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Partnership's start up success
03 July 2009
A partnership between Work on the Horizon and Black Country Enterprise (BCE) has helped over 18 people start-up their own businesses in the last 12 months alone.
Work on the Horizon, the Bloxwich-based ‘one stop employment and training shop’ supported by New Horizons Community Enterprise and Walsall Partnership, and Black Country Enterprise (BCE) the leading business start-up support agency in the sub-region, have been working together for over 4 years now since Work on the Horizon first opened for business in June 2005.
During this time over 300 people from Work on the Horizon’s target area have been referred to BCE for support which has resulted in the creation of over 55 small businesses of all types ranging from Holistic therapists to Pest control to Furniture retailing.
Stephanie Hammond, Manager at Work on the Horizon said: “We see supporting people to start-up their own businesses as being vital to the area’s economic prosperity and well-being and gives people an alternative source of employment, particularly in the current economic climate.”
People referred to the project receive ongoing one-to-one advice, support and mentoring on all aspects of starting and running a business, from business planning through to help with accessing funding. The project offers support to new businesses during the first 12 months of trading after which clients are referred to Business Link West Midlands for ongoing information and advice.
Nationally, up to 70% of all new businesses fail in the first year, usually because they failed to develop a robust business plan and stick to it. In a positive contrast however, the survival rate for new businesses supported through the project is over 55%.
The success of the project is due to a combination of the strength of the partnership forged between the two organisations and the expertise and support it is able to offer to clients.
BCE Advisor Ian Race said: “The first 12 months for any new business is the most difficult, particularly in a tough economic climate. However, if someone has the drive and commitment to succeed they stand a much better chance of being successful and we will provide as much advice and support as we can through the project to help them realise their ambitions.”
“One of the key strengths the project offers is the ability to leverage additional expertise and support through other partners and networks including, The Prince’s Trust and the Black Country Enterprise Loan Fund” added Ian.
For more information please call Work on the Horizon on 01922 496555 or Black Country Enterprise on 0845 002 1234 or visit:
www.workonthehorizon.org
Events
Do you need help?
09 April 2010
Do you require assistance writing a CV? Or does your current CV need re-vamping?
Do you feel your CV is letting you down, and would like some advice and ideas to improve it?
If so, come and see one of our advisors and we will help you.
We can also help with completing job application forms
Courses Available
09 April 2010
Do you need to up-skill?
Funding available for people who live in the following wards, and are currently unemployed,
Birchills Leamore, Blakenall, Bloxwich East and Bloxwich West
Our own courses are also available
First Aid, Health and Safety, Food Hygiene and a 5 week IT Taster
IF YOUR INTERESTED IN ANY OF THESE COURSES PLEASE ASK ONE OF OUR ADVISORS FOR AVAILABILITY
NEW OUTREACH SURGERY
09 April 2010
Do you have any issues or concerns you would like to discuss or are you just looking for advice?
West Midlands Police will be holding an Outreach Surgery here at Work on the Horizon
Upcoming dates are
Wednesday 21st April
Friday 30th April
Wednesday 19th May
Friday 28th May
All surgeries are 10am -12pm
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY
Support Into Jobs Event
09 April 2010
Looking for work?
At risk or recently been made redundant?
Do you simply want a career change?
Then join us at : Support into jobs
Wednesday 19th May 2010
St Peters Church
St Peters Court
Off Harrison Street
Bloxwich
WS3 3HH
Are You Thinking about Self Employment
10 May 2010
If you are interested in becoming self employed why not come to Work on the Horizon to see a specialised adviser.
Surgery to commence 10th June 2010 from 1.30 pm
For more information or to book an appointment please contact us on 01922 496 555 or pop in for a chat
