Young Entrepreneur Dan Petch is 18 years old and finishing the sixth form. He lives in the heart of some of Yorkshire’s finest landscape and takes pleasure in exploring it in his Land Rover Defender.
Many people dream of upping-sticks from the daily grind and starting something new. For Dan, that idea came before University and Yorkshire Land Rover Hire was founded.
Combining his passion for the legendary vehicle and the Yorkshire countryside, the Young Entrepreneur found an unexpected gap in the market for specialist vehicle hire. With support from his parents, he approached the Business Enterprise Fund to help fund the venture.
Young Entrepreneur obtained a Start-Up Loan
Using the funds from his Start-Up Loan, Dan was able to have a website built, create promotional materials and purchase vehicle insurance. The treasured family Land Rover was now a working vehicle, prepared to lead tourists and locals into the countryside.
The Land Rover, as a vehicle, has practically become part of the landscape. “When you see it, it fits in with the scenery. They’re like nothing else to drive and you can see over the drystone walls” he said.
With two vehicles now in the fleet, Dan has created a sustainable business before he goes to university. His business offers packages in the deal, from bike racks to onboard cameras where customers can record their adventure.
Yorkshire Land Rover Hire picks up much of its business from the tourism sector. As members of Welcome to Yorkshire and adding value to the package, the business is thriving and more Land Rovers will be added to the fleet in the coming years.
The utilitarian machine is very capable and has also caught the eyes of others, such as a duty vet who hired it during the Skipton Horse Trials.
As a proud Yorkshire-man who’s into adventure Dan wanted to show visitors the county from his viewpoint.
“It’s not about green laning and off-roading. We want our customers to have that authentic experience; it’s much more than a hire car. We’re about showing off Yorkshire from a different perspective.”
When a business needs the resources to grow, BEF is there to provide funding and support, for both the emerging and established. Dan has proved that a passion-driven idea can turn into a unique and thriving young business.
“People would comment, what a lovely car, we thought we could make some money from this! But the great thing about BEF is they don’t just give you the money they advise you too, it’s a really good scheme.”
Once a business is off the ground, BEF continues to support the businesses they have funded thereby promoting growth in the economy.
Yorkshire Land Rover Hire continues to expand their offering and is currently working with other local businesses to provide bicycle hire, onboard hampers and camping equipment.
