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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.orgNew Funding
28 April 2009
We now have new funding, this means we can help unemployed people living in the following wards - Birchills Leamore, Blakenall, Bloxwich East and Bloxwich West.
Please speak to one of our advisors for more information on what we could help you with.
Events
Do you need help?
02 March 2009
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
18 December 2009
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
03 February 2010
Do you have any issues or concerns?
Starting from Friday 12th February 2010
West Midlands Police will be holding an Outreach Surgery here at Work on the Horizon
Every Friday 10 am till 1pm
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY
FREE Walsall Bite Size
03 March 2010
Work on the Horizon and Steps to Work are taking part in this years Walsall Bite Size project. For a full list of courses available please click on this link. www.walsallbitesize.com
