Start up for business

South Warwickshire entrepreneurs are being invited to come forward with their business ideas and turn them into reality. A new service is being launched in Shipston-on-Stour by Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Stour Power and the South Warwickshire Economic Development Team, with the aim of helping the local economy through more business start ups.

"This project is striving to help ideas grow into new businesses which will support the local economy in Shipston and surrounding villages," said Cllr Trevor Russel, District Council Deputy Leader and Chairman of Stour Power.

"We know from our research and local contacts that there is a great deal of entrepreneurial spirit in the area, so we are hoping this project will help that spirit reach it's maximum potential.

"Stratford District Council and Stour Power would love to hear from you if you have an idea for a new business which needs help getting off the ground. There is still space available on the project to support new businesses over the next six months, with enrolment times tailored to suit your needs.

"The launch of the new Shipston business start up facility on 2 December was a great success with 19 visitors and a number of application forms completed on the day. 

"Self employment in the Stour Valley is particularly high at 155 per 1,000 population and 880 people work from home. This pilot is designed to see how the enterprise spirit can best be fostered to ensure future prosperity for our rural communities."

The programme is free and open to people in Shipston and the Stour Valley from 16 January 2006, at the business start up centre, above the Council Offices, Telegraph St, Shipston on Stour. It provides a broadband connection to Coventry University Enterprises, one-to-one business mentoring support, training and education over a variety of areas including finance, marketing and business planning.

It is being managed by Coventry University Enterprises, which has a track record of supporting nearly 300 business start-ups in the last 2 ½ years as part of the Vision Works programme, which includes group training and one-to-one support through a business mentor.

Together with Stratford District Council, the other partners involved in this programme are: Coventry University Enterprises, South Warwickshire Economic Development Team, Stour Power, BICS (Business Innovation Centres), British Telecom, Shipston Town Council.

Anyone who would like to discuss their business idea or view the facilities available as part of the programme should contact Julia Aratoon at Stratford District Council 01789 260103.