Shoe trade veteran Michael Ziff is part of a team trying to get an online shoe and fashion retailing business off the ground.

Mr Ziff said the operation could be based in Bradford if suitable low-cost offices could be found.

The former chief executive of Bradford-based shoe retailer Barratts, which went into administration for the third time in five years in November, has invested in the W Barratt & Co venture along with Lancashire-based shoe industry entrepreneur Harvey Jacobson and other unnamed investors.

The online business is looking to obtain licenses to use former brands of Saxone, Priceless and Stylo Matchmakers previously operated by Barratts.

In December, Harvey Jacobson, chairman of the Jacobson Group, was named among those who had acquired the intellectual property of Barratts. The partners are hoping to get the new business known as Barratts.co.uk operational by the end of next month.

Mr Jacobson will be company chairman with Mr Ziff being responsible for working with suppliers.