A family firm want to use their city-business expertise to grow the next generation of Macclesfield entrepreneurs.

Ioannou Ventures (IV), helps businesses reach the next level. They've just celebrated their three-year anniversary.

Ran by husband-and-wife team George and Zoe Ioannou, the Bollington residents work inside a shared office space in Macclesfield.

"I can help a business in every step of the journey," said George.

"Whether you've got an idea, through to whether you want to scale your business to its full potential.

"I provide personal expertise, infrastructure, or a network. I can recruit a Head of Marketing for someone, for example, or someone in HR.

"I'm taking the sweat equity [work someone does to build up value without a salary]. So I work for that, in return of a percentage.

"Think of it as like It is like Dragon's Den but without the money."

This means IV's services are accessible for everyone, from start-ups with no cashflow, to experiences companies looking for a leg up.

Having spent years working in London, George has a knack for seeing good ideas and knowing how to make them grow.

"I'm interested in helping things grow that would appeal to the masses", added George.

"Especially if it is digital, and it is a great idea. Whether it is a learning platform, or it uses AI or machine learning, I'm looking to solve a problem through digital.

The pair want to mentor and coach young companies and help them expand.

"Whether it is getting a customer service line set up at a call centre for them, or an online chatbot. Essentially we are using our enterprise experience to help and develop their business, and in return we are taking the piece of the pie.

"And that has benefits for both parties, as we are not a third party looking to make a profit out of them. It is in our interest to scale the business enough that it is valuable, so our effort is of value. That's how sweat equity works.

"Zoe's strengths are different. I look after the business side, front of house to the customer, and Zoe is there to look at what the business needs."

"A lot of the stuff I do is looking at enhancing the talent companies have, looking at the behavioural and management capability that they have got," said Zoe.

The pair work inside SebSpace, Macclesfield, on Hulley Road.

"If you think of scaling a company, what you need in the background is prepare them for what is to come around the corner.

"I do a lot of personality profiling for companies, to help the personnel and the company deal with change. Such as finding them a media trainer."

George and Zoe, who live in north west Bollington, gave up the community to focus on helping local start-ups.

"COVID was a game-changer", explained George.

Want IV to help your seed of an idea grow? Get in touch using the red link below. (Image by eko pramono from Pixabay)

"Before the pandemic, I think I had never really put our kids to bed during the week because of work.

"We moved to Bollington over 15 years ago, as Zoe is from Poynton. But I had been working away in London, commuting down on the Sunday for the week.

"But when COVID hit I realised I liked being at home having family dinners. So if I could make something work with my skills in that time, it could work. So I thought let me just try this [IV] out."

From this, a drive to help start-ups from Macclesfield has blossomed.

"I'm looking to make an impact rather than just cash out," revealed George.

"This for me is a passion play. If I can help mentor a couple of people and see how it goes over the next few months, I'll be happy."

Before IV, George worked as a graphic designer, then moving into e-commerce as a creative director.

"It has been really interesting working together as a couple in the workplace for the first time," added Zoe.

"We bring completely different things to the table. We provide a good mix of skills to help our clients."

Macclesfield: You can get in touch with Ioannou Ventures by clicking the red link.

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