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Business programme turns Yorkshire entrepreneurs’ lives around

3 October 2008

Yorkshire and Humber entrepreneurs from under represented areas of the business community have been honoured at a prestigious annual graduation lunch in Sheffield.

Ninety seven budding entrepreneurs graduated from the New Entrepreneur Scholarships (NES) programme at the special event at the city's Holiday Inn Royal Victoria hotel, organised by Sheffield Enterprise Agency (SENTA). More than 97 completed the programme across the region.

NES scholars come from backgrounds which have traditionally found it difficult to access and secure business support including women, the over 50s, lone parents, registered disabled, BME background and ex-offenders. The training programme aims to equip its scholars with the skills necessary to set up their own businesses.

SENTA operates the NES programme on a regional level on behalf of the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA), meaning it extends its help and advice beyond the Sheffield city boundaries by developing and supporting new businesses across the Yorkshire and Humber region.

NFEA Chief Executive George Derbyshire, speaking at the event, said: "These people have all got one thing in common - the desire to succeed. I believe that the NES programme is the best start up scheme in the country, offering scholars one-to-one support with the option of increasing their qualifications.

"With these skills, knowledge and the right attitude, these people have turned their lives around and I am confident they can all go from strength to strength in their new businesses."

Special guest on the day was Music Factory founder Andy Pickles, who shared his entrepreneurial experiences with an inspirational business talk. He was joined by Sheffield's Lord Mayor, Councillor Jane Bird, who spoke about the importance of new entrepreneur's in the current economic climate.

She said: "It is more important than ever in today's economic climate to continue promoting enterprise. I am certain the region will survive these tough times. The region has developed a culture for enterprise and I am confident these entrepreneurs will be there to drive the city's future economic success."

The NES programme, which is funded by the Learning and Skills Council, aims to break down potential barriers with a comprehensive package of support, mentoring and funding in order to nurture the start-up and growth of new businesses. It is delivered by NFEA through its members in partnership with the Association of Business Schools and The Prince's Trust.

SENTA is part of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and provides fully integrated support to new business start-ups and businesses up to two years old.

ENDS

Photo caption: The NES graduates at this year's annual lunch.

Categories: SENTA