A UK wide Government initiative to provide enterprise clubs to help the unemployed and those wishing to start a business who are not currently in work, has been brought to Swindon. Forward Swindon conducted an open tender process to find a delivery partner to provide a free club for those wishing to start up a business in the Swindon area. The Real Business Club has been awarded the contract and will launch an enterprise club at the Jobcentre Plus offices in Princes Street this Friday 18th November between 10am and 2pm.
Kate Lole, Partner at The Real Business Club said “We are delighted to have been chosen to launch the new enterprise club in Swindon. For the past two years we have run a club in Wokingham which has seen over 500 individuals meet business experts and access one to one support, network, attend seminars and make new contacts. We very much look forward to working in Swindon to provide much needed face to face support when starting a new business venture.”
Ian Piper, CEO at Forward Swindon added “Forward Swindon have selected an experienced organisation to run the club in Swindon. It’s very important to be able to support local people who’d like to make their own living, and we look forward to hearing how the club progresses and seeing some successful ventures start as a result.”
The Real Business Club in Swindon is targeted to help at least 80 people start their own business, including those on Jobseekers Allowance, people currently out of work but wanting to create their own venture, and those facing redundancy. Its designed for all ages, from 18 upwards. The club will run for 12 months and is expected to generate at least 5 new businesses as a result.
Jill Annal at Swindon Jobcentre Plus said: “Enterprise Clubs help people starting out in business get strong support and practical advice from business experts, who have already jumped those same hurdles, as well as from fellow members of the club facing the same challenges. Jobseekers wanting to turn a good idea into business success can also get support with the New Enterprise Allowance that offers a weekly allowance, mentoring and a business loan to get them started.”
The Real Business Club will meet each month in various venues around Swindon town centre from 10am to 12.30pm on the 3rd Friday of each month. It will provide a free service for those looking to explore if starting a business is right for them, help to write a business plan, advice on the legal requirements of starting in business and access to ongoing expert support. It will also provide an opportunity for members to exchange ideas and network within the Swindon area.
Those wishing to hear more should go along to the launch on Friday 18th at Swindon Jobcentre Plus for an informal chat. They can also email info@therealbusinessclub.co.uk with The Real Business Club – Swindon in the subject line or call 0118 9680813.
ENDS
Editors notes:
The Real Business Club
The Real Business Club was formed in October 2009 by three partners, Dawn Edwards (Zen Tax Consultants Ltd), Isabel King (Idea Fishing Associates) and Kate Lole (Yellow Poppy Marketing Ltd). In their own day to day businesses they saw a need for professionals and entrepreneurs to have the opportunity to explore and develop their business ideas within a friendly and businesslike atmosphere. The first club was set up at TradeMark Windows, Wokingham providing an unusual venue for attendees to meet experts, attend micro seminars, build contacts and network.
Contact details:
For media enquiries about The Real Business Club, please contact Kate Lole, Partner, kate@therealbusinessclub.co.uk, Tel: 07708 864365
http://www.therealbusinessclub.co.uk/swindon/
Enterprise Clubs - Get Britain Working
Enterprise Clubs are part of the Government’s Get Britain Working measures that include the New Enterprise Allowance, the Work Programme, Work Together volunteering placements and sector-based work academies. More information on the Government’s Get Britain Working measures is available here: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/welfare-reform/get-britain-working/
14/11/2011