A NEW Widnes company hopes to help businesses grow even faster using the newest mail technology.

Foojit uses state-of-the-art software and mailing equipment to provide firms with access to the benefits of direct mail advertising.

A Widnes-based entrepreneur and a Liverpool partnership have invested £400,000 in high tech equipment and software to develop the business.

The company is based at the Sunset Business Centre in Mersey Road, West Bank.

It was formed by operations director, David Peel, aged 49, financial director, Richard Avison, aged 42, and sales director Steve Walker, aged 49.

They all have extensive experience in the mail and print industry.

Mr Peel said: “We researched the market extensively and discovered that with the rise of the internet, many well-established printers were struggling.

“Nearly 50 per cent of Runcorn and Widnes printers have gone out of business in the last few years.

“Our first goal is to provide our services and experience to printers and small businesses by giving them access to a low cost mail service which they can easily sell on to their own customers.”

Mr Peel spent the past six years as chief analyst at Warrington-based Secured Mail.

He said: “Eight years ago this business had a turnover of £250,000.

“Last year, it was the third biggest mail provider in the UK mail market and gained acclaim as the second fastest growing business in the UK in the Sunday Times fast track awards.

“We are hoping to expand and generate success in our new business.”

Sales director Steve Walker said: “We chose Widnes because it is not only perfectly positioned geographically with great access to transport links, we believe it is going to become a sought-after hub with the advent of the new Mersey Gateway crossing.

“The area itself will undergo a renaissance in the coming years.

“We aim to lead the way.”