THEY are the business!

Last month saw the graduation of 17 business from the Made in Bury Business Academy.

Businesses included a kitchen studio, a web designer, a pub/restaurant, a photographer and a doggy day care amongst others.

Now in its third year, the Made in Bury Business Academy is a 12-month funded programme sponsored by Bury Council and thebestofbury and is a great support system for businesses trading less than two years.

Debi and Phil Fellone from Made in Bury Ltd described why they started the Academy. They said: “Every year thousands of new businesses are formed and a high percentage of those fail.

“The national statistics for a new start-up business surviving the first couple of years is scary and the Academy was created to help new business owners here in Bury broaden their skills and future-proof their business.

“We deliver 18 business modules covering branding, marketing, networking, selling skills and time management to name a few.

“Over the last couple of years 33 businesses have graduated and continue to grow from strength to strength.”

Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, said: “Supporting new local businesses is a key priority for Bury Council.

“The long-term sustainability of Bury’s economy depends upon its ability to stimulate entrepreneurial activity, and new business start-ups have a huge part to play. I am delighted to support the Made in Bury Business Academy and look forward to seeing the fruits of its work in terms of employment, investment and creativity.”

The graduation meeting was held at Bury BusinessLodge and was attended by the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Jane Black who presented the certificates.

For more information and to apply please contact debi@madeinbury.co.uk.