Success sees accelerator programme Spark Up for third time

A BUSINESS accelerator programme has helped Merseyside start-ups generate more than £450,000 since it launched in 2014.

Due to the success of Spark Up, founder Jenny Stewart has announced that a third programme will run later this year,

Thirty-seven businesses were awarded a place on Spark Up’s most recent 20 week programme and between them they have increased their collective turnover by around 163% and created employment opportunities for an additional 15 local people.

Ms Stewart is hoping to recruit up to fifty entrepreneurs for the next programme and will look to offer up to three programmes a year in 2016, giving more Merseyside entrepreneurs the chance to take part.

The programme will continue to be supported by Liverpool and Sefton Chambers of Commerce, Natwest, the University of Liverpool, Glow New Media and the BIG Partnership.

Ms Stewart said: “Over the past twenty weeks I have watched our entrepreneurs grow as individuals and, with that, grow their businesses. Their commercial acumen has increased tenfold, and with it their tenacity, drive and confidence in creating a sustainable, successful business.

“Their success proves that there is an appetite in Liverpool for supporting and inspiring new businesses, which is why we have been motivated to launch another programme starting in October which will be bigger, brighter and bolder than before.

“Spark Up has demonstrated there is entrepreneurial talent in Liverpool and we have the means to generate growth from within.”

One success story is Franklin Energy, a Liverpool-based firm which installs electrical vehicle charging systems. It was set up in November 2013 by graduates Rob Byrne and Dan Leaper.

The entrepreneurial duo enrolled on the Spark Up programme, with hopes of accelerating their business growth taking advice from leading business mentors on how to turn their ideas into reality.

With the help of Spark Up, Franklin Energy has been able to grow its turnover fourfold since November 2014 and secure employment for two new members of staff. It has also secured a five figure investment from the Merseyside Special Investment Fund (MSIF).

Mr Byrne said: “Spark Up has given us significant assistance from contacts for investment through to advice on our business model. It has also helped to raise our profile and promote the services we offer across Merseyside.

“We now have an investable business plan, proven business model and are now at the stage to where we can apply for substantial funding. We are currently working with several location partners across the UK to deploy our privately funded network of electric vehicle charging stations, which we will own and operate – all of which will be managed from our very own back office here in Liverpool.”

Applications for Spark Up will open on July 27, via the Spark Up website and close on August 23.