Two key county organisations team up to help small business owners

As job losses continue to rise across Shropshire, two key organisations have forged links to help the scores of people start their own businesses, it has been announced today.

Women in Rural Enterprise (WiRE) have teamed up with the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise to provide a new package of business training to help people get their enterprises off the ground. The move comes as more and more of Shropshire’s public and private sector workers face an uncertain future due to the financial crisis and government cut-backs.

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce have drafted in WiRE’s training arm ‘Opening Doors’, which is accredited by Harper Adams University, to help deliver the new business programme. The course, which costs £349 and will take place at the Chamber’s base in Telford in September, includes three days of intensive accredited training from WiRE’s business advisors, coaching and support and a series of networking opportunities.

Participants will also benefit from a year-long membership with the Chamber of Commerce as part of the package.
Richard Sheehan managing director of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce said: “With the reduction in funding and government spending cuts the level of support available has now dramatically reduced.

“We needed to look for partnership work and we are delighted to partner with WiRE, a highly regarded and long-established business training provider. We are totally committed to supporting the growth in business start-up and the local economy.

“We have devised a 12 month programme which is designed to ensure that people taking the plunge into business are fully supported and their business is sustainable in the years to come.”

The Shropshire Chamber of Commerce aims ensure all of its members benefit from a support and services package that improves their business and gives them a competitive edge. Sarah Roberts, award-winning business advisor for WiRE said:

“We are delighted to be able to work with Shropshire Chamber of Commerce. We hope that by forming this partnership we can provide a firm foundation for people who are looking to start their own business whether self-employment is an entirely new venture or they already have some knowledge of the subject.”

WiRE has been offering business support to women in rural business since 1996 and it has been instrumental in helping countless women to launch their own small enterprises. Emma Owen, who founded her own Shrewsbury-based business, Rejuvenate Holistic in July previously took part in the WiRE ‘opening doors’ business start-up course.
She said: “It was really helpful. There were all sorts of little trinkets of information which were so useful especially when it came to finance, legislation and trademarks.”

For more information on WiRE including courses and training visit www.wireuk.org or call 01952 815338. For details on the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce new business start-up package call 01952 208200 or visit www.shropshire-chamber.co.uk.