Research: DWP New Enterprise Allowance 2012 report
DWP Link to Press Release:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/newsroom/press-releases/2012/jun-2012/dwp059-12.shtml
which reads the following:
1 June – New Enterprise Allowance unleashes a wave of entrepreneurs
A tapas restaurant, tattoo parlour, party entertainer and removals company are among 4,560 businesses which have been launched thanks to a Government scheme to help entrepreneurial jobseekers, Employment Minister Chris Grayling has revealed.
The businesses have started up thanks to the New Enterprise Allowance, which partners jobseekers with a mentor to draw up a business plan then gives them financial support to help them through the early months and the number is growing all the time. Hundreds of new businesses are now starting up every week under the scheme.
Thousands more would-be entrepreneurs have started working with a mentor on their plans and could be among the next to set up their business.
Claimants to start trading so far include:
Now the Government is considering whether the rules can be changed to give jobseekers access to a mentor after three months on Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), rather than having to wait six months.
Employment Minister Chris Grayling said:
"I’m delighted that hundreds of businesses are setting up every week thanks to our New Enterprise Allowance. Even in tough economic times there are opportunities out there and we’re ready to back those who have an idea that can work and the can-do attitude to make it a success.
"With 4,560 businesses up and running we’re already helping to unleash a new wave of entrepreneurs. I want to make the support available sooner so we can help even more people realise their dreams and become their own boss. Now we’ll look at how we can make this happen."
Other businesses set up so far include mobile app development, beauty therapy, dog grooming, cake making, gardening, architecture and physiotherapy.
Currently claimants have to be on JSA for six months before getting help to develop their business plan. When they have produced a viable plan they can access an allowance of £65-a-week for another six months and have access to a loan of up to £1,000 to help with start-up costs.
The Government is now exploring whether to offer claimants given access to mentor support after three months on JSA.
Robert Warrior, who set up Finos Tapas restaurant in Southport thanks to NEA, said: "My mentor was invaluable, he was always offering me great ideas and advice, and the financial assistance was obviously very helpful in setting up the restaurants. "I'm also pleased that I've been able to create so many jobs as a result of opening Finos, I plan to offer further opportunities via work experience and apprenticeships."
Notes to editors:
The total package of support could be worth up to £2,274 to each participant who starts their own business.
Sam’s notes: I looked in to this case study, to see if it was true and accurate.
Robert Warrior, Finos Tapas restaurant, Southport
Southport man Robert Warrior says 'hola' to running his own business thanks to the New Enterprise Allowance.
When 45 year old Robert Warrior lost his long term job managing a group of hotels in 2011, he found it hard to get similar work and after a year of being unemployed approached Jobcentre Plus for help with an idea of becoming self employed.
His Jobcentre Plus advisor referred him to NEA so he could pursue his idea of opening a Spanish Tapas restaurant.
With the guidance of a volunteer business mentor and a weekly allowance to help during the early stages of the business set up, 'Finos At the Water Front' opened eight months ago (note: 8 months ago = November 2011). The tapas restaurant has gone from strength to strength and now employees twenty two people and has regular 'brilliant' reviews on its website.
Robert said: " My mentor was invaluable, he was always offering me great ideas and advice, and the financial assistance was obviously very helpful in setting up the restaurant. I'm also pleased that I've been able to create so many jobs as a result of opening Finos, I plan to offer further opportunities via work experience and apprenticeships. "
Media Enquiries: 0203 267 5085
Out of hours: 07659 108883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/dwppressoffice
================================================================
NOTES AND RESEARCH CARRIED OUT BY: SAM DOWNIE, DSM Bristol
Links:
Finos (Southport) website: http://www.finossouthport.co.uk/Contact-Us
Companies House: http://wck2.companieshouse.gov.uk/89c50f8f80ea8a7f90fd1a6f2d8bae32/compdetails
TopTable:
http://www.toptable.co.uk/opentables.aspx?t=rest&r=64441&m=3176&p=2&d=08/06/2012%2019:00:00&scpref=112
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/FinosSouthport
@FinosSouthport has been tweeting since May 27, 2011 (1 year, 13 days)
---- ---- ---- ----
LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bob-warrior/22/713/4b6
January 2011 – Present (1 year 6 months) Southport
We recently opened on the 12Th September in the Waterfront development on the Southport Promenade. Finos At The Waterfront is a casual and chic environment where you can enjoy the finest Tapas made with only the freshest ingredients
BOB has 1 recommendation (1 client) including:
---- ---- ---- ----
Local Paper: Southport Visitor
http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/southport-news/southport-southport-news/2012/06/07/tapas-entrepreneur-benefits-from-government-initiative-to-help-entrepreneurs-101022-31122552/
this report is taken directly off the DWP Press Release.
Stephanie Stafford (Mentor)
http://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniestafford
Merseyside Chamber of Commerce report:
http://www.phoenixnlp.co.uk/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,print,0&cntnt01articleid=6&cntnt01showtemplate=false&cntnt01returnid=23
Categories: General
Date: Feb 24, 2011
Title: New Enterprise Allowance - Merseyside Chamber of Commerce
Blackstone NLP Ltd are working alongside Wirral Chamber of Commerce as a volunteer mentor to the New Enterprise Allowance scheme
Blackstone NLP Ltd are working alongside all the Merseyside Chamber of Commerce, as a volunteer mentor for the New Enterprise Allowance Scheme. Work for Yourself, a proposal to support the unemployed into self-employment, was originally published by the Conservative party and was taken forward by the Coalition Government. Government explicitly committed to supporting “Would-be entrepreneurs through a new programme – Work for Yourself – which will give the unemployed access to business mentors and start-up loans.
Subsequent discussions with Ministers led to an announcement on 5th October 2010, when the Secretary of State announced his intentions for a New Enterprise Allowance. This is an initiative by the DWP Secretary of State, under Section 2 of the Employment and Training Act 1973, for the purpose of helping people to train for, obtain and retain employment.
The New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) approach is being tested in Merseyside JobCentre Plus District (Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral and Halton local authority districts) from 31st January 2011. It will be available for JobCentre Plus customers aged 25+ claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for 6 months or more until they are required to join New Deal or the Work Programme.
Blackstone NLP Ltd will be a volunteer mentor to a New Enterprise Allowance scheme, in conjunction with Wirral Chamber of Commerce Primary functions:
http://www.blackstonenlp.co.uk/
At Blackstone Ltd, we pride ourselves on our ability to work with like minded, forward thinking companies, who have a strong desire and hunger to enhance business performance through Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Coaching
note: they don’t state anywhere on their website that they work as a “mentor” for the DWP NEA.
Blackstone NLP are a sister company to 2Minds NLP, which is also run by the SAME person.
http://www.2mindsnlp.co.uk/what-we-do/nlp-for-business/
Wirral Chamber’s website
http://www.wirralchamber.org.uk/?content=training-information
only lists Neuro Linguistic Programming on their site.
However, Wirral Chamber state this on their website:
http://www.wirralchamber.org.uk/?content=showGeneralNews&catIdentifier=&newsKey=118
Enterprise initiative creates 500 new entrepreneurs
The national trailblazer for the delivery of the Government’s New Enterprise Allowance Initiative has supported its 500th customer to launch their own business in Merseyside.
The trailblazer for New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) was launched in Merseyside in early 2011, as a first step on the road to the national initiative which aims to support up to 40,000 unemployed people across the country to become self employed.
Merseyside was selected to deliver the trailblazer back in January, with St Helens Chamber’s Business Start Team managing the project in partnership with the other five Merseyside Chambers: Liverpool, Halton, Sefton, Knowsley and Wirral. Building on the success of the trailblazer, with interest exceeding all expectations, the NEA was rolled out across the country by the end of August.
Customers are referred to St Helens Chamber from Jobcentre Plus. To be eligible, they must have been claiming jobseeker’s allowance for more than six months and be serious about becoming self employed.
The initiative provides mentoring support from an experienced business owner as well as financial assistance in the form of a loan and a weekly allowance for up to 6 months to help new businesses get off the ground. The mentor will help the new entrepreneur to write a business plan and answer questions on the day to day challenges of self employment.
Motorsport enthusiast James Hurst, 27, from Wallasey received advice and support through the NEA to get his business, RPM Automotive, off the ground.
James explains: “I had been looking for work since graduating with a degree in Automotive Technology. I was doing some voluntary work with a race team which gave me some valuable work experience but was struggling to find any suitable paid work that matched my skills and experience.
“Jobcentre Plus told me about the New Enterprise Allowance and it seemed like an ideal solution. I met with a business start up adviser from St Helens Chamber who explained the programme and gave me some general advice about being self employed. I was then given a dedicated business mentor who helped me with my business plan and cash flow forecasts as well as providing advice on bookkeeping and accounting.”
James’ business mentor was Paul McGerty from McLintocks Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors in Birkenhead, who provided support during the early stages of the business.
Paul said: “I found out about the NEA through an event held at Wirral Chamber of Commerce and Industry that highlighted how local businesses could get involved. It has been very rewarding to be able to help someone else get their business off the ground. Helping to create more businesses is also a great way of boosting the local economy here in Birkenhead, which in turn is good for our business.
“Working with James has been great. He has put in place a very realistic and achievable business plan and cash flow forecast which has given him a good footing to build the business from. I’m sure he will do well.”
Ken Davies, Chief Executive of Wirral Chamber of Commerce commented: “Reaching this milestone is a very significant achievement and a great testament to the success of the NEA Trailblazer. We are delighted that the 500th customer is located here on the Wirral and are very grateful to all the volunteer mentors who have given their time to support these fledgling businesses to start up. This is a remarkable demonstration of the real difference that our Mentors have made to so many up and coming entrepreneurs. ”
Ann Holcroft, Business Start Manager at St Helens Chamber adds: “We have recruited over 200 volunteer private sector mentors so far and we would like to thank them all for giving up their time to support the fledgling businesses and make the programme possible. We are always looking for new mentors so please do get in touch if you want to find out more about what’s involved.”
James has now completed his first month trading from his new premises on Argyle Industrial Estate in Birkenhead and so far business is going well.
“I’ve had a lot of referrals from friends and family,” says James. “So far I have mostly been carrying out services, wheel alignment and general car repairs but as the business becomes more established I hope to be able to specialise the workshop in providing services for track and rally vehicles, which is where my expertise lies.”
For more information on becoming a volunteer business mentor for the New Enterprise Allowance programme, call Ann Holcroft at St Helens Chamber, on 01744 742003 or visit
http://www.sthelenschamber.com/latest/nea.
Visit this link for St Helens Chamber :
http://www.sthelenschamber.com/latest/nea
New Enterprise Allowance - Merseyside Needs Mentors!
St Helens Chamber is delivering an extended trailblazer across Merseyside for the New Enterprise Allowance Programme. It is designed to help people who have been out of work for a while to start their own business.
The programme provides support, encouragement, guidance and some money to ensure new businesses are created locally. It also includes mentor support to help people through the early stages of starting a business and we are looking for local businesses to help with this.
Who would make an ideal mentor?
We are looking for friendly, committed business people who will give up a small amount of their time to support people who have a great business idea that needs unlocking and developing. The role is potentially very rewarding and will make a huge difference to the local economy.
What mentors will do?
Mentors will meet with people and provide encouragement about a business idea they may have. This will amount to around 1 hour a week in the first two months to shape the idea and explore whether any money can be made from it. After start up you spend just 1-2 hours per month (for up to 6 months) to ensure that good business decisions are made to ensure that the business survives and flourishes.
Who are we trying to help and what do they need?
They will be local people who have been unemployed for 6 months or more. They will have some experience and skills but may lack confidence to know what to do next. They need someone to give them guidance about how to get started on the journey into self employment.
The role of the Chambers
The Chambers in Merseyside have the responsibility for recruiting mentors. Chambers will pre-screen people to ensure that they have a reasonable business idea in place.
Success so far
The programme has already recruited over 200 mentors in total – but we need more! Demand is high and we meet with appromimately 50 customers a month. So far we have supported over 525 people to start a business across Merseyside.
Nick Buxton is Managing Director of P&R Labpack, a supplier and distributor of laboratory supplies, based in St Helens.
“My local Chamber told me about the New Enterprise Allowance Scheme and I volunteered to become a mentor. I found it a steep learning curve to begin with but it’s been a really useful experience for me too as a business owner. I’ve been working with a client who has successfully started his own joinery business and things are progressing very well.”
Lyndsey van Westerhuizen is Managing Director of accountancy development, training and support providers TQS Solutions.
"From initial discovery of my mentees ideas, helping him to develop these into a structured plan and seeing how passionate he has become about his business is extremely rewarding.”
For more information please contact St Helens Chamber on 01744 742003 or email ann.holcroft@sthelenschamber.com
Finally, found this statement here:
http://www.wirralchamber.org.uk/?content=showGeneralNews&catIdentifier=&newsKey=128
Government must do more to help the private sector create new jobs
•In the three months to February 2012, unemployment fell by 35,000 while employment rose by 53,000
•The number of unemployed people aged 16-24 fell by 9,000 but remained above 1million
•The number of people working part-time because they could not find a full-time job rose by 89,000 to the highest figure since records began
Commenting on the labour market figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“With economic pressures facing the UK and ongoing problems in the eurozone, these figures were broadly positive, showing that unemployment fell and employment increased. But there are certain features which are causing concern. Youth unemployment, though slightly down, remains above one million, and the number of people working part-time because they can’t find a full-time job reached a new peak. Although the rise in employment is welcome, we can’t ignore the fact that part-time jobs have risen while the number of full-time jobs has fallen. The overall message from these figures is encouraging, however, as they show the ability and willingness of the private sector to drive recovery at a time when the public sector is likely to shrink further.
“But the challenges facing the labour market cannot be overlooked. As the deficit-cutting plan forces the government to reduce employment, it is likely that the unemployment total will increase over the next year. Every effort must be made to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and increase the flow of lending to credit worthy firms so the private sector can create new jobs.”
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/newsroom/press-releases/2012/jun-2012/dwp059-12.shtml
which reads the following:
1 June – New Enterprise Allowance unleashes a wave of entrepreneurs
A tapas restaurant, tattoo parlour, party entertainer and removals company are among 4,560 businesses which have been launched thanks to a Government scheme to help entrepreneurial jobseekers, Employment Minister Chris Grayling has revealed.
The businesses have started up thanks to the New Enterprise Allowance, which partners jobseekers with a mentor to draw up a business plan then gives them financial support to help them through the early months and the number is growing all the time. Hundreds of new businesses are now starting up every week under the scheme.
Thousands more would-be entrepreneurs have started working with a mentor on their plans and could be among the next to set up their business.
Claimants to start trading so far include:
- Robert Warrior, 45, who set up Finos tapas restaurant in Southport after losing his job managing a group of hotels in 2011. (note: question? when in 2011 ?) The restaurant employs 22 people.
- Star Wars fanatic Neil Matthews, 36, who has turned his hobby in to his dream job after a year out of work by setting up a business repairing replica props from movies.
- Dominic Cox, 40, who is looking to take on his son as an apprentice after setting up a business as an electrician after 18 months out of work.
- Former Pontins blue coat Matthew Brown, 32, who has returned to his first love and set up his own entertainment business after losing his job in 2011. He has already secured contracts across the West Midlands including for the Queens Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
- Hayley Thomas, 29, whose play centre, on-site café and pre-school nursery in Haverfordwest employ 17 people. She set them up after losing her job as an NVQ assessor last May.
Now the Government is considering whether the rules can be changed to give jobseekers access to a mentor after three months on Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), rather than having to wait six months.
Employment Minister Chris Grayling said:
"I’m delighted that hundreds of businesses are setting up every week thanks to our New Enterprise Allowance. Even in tough economic times there are opportunities out there and we’re ready to back those who have an idea that can work and the can-do attitude to make it a success.
"With 4,560 businesses up and running we’re already helping to unleash a new wave of entrepreneurs. I want to make the support available sooner so we can help even more people realise their dreams and become their own boss. Now we’ll look at how we can make this happen."
Other businesses set up so far include mobile app development, beauty therapy, dog grooming, cake making, gardening, architecture and physiotherapy.
Currently claimants have to be on JSA for six months before getting help to develop their business plan. When they have produced a viable plan they can access an allowance of £65-a-week for another six months and have access to a loan of up to £1,000 to help with start-up costs.
The Government is now exploring whether to offer claimants given access to mentor support after three months on JSA.
Robert Warrior, who set up Finos Tapas restaurant in Southport thanks to NEA, said: "My mentor was invaluable, he was always offering me great ideas and advice, and the financial assistance was obviously very helpful in setting up the restaurants. "I'm also pleased that I've been able to create so many jobs as a result of opening Finos, I plan to offer further opportunities via work experience and apprenticeships."
Notes to editors:
- Latest statistics show that there were 4,560 starts to the New Enterprise Allowance weekly allowance from April 2011 to the end of February 2012. The scheme was launched nationwide in August 2011.
- During the same period there were 12,050 starts with a New Enterprise Allowance business mentor.
- Businesses started so far include:
- Joiner
- Property Maintenance
- Gardener
- Personal Fitness Instructors
- Beauty Therapists
- Childminder
- Hairdresser
- Internet Sales
- Dog Groomer
- Courier Business
- Web designer/Illustrator/Printer
- Film Maker
- Spanish Tutor
- Landscape Gardener
- Mobile App Development
- Bricklayer
- Reflexologist/Indian Massage
- Fish Bait Manufacturer
- Sound Engineer
- Plasterer
- Events Hospitality/Party Organiser
- Martial Arts Academy
- Tapas Restaurant
- Stonemason
ABOUT NEA:
New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) is available to Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) claimants aged 18 and over who have been claiming for 26-weeks or more.
Participants will get access to a volunteer business mentor who will provide guidance and support as they develop their business plan and through the early months of trading. Once a claimant can demonstrate they have a viable business proposition with the potential for growth in the future, they will be able to access financial support.
This will consist of:
- a weekly allowance worth £1,274 over 26 weeks, paid at £65 a week for the first 13 weeks and £33 a week for a further 13 weeks, and
- the facility to access a loan of up to £1,000 to help with start-up costs, subject to status.
The total package of support could be worth up to £2,274 to each participant who starts their own business.
Sam’s notes: I looked in to this case study, to see if it was true and accurate.
Robert Warrior, Finos Tapas restaurant, Southport
Southport man Robert Warrior says 'hola' to running his own business thanks to the New Enterprise Allowance.
When 45 year old Robert Warrior lost his long term job managing a group of hotels in 2011, he found it hard to get similar work and after a year of being unemployed approached Jobcentre Plus for help with an idea of becoming self employed.
His Jobcentre Plus advisor referred him to NEA so he could pursue his idea of opening a Spanish Tapas restaurant.
With the guidance of a volunteer business mentor and a weekly allowance to help during the early stages of the business set up, 'Finos At the Water Front' opened eight months ago (note: 8 months ago = November 2011). The tapas restaurant has gone from strength to strength and now employees twenty two people and has regular 'brilliant' reviews on its website.
Robert said: " My mentor was invaluable, he was always offering me great ideas and advice, and the financial assistance was obviously very helpful in setting up the restaurant. I'm also pleased that I've been able to create so many jobs as a result of opening Finos, I plan to offer further opportunities via work experience and apprenticeships. "
Media Enquiries: 0203 267 5085
Out of hours: 07659 108883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/dwppressoffice
================================================================
NOTES AND RESEARCH CARRIED OUT BY: SAM DOWNIE, DSM Bristol
Links:
Finos (Southport) website: http://www.finossouthport.co.uk/Contact-Us
Companies House: http://wck2.companieshouse.gov.uk/89c50f8f80ea8a7f90fd1a6f2d8bae32/compdetails
TopTable:
http://www.toptable.co.uk/opentables.aspx?t=rest&r=64441&m=3176&p=2&d=08/06/2012%2019:00:00&scpref=112
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/FinosSouthport
@FinosSouthport has been tweeting since May 27, 2011 (1 year, 13 days)
---- ---- ---- ----
LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bob-warrior/22/713/4b6
Experience
Director
Finos Southport Ltd
Hospitality industryJanuary 2011 – Present (1 year 6 months) Southport
We recently opened on the 12Th September in the Waterfront development on the Southport Promenade. Finos At The Waterfront is a casual and chic environment where you can enjoy the finest Tapas made with only the freshest ingredients
BOB has 1 recommendation (1 client) including:
- 3rd Morgan G.
GM
Southwark Rose Hotel
2003 – 2010 (7 years)GeneraL Manager
Dolby Management Ltd
1992 – 2009 (17 years)---- ---- ---- ----
Local Paper: Southport Visitor
http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/southport-news/southport-southport-news/2012/06/07/tapas-entrepreneur-benefits-from-government-initiative-to-help-entrepreneurs-101022-31122552/
this report is taken directly off the DWP Press Release.
Stephanie Stafford (Mentor)
http://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniestafford
Merseyside Chamber of Commerce report:
http://www.phoenixnlp.co.uk/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,print,0&cntnt01articleid=6&cntnt01showtemplate=false&cntnt01returnid=23
Categories: General
Date: Feb 24, 2011
Title: New Enterprise Allowance - Merseyside Chamber of Commerce
Blackstone NLP Ltd are working alongside Wirral Chamber of Commerce as a volunteer mentor to the New Enterprise Allowance scheme
Blackstone NLP Ltd are working alongside all the Merseyside Chamber of Commerce, as a volunteer mentor for the New Enterprise Allowance Scheme. Work for Yourself, a proposal to support the unemployed into self-employment, was originally published by the Conservative party and was taken forward by the Coalition Government. Government explicitly committed to supporting “Would-be entrepreneurs through a new programme – Work for Yourself – which will give the unemployed access to business mentors and start-up loans.
Subsequent discussions with Ministers led to an announcement on 5th October 2010, when the Secretary of State announced his intentions for a New Enterprise Allowance. This is an initiative by the DWP Secretary of State, under Section 2 of the Employment and Training Act 1973, for the purpose of helping people to train for, obtain and retain employment.
The New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) approach is being tested in Merseyside JobCentre Plus District (Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral and Halton local authority districts) from 31st January 2011. It will be available for JobCentre Plus customers aged 25+ claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for 6 months or more until they are required to join New Deal or the Work Programme.
Blackstone NLP Ltd will be a volunteer mentor to a New Enterprise Allowance scheme, in conjunction with Wirral Chamber of Commerce Primary functions:
- Provide encouragement and promote confidence and esteem with the customer regarding their own capabilities in relation to business start up
- Have an understanding of the barriers customers may face when looking to start a business
- Provide support and advice to enhance the customer’s knowledge necessary for business start up, using appropriate pace and style
- Work with the customer to provide a business plan which demonstrates viability and sustainability
- Discuss any referral/signposting considered beneficial to the customer
- Help the customer assess the potential demand for their product/service in the market place so that it supports the sales forecast
- Provide continuing support for 6 months following start up to assist the business to grow
http://www.blackstonenlp.co.uk/
At Blackstone Ltd, we pride ourselves on our ability to work with like minded, forward thinking companies, who have a strong desire and hunger to enhance business performance through Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Coaching
note: they don’t state anywhere on their website that they work as a “mentor” for the DWP NEA.
Blackstone NLP are a sister company to 2Minds NLP, which is also run by the SAME person.
http://www.2mindsnlp.co.uk/what-we-do/nlp-for-business/
Wirral Chamber’s website
http://www.wirralchamber.org.uk/?content=training-information
only lists Neuro Linguistic Programming on their site.
However, Wirral Chamber state this on their website:
http://www.wirralchamber.org.uk/?content=showGeneralNews&catIdentifier=&newsKey=118
Enterprise initiative creates 500 new entrepreneurs
The national trailblazer for the delivery of the Government’s New Enterprise Allowance Initiative has supported its 500th customer to launch their own business in Merseyside.
The trailblazer for New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) was launched in Merseyside in early 2011, as a first step on the road to the national initiative which aims to support up to 40,000 unemployed people across the country to become self employed.
Merseyside was selected to deliver the trailblazer back in January, with St Helens Chamber’s Business Start Team managing the project in partnership with the other five Merseyside Chambers: Liverpool, Halton, Sefton, Knowsley and Wirral. Building on the success of the trailblazer, with interest exceeding all expectations, the NEA was rolled out across the country by the end of August.
Customers are referred to St Helens Chamber from Jobcentre Plus. To be eligible, they must have been claiming jobseeker’s allowance for more than six months and be serious about becoming self employed.
The initiative provides mentoring support from an experienced business owner as well as financial assistance in the form of a loan and a weekly allowance for up to 6 months to help new businesses get off the ground. The mentor will help the new entrepreneur to write a business plan and answer questions on the day to day challenges of self employment.
Motorsport enthusiast James Hurst, 27, from Wallasey received advice and support through the NEA to get his business, RPM Automotive, off the ground.
James explains: “I had been looking for work since graduating with a degree in Automotive Technology. I was doing some voluntary work with a race team which gave me some valuable work experience but was struggling to find any suitable paid work that matched my skills and experience.
“Jobcentre Plus told me about the New Enterprise Allowance and it seemed like an ideal solution. I met with a business start up adviser from St Helens Chamber who explained the programme and gave me some general advice about being self employed. I was then given a dedicated business mentor who helped me with my business plan and cash flow forecasts as well as providing advice on bookkeeping and accounting.”
James’ business mentor was Paul McGerty from McLintocks Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors in Birkenhead, who provided support during the early stages of the business.
Paul said: “I found out about the NEA through an event held at Wirral Chamber of Commerce and Industry that highlighted how local businesses could get involved. It has been very rewarding to be able to help someone else get their business off the ground. Helping to create more businesses is also a great way of boosting the local economy here in Birkenhead, which in turn is good for our business.
“Working with James has been great. He has put in place a very realistic and achievable business plan and cash flow forecast which has given him a good footing to build the business from. I’m sure he will do well.”
Ken Davies, Chief Executive of Wirral Chamber of Commerce commented: “Reaching this milestone is a very significant achievement and a great testament to the success of the NEA Trailblazer. We are delighted that the 500th customer is located here on the Wirral and are very grateful to all the volunteer mentors who have given their time to support these fledgling businesses to start up. This is a remarkable demonstration of the real difference that our Mentors have made to so many up and coming entrepreneurs. ”
Ann Holcroft, Business Start Manager at St Helens Chamber adds: “We have recruited over 200 volunteer private sector mentors so far and we would like to thank them all for giving up their time to support the fledgling businesses and make the programme possible. We are always looking for new mentors so please do get in touch if you want to find out more about what’s involved.”
James has now completed his first month trading from his new premises on Argyle Industrial Estate in Birkenhead and so far business is going well.
“I’ve had a lot of referrals from friends and family,” says James. “So far I have mostly been carrying out services, wheel alignment and general car repairs but as the business becomes more established I hope to be able to specialise the workshop in providing services for track and rally vehicles, which is where my expertise lies.”
For more information on becoming a volunteer business mentor for the New Enterprise Allowance programme, call Ann Holcroft at St Helens Chamber, on 01744 742003 or visit
http://www.sthelenschamber.com/latest/nea.
Visit this link for St Helens Chamber :
http://www.sthelenschamber.com/latest/nea
New Enterprise Allowance - Merseyside Needs Mentors!
St Helens Chamber is delivering an extended trailblazer across Merseyside for the New Enterprise Allowance Programme. It is designed to help people who have been out of work for a while to start their own business.
The programme provides support, encouragement, guidance and some money to ensure new businesses are created locally. It also includes mentor support to help people through the early stages of starting a business and we are looking for local businesses to help with this.
Who would make an ideal mentor?
We are looking for friendly, committed business people who will give up a small amount of their time to support people who have a great business idea that needs unlocking and developing. The role is potentially very rewarding and will make a huge difference to the local economy.
What mentors will do?
Mentors will meet with people and provide encouragement about a business idea they may have. This will amount to around 1 hour a week in the first two months to shape the idea and explore whether any money can be made from it. After start up you spend just 1-2 hours per month (for up to 6 months) to ensure that good business decisions are made to ensure that the business survives and flourishes.
Who are we trying to help and what do they need?
They will be local people who have been unemployed for 6 months or more. They will have some experience and skills but may lack confidence to know what to do next. They need someone to give them guidance about how to get started on the journey into self employment.
The role of the Chambers
The Chambers in Merseyside have the responsibility for recruiting mentors. Chambers will pre-screen people to ensure that they have a reasonable business idea in place.
Success so far
The programme has already recruited over 200 mentors in total – but we need more! Demand is high and we meet with appromimately 50 customers a month. So far we have supported over 525 people to start a business across Merseyside.
Nick Buxton is Managing Director of P&R Labpack, a supplier and distributor of laboratory supplies, based in St Helens.
“My local Chamber told me about the New Enterprise Allowance Scheme and I volunteered to become a mentor. I found it a steep learning curve to begin with but it’s been a really useful experience for me too as a business owner. I’ve been working with a client who has successfully started his own joinery business and things are progressing very well.”
Lyndsey van Westerhuizen is Managing Director of accountancy development, training and support providers TQS Solutions.
"From initial discovery of my mentees ideas, helping him to develop these into a structured plan and seeing how passionate he has become about his business is extremely rewarding.”
For more information please contact St Helens Chamber on 01744 742003 or email ann.holcroft@sthelenschamber.com
Finally, found this statement here:
http://www.wirralchamber.org.uk/?content=showGeneralNews&catIdentifier=&newsKey=128
Government must do more to help the private sector create new jobs
•In the three months to February 2012, unemployment fell by 35,000 while employment rose by 53,000
•The number of unemployed people aged 16-24 fell by 9,000 but remained above 1million
•The number of people working part-time because they could not find a full-time job rose by 89,000 to the highest figure since records began
Commenting on the labour market figures published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“With economic pressures facing the UK and ongoing problems in the eurozone, these figures were broadly positive, showing that unemployment fell and employment increased. But there are certain features which are causing concern. Youth unemployment, though slightly down, remains above one million, and the number of people working part-time because they can’t find a full-time job reached a new peak. Although the rise in employment is welcome, we can’t ignore the fact that part-time jobs have risen while the number of full-time jobs has fallen. The overall message from these figures is encouraging, however, as they show the ability and willingness of the private sector to drive recovery at a time when the public sector is likely to shrink further.
“But the challenges facing the labour market cannot be overlooked. As the deficit-cutting plan forces the government to reduce employment, it is likely that the unemployment total will increase over the next year. Every effort must be made to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and increase the flow of lending to credit worthy firms so the private sector can create new jobs.”
There's an independent site, which suggests that some clients are being misled by jobcentre advisers over the NEA: http://www.newenterpriseallowance.info/Apply.html
ReplyDeleteI myself was eligible for it, but the JC put me onto the wrong scheme. I'm now fighting to get on it the with help of my mentor.