Enterprise scheme for jobless pays off
A GOVERNMENT scheme that supports unemployed people start their own businesses is making an big impact in the region.
Statistics from the Department of Work and Pensions released this week revealsthat more new businesses have been set up by jobless benefit claimants in Liverpool using the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) – than in any other local authority in Britain. Neighbouring Wirral was ranked sixth and Manchester ninth.
A total of 1,270 new businesses have been created in Liverpool since the scheme was introduced in April 2011, with the Wirral seeing 810 new business starts.
Encouragingly, the North West has seen more new businesses created through the scheme than any other region, contributing more than 10,000 new start-ups to a total of almost 70,000.
The NEA helps jobseekers, lone parents and people on sickness benefits with a good idea to set up their own business.
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. If the business plan is approved, they are eligible for financial support payable through a weekly allowance over 26 weeks.
Employment minister, Priti Patel, said: “Through this scheme, we’re helping to unlock the talent and entrepreneurialism of the great cities in the North, with these areas showing the highest number of jobseekers turning a big idea into a business.
“Starting up in business successfully needs so much more than just funding – it needs the right support and advice at the right time, and we’re doing just that through the New Enterprise Allowance scheme.
“We will ensure that every part of Britain, including the Northern Powerhouse, benefits from a growing economy and that everyone who works hard gets the opportunities they need to succeed.”
One new entrepreneur, Jemma Brown 36, who received help from the NEA to launch her own enterprise as a style consultant having moved back to the North West after working in London for fashion designer Karen Millen.
She said: “I received help from an adviser to create a viable business plan and advice on how best to market my business. Following a lot of networking and the launch of my website, I saw a real increase in business and have been enjoying putting my ideas into practice.”
