A GROWTH-boosting partnership project run by Bradford Council has been hailed a success by local entrepreneurs.

The Northern MAX2 ‘accelerator’ project supported 24 local businesses with specialist one-to-one mentoring and workshops. It helped create four business start-ups and seven new jobs. Mentors provided intensive advice on business growth including marketing, strategy and financial planning. The workshops included concentrated sessions on building a better business, digital marketing, brand development and tenders.

Northern MAX2 was open to Bradford tech companies and Leeds City Region companies under three years old with less than 250 employees. It is the second ‘Accelerator’ to be run in Bradford and is part-funded by the Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

Agency For Good Ltd named New Business of the Year at Bradford Means Business Awards

Following support, flagship digital marketing company, Agency for Good, won New Business of the Year at the Bradford Means Business Awards and was shortlisted for the Keighley Business Awards.

Rich Sutcliffe, Director of Agency for Good Ltd, an ethical digital marketing agency, said: “The programme has enabled me to reach the next level of growth and social impact.

“Without the support of the Accelerator, I would not be where I am today - a winner of the New Business of the Year Awards at the Bradford Means Business Awards.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “It has been a pleasure for us to manage and deliver this programme and I am pleased that businesses now have the tools to reach that next platform for growth. Bradford is thriving with young, entrepreneurial businesses and we are delighted to be part of their journey.

“Collaboration and partnership have also played a pivotal role with support from a range of partners, ranging from local accountants through to multi-national digital corporations.”