Martin Mellor, founder and managing director of Calderdale-based Mellor Financial Management, launched the platform having run face to face finance training for businesspeople since forming his business in 2016.

Moving to offering live online training, Martin realised nobody was offering a truly interactive experience online and set the wheels in motion to build a bespoke platform in 2019, accelerating its development when COVID-19 hit.

Entrants provided a summary explaining how a stronger understanding of finances will support their businesses now and in the future with judges including finance and start-up business specialists scoring the applications.

The winners include Inspired Marketing, Connectably, Pixel Lab, Crescent VA and A Star Developments. 

Rachel Oates of winning firm Inspired Marketing commented: “I did an accountancy module as part of my business and marketing degree, but that was 20 years ago. I’ve been self-employed for a decade, so I do have an understanding of finances, but I tend to just work on the same things that I’ve always done. Initially I wanted to win and be able to do the course to help me in my role as a trustee for SACAR (a charity which helps adults with autism) and non-executive director for Freedom Personal Safety, but I am sure the course will add value to my business too.

“I’m absolutely delighted at winning the course and excited about the confidence, knowledge and the impact it will have on the not for profit organisations I work with.”

Founder of Mellor Financial Training Martin Mellor commented: “It’s a pleasure to be able to support the startup community through this competition. The winners demonstrated a good understanding of how finance knowledge will see their businesses navigate a way through the current uncertain times, and into the future.

“I’m really proud of the platform which has been in development for nine months. I can’t wait to see how the winners utilise the course over the next 12 months to thrive in business regardless of what happens in the wider world.”

The online platform has been created for people that own their own business or are managers/on a development path to be a manager or director who need a better understanding of finance and accounting.

A license costs £199 for 12-months access to the site with six core modules to be completed. A certificate is provided upon completion of the course.

To view the online finance training platform visit https://hub.mellorfinancialtraining.com/product/finance-for-non-finance-managers/.