Introducing the Lancashire Telegraph campaign's 'Dragons' (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Introducing the Lancashire Telegraph campaign's 'Dragons'
9:17am Friday 1st May 2009 in Business
John Getty, chief executive of PDS Engineering, Nelson
A passionate advocate of East Lancashire business, John’s company manufactures components for the thriving aerospace sector. PDS, which specialises in record-breaking vehicles, worked on the
land-speed record-breaking car Thrust 2.
He said: “I think this campaign is superb because if we do not stick together none of us will be here when things pick up again. It is a wonderful initiative and one we should all support.”
Imran Hakim, inventor of the iTeddy for children
Having appeared on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, Imran secured £140,000 for his innovative iTeddy and now has contracts in 45 countries for the product. He became the first millionaire to be created by
the show.
A self-made businessman, Imran also owns two optometry practices in East Lancashire and has his own management company, HO2, to oversee his burgeoning business empire.
Steve Gray, chief executive, Training 2000, Blackburn
Steve started his working life as an apprentice auto electrician and went on to spend 19 years at BAE Systems where he managed its apprenticeship programme. He has been chief executive Training
2000 since September 2005.
He said: “Supporting Our Businesses is a great campaign and I’m delighted to lend my support. In times like these working together is key and by supporting initiatives like this, hopefully we can help to strengthen our local businesses.”
Khalid Saifullah, relationship manager Business Link Northwest
Khalid is responsible for co-ordinating engagement with stakeholders and partners across the county to help provide business support for small and medium sized companies.
A formidable figure in Lancashire’s business community, Khalid joined Business Link Northwest in April 2008.
He said: “I am keen to reach out to businesses in East Lancashire to ensure that they understand the support that is available through the recession. Our ultimate aim is to help sustain jobs and prosperity in the area.”
