Gordon Praises 'Get Started' Team
Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden has backed
Blackpool’s new ‘Get Started’ team of seven aiming to help local
people start up their own businesses after a visit to and discussions with them at
the New Enterprise Centre in South Shore.
“I was very encouraged to
hear that they’ve been having between 60 and 70 enquires per month since the
late summer from Blackpool people keen to be self-employed and start-up their own businesses”
Mr Marsden commented after meeting Project Manager Paul Heyworth and his staff.
“This is a very practical demonstration of our regeneration efforts
– the £2 million of funding for the project over the next 3 years is part
of the £30 million Government has given Blackpool to stimulate local enterprise
growth – and as chair of All-Party MPs skills group in Parliament, I’m delighted
to see a very practical way of expanding Blackpool’s know-how and skills base
bearing fruit.”
Mr Marsden discussed ways of expanding awareness
of the scheme which can give grants of up to £1500 to start-up applicants, as
well as advice and mentoring them through setting up and sustaining their businesses.
“Certainly my office in Highfield Road will do all it can to publicise and support
the scheme – and I’m delighted that local banks and schools are joining
in Get Started’s Enterprise Week competition from 12 November which will give
local school students a taste of how to set up their own businesses.”
“Its all part and parcel of our drive to encourage enterprise in young people –
as well as giving support to older workers who want to retrain, re-skill and set up
their own businesses” said Mr Marsden.
