Free workshops and mentoring gives new credit check company a boost

A Fylde man who set up a company last August, has accessed free support and finance to help it grow and create jobs in the next year.

Vito Cinardi set up Risk Intel, a credit checking service, after recognising that an increase in ID fraud means that many businesses can reduce risk and losses by running various verification checks. The company can perform driving licence, criminal record and qualification checks, amongst others, to help businesses of all kinds avoid unwelcome surprises.

To help start the business, Vito accessed free support through a start up programme delivered by Regenerate Pennine Lancashire and Winning Pitch, as part of Boost Business Lancashire. Boost is the £7.2m Lancashire Growth Hub supported by the European Regional Development Fund. It is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013.

Vito was able to access several free workshops on sales and business development techniques, and worked along several mentors who were able to help Vito gain a greater understanding of how he could grow his business.

On completion of the workshops, Vito also received a £5,000 growth voucher through Regenerate, which will contribute towards the cost of a new website with automated features to help aid management processes.

As a result, Vito hopes to create 5 or more roles at the company in the next year.

Vito said: "The support has helped us look at funding aspects and development strategies that in turn gave us a clear direction rather than a scatter-gun approach. The whole experience gave me a great insight into how and where the business should be heading.

"I'd recommend any business, whether new start or established, to contact Boost and get with the programme."

Businesses looking to sign up to Boost's growth programmes can use our online form or call 0800 488 0057.