New jobs and growth in Canada for company following EU-backed loan

Judgeservice Research, which is based in Harrogate and employs 505 staff in the town, was set up in 2011 by CEO Neil Addley, who now runs the business with his wife Wendy, as finance director.

It enables customers to review their experience with car dealerships, estate agents and hotels, and claims to be the leading provider of its type to the industry.

The funding from NPIF - Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, will allow the company to step up its sales activity in the Canadian market and the hospitality sector, creating an additional six jobs in Harrogate, and develop a range of new digital products.

Mr Addley said: “This funding will speed up our expansion into Canada and allow us to develop exciting new products, for example apps to help clients to integrate social media into the sales process and manage reviews from multiple sources, as well as low-cost systems for smaller businesses.”

David Wright, investment manager with Mercia, said: “Judgeservice sets itself apart from other review services by the detailed insights it provides into the customer experience.

“The funding will support its growth plans to further develop its digital services and expand its reach, both in the UK and North America.”

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.