Worksop: Business lands £100k in funding from top entrepreneur Richard Branson

A Worksop entrepreneur is ‘overwhelmed’ at the support he has received after coming face-to-face with his inspiration Sir Richard Branson and winning a £100k Virgin Media backed marketing campaign.

Following an eventful few weeks campaigning for online votes from residents to reach the final, Approved Food’s Dan Cluderay had just over two minutes to pitch the bargain business to the Virgin Media founder and his judging team.

Despite being pipped at the post for first prize by JustPark, an on-line Parking App, Dan is ‘thrilled’ to have been part of the Pitch to Rich Virgin Media Business competition.

Dan said, “The whole experience has been a whirlwind of emotions up to the final. The support we received in the voting rounds was overwhelming and to be actually there in front of the panel was a bit terrifying to be fair.”

Approved Food was launched by Dan on Worksop market and is now based in Sheffield.

The business, which works to reduce food waste, sourcing stock from manufacturers and others in the supply chain that may have otherwise been headed for landfill. received positive feedback and encouragement from judges during the pitch.

Dan’s business partner, Andy Needham, who accompanied him to the final added: “To explain your business in two minutes is not easy.”

“I think we got a little caught out in that the multi-millionaire panel might not be quite as concerned at saving £50 quid on their weekly shop, as in this case, being able to park in somewhere like the centre of London!”

“It’s not a problem we really have up here in the North but saving money and stopping food waste is definitely an issue that really affects everyone in the country.”

You can visit Approved Food at http://www.approvedfood.co.uk