Tangerine business is sweet for Scott

Scott Holliday, who worked for the Daily Star and the Daily Express, now helps Fylde Coast businesses as a social media consultant, helping to reach out to consumers using the power of the internet.

His company, 87Tangerines Social Media (he is a Blackpool FC fan)offers bespoke online marketing services such as advertising, social media management and search engine optimisation. Scott said: “Social media is the fastest growing form of marketing and enterprises are starting to catch on to this.

“Gone are the days where people only go on there to talk to their friends and family. There is an opportunity to speak directly to your consumers. The only thing is; it is time-consuming and confusing to some – that’s where 87Tangerines Social Media comes in. We offer a range of services to help businesses; from consultancy and training to complete management.

“Since launching last year I have been really busy. I have clients right across the UK with everything from a national bread distributor to a big sports events company.

“I am at the point where I need to take on more staff as I target new markets.”

Scott, 27, took part in Blackpool Council’s Get Started programme which can help people turn their dreams of starting up in business into a reality. The programme offers everything from assistance in attracting start-up loans to one to one advice, seminars, training and support – all for free. The programme – part of the Start Up Lancashire service supported by the European Regional Development Fund – has been incredibly successful, helping more than 1,000 companies “Get Started” in seven years.

Scott said: “I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for the Get Started programme.

“They helped me put together a business plan, offered start up courses and helped me gain funding. It didn’t end there though.

“They have been on hand to help me develop my sales skills, both via mentoring as well as bespoke selling courses, specifically designed to help post start new businesses.

“Confidence is the one thing all new businesses need and Get Started has boosted mine enormously.”