Andy Norton from Seasons Best explains how working with Launchpad helped him to start a new venture.

Tell us about your company?

Seasons Best Sports Timing is a company that times running races.

We use MyLaps Timing Software, which is based in Amsterdam, and they provide timing equipment to the biggest races in the world The World Marathon Majors and Great Run Series etc.

I wanted to start my business using the best equipment in the game and add to this equipment every year, rather than start with cheap equipment and then get better stuff down the line.

Start as you mean to go on.

When did you first decide to start up on your own and what inspired you?

I started thinking about the practicalities of setting up my own business last Christmas as I was just about to turn 40 and I really didn’t want to work for anyone else anymore.

I wanted all my time, focus and energy to be spent growing something for myself and for my family.

So that’s when I started having meetings with MyLaps Timing to talk about costs and looking into if there was much competition in the area, which there wasn’t.

How has Launchpad helped you?

Launchpad has helped me as I used to work on big city centre races a few years ago on the organisation side and I have also timed a lot of races. Coming from a former Elite Running background, I have also competed in hundreds of races.

But in terms of setting up a business from scratch, I really didn’t know where to start and the Launchpad  start – up workshops really helped me to focus on what was needed.

What are your hopes and aims for the business?

I don’t want the company to be a massive company as I want to be able to provide outstanding personable customer service to a smaller number of clients. Also, coming out of the pandemic, a good work life balance is very important especially with two young children.

But so far having been in business a little over a month and having timed two races already, both of which have repeat booked for next year and one having left a five-star review on my Facebook page is really nice.

A runner who ran in one of those races has also booked us for next year so that is a really encouraging start.

Advisor statement from Gary Brocklesby, Launchpad business advisor:

“When Andy first reached out to me at Doncaster Chamber, I knew right away that he would be a great candidate for Launchpad. His business idea was unique and he also had a well-thought out plan, but he just needed a little advice to get started.

“So I organised for Andy to attend a few of our innovative courses and he found these to be useful. Since then, I have had the privilege of watching him fulfil his entrepreneurial dreams and seeing his business go from strength to strength. I am very proud to have been able to help him along the way.”

“Starting and growing a business is not easy and that’s why the Launchpad programme was created.  Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and our partners means there is no cost to the entrepreneur, so we can get straight to work on turning those dreams into reality.

“Stop dreaming and do it. Contact us for information now on 03330 00 00 39 or email growthhub@sheffieldcityregion.org.uk.”