
Boost Flying Start
The Flying Start service was delivered as a contract focussed on delivering business support to entrepreneurs and young businesses help achieve their business goals. This service began in October 2023 and was completed in March 2025.
The funded Flying Start service was part of Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub, and was created for pre-start businesses and those that have traded for less than three years. It was delivered by our experienced team of qualified business advisers.
Our advisers helped entrepreneurs to navigate the ups and downs of starting a new business, through support, mentoring and activities, tailored to suit their business needs.
How did we help?
Through Flying Start, we provided access to a dedicated relationship manager who worked with entrepreneurs to determine the support needed. All support was tailored to suit the needs of each business and delivered by an experienced adviser to assist with the development of a Business Growth Action Plan.
Our business advisors brought a wealth of experience, knowledge and a strong network of contacts who can assist with tailored business’s development.
Please note – All content below is retained for reference only.

Thank you for all your help!
“The company thrives and has grown to a team of eight staff members who all work part-time between six and thirty hours per week”.
Lucy – Spring into Action
How Flying Start works
Contact us either by talking to one of our team on 01772 200690 or emailing hello@selnet-uk.com.
Initially, contact us to discuss your needs and to arrange an appointment to speak with our team, you’ll then be matched with the perfect adviser to ensure success. Your adviser will then work with you to formulate a plan to work through your businesses goals and objectives and develop a robust strategy to ensure continued success.
Throughout, we will keep in touch with you to assist when you need us, as well as identifying further opportunities and activities which will help your business grow. All support is fully funded and available at a time and place to fit around your busy diary.
Do I qualify for support?
The Flying Start service is available to pre-start businesses and businesses that have been trading for less than three years.
You must have an ambition to succeed and be ready to take the next steps to creating a successful business. You must be based within a qualifying postcode area, to confirm your business eligibility get in touch! If you do not qualify, we will be able to assist in directing you to an organisation who can.
This service is available to businesses within the following partner local authority areas:
-
- Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
- Burnley Council
- Chorley Council
- Fylde Council
- Hyndburn Borough Council
- Pendle Borough Council
- Preston City Council
- South Ribble Borough Council
- West Lancashire Borough Council
- Wyre Council
If your business is based outside of these local authority areas, please contact the Boost Business Support Helpdesk on 0800 488 0057 and we can advise you on what support is available in your area.
Testimonial
Fashion brand Northern Tide is looking smart
Scott McClymont’s new clothing company, which launched in the pandemic and focuses on environmentally friendly products, has a new strategy, and focus after receiving support from Selnet’s Business Support team.
Scott, from Fleetwood, said:
“Above all, getting individual support has given me lots of confidence.”
“I’ve got lots of information from my adviser, Alistair, on areas to work on including sales and marketing, approaching retailers, improving my website, and using social media to better promote the business.”
“I developed a 12-month action plan so I can continue to work on developing all aspects of the company.”
Scott loves clothes, football and music. During the second Covid-19 lockdown, he decided to set up his own brand Northern Tide, which incorporates all the things he is passionate about and reflects his cultural heritage.
Northern Tide clothing is focused on being sustainable for the environment whilst still holding their appeal for customers.

“I’ve got a brand-new range of autumnal colour sweatshirts available with a range of small and larger sizes, each made from 85% organic cotton & 15% recycled polyester.”
(Photographs from Fleetwood beach and Affinity Outlets)
From September 1 2023, Boost is funded by Lancashire County Council, Department for Business & Trade (DBT), and UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) contributions from ten Lancashire local authorities (Boost local authorities partners). UKSPF is part of the Levelling Up agenda and succession to EU structural funds.
About Boost
Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub and we are on a mission; to help Lancashire businesses thrive.
Boost provides a range of funded services and support to help Lancashire businesses grow, scale and start, realising their growth potential, creating jobs and boosting the economy.
One of 37 Growth Hubs in the UK, Boost is led by Lancashire County Council and has supported over 14,000 businesses, helped create over 3,500 jobs while adding over £100m to the economy since 2013.
For further information visit www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk.

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In partnership with Boost, Selnet are leading the Flying Start service and bring together a team of experienced advisers.