Huddersfield businesses join forces for £20k startup support drive

A group of Huddersfield businesses has joined forces to offer a fully comprehensive support package for one startup based in the town.

Marketing and PR agency KC Communications is leading a lineup of local firms to offer 12 months of pro bono business support worth more than £20k.

Joining KC Communications is business coaching and mentoring consultant Natasha McCreesh from PiP to Grow Strong, who will be offering her ‘Start Strong’ coaching package, worth £5,000.

Also on board is business recovery specialist Poppleton and Appleby, which will provide a risk analysis and feedback session along with two quarterly review meetings worth £1,500.

The chosen startup will likewise receive a two-hour startup session with accounting advice from Sheards Accountants.

The package includes complimentary places on Connection19 events throughout the year and hot-desking opportunities at both the KC Communications office and the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre on Firth Street.

The competition originally started as an offer of 12 months’ free marketing and PR support worth £15k with KC Communications, but other local businesses were quick to sign up and add their support.

Katrina Cliffe, founder of KC Communications, said: “It is fantastic to see that other local businesses are on board and willing to offer free-of-charge services to support startup businesses in the Huddersfield area.

“We are committed to working together to create a strong business community in the town by enabling startups to get the support that they need locally, rather than having to head to Leeds or Manchester.”

Poppleton and Appleby’s Charles Brook commented: “Getting a successful business up and running is complex. A financial review will help you to highlight any future peaks and troughs in trading where finances may be stressed an enable you to manage your cash flow.

“We are delighted to partner with KC Communications in this startup competition to offer financial business advice to the winner.”

The competition is open to new businesses with a HD postcode that are less than three years old with a turnover under £250k. Applications, to be made on the KC Communications website, are open until February 14.

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