Business Link pledges support to Coventry entrepreneurs

A FORMER construction worker from Warwick has bounced back from redundancy to start up his own business recycling electrical items and computer hardware.

Damion Godwin decided to become a budding entrepreneur after enlisting the help of support service Business Link West Midlands.

His firm Eco Warriors works on behalf of local residents and businesses looking to avoid the risk of non-compliance.

Operating a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week service, the company provides regular monthly collections and is currently working on projects which could yield more than £15,000.

It is just the start for the ambitious entrepreneur, who has been backed in the venture by PowerLeds (UK).

Mr Godwin is now looking at employing two more people and expanding regular collections from the Midlands into other areas across the country.

“We collect large and small household appliances, IT and computer accessories and sports and leisure equipment – the complete recycling service to be honest,” he said.

Business Link has assisted more than 850 people in the region during the last 12 months and is offering help with business planning, financial forecasting, sales and marketing, bringing new products to market and legal issues.

It is collaborating with specialist providers such as Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Amazon Initiatives in order to deliver the support locally.

The aim is to assist 200 start-up businesses over the next four months.
 
Mr Godwin said the first six months of his new business had been hectic and he had benefited from the advice the chamber had been able to give him.

“This assistance has included one-on-one mentoring and help with business planning, financial forecasting and developing a marketing strategy. I also received a lot of support in identifying and securing our first premises at Althorpe Enterprise Hub,” he said.

Eco Warriors – a name chosen by Mr Godwin’s 16 year-old son – has now moved into a small workshop in Warwick to help establish the recycling process. It is now embarking on a concerted drive to attract more monthly business users.

Emma Rynberk, from Coventry chamber, said: “With green issues now high on the agenda, there has never been a better time to offer tailored recycling services to both domestic and industrial customers.

“Damion has hopefully stolen a march on many of his rivals and has the experience and contacts needed to make the business a big success.”

Business Link West Midlands is urging budding entrepreneurs in Coventry and Warwickshire to follow Eco Warrior’s example and tap into a host of specialist support to turn ideas into commercial reality.

The organisation is currently offering a full package of assistance from immediate start-up advice and information sheets to networking events and one-to-one mentoring.

“Enterprise is going to be an important driver in helping the area continue its recovery from the recession and we’re delighted that we are able to still offer a comprehensive package of support in locally,” said BLWM chief executive Lorraine Holmes.