Chamber encourages unemployed to become entrepreneurs

UNEMPLOYED people in Coventry and Warwickshire are being offered the opportunity of starting their own business under a new scheme being coordinated by the area’s chamber of commerce.

Earlier this year, Enterprise Clubs were launched across the UK and Coventry and Warwickshire is one of the first areas to benefit from the idea.    

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is a very important new initiative. We have seen unemployment figures rise in this region and across the country in the past 12 to 18 months and that has to be addressed.

“Many people have a fantastic business idea and the potential to run their own business, but need advice and support to get them started and that is where the Enterprise Clubs come in.

“The clubs will offer unemployed people the chance to meet up, exchange ideas and develop a business idea.”

The chamber is providing business advice but will also draw on support from local businesses who will be able to talk to the budding entrepreneurs about their own experiences of running a business, as well as offer some specialist advice and top tips – all of which is free of charge.

“We are looking forward to working on this very important initiative and believe it will be of benefit to the local economy,” added Ms Bennett.

David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “This initiative is a real example of how chambers of commerce can provide real help to local communities and develop that vital spirit of enterprise the Prime Minister has spoken so passionately about.

“Local businesses are only to willing to spend time helping those that want to start their own businesses. This is a real example of the ‘Big Society’ in action.”

Andrew Watts, of law firm Alsters Kelley, and Rob Simpson, from Simpson Financial Services, were the first local businesses to volunteer their time and expertise to the Coventry club. The project has also been visited by the director of JobCentre Plus, Alistair McDonald.