SME: 3DU, Bizspace, Top Collar

BARNSLEY technology company 3DU has secured rights to become the UK distributor of a screen protector for smartphones that can turn 2D into 3D without glasses.

Set up just 3 months ago at the Digital Media Centre, 3DU is preparing for its launch of the product.

The firm employs four people and benefits from business support and advice from the Centre.

23 year-old Tom Kitchen-Dunn, managing director at 3DU, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for the company, we’ve just recently launched our brand new website, and we’re now taking pre-orders on the screen protectors.

“We’re already looking at ways that we can expand the business and keep growing. The possibilities are endless when it comes to 3D; it’s just about creating and implementing them.”

Enterprising Barnsley’s John Heckingbottom said: “Everything seems to be going 3D these days and it was only a matter of time before the devices that we carry around all day joined that trend.

“It’s great that the company that is going to be making our handheld devices 3D is right here in Barnsley. Tom has great knowledge on the subject, and we’re confident that the company is going to be a huge success.”

***

BIZSPACE has created nine offices at Calderdale Business Park for small businesses in the Halifax area.

They will be located in a self-contained area for fledgling businesses at the park.

Business centre manager Tom Harrowell explained: “We have a fantastic mix of businesses at Calderdale Business Park, from large industrial businesses, to charities and even a skate park and departments of Halifax College.

“We decided to refurbish a large unit at the site and transform it into nine smaller workspaces to help young businesses in the area access high quality, affordable business space and interact with other local companies.

“The start-up hub is ideal as it’s a bright fresh workspace and has its own kitchen and eating area where customers will be able to meet, get to know one another and hopefully do business together. There will be a real community spirit about the place.”

Bizspace’s sales and marketing director, Emma Long, commented: “At Bizspace we are very much focused on helping startups and young businesses achieve their goals and we offer the products and support to enable them to succeed. We are looking forward to welcoming a new generation of entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground in Halifax.”

***

TOP COLLAR, a handmade dog treats firm, is the latest firm to sign up to the Entrepreneurial Spark scheme, powered by NatWest.

24 year-old Sophie Tregellis launched her business after attending the University of Leeds, and fully established it in 2013.

All ingredients are sourced from Yorkshire butchers, fishmongers and grocers.

Ms Tregellis said: “All of our biscuits are made with ingredients which are locally sourced. We know pet owners want what’s best for their animals and we deliver on this with our products. I have customers across the country and regularly show at events such as the Great Yorkshire Show as well as dog shows.

“I am looking forward to working in the collaborative environment that is being created at the Hatchery. I know I can learn from the other entrepreneurs while also putting Top Collar in the best place to move forward as a business by drawing on the experts from Entrepreneurial Spark and NatWest.”

Based at NatWest’s office in The Headrow, Leeds, the Hatchery will include physical office space, superfast internet, a start-up bootcamp, dedicated mentoring, regular events, workshops and training – all free of charge.

Dale Sidebottom, Entrepreneurial Development Manager at NatWest, said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Top Collar and the other Chiclets when the Hatchery opens in Leeds this August. All of the businesses taking part bring with them unique stories and areas of expertise, and we know those involved in the Leeds cohort will be given an excellent platform for further success.”