Latest News

Shawn’s 2nd video – 5 Ways to know that you are an Entrepreneur goes live..

By on 04/10/2016 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on Shawn’s 2nd video – 5 Ways to know that you are an Entrepreneur goes live..

If you have ever wondered whether you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur then Shawn’s new video –  5 Ways to know that you are an Entrepreneur – can give you the confirmation you need. Are you a natural risk taker – who sees opportunity not problems? Or do you believe that you can do things better and make a real difference? Then, if you are not an entrepreneur perhaps you should be.

Shawn’s second video outlines, what he believes, are the key things that will make you an entrepreneur. Take 5 minutes out of your day to watch 5 Ways to know that you are an Entrepreneur – it could be the start of a whole new direction….

Coras is recruiting a Digital Marketing Executive

By on 28/07/2016 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on Coras is recruiting a Digital Marketing Executive

The job is based at York House and reports into the Marketing Director. It is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop and grow in a dynamic and exciting environment. The salary is negotiable based on a 37 hour working week (9.00 to 5.30 Monday to Thursday and 9.00 to 5.00 on Friday)

Coras was set up in 2013 with the aim of identifying, supporting, mentoring and investing start ups and SMEs. We develop and support new business and are always on the look for great new ideas. We are involved in networking, business workshops as well as running our own gala events to select excellent new business ideas that need investment.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate would:

  • Implement and manage all marketing activities in line with agreed business strategy; with al activities co-ordinated and delivered on time and budget
  • Define execute marketing plan to include appropriate digital and traditional marketing campaigns
  • Build and maintain social media presence, creating and publishing regular content
  • Manage and develop company website including structure and content through our CMS system
  • Manage agencies and other suppliers involved in providing services to support the marketing function
  • Create and deliver engaging, persuasive and professional written content for on and off-line proposals
  • Improve brand positioning by planning an delivering white papers, case studies, newsletters, email campaigns, press releases and blog posts
  • Work closely with the sales team to develop marketing plans to support revenue and growth targets
  • Report on outcomes of marketing activities to ensure we can measure effectiveness
  • Organise and attend events such as conferences, seminars, receptions and exhibitions.
Skills and Experience
  • A minimum of 4 years marketing experience in developing and driving activities that support business development objectives
  • Excellent project management, organisation, time management, prioritisation and multi-tasking skills
  • Highly creative with experience in identifying target audiences and devising campaigns that engage, inform and motivate
  • Ability to develop marketing collateral across all formats
  • Experience in setting up and optimizing Google campaigns
  • Solid knowledge of website analytics tools
  • Experience in using CMS systems
  • Ability to work under pressure and to tight timelines
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate at all levels
  • Relevant qualifications
To apply please send in a CV and covering letter to myra@coras.me.

Job Opportunities with Our Sponsors

By on 30/03/2016 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on Job Opportunities with Our Sponsors

Prestige Network and Prestige Network Properties – two of our sponsors –  want to fill 6 new positions and they will pay you £250 if you introduce a successful applicant to the business

Prestige Network Properties, based in Newbury, is looking for a Property Business Manager/PA to the Director. For further information click here. 
Prestige Network, one of the country’s largest translation and networking services, is expanding at a rapid rate. It is  currently recruiting for five new positions based at their new Head Office in Newbury.
* Business Development Manager – Public Sector
* Translation Project Manager
* Marketing Manager
* Customer Service & Account Coordinator
* Customer Support & Sales Associate
If you know someone who is interested – or if you are interested – then for more information please visit http://www.prestigenetwork.com/careers/

Video Goes Live – How to Get Rich Slowly

By on 12/03/2016 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on Video Goes Live – How to Get Rich Slowly

We trailed them before Christmas and now they are going live. The first of Shawn’s videos is now available. Shawn has an interesting story to tell. Known for his frank and honest approach to life and business, here Shawn goes into his background,  the mistakes he has made and what has led to his success so far. To view the video click here.

If there are any areas that you would like him to cover in the future – or if you have any questions on what you have seen here then please get in touch on hello@coras.me.

International Gums and Oils, the Coras 2015 winner, goes from strength to strength since the initial investment and ongoing mentoring from Coras. They are now receiving further support from from the Welsh government, Finance Wales, Xenos Investment and the South Wales Chamber of Commerce. Bangor University has chosen IGO as the first Welsh company to help them create plant products.  They are also in further talks with large cosmetic companies and are on the brink of launching a new product. Visit them on www.igoltd.com.

Shawn & Dr. Ali

Shawn & Dr. Ali

 

https://youtu.be/o8kSYIRsnEA

Coras relocating to Newbury – in the heart of the town

By on 16/02/2016 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on Coras relocating to Newbury – in the heart of the town

After 3 great years at Greenham Park Coras has moved its offices to York House in Newbury Town Centre

Welcome to Coras’ new home at York House, London Road. While our time at Greenham Park gave us the opportunity to meet and work with some great businesses and start – ups, we are delighted to be in the town centre. We are looking forward to be right in the middle of a growing, vibrant town with massive development potential.

Look out for updates from us soon and news on our forthcoming events.

Coras Business Seminar 2016 – how you can be part of it

By on 03/11/2015 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on Coras Business Seminar 2016 – how you can be part of it

Coras 2016 and how you could be involved

Following the success of the Coras 2015 event in May, Coras is now looking expanding its reach beyond the traditional Newbury boundaries to work with and support new start ups and entrepreneurs in the wider Reading/Thames Valley area.

The drive for this expansion came from the reaction from Coras 2015 –  a lot of interest was expressed from businesses and organisations in the Thames Valley area in our offering given the clear dynamism and growth in Reading.

In response to this feedback, our first event will be a free business seminar aimed at new business/ entrepreneurs. We want to give businesses and organisations in Newbury and Reading the opportunity to join us to support and get involved with our target audience.

We do not want to work in isolation and are looking to form partnerships with sponsors and supporters. We are currently talking to a number of organisations to develop the seminar to ensure that it is appropriate and meaningful to the audience.

The benefit to our sponsors and supporters is:

  • Reading and the Thames Valley is a vibrant area that is developing rapidly and Coras will organise, promote and deliver a business seminar spearheaded by a successful entrepreneur
  • This will provide you with the platform to meet, network and influence this  key audience
  • We see this as an initial step and would look to develop our relationship with businesses in this area – it will be your chance to get in at the beginning of this journey.

What we want from our sponsors

  • Financial support of between £5,000 and £10,000

What we want from our supporters

  • Financial support of between £500 and £1,000

What we offer our sponsors

  1. Joint billing with Coras and association on the website for 12months
  2. 15 minute presentation at the seminar
  3. Showcasing your product and services at the seminar to include your printed material on display and to give away
  4.  Inclusion in all PR and publicity managed by Coras – including video and social media

What we offer our supporters

  1. Logo included in all material and on our website for 12 months
  2. 5 minute presentation at the seminar
  3. Showcasing your product and services at the seminar to include your printed material on display and to give away

Shawn’s Words of Wisdom from Coras 2015

By on 22/10/2015 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on Shawn’s Words of Wisdom from Coras 2015

Shawn’s introductory speech from Coras 2015 is now available and is vital listening for anyone who has entrepreneurial ambitions and is trying to get their business off the ground.

Shawn is an entrepreneur who has built a very successful business and now helps others realises their ambitions. Here he goes into further detail about the purpose of Coras and how it aims to support new business. He also explains what it means to be an entrepreneur , what defines an entrepreneur and the three key things common to any entrepreneur.

Click on the link below to watch the video.

 

First tranche of £50,000 investment for the Coras Winner

By on 14/09/2015 in News with Comments Off on First tranche of £50,000 investment for the Coras Winner

International Gums and Oils, a Cardiff company,  beat off hard competition to win a £50,000 investment plus 6 months mentoring from a Newbury based entrepreneur, Shawn Khorassani. This is the first time that the award has been won by a company outside of West Berkshire.

Dr Ahmed Ali, a former Research Director of the Compton Group, based at Cardiff University’s School of Biosciences, is the CEO of International Gums and Oils Limited (IGO). It is a natural products based company supplying the fragrance and flavours industry with high value oleoresins.  Oleoresins are a naturally occurring combination of oil and resin that can be extracted from plants. They are a highly concentrated substance that exists in liquid form. The extraction process begins with raw spices that are cleaned and ground, then the spices’ oils are distilled using an organic solvent.

Their plan is to manufacture essential oils and  to convert the waste products from this process into natural products which are in high demand by the flavour and fragrance industry of Europe and the USA; and create innovative new products from African and Asian plants.

Dr Ali said “Coras has been brilliant for us – it has really made us focus on our product and in which direction we want to go. The investment will be vital but the mentoring and support from Shawn – someone who has been there and understands the pitfalls – will be incredible. We are all very excited and looking forward to a bright, successful future for us all.”

Shawn said “It is great that news of the Coras award is spreading beyond its traditional boundaries – it is good for Coras and for entrepreneurs. I believe that people with ideas and energy are the backbone of our economy and we should be doing everything possible to support and develop this excellence. Competition this year was very tough so it is credit to Dr Ali and his team that they came forward with a great business and great business plan that I had the confidence to invest in and support.”

Shawn & Dr. Ali

Shawn & Dr. Ali

 

Coras – making contacts and helping to move businesses forward

By on 17/08/2015 in News with Comments Off on Coras – making contacts and helping to move businesses forward

Coras supports and develops new business through mentoring, networking and investment. Over the last three years we have been involved with a growing number of successful, expanding companies.
One of the most recent is Avanatta – the social networking collaborative video making application which uses ground breaking anti trolling software. Users add their videos to those made by others to create a film that can be watched back, added to and shared across the social web.

Attending the Coras 2015 awards ceremony in May opened up many doors for Avanatta.  The Head Teacher of Park House School, Derek Peaple, was one of the many people who approached them after their presentation to congratulate them on their product, and express an interest in their anti-trolling software.

As a result they were then invited to trial Avanatta with his year 12 pupils, which offered a fantastic insight into how they can further develop their app. They have since run a series of highly successful school visits in and around Berkshire. They also met a selection of potential investors at the event, and were introduced to the coordinators of the Newbury Rugby Club who they plan on working with in the future. Georgina Pursey, Founder of Avanatta said “Though we sadly didn’t win the award, we actually left with a result far better and more beneficial than one we had ever hoped for!”

For further information on Avanatta visit www.avanatta.com. 

Finalist with Shawn on the 2015 gala night

Share Your Coras Story!
Making connections and supporting people’s aspirations is key to what drives Coras. We would love to hear from you if we were able to help you do this – we love a success story and would really like to be able to share with people how Coras may have helped you. Just contact Rhian on rhian@coras.me.

Watch the 4 Min Video highlights of Coras 2015

By on 30/06/2015 in News with Comments Off on Watch the 4 Min Video highlights of Coras 2015

Following the excellent feedback we had from our event this year, we are delighted to present selected highlights from Coras 2015. To access the 4 minute video click on the image to find out wha the finalists have to say about Coras, what it meant to be part of the event and how we see Coras moving forward.

The Boy looks on before the start of coras 2015!

Since the event things have been moving at some pace. As well as meeting with the finalists – and winner – of the events, we have also been making connections with organisations beyond our traditional boundaries with the aim of continuing to support and develop entrepreneurs. We will update on these developments in the future.

Share Your Story from the Night!
We have also had some very positive feedback about collaborations and networking that took place at the event. Making connections and supporting people’s aspirations is key to what drives Coras. We would love to hear from you if we were able to help you do this – we love a success story and would really like to be able to share with people how Coras may have helped you. Just contact Rhian on rhian@coras.me

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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