Russell Conneely of New Biz Express is named as Otley and Wharfedale StartUp Local Champion

 

Otley entrepreneur Russell Conneely has been named as Otley’s StartUp Local Champion by the national campaign StartUp Britain.
Russell, who runs New Biz Express in Otley, will be using his new position to help nurture the growing number of start-up businesses in the area by organising regular workshops and networking sessions as well as lobbying the local authorities on issues facing small business.
Russell said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen as the StartUp Local champion for Otley and Wharfedale. I set up my own start-up business consultancy from scratch, so I understand what help people need when they are setting up a business – and I know that help and support in the early stages can make a difference to long-term success.

“Otley and Wharfedale’s small business community needs all the help and support it can get so it can grow and flourish in these difficult economic times. Being the StartUp Local champion means I can offer advice and guidance as well as encouraging others to have the confidence to consider going it alone and starting the business they have always dreamed of.”
Russell took the plunge and left his job 6 years ago and set up in his back bedroom with an old PC and a tiny printer. Since then he has been involved in two successful businesses.
StartUp Britain is a national campaign that was launched by the Prime Minister David Cameron in 2011 to encourage start-up growth in the UK. Since then record numbers of people have been looking to set up businesses. The campaign now has more than 100 local champions who take the campaign to the heart of their local business community.
Campaign co-founder and director Emma Jones said: “We are really pleased Russell could join our campaign as our local champ for Otley and Wharfedale. He’s already proved he is an accomplished entrepreneur, so it wasn’t a hard decision to appoint him!
“He’s got exactly what you need as an entrepreneur – bags of energy, loads of ideas and real can-do attitude. We know he’ll do a great job and we wish him every success.”
Last year more than 400,000 new businesses were registered with Companies House, a record to date with more expected this year. More than 60% of start-ups now emerge out of the home environment. Good business practice in the early stages is key, with more businesses surviving past the crucial three years if they get the help they need early on.
Russell added: “I’m passionate about supporting the local business community in any way I can. I hope people will get in touch and register as a StartUp Britain member so we can all work together for the good of the local economy.”