A Leeds-based agency has launched a support package to help budding entrepreneurs bring their ideas to market.

The new service from Zeal helps with market viability studies, branding, and digital marketing. It also offers new businesses access to a network of advisors ranging from funding providers to professional services and helps to secure grants.

Commenting on the launch, Jane Slimming, CEO at Zeal, said: "Yorkshire is a powerhouse of entrepreneurship and creativity, but every business needs a trusted network to thrive. I know from starting my own business how hard it can be to navigate the challenges of growing a business. We've designed and developed a comprehensive support service for startups to help them scale up."

Based on a review of data from CreditSafe, the most recent study from R3, the UK's insolvency and restructuring trade group, reveals that Yorkshire and the Humber had a solid start to the year, with startups rising by 34% from the previous month in January 2023. The figures increased in February, peaking at 5,315 in March. They increased to 4,782 in May, an increase of 11.5% from April.

Zeal has developed a range of ways to finance its support, from flexible fee arrangements to revenue share for e-commerce companies.

The agency has already supported a broad range of startups, including wetsuit company Yonda, North Brewing Co, and Grubby, the UK's first 100% plant-based recipe kit.

Zeal is using the latest technology to reduce the barriers to advanced e-commerce and ensure that brands can communicate directly with customers to build loyalty and drive sales. Its team of 35 experts span everything from branding and design to SEO, PPC and programmatic advertising.