The Best of Blackburn 05.06.2009
Blackburn’s best assets are only a click away thanks to one man’s successful marketing venture.
‘The Best of Blackburn’ online business directory is a No Limits Get Set success story after the business support initiative gave creator Peter Healey the backing and advice he needed.
Peter was introduced to No Limits Get Set programme when he moved into his current office at the Blackburn Rovers Enterprise Centre six months ago.
No Limits Get Set offers tailored start-up support, complete with ideas development, one-to-one advice with accredited business advisors, workshops and access to finance
“I was in the early stages of setting up and I needed an expert’s input to the business,” said Peter.
“My advisor, Terry Bryars, was just what I needed to help take the business forward; he guided me through the applications for funding and training, gave me the format for cash flow projections and introduced me to a marketing and sales course.”
Peter said that he struggled to find a service as compatible as No Limits, as they either didn’t understand his business idea or they failed to provide the support and advice he needed.
“From day one I knew that it was going to be a successful business partnership as Terry knew exactly what needed to be done to make my business work.
“Terry helped me to adjust the franchise business model to match my requirements.
“I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am today without the Get Set team. I could contact Terry now and he’d gladly advise me on anything I needed to know - knowing I have that support makes a difference,” he said.
Rona McFall, No Limits Get Set project leader, said: “Peter is doing really well; he’s recently expanded to take on the ‘Best of Preston’ site which proves how well he’s doing.
“Terry will continue to help and advise Peter on any queries or problems he may have and they regularly have follow-up meetings to support Peter’s business ventures,” she concluded.
The business directory is divided into 44 easy search categories and advertises local businesses including interior design, delicatessens, pet shops and health and safety specialists.
Every business that is featured on the website has been visited and checked out by the Best of Blackburn team and has been recommended by other local people.
He said: “It’s important to retain quality listings; I only take people with client’s testimonials. The site wouldn’t work if the businesses featured weren’t truly the best.”
Get Set is funded by No Limits which has secured an initial £30m of government funding to regenerate the Pennine Lancashire Economy through supporting new and growing businesses, creating up to 13,000 jobs and 4,000 companies over the next decade.
No Limits is a partnership which includes Lancashire County Council, the local authorities of Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn and Pendle as well as Burnley FC, Accrington Stanley and Blackburn Rovers.
The Best of Blackburn can be viewed at www.thebestof.co.uk/local/blackburn or you can contact Peter on 0844 800 2775.
To learn more about how Get Set and No Limits can help start and grow your business, call 0800 612 2029 or visit www.no-limits.org.uk.
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