Local entrepreneur has saved 3.6million items from landfill
A Yorkshire business which has saved over 3.6million items from going into landfill since it was established just seven years is calling on people from across the region to support its pitch to win funds that will help to ‘further drive down food waste’.
The plea comes from Approved Food owner and former market trader Dan Cluderay who, in 2008, founded the unique business which he says is built on a foundation of ‘good old northern values’.
Earlier this month the company, which is now the largest online-only retailer of discount food and drink – stocking products nearing or past its best-before-date – entered Virgin’s Pitch to Rich competition; after founder Dan quickly realised that the company had the potential to have a much wider environmental impact.
He has now issued an appeal to supporters from across the region to ‘get voting’ for their chance to pitch their business model to the country’s most well-respected entrepreneur Richard Branson and receive a £250k funding boost; money they say will go towards Approved Food’s continued commitment to reducing food waste across the country.
Dan said: “The latest government statistics show that households waste a staggering 7million tonnes of food each year; more worrying still is that almost 5.5 tonnes of that could have been avoided.
“Really, we want Approved Food to be part of the solution. Since I launched the business we have already saved over 3.6 million items of stock that would have gone to landfill but was perfectly fine to use or eat!
“Despite being a small business in comparison to the larger grocery giants we really feel like we are making a difference and this funding boost would make all the difference is taking what we do to the next level.”
As part of the Pitch to Rich competition Dan would have the opportunity to pitch his wares to the most respected business man in Britain, Richard Branson, and potentially win a £250,000 boost.
No stranger to the spotlight, Dan and business partner Andy Needham appeared on Dragon’s Den and ITV show Bargain Fever Britain earlier this year. But despite having experience appearing in front of millions as – well as big names such as Duncan Bannatyne and Peter Jones – the dynamic duo say they have set their sights on getting in front of the Virgin front man himself.
Dan said: “There are so many fantastic entrepreneurs in this country and I have had the pleasure of briefly meeting a few including those in the Dragons’ Den. But the one that stands head and shoulders above in my eyes is Richard Branson.
“It was his story that helped ignite my entrepreneurial fire many years ago, and the possibility of meeting him to pitch my business and get his insight and backing gives me goosebumps.”
Approved Food submitted their entry to the ‘Grow’ category earlier this month – the passionate business leaders have already received an overwhelming amount of support, but are calling on the local public to help them achieve more than 6000 votes by the first round deadline of 5th May 2015.
The top fifty entrants with the highest votes from each category will progress through to the semi-finals, revealed on the 19th of May and finalists will be announced 2nd June. The final presents the opportunity to pitch to Rich live at the final event in London on the 26th of June.
There are also two other categories available for businesses to enter being New Things and Start-Up – giving every business out there an opportunity to shine, a contrast to Dragons’ Den.
“The Pitch to Rich competition is a fantastic concept,” said Dan. “I think my passion to enter was partly driven by the rejection on Dragons Den when we felt we weren’t given the opportunity to get across what we stood for as a business and the great benefits we bring to thousands of people week on week clearly enough. I see this as our chance to remedy that disappointment. “
“We need your votes initially and we would be incredibly grateful for your support if you can spare the time to go online and show us your support.”
Approved Food’s pitch can be found online: http://www.virginmediabusiness.co.uk/pitch-to-rich/grow/approved-food-/
Website: www.approvedfood.co.uk/?afid=hd81j8
