New campaign targeting

A two-year communications campaign has been launched to promote the Business Link Start-Up Service in the East Midlands.

The Start-Up initiative aims to raise aspirations amongst hard-to-reach groups such as women, students and people in disadvantaged areas, as well as individuals currently in employment. In addition, owners of new businesses will also be encouraged to use the Business Link services to obtain information about any areas they need support with.

The campaign kicked off with Business Link advisers attending a number of events across the region stocked with information about how people thinking of starting their own business can access the wide range of help available to them.

To support the work of the advisers, an intensive direct marketing and advertising programme will include promotions at shopping centres and bus-side and radio advertising throughout the year. The Business Link website (www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands) will also host live and pre-recorded webinars featuring a variety of guest speakers and Q&A sessions with Business Link experts.

The Business Link Start-Up Service offers a range of free advice, including:
• Deciding to start
• The business plan
• Financial planning
• ICT for your business
• Managing the money
• Managing the risk
• Sales and marketing

Once training is completed, people will have access to their own business adviser who can guide them through making the leap into self-employment and will be on hand to advise them during their first year in business.

Says John O’Reilly, business support director at the East Midlands Development Agency, which is funding the campaign: “We know from experience that many people have fantastic business ideas, but the thought of taking the risks associated with turning them into reality can be very daunting.

“New businesses are essential to ensure the future prosperity of the region and evidence shows that those that seek professional, external advice significantly increase their chances of growth and survival. Through the Business Link Start-Up campaign we want to reach as many people as possible who may be thinking of starting up their own business to make them aware of the wealth of free expert advice, support and information that is available to them.”
Business Link: 0845 0586644.