Member Article

Company Gives Insight Into Unique Software And Systems

Entrepreneur Currently Campaigning To Put Public Speaking Struggle To Bed By Delivering Pitch In Front Of ’Inspiration’

The founder of an innovative online discount retailer which specialises in surplus stock and food that’s past its best-before-date is to deliver a talk to delegates at this year’s Manufactured Yorkshire conference about the company’s bespoke software and how to build a loyal customer base as an online business.

Entrepreneur Dan Cluderay, who first launched Approved Food in 2008, will be delivering a talk entitled “Building Your Business On-line” at the Food and Drink dedicated day on Wednesday 10th June at the John Smiths Stadium in Huddersfield.

Dan said: “I really enjoy having the opportunity to talk to an audience about the journey that Approved Food has been on since we launched, taking the business from a small start-up in my garage to where it is now.

“One of the things that makes the business unique is that we undertake all our own systems and software development in-house, meaning we are well placed to respond to our customers’ and business needs. We can make changes and improvements extremely quickly and this gives us a tremendous competitive advantage in the marketplace.

“Being able to stand up and showcase what we have achieved, and how other similar businesses can do the same, is probably my favourite part of the job at the moment. When I was younger I suffered from quite a serious stammer which really knocked my confidence, but over the years I have overcome my fears and now I can’t think of anything more fun!”

Dan’s talk at the conference on Wednesday this week is partly in preparation for his potential pitch to entrepreneurial inspiration Sir Richard Branson in the Virgin Media “Pitch to Rich” competition.

Dan said: “Considering where I have come from its safe to say I’m no longer a stranger to the limelight now, but the next challenge and the opportunity to pitch to Sir Richard Branson and his team is certainly one of the more scary presentations I may face.”

Earlier this year Dan was featured pitching his wares to the BBC’s Dragons, as well as appearing ITV’s recent series Bargain Fever Britain and chatting to the panel on Loose Women.

After being made redundant from his job as telecoms engineer for Sony Ericsson, Dan went back to his family roots to make ends meet; grafting as a market trader in Hull and Doncaster.

Taking the Virgin founders advice to ‘be bold’ and ‘challenge yourself’ Dan combined his entrepreneurial spirit and a degree in Business Computing from the University of Hull to start Approved Food from his home in Worksop.

Dan said: “When I first started out trying to develop my own business I could never imagine having the ability or confidence to speak to so many people under pressure. I’ve really challenged myself to get this far and I am really glad I am able to share my passion for business and the knowledge I’ve gained.”

40-year-old Dan is now campaigning for more votes to get him to the final stage in Pitch to Rich and the opportunity to pitch to the Virgin founder.

Vote for Approved Food here – http://www.virginmediabusiness.co.uk/pitch-to-rich/grow/approved-food-/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by MK Things Happen .