BusinessCloud and Manchester-based tech platform Padoq have joined forces to create a forum to bring the digital sector together.
Award-winning entrepreneur Mike Anderson launched the platform in August 2018 for communities to create closed discussion forums – called ‘Padoqs’ – where members can do everything from chat, collect payments and take part in surveys.
The 30-year-old said the advantage of their software is in organising the functionality from tech platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and Eventbrite into a single app.
Anderson said: “We already have 3,000 users on the platform, including hen dos, running clubs and Tech Manchester. BusinessCloud has a growing audience base through its magazine, website, newsletter and events and it’s the perfect fit for Padoq.
“By creating a Padoq account people can share content, ask for recommendations, find work or even just network. It’s all about creating a digital community for like-minded people.
“I found that everyone I spoke to was in a number of noisy WhatsApp groups for organising different things, and the people trying to organise were getting frustrated with constant chatter without a firm plan. So we set out to create the solution!”
The company has raised over £900k in investment since 2017, and has recently launched a B2B arm of the business allowing clients to have a white-labelled social media app out the box – at a fraction of the cost it would take to get a bespoke native app built.
BusinessCloud editor Chris Maguire said: “My smartphone is awash with apps like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp but what’s missing is an app that creates real communities.
“We’ve only been working with Padoq for a couple of weeks but attendees at our events are already having conversations on the platform and as more people join we’re only going to add more value.”
You can join the BusinessCloud community today, by clicking the following link and downloading the app on iOS or Android: www.padoq.com/bc
Maguire said: “We want people to tell us a little bit about their business and help create a community of UK businesses, entrepreneurs and champions who are stronger together.”
You can download Padoq on the iOS and Google Play stores today and create your own Padoq. Don’t forget to join the BusinessCloud Padoq via the following link: www.padoq.com/bc