TWO young entrepreneurs who founded their business with marketing advice from the University of Bradford have praised a local authority business support programme.

Mathew Cockroft and Daniel Eha, who grew up around the same Calderdale farm, launched Pure Pet Food after researching and developing a range of dog food fit for human consumption.

They now employ six staff and supply products around the world, including to chain stores and online in Europe.

The business partners were put in touch with the University of Bradford by Calderdale Council,which says its business start-up scheme has helped nearly 5,000 local people since it started seven years ago

Mathew said: “Daniel and I had a good idea for a business and a clear vision of what we wanted to achieve. The Council was able to assist in areas which we had no experience in, such as manufacturing.

“We met business enterprise officer Eric Binns who was a great help. He put us in touch with other businesses, including a manufacturer who later agreed to make our products in their factory. Our business has continued to grow and we have now bought that very factory.

“If you have a business idea but don’t know where to start, don’t be afraid to ask, get in touch with the Council as you will be surprised with the amount of help they can offer.”

The scheme offers free advice, including monthly drop-in information sessions, free and confidential one-to-one advice, help with business planning, business networking opportunities and fact sheets.

Eric Binns, who is one of only eight recipients of the Queens Award for Enterprise Promotion, said: “We receive enquiries from all ages, abilities and backgrounds. The oldest person to contact us for advice was 84 years old, proving it’s never too late to think about starting your own business.

“I tailor my advice for each individual and can go through business plans and talk about things such as market research, competition, finance and marketing. Many initial enquiries have progressed to become very successful businesses and lots of those have also created jobs locally.”

Eric Binns can be contacted on 01422 392222.or eric.binns@calderdale.gov.uk

Cllr Barry Collins, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said:

“Seven years on, our business start-up scheme is going from strength to strength. It’s making a difference to thousands of people’s lives and boosting our local economy by creating even more great businesses. If you have a business idea but aren’t sure how to get it off the ground, we encourage you to contact us.”

For details of the free monthly ‘Start your own business’ drop-in sessions in locations across Calderdale, head to www.calderdale.gov.uk/business/businesssupport/advice, or if you would prefer a one-to-one discussion please get in touch with Eric at eric.binns@calderdale.gov.uk or on 01422 392222.