Nine local business leaders now backing Bury’s next generation of entrepreneurs as the Made in Bury Business Academy celebrates helping 182 start-ups.
The Made in Bury Patrons Club has entered its fourth year stronger than ever, with the addition of three new Patrons taking membership to nine respected local business leaders who share a commitment to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs across the borough.
Established in 2023, the Patrons Club was created to provide guidance, mentoring and strategic support to businesses participating in the Made in Bury Business Academy. Since then, its role has expanded significantly, with Patrons now also forming the decision making panel for the Interest Free Loans programme, helping ensure funding reaches the local start-ups with the greatest potential to succeed.
Alongside Headline Partners Warren Court of Aspin Group, the Patrons Club includes Sara Beaumont of WHN Solicitors, Liam Gately of Complete Care, Andy Berry of Berry Electrical Services, Katy Richardson of Cross Plant Hire and Josh Morris of Busy Bins.
This year they are joined by three new Patrons, Priyanka Batra of Red Hall Hotel, Lyndsey Hopkinson of Angel Face Jewellery and Dave Berry of Ponds Northwest, further strengthening the breadth of experience, expertise and support available.
Together, the nine Patrons represent a diverse range of industries and business experience, bringing invaluable knowledge, insight and support to aspiring entrepreneurs across the borough.
This year also sees the launch of the Patrons Forum; a new feature designed exclusively for Patrons. Based on the proven Mastermind principle, the Forum provides a dedicated opportunity for members to discuss key business challenges, opportunities and trends, share best practice and learn from one another’s experiences.
While the Patrons Club exists primarily to support the Business Academy and give back to the local business community, the Forum creates additional value for the Patrons who understand the challenges and responsibilities of running successful businesses.
Phil and Debi Fellone, Managing Partners of Made in Bury Ltd, said:
“Every Patron share’s our belief that successful business owners have a responsibility to help the next generation of business owners and as a group are making a genuine difference to the future of business in Bury.
The addition of three new Patrons this year brings even more expertise and different perspectives to the group, which ultimately benefits every business that comes through the Academy.”
Since launching in 2016, the Made in Bury Business Academy has supported 182 local start-up businesses through its structured development programme. Over 55% of Academy graduates remain in business today, that’s more than double the national average for start-up survival.
The Academy provides a practical programme of 18 bespoke business modules delivered across 19 interactive sessions, helping new business owners build strong foundations and develop clear plans for sustainable growth.
Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Academy programme, which begins in September.
Businesses less than three years old and based in Bury are invited to attend a free Discovery Meeting on Tuesday 9th June from 6pm to 7pm at Europa House, BusinessLodge, Bury, BL9 5BT.
The Discovery Meeting provides prospective Academy members with the opportunity to learn more about the programme, meet current and former Academy participants, speak directly with Patrons and Mentors, and discover how the Academy has helped hundreds of local entrepreneurs build stronger, more sustainable businesses.
Made in Bury would also like to acknowledge the ongoing support of sponsors BusinessLodge, and thank Abigail Court of Aspin FM, Oliver Caunt of JCS Nuclear Solutions, Luke Millington of Stay N Play Doggy Daycare and Lisa Moore of Cosalea Café Bars, all of whom continue to play an important role in supporting local entrepreneurs through mentoring and business development.
For further information about the Made in Bury Business Academy, Interest Free Loans programme or Discovery Meeting, please contact Debi Fellone on 07968 153503 or email debi@madeinbury.co.uk.
