Candle Digital, the organisation that gives companies the opportunity to sell their services online by turning their expertise into digital products, has moved to new premises at the University Business Centre in Halifax and announced that it has secured international clients in the US and China.
Just eighteen months after launching, Andy Jack and Mark Langdale, have used their experience from the online learning industry to create a company that gives SMEs the chance to scale their business using digital tools to sell their expertise, rather than just their time.
Taking the opportunity to access support from AD:VENTURE, the ERDF funded programme providing practical and match-funded support for SMEs, and Leeds Beckett University, the business has been able to put in place processes and plans that have seen it expand far quicker than was first intended.
Andy comments: ““Working with AD:VENTURE and Leeds Beckett University has given us the space and time to grow faster and in a more sustainable way. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support that we have received. We have a stronger understanding of who we are, why we’re doing this and who we should target. Rather than holding us back, the systems and processes that we now have in place have been a real catalyst for growth.
“Moving to our new offices and securing international clients is a huge step forward for us and we are looking forward to what the future holds.”
In addition to the offices and customers that the company has secured, it was also invited to take part in a recent trip to Copenhagen, as part of the Interreg scheme, supported by Leeds Beckett University.
Making further connections and contacts, the company now has more ideas and the opportunity to showcase its products to a much wider audience.
Jesse Stott, Business Centre Co-ordinator for the University of Halifax Business Centre, comments: “Candle Digital is a great example of an organisation that has recognised the value in the collaborative approach we adopt across our region and how this can impact on growth. We really do hope that more start-up and young businesses will do the same and rely on our professional network to sign-post them so that they get the help they need to reach their potential sooner.”
The Leader of Calderdale Council, Cllr Tim Swift, said: “Just over a month from its official launch, it’s great that the Leeds Beckett University Business Centre in Halifax is attracting ambitious local businesses.
“The support available at the Centre as part of AD:VENTURE’s Digital Shift programme is helping start-up and growing businesses to flourish, establishing Calderdale as the place to develop digital and creative business.”
