About Us
The Localbiz idea was developed in 2003, following a chance meeting in Keighley West Yorkshire, of the two founders of Localbiz, Ian Linnegan and Alan Drew. The idea sounded ‘enterprising’, and with support from the Learning and Skills Council in Yorkshire and a small grant from the Department of Trade and Industry, the Localbiz concept was born.
In July 2009, Localbiz Project Limited was formally created. This came after the Whitston Group spotted the opportunity to invest, following Ian's submission of the investment proposal to YABA (Yorkshire Asssociation of Business Angels), based in Harrogate.
With help from Justin Whitston, the business model was completely redesigned to deliver a true 'Enterprise Journey' for students, whilst at the same time combining a real revenue opportuinity for the schools involved.
In September 2009, The Whitston Group formally placed a six figure investment into the project with the formal launch of the new software platform in the first quarter of 2010.
Ian Linnegan
Managing Director
Results from pilot study learn more