Blue Orchid lands deal to create army of entrepreneurs

LIVERPOOL-based Blue Orchid has won a national contract to help former members of the Armed Forces set up in business.

The company, which delivers business support programmes on behalf of public sector bodies, has landed a deal from The Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland to deliver a £5m start-up and business growth programme called “Be The Boss”.

Under the programme, ex-military personnel are eligible for funds of up to £7,500 to start their own business, while established firms that have been trading for less than two years can apply for growth funds of up to £30,000.

Successful applicants will undergo training on how to run a small business, learn how to compile business plans and financial forecasts, get assistance with funding applications and receive ongoing business support and mentoring.

Blue Orchid managing director Heather Hayes said: “Blue Orchid is delighted to have been selected by The Royal British Legion to bring our proven expertise to such an exciting and worthwhile scheme.

“Demand is certainly high. Since we began our involvement in October this year there have been nearly 300 enquiries and the first successful applicants have already been granted start-up funding.”

Shegufta Rahman of The Royal British Legion said: “The skills developed by personnel during their careers in the Armed Forces such as leadership, teamwork, communication and attention to detail are compatible with running a successful business.

“Ex-service men and women also tend to be motivated, hard-working people who relish the prospect of successfully tackling a challenge – perfect credentials for running a entrepreneurial business and making a success in enterprise.”