Two enterprising brothers have moved to Barnsley to launch a digital innovation designed to help other entrepreneurs get the best out of business support.

Richard and Graham Downs are co-founders of AnchorVine, an AI-powered digital platform targeted at business support agencies, accelerators, incubators, universities and colleges.

It aims to improve the efficiency of their programmes by bringing together all management and communication tools and automating essential routine tasks.

For the participating businesses, it includes a 24/7 virtual business assistant to help keep them focused on the actions they need to take between meetings with their real-life advisor.

Richard and Graham developed their new platform into a commercial proposition through The Furnace business incubation programme delivered by Enterprising Barnsley at Barnsley’s Digital Media Centre (DMC).

On completion of the programme, the pair have opted to move from Sheffield to DMC 01 and build their business in Barnsley. And, Enterprising Barnsley, via its Launchpad programme for startups, has become one of the first organisations to adopt the AnchorVine platform.

Richard Downs said: “The Furnace experience was pivotal in helping us to refine our MVP - Minimum Viable Product - and our sales pitch for AnchorVine and land our first customers.

“It was a no brainer decision for us to stay in Barnsley and be part of the ecosystem we’re now trying to help grow. We look forward to working with Enterprising Barnsley help make future business support programmes even more effective, as well as playing an active part in the business community.”

The brothers’ decision to rent office space at DMC 01 has been backed by a Tech Welcome Grant. Plus, as part of the Barnsley digital business community, they now have access to on-going support and workshops through Enterprising Barnsley and Launchpad Enterprising Barnsley group leader Ben Hawley said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with AnchorVine to help them bring their innovative business support tool to market through The Furnace incubator.

“We’re very pleased they’ve decided to stay on and make Barnsley their base as they pioneer their product with us, and promote it across South Yorkshire, the wider region and ultimately nationally as the go-to AI-enhanced digital tool to support business transformation.”

Richard added: “The support we’ve received from Enterprising Barnsley at the DMC has given us the opportunity to kick-on and grow in a way that, had we not received such support, we would have found almost impossible. We would encourage anyone who has an idea or fledgling business to speak to the team here - they’re so supportive. “Being part of the DMC community has also been incredibly important for us, as we can all help each other. For example, we have been able to access technical development expertise from others such as Jordan Chesham of JP Coding who was amazing in helping us clear some important hurdles." Richard and Graham have many years’ combined experience in software and business development and, identified a gap in the market for a platform that could improve the workflow efficiency of business growth support programmes.

AnchorVine allows business advisors to design and deliver bespoke enterprise plans, share information, conduct polls and organise events through digital management system. It automates tasks such as impact reports, activity logs and questionnaires. The platform’s virtual business support function means that prompts, reminders and answers to questions can help participants stay on-track and keep-up the pace.

Richard said: “We think AnchorVine offers the first clear and coherent suite of tools to customise and create robust task-based and goals-focused work plans which tie in all aspects of business support and help keep businesses motivated.

“Many entrepreneurs have a strong focus on their vision, idea and where they want to be, but struggle to stay focused on the steps they need to take to get there. “This means that too many good ideas are lost to inefficiency and distraction, with action plans put on a pile of good intentions. Our AI-powered platform helps business advisors and entrepreneurs to stick to their plans and work together on sustainable growth, with confidence.”