Solihull named in top three areas in the UK for helping support start-ups

SOLIHULL has been named as one of the most successful towns in the country for helping new businesses survive the difficult two-year start-up period.

The borough council’s Enterprise for Success scheme offers free help to fledgling businesses so they can develop their business plans, find commercial premises and access specialist training in areas of marketing, finance, tax and e-commerce.  

The scheme can link businesses up to the latest available funding, such as the recent Budget announcement of £30m of additional funding for start-up loans for entrepreneurs aged 18-20.

The work reinforces the town’s placing in Santander’s list of the top three towns in the UK for helping to encourage enterprise.

 Among the scheme’s latest successes is Freeth Photography, which has been set up by Solihull resident Nicki Freeth to offer wedding, family and commercial photography services.

Ms Freeth said: “After speaking to the Enterprise for Success advisors, my whole outlook has changed from being a hobby to running it as a business, developing pricing strategies, cash flow forecasts and a robust business plan.  The programme has supported me to think long term; with plans to recruit staff and open a new studio in the future.”

Cllr Ian Courts, cabinet member for Community & Economic Regeneration commented: “The economy is driven by new business starts and there is a whole range of support available to tap into.  The recent Budget announcements regarding funding for young entrepreneurs is excellent news and proves that now is an excellent time to get in touch and explore the opportunities and support available through the Enterprise for Success programme.”