Video produced by: Sam Teale Productions
200 founders, investors and business leaders came together from all across the UK to celebrate community, collaboration and what’s next for Climb.
On 1st October, we officially launched the journey to Climb26 with an unforgettable evening at Department Leeds Dock.
From the outset, the energy was exceptional. Conversations flowed, partnerships formed and the atmosphere stayed electric throughout the night. The food, provided by Maddy Pugal, from Wheely Indian Food, was outstanding, while Eroll Brown, from the Black Business Support Agency kept the evening buzzing as DJ well into the night. Even after closing, many continued networking at Canary Bar, with the last guests leaving after 2am.
In his opening remarks, Gordon Bateman reminded guests that Climb is much more than a two-day festival. “Climb is a continual journey, a community that goes on throughout the year” he said. He spoke about supporting founders across the regions, challenging the idea that success requires leaving the North, and celebrating the businesses proving that world-class innovation is happening here.
Ian McAleese, now a partner in Climb spoke about the creation of Busk Your Business, the impromptu pitch platform that became a hit at Climb25. The concept has already been trialled in the US and will tour the UK, with regional heats leading up to the grand final at Climb26 next July.
Guests also heard the inspiring story of Belle Richardson, who won last year’s Busk Your Business competition. After her winning pitch, she connected with design legend Steve Edge, who invited her to London to collaborate on her brand. Another example of how Climb helps open doors for founders.
Michael Crinnion, founder of Mind Body Goals (Luma3), shared how a chance meeting through Climb led to a partnership with Paxman Scalp Cooling, showing how introductions at Climb can turn into meaningful collaborations.
Investors are seeing results too, more evidence of the quality of the network and the opportunities it creates.
Looking ahead, there’s plenty happening between now and next July. The Climb National Tour will take place in February and March, visiting 18 cities across the UK to connect founders, investors and regional ecosystems.
Closer to home, Climb has partnered with Department Leeds Dock to host “2nd Wednesdays”, a new series of small, high-quality sessions focused on learning, connection and collaboration, followed by relaxed evening networking.
Climb’s growing list of partners including West Yorkshire Combined Authority (headline partner for Climb26), NatWest, Blacks Solicitors, Freeths, Meisner Bolt, Huddersfield University and Rare Founders ensures the next phase of the journey is stronger than ever.
Reflecting on the year ahead, Gordon Bateman said:
“The launch was a reminder of what makes Climb so special - the people. The energy in the room showed how strong this community has become. Over the coming months, we’ll take Climb on the road, deepen those connections, and keep shining a light on the incredible talent and ambition across the UK.”
The road to Climb26 has begun.
