Young Entrepreneur Takes The Wheel With Start Up Land Rover Hire Business
Dan Petch is 18 years old and finishing sixth form. He lives in the heart of some of Yorkshire’s finest landscape and takes pleasure in exploring it in his Land Rover Defender.
Many people dream of upping-sticks from the daily grind and starting something new. For Dan that idea came before university and Yorkshire Land Rover Hire was founded.
Combining his passion for the legendary vehicle and the Yorkshire countryside, Dan found an unexpected gap in the market for specialist vehicle hire. With support from his parents, he approached the Business Enterprise Fund to help fund the venture.
Using the funds from his Start Up Loan, Dan was able to have a website built, create promotional materials and purchase vehicle insurance. The treasured family Land Rover was now a working vehicle, prepared to lead tourists and locals into the countryside.
The Land Rover, as a vehicle, has practically become part of the landscape. “When you see it, it fits in with the scenery. They’re like nothing else to drive and you can see over the drystone walls” he said.
With two vehicles now in the fleet, Dan has created a sustainable business before he goes to university. His business offers packages in the deal, from bike racks to on board cameras where customers can record their adventure.
Yorkshire Land Rover Hire picks up much of its business from the tourism sector. As members of Welcome to Yorkshire and adding value to the package, the business is thriving and more Land Rovers will be added to the fleet in the coming years.
The utilitarian machine is very capable and has also caught the eyes of others, such as a duty vet who hired it during the Skipton Horse Trials.
As a proud Yorkshire-man who’s into adventure Dan wanted to show visitors the county from his viewpoint.
“It’s not about green laning and off roading. We want our customers to have that authentic experience; it’s much more than a hire car. We’re about showing off Yorkshire from a different perspective.”
When a business needs the resources to grow, BEF are there to provide funding and support, for both the emerging and established. Dan has proved that a passion driven idea can turn into a unique and thriving young business.
“People would comment, what a lovely car, we thought we could make some money from this! But the great thing about BEF is they don’t just give you the money they advise you too, it’s a really good scheme.”
Once a business is off the ground, BEF continue to support the businesses they have funded thereby promoting growth in the economy.
Yorkshire Land Rover Hire continues to expand their offering and are currently working with other local businesses to provide bicycle hire, on board hampers and camping equipment.
BEF believe that business lending should never just be about the cash, find out how they can help you today.
Yorkshire Land Rover Hire are back at the Skipton Horse Trials on August the 8th and 9th, see them there!
http://www.yorkshirelandroverhire.co.uk
~ENDS~
Notes to Editors:
The Business Enterprise Fund provides loans from £500 to £150,000 to businesses that are unable to raise the finance they require from mainstream lenders. Lending up to 100% of the proposition across all sectors BEF has assisted over 2000 businesses since making its first loan in 2004.
Funding can be for all business needs including cash flow, assets and expansion plus those applicants with poor credit are also considered. In addition to their Bradford base, BEF operates from local offices in both York and Leeds and has recently expanded into the North East with an office in Darlington. In 2014 BEF has celebrated its 10th birthday.
The Business Enterprise Fund is a social enterprise and a Community Development Finance Institution, all our profits and reinvested in the company to further our social aims.
The Business Enterprise Fund, Devere House, Vicar Lane, Bradford, BD1 5AH