To help nurture new technology-based businesses, through networking and advice, the Entrepreneurs’ Forum mentored Helveta and Teleadapt. These two, mentored by John O’Connell, have recently seen their growth recognized in leading business awards. The ITC Entrepreneurs’ Forum is dedicated to helping business founders who need to accelerate their company’s development from early stage revenue to sustainable growth. It is an initiative born out of the Information Technologists’ Company, the 100th City of London livery company. Its aim is to help nurture new technology-based businesses, through networking and advice.

Helveta provides technology which helps environmental sustainability. Its CI World supply chain software is designed for sensitive products like timber, allowing timber products to be traced back to the tree stump and making a stand in the fight against illegal logging.

Teleadapt has become a leading player in a critical niche market much appreciated by business travellers: its products help people get connected in hotel rooms.

John O’Connell, one of the mentors, created Staffware, a pioneer in business process management, as a start-up in the 1980s. From simple beginnings, he took it first to AIM then the main London Stock Exchange before, as chairman, leading the sale process to Tibco Software (News - Alert) Inc. for $260 million. Today he is mentor to Helveta and Teleadapt.

The Entrepreneurs’ Forum mentoring program calls upon a panel of proven business leaders who give up their time to provide support for new businesses. This support is primarily in the form of one to one mentoring for entrepreneurs to help them reach their business goals. It is particularly focused on businesses driven by an individual fired with a passion for a unique new idea, and can help them prepare for first round finance, the most difficult step in the current economic environment.