TWO graduates have launched a new company aimed at helping local independent stores in York in a bid to challenge larger businesses and help save the high street.

James Cullen, 25, and Jordan Malthouse, 25, set up the company Merigo Films last July and have since been working with a host of independent businesses from Indie York.

James, from Leeds, and Jordan, from Otley, graduated from York St John University four years ago and decided to create the company with the hope of helping small businesses have a digital appeal through promotional videos and adverts that will appeal to local shoppers and help keep the high street alive.

Recently, the duo made a promotional video for the Christmas market as well as other independent stores such as the independent design home, Snowhome, Fossgate Social, Botanic floristry and the Michelin restaurant, Skosh.

James said that the video was produced in November, in time for the opening of the Christmas market to help businesses over the festive period.

He said: “Now more than ever people are turning to online sources instead of the high street.

“Small businesses are unable to advertise or afford the type of promotion that Amazon and Adidas can so hopefully by working with us we can give them a bit more of a platform online.

“We both fell in love with York when we studied here and we hope that we can continue to work with businesses in and around the city.”

Merigo films have also worked with local Gin distillers, York Gin and have recently finished a project with York Chocolate.

James said: “We have just finished a project with York Chocolate Story that will be available to see next week. We can’t wait for the residents of York to see it.”