Course Background

We believe continuous learning and adaptation are essential for small businesses to thrive. Data Stream UK, a company passionate about innovation, recently completed the Strive Live course, sponsored by the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub. Over seven weeks, Data Stream UK’s Elliot Fearn, alongside other North Yorkshire based small business owners, delved deep into crucial aspects of business management.

This immersive course equips small business owners with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the many business challenges and opportunities. Refining core business functions and networking with local entrepreneurs, is an essential part of the Strive Live Course, fostering growth and success.

One of the highlights of this journey was the exciting culmination of the course, an awards ceremony where participants created a compelling five-minute business presentation.

We want to share with you Data Stream UK’s experience in the Strive Live course. Sharing the valuable lessons learned, the connections forged, and the journey toward becoming a more resilient and successful small business.

Course Content

Throughout the seven-week course, Data Stream UK and fellow small business owners eagerly gathered every Wednesday evening. Each Wednesday the team at Strive Live addressed a specific facet of business, serving as a platform for comprehensive learning and skill development. From marketing strategies to financial management, these classes were carefully curated to provide a holistic understanding of the entrepreneurial journey.

In addition to the weekly classes, Strive Live participants were granted access to the Meld community. The platform was invaluable for networking, sharing experiences, and bouncing ideas off fellow business owners. The collaborative atmosphere nurtured creativity, provided diverse perspectives, and offered a sense of camaraderie.

Beyond the classroom and the networking opportunities, Strive Live also supplemented its curriculum with multiple online training resources. These materials allowed participants to further enhance their knowledge and skills between the lessons, fostering continuous growth and development.

Through the Strive Live experience, Data Stream UK and its peers gleaned several crucial lessons. First and foremost, they discovered the power of referrals in the world of business. Brand consistency emerged as another vital takeaway. This emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified and recognizable brand image in the eyes of consumers.

Perhaps one of the most poignant lessons learned was the significance of the human touch. Building meaningful relationships and cultivating trust through personal connections were recognised as indispensable elements for long-term success. In a world increasingly driven by technology, genuine interactions and personal touch provided an advantage in establishing lasting business relationships.

Our Video Entry

For the grand finale of the Strive Live course, each participant crafted a compelling five-minute presentation. This presentation would encapsulate their plan, growth aspirations, and the insights gained throughout the course.

We aimed to showcase our newfound knowledge and passion for business excellence. You can watch our presentation by clicking the link below.

The Awards

Finally, we are thrilled to announce that Data Stream UK’s dedication and hard work throughout the Strive Live course has been rewarded with not one, but two prestigious awards. It is with great pride that we share our achievements in winning the “Best Brand” and “Best Strategy” awards. These accolades are a testament to our commitment to excellence in crafting a strong brand identity and implementing sound strategic planning. We are deeply grateful for the recognition and excited to continue our journey with these newfound honours. These awards inspire us to reach even greater heights in the world of business.

Furthermore, you can also read the judges’ comments below:

• “You’ve shown a strong sense of purpose and brand identity in your video. This is again echoed with a clear presentation of services and identifying your USP of a more holistic approach which is plugging a gap against competitors.” – Judge 1
• “Congratulations on a fantastic entry, Elliot. You have a clear vision for Data Stream, and this translates well into your website design and content. For businesses who already understand what data analytics and BI can offer them I have no doubt that very soon you will be generating a regular stream of enquiries.” – Judge 2
• “Keep pushing the outcomes of what your integrated service can do. This is clear for businesses wanting to double-down on handling their data and using it for maximum impact.” – Judge 3
• “It sounds like you have lots of great marketing activities planned, and that there’s capacity to do them. That’s brilliant.” – Judge 4