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In Focus: Dealmaking community has the Y Factor
Community is a much overused word these days. But when I pause and think it’s inappropriate for the corporate finance boys and girls around the North West, I think of Y Factor.
The origins of the event go back to my birthday party in 2006 (a significant one) when Mike Reeves from Clearwater and Jeremy Smith from Barclays Commercial put a band together to belt out some tunes. We enjoyed it so much but wanted to channel our energy into a charity event as a way to get everyone together for a bit of fun.
As is the way of many things the event has been affected by the recession, but not in the ways you’d immediately think. First, the venue we have been at has gone bust. So, for the 2010 event we’re moving to Pure in the Printworks.
But another effect of the downturn in activity and the credit crunch actually means the event has actually increased in popularity as times have been leaner. So a bigger venue was probably in order anyway.
This year, Y Factor will be on 29 September so keep the diary free for that night. We will once again be supporting Mencap. For those who didn't manage to come along last year, it was a fantastic night, and we managed to raise around £45k for Mencap. Once again, all the performers did a fantastic job and thoroughly enjoyed it... and unfortunately even got a DVD of the event as a keepsake.
I’ll be the event compere again and Justin Moorhouse from Key 103 will be a judge again. Other details are being worked on. This year, we’re keeping the contestants under wraps again so there should be some nice surprises on the night.
It’s worth saying that we are doing this all for charity, and as always, we are keen to beat our fundraising last year - even though it was a mammoth sum. Do give generously when the emails come round. Quite a few contestants used the Just Giving website last year which proved really successful. Mencap will also have some ideas on sponsorship in due course. We do also raise money on the night from the audience and from ticket sales. We would like to think that you aim to get at least £1,000 in sponsorship either from mates or your firm (or both). In addition, on the basis it’s all in a good cause, we would be happy to receive larger sums or talk to your respective firms about sponsorship packages.
In the meantime, have a great summer.
Comments? Email Michael Taylor, editor, Insider
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