the official launch and to celebrate the arrival of Vibe Fibre, Luke will be presenting from the VOOM bus around the country, and talking about the Vibe journey so far. The mobile festival of business, with a twist of rock ‘n’ roll will be full of workshops, business advice and exciting pitches – click here to find out more.

We can now happily also annouce that Luke has taken another brand on his shoulders filming for HSBC’s new Human Ambition Instagram campaign! Watch out next month for his adverts!