Fifteen borough businesses have "graduated" from a business development programme.

The firms joined the Made In Bury Business Academy in September and in the space of 10 months they completed 18 modules to "give them the knowledge and tools to future proof their businesses".

Aaron Hughes from Under Pressure Cleaning Valeting and Maintenance, Anne Beagan from The Health and Wellbeing Consultancy, Ben Bethel from Doggy Dude, Helen Barlow from Craft Hut Designs and Jade Majid from Jam Business Consulting took part in the programme.

James Murray from Hi-Line Roofing and Joinery, Kathryn McDonnell from MHM Products Ltd, Michelle Hollewyn from Holla HR, Nadia Myerson from Nadia Myerson Coaching, Natalie Ward from Jersey Girls Dairy Ice Cream and Raj Kundalia from Cybione have also passed the course.

Rebecca Robinson from Swim Steps Swim School, Rhyse Cathcart from So Good Pizzeria, Roselle Aspinall from ArtNSoul and Ulka Kulkarni from Fab Hats completed the course too.

New for the class of 2023 was the addition of patrons, 10 business owners who are aligned with Made in Bury’s vision of "helping tomorrow's businesses today".

The owners help to mentor the academy members and sit on a loan panel which will soon be offering interest-free loans to qualifying businesses.

This is funded by the Made in Bury Weekly £2,000 Draw.

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In a statement, Debi and Phil Fellone, of Made in Bury, said: “Every year, thousands of new businesses are formed here in the UK and national statistics tell us that six out of 10 of those businesses fail in their early years.

"The business academy was created in 2016 to help new business owners here in Bury, learn and grow, broadening their skills to help future-proof their businesses, since its formation we have helped 144 businesses.”

For more information about the business academy or any other Made in Bury events, contact Debi on 07968 153503 or email debi@madeinbury.co.uk.