Leeds entrepreneur roadshows set to inspire
ENTREPRENEURS looking to set up their own ventures and jobseekers are being encouraged to attend a series of business advice roadshows in Leeds.
The Business Link Yorkshire, Leeds City Council and Yorkshire Forward organised events will take place in the city’s Millennium Square from March 24 to 29.
The first is aimed at helping established businesses through the current tough trading conditions. Experts will be on hand to help with raising finance, recruitment and redundancies and how to become a public sector supplier.
On March 25 the theme will be ‘Jobs and more’ and will see local employers and support agencies brought together to help people find new jobs, kick-start a new career or learn fresh skills. There will also be advice from benefits, housing, finance and debt agencies.
March 28 and 29 will focus on advising anyone looking for inspiration on how to start or develop their business.
Based on last year’s highly successful Enterprise Shows, which drew record crowds, these events offer a huge range of professional advice whether it’s access to finance how to get a new idea off the ground or a knotty problem with European regulations.
For those who simply need a little motivation, successful local entrepreneurs will share their experiences to inspire and motivate, highlighting the lessons learned along the way.
The four shows are part of Business Link’s commitment to support businesses and individuals through the current climate.
Helen West, chief executive of Business Link Yorkshire said: “We want to show that Yorkshire is open for business and has a ‘can do’ spirit.
“These are challenging times, but Yorkshire has extraordinary businesses with imagination and creativity who are adapting their products and services and, even in these difficult times, can still find new and growing markets
Tom Riordan, chief executive of Yorkshire Forward, added; “In these tough economic conditions it is vital that everyone works together to tackle the challenges we face.
“That means all parts of the public sector coming together to provide a comprehensive package of support, and for our businesses and workforce to arm themselves with every tool available to keep them moving through the recession, so that we all come out stronger on the other side.”
Councillor Andrew Carter, leader of Leeds City council, said that the shows were very much a local response to local issues.
“Although we are suffering from the same problems as elsewhere there are also opportunities. Visitors to these shows can have confidence that they will be getting the best advice and support, based on local knowledge and conditions, whether it’s to survive or innovate,” he continued.
