Landmark reached for entrepreneurial scheme
8 May 2014 03:37 PM
New Scottish businesses offer inspiration for
jobseekers says Scottish Secretary.
A
UK Government scheme which is helping jobseekers become their own boss was
welcomed today by Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael.
Mr
Carmichael was in Glasgow to join North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East
Dunbartonshire and Glasgow City councils in celebrating the 2000th business
started through the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) programme.
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The
Secretary of State and representatives from DWP were joined by councillors from
the four local authorities - who have worked with Jobs & Business Glasgow
and Lanarkshire Enterprise Services - at the milestone event.
Mr
Carmichael said the businesses started through the NEA would be an inspiration
for many more to follow. He said:
It
is great to see this scheme is helping thousands of budding entrepreneurs
become their own boss across Glasgow, West Central Scotland and the whole
country.
I
have met some inspirational people today who have turned their innovative ideas
into viable businesses. I am sure that in the years ahead they will become the
inspiration for many more to follow in their footsteps.
This Government is determined to do all we can to help
small business and entrepreneurs. The New Enterprise Allowance reaffirms my
belief that with the correct support and advice the only barrier to starting
your own business should be your imagination.
Find out more about the New Enterprise Allowance: Click Here for
Video
The
New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) offers expert mentoring and financial support to
jobseekers who want to start up their own business. It is available to people
over 18 who are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, lone parents on Income
Support, or people on Employment and Support Allowance in the work-related
activity group.
People on the scheme get expert help and advice from a
business mentor who will help them to develop their business idea and write a
business plan. More than 40,000 businesses have now been setup across the UK
since the scheme was launched in 2011.
Case studies
Helen Fraser, Nails by Helen from East
Dunbartonshire
50th Business Start Up
Helen, built on her experience working in a nail bar and
used the knowledge she gained by observing other technicians to make her
business dream a reality.
She
said: “I had technical knowledge but no business experience which is
where NEA came in to play. They helped me with funding and supported me in
making an achievable business plan. Without their help, I would have been lost.
I am grateful for their belief in me and the foundations they gave me to build
my business.”
Sami Omar, Afillion Studios from
Glasgow
500th Business Start Up
Afillion Studios is a rehearsal and recording space in
the heart of Glasgow. Sami Omar embarked on a journey, which grew from passion
for music, combined with knowledge gained through studying
music.
“I graduated from university and couldn’t
find a job. On the Job Centre Plus website, I found a link to NEA; beginning my
journey towards opening my business,” he said.
“My Jobs & Business Glasgow mentor helped me
every step of the way, including putting together a business plan. Through NEA,
JBG, Business Gateway, Prince’s Trust & Glasgow City Council I
gathered funds to buy equipment, renovate premises, setup the website and for
promotion.”
Maureen Luby – Glossa Services from South
Lanarkshire
1,000th Business Start Up
Glossa Services specialises in proofreading, teaching
English as a foreign language and translating Greek to English. Maureen’s
journey began when her Jobcentre Plus adviser referred her to Business Gateway
for advice on setting up in business.
She
said: “I attended many of Business Gateway courses and took something
from all of them: time management and the ability to prioritise tasks in
particular. The NEA loan helped me purchase a computer and other equipment
essential to my business. Meetings with my NEA mentor were of great help to me,
especially with my business plan. The support I received was
excellent.”
Ewan Gilmour – Clicks Convert from South
Lanarkshire
1,500th Business Start Up
Ewan got involved in digital marketing in 1997 at the
start of the dot com boom. After years of running his own online business, Ewan
expanded upon his business by working with digital marketing
agencies.
He
said: “NEA helped me at a critical time to set up my digital marketing
agency. After discovering a gap in the market, I decided to offer International
Search Engine Optimisation and Pay Per Click Management. With the support
we’ve received, Clicks Convert has been able to branch out – now
joined by Cristina Ballesteros, a digital marketing veteran of 15 years, Clicks
Convert has started a multilingual web store for an Organic Farm in Spain. With
clients in Scotland, Spain and Holland, Clicks Convert has enjoyed a wonderful
blooming in their first year of trading. We’d like to thank you for all
the support!”
Billy Mushet – Catchfish Social Media from North
Lanarkshire Council
2,000th Business Start Up
Catchfish Social Media prepare and launch social media
campaigns connecting businesses to new customers. Billy started his business
after being made redundant.
“My first step was to visit my local Business
Gateway where I was advised on the benefits of NEA and how it could help me
launch and grow my business. The tutorial classes and mentoring were second to
none. Over the course of a few weeks, I learned how to formulate a solid
business plan, project cash flow and market my business,” he
said.
“Bill Duncan was assigned as my mentor; he went
the extra mile to ensure my business was in good stead for a quick launch. He
kept me grounded and helped me set realistic ambitions. I couldn’t be
thankful enough for the help and advice he gave.’’