CHAMBERLINK BUSINESS SUPPORT POINTING YOUR COMPANY IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR SUCCESS
GREATER BIRMINGHAM CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE delivers a number of programmes designed to help businesses realise their growth aspirations. It can also help identify other schemes that may be applicable to your particular industry.
CONTACT: Sandra Cunningham T: 0121 607 1874
Anabela Ferreira and Martin Cooper
The best start for a new business
Business Venture, the Chamber enterprise start-up department, has helped 166 people who were previously unemployed to launch a new career for themselves by participating in the Government-funded New Enterprise Allowance programme. Anabela Ferreira, manager of Business Venture, said: “Many of those on the programme have established
e-commerce businesses but the services sector, such as electricians, plumbers and handyman enterprises, is also proving extremely popular. “The programme is an excellent way of establishing a
foothold on the business ladder and a significant number of people have gone on to develop successful entrepreneurial careers,” she added. Since last March, about 525 people in Greater Birmingham
have joined the NEA programme, which is managed locally by Business Venture, and a similar number is expected to take part in the scheme over the next 12 months. To join the programme, participants must be aged 18 or
A well-deserved win for Martin
B
irmingham Chamber of Commerce stalwart Martin Cooper battled bravely back from a life-threatening illness to win a special national enterprise award.
Martin, who has worked at the Chamber since 1991, was forced to take 20 months
off work after being diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus back in September 2012. At one point he was unable to eat or drink without the use of a tube into his stomach. Now, five operations and spells of chemotherapy later, which had forced him to
retire through ill-health, Martin, a former director of Chamber Training, is celebrating after picking up the Unsung Hero of the Year award at the National Enterprise Network Conference in London.
‘His resolve, determination and fortitude over the last few years have been an example to us all’
Martin, 66, who is now again working at the Chamber as a self-employed business adviser, said: “The award is given to people who are not in the limelight who have worked to help enterprise businesses. I knew I had been nominated and shortlisted as one of four candidates but I had no idea I had won.” Anabela Ferreira, Business Venture manager at the Chamber, said: “Martin is a
real inspiration. He has amazing drive and is dedicated to helping clients. It has never stopped him helping others despite what he went through.” And finance director Mike Hibbert said: “This is a fitting tribute for what Martin
has been through. His resolve, determination and fortitude over the last few years have been an example to us all.”
over, have a business idea and receive jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance or income support. Once enrolled, they receive mentoring over an eight week pre-start period and when they come off jobseekeer’s allowance they receive a further 26 weeks of support, aided by volunteer mentors. Once a business is
established – and importantly making a profit – then the next step is planning how to grow the enterprise. Anabela said that among the things that can help grow a business include:
• Looking into ways of increasing sales, both to existing customers and new customers
• Improving products and services by researching and testing changes with customers
• Developing new products and services and selling them to new or existing markets
• Taking on staff or training up current staff, including working with apprentices and mentors
• Looking for additional sources of funding, such as bringing in new investors
• Thinking about selling products or services online • Work with a business mentor, who can help with how to do all of these things.
And don’t forget – as a business grows you must register for VAT if taxable turnover reaches more than £82,000.
FEBRUARY 2016 CHAMBERLINK5
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