Andrew Dick on board with travel venture

ONE of the founders of North West listed business advisory company Begbies Traynor has invested in a new events and travel services venture launched by former journalist David Parkin.

Andrew Dick is one of backers of COPA, which has been launched by Parkin, the founder and launch editor of TheBusinessDesk.com.

Other backers of the Leeds-based business are corporate financier Steve Roberts, co-founder of McInnes Corporate Finance and chairman of AIM quoted group Northern Bear and Dan Summerfield, a former director of lender Aldermore.

David Parkin said: “With the economy continuing to improve, more and more firms want to spend time with key clients and targets. The big question is what will attract the right people and deliver value?

“The days of the corporate ‘jolly’ are in the past but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make the time you spend with clients and contacts enjoyable and interesting while also delivering that all important return on investment.”

“Launching and growing a business is all about getting the right advice and support by working with talented people, it’s great to have that in Steve, Dan and Andrew,” he added.

Andrew Dick said: “David has unrivalled contacts and knowledge of the business community across the North of England and COPA has some innovative ideas on how to deliver great value from events and travel experiences. It has an exciting future and I’m pleased to be investing in it.”