Counter Expands Consultancy Partnerships with Skipton Building Society & MAG

Tech consultancy Counter, a division of Northcoders, has secured new contracts with Skipton Building Society and Manchester Airports Group (MAG), further embedding its model of deploying skilled technologists into UK-based organisations.

Founded by Chris Hill (CEO of Northcoders), Amul Batra (MD), and James Brookes, Counter builds dedicated technology teams that align with clients' long-term goals. Following the successful integration of its data engineering team at Skipton in 2024, the building society has signed a second consultancy contract to support the development of new customer web and mobile applications. The partnership aligns with Skipton’s broader strategy to enhance internal tech capabilities, offering Counter consultants the option to transition into permanent roles.

Meanwhile, in the travel sector, MAG has extended its contract with Counter for an additional three months. The consultancy’s embedded team will continue improving MAG’s airport websites and mobile experience across Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands airports.

Counter specialises in assembling UK-based tech teams proficient in modern cloud, AI/ML, and software solutions, often leveraging Northcoders’ alumni and Tech Returners network. The consultancy’s flexible engagement model allows clients to integrate consultants as full-time employees at no extra cost.

Amul Batra, MD of Counter, noted the growing demand for their services, citing the recent contract wins as a testament to the firm’s approach in delivering tailored, high-impact solutions.

Alongside these partnerships, Counter has also strengthened its leadership team, appointing Andrew Saich as client growth lead, Matt Ward as growth adviser, and Harriet Howell-Black as engagement lead - all reporting to Batra.

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SportsShoes.com Sprints Past 150,000 App Downloads

West Yorkshire-based SportsShoes.com has reached a major milestone, with its first-ever mobile app surpassing 150,000 downloads in just six months.

Founded by Bruce Bannister, the Shipley-headquartered retailer, which stocks over 17,000 products from 150 global running and outdoor brands, launched the app in August 2024 as part of its strategy to enhance digital engagement and customer experience. The platform offers personalised product recommendations, exclusive competitions, and membership integrations, including England Athletics profile syncing for tailored content. A partnership with Vitality also allows members to access exclusive discounts.

The app’s rapid uptake has contributed to a 22% increase in international sales in the first half of the company’s latest financial year, supporting its broader growth strategy.

Brett Bannister, managing partner of SportsShoes.com, reflected on the app’s early success:

“The response from the running and fitness community has been fantastic. This milestone is a testament to our commitment to delivering a seamless shopping experience and engaging content across multiple platforms. It also opens new doors for innovation as we continue to connect with and serve our customers.”

The app launch is part of a £4.6 million investment in technology, people, and processes, which includes a major replatforming of the retailer’s UK and international websites as SportsShoes.com continues its expansion.

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Bolt Cover Secures £380,000 in Funding Through FundMyPitch

Insurtech startup Bolt Cover has successfully raised £380,000 through FundMyPitch (FMP), marking a significant step forward in its current funding round.

Founded by Jamie Hamer (CEO), Tori Hutchinson (COO) & Richard Smith (CTO), Bolt Cover is reshaping the insurance industry with a scalable and transparent approach to asset protection. The latest investment represents 19% of the company’s funding goal, with backing from a network of investors introduced through FMP’s platform.

A pivotal moment in the fundraising process was securing Ross Lazaroo-Hood as the lead investor, who committed to the deal in the very first meeting.

Jamie Hamer, Founder of Bolt Cover, reflected on the milestone:

“FundMyPitch has been the most successful platform for us to date. The investors we spoke to quickly grasped our vision, and we secured funding commitments swiftly from the initial conversations. I’d highly recommend founders—especially those raising a pre-seed round—to maximise visibility across relevant platforms.”

With the newly secured funds, Bolt Cover plans to:

• Complete its tech stack, enhancing its innovative insurance platform.
• Expand integration capabilities with websites and EPOS systems.
• Strengthen its D2C upsell offerings to provide seamless insurance solutions.
• Ensure fairer and more transparent asset insurance, reinforcing customer trust.

Steven Mooney, Founder & CEO of FundMyPitch, emphasised the platform’s role in connecting innovative startups with investors:

“Through FundMyPitch, Bolt Cover accessed a network of investors beyond their usual reach. Our setup provides a highly targeted, risk-free approach for founders seeking investment, offering a more efficient and cost-effective fundraising route.”

FundMyPitch continues to establish itself as a leading platform for early-stage funding, bridging the gap between innovative startups and investors looking to support scalable business models.

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Limitless Travel Secures £6.5 Million Series A Investment to Expand Accessible Travel Offerings

Limitless Travel, a pioneering Birmingham-based travel company specialising in accessible holidays for people with disabilities, has raised £6.5 million in a Series A funding round to support its continued growth. The investment, which follows a 350% revenue growth since 2022, was led by Beringea, with participation from Social Impact Enterprises, Adjuvo, Active Partners, Miroma Ventures, and existing investors, including Nigel Wray.

Founded in 2015 by Angus Drummond—who was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at age 22—Limitless Travel aims to break down barriers and provide accessible travel for people with disabilities. Over the years, the company has delivered thousands of holidays and cruises for disabled travellers, expanded its team to over 80 staff members, and generated the most successful year of trading in its history.

Angus Drummond, Founder and CEO of Limitless Travel, said:

“This £6.5m raise is a game-changer for our business and the accessible travel industry. With this funding, we’ll enhance the quality and range of our holidays, expand into new destinations, and accelerate our international growth. Accessible travel is not an afterthought—it’s one of the fastest-growing sectors in the industry. With our investors’ support, we are well-positioned to lead the way and show the world the true power of disability travel.”

The company plans to use the new funding to:

• Expand its product range and enhance its holiday offerings.
• Broaden its destination portfolio, adding new products and services.
• Invest in technology to improve operational efficiency.
• Build the foundation for becoming the world’s first globally successful travel company for people with disabilities.

The global accessible tourism market, valued at over US$100 billion, is growing rapidly due to increasing awareness and demographic trends. However, most travel providers have failed to cater to the needs of disabled travellers, leaving millions excluded from the joys of travel. Limitless Travel is set to revolutionise the industry by offering fully supported, escorted holidays that meet the unique access needs of each traveller, ensuring seamless travel experiences for everyone, regardless of disability.

Kiu Kim, Investment Director at Beringea, commented on the company’s progress:

“Angus and the team have built an exceptional business, not just growing rapidly, but also having a profound impact on their customers' lives. Limitless Travel is opening up new experiences and destinations for people who previously struggled to access these trips of a lifetime. We are thrilled to support this incredible business as it continues to make a difference.”

With its mission to ensure everyone can experience the joy and freedom of travel, Limitless Travel is now in the strongest position yet to lead the accessible travel revolution, transforming the lives of disabled people around the world.

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FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics Expands with New Headquarters in Sheffield

FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, a Sheffield-based technology company specialising in machine monitoring technology, has taken the next step in its growth journey by moving into a new headquarters at Pennine Five, located in Sheffield city centre. The company, which was formed in 2020 as a spinout from the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), is joining a growing community of tech businesses at the new location.

Now employing 27 people, FourJaw provides plug-and-play machine monitoring technology used by over 140 manufacturers globally. The technology helps manufacturers assess and improve productivity, energy efficiency, and profitability.

The company has relocated from OXO House on Sheffield Riverside to a 3,500 sq ft office in Pennine Five, a recently renovated space offering room for up to 50 people, with the option to expand further as the business grows.

Chris Iveson, CEO of FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, said:

“We are incredibly excited about our move to Pennine Five. It’s a significant milestone for us and gives us the space we need to expand our team and continue our mission to transform productivity for manufacturers. Our technology is designed to be easy to install and beneficial from day one, allowing us to serve both multinational corporations and small manufacturers across the globe. We are grateful for the ongoing support we’ve received from the University of Sheffield, AMRC, Sheffield City Council, and the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority.”

The move marks a major step in FourJaw’s journey, solidifying its place as a key player in the manufacturing technology space, and positioning the company for further growth and expansion.

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