Wirral mechanic’s business is raring to go after helping hand from government scheme

Jan 11 2012 by Helen Hunt, Birkenhead News

A MECHANIC from Wirral became the 500th person to benefit from a government scheme to help new business get off the ground.

James Hurst, 27, from Wallasey, was able to launch his Birkenhead-based business, RPM Automotive thanks to a the Government’s New Entrerprise Allowance Initiative, which has now been introduced nationally after local trials.

Merseyside was selected to deliver the trailblazer last January, with St Helens Chamber’s Business Start Team managing the project in partnership with the other five Merseyside Chambers: Liverpool, Halton, Sefton, Knowsley and Wirral. The scheme was rolled out across the country in August.

Mr Hurst is the 500th person to launch their own business in Merseyside thanks to the scheme which helps the unemployed become self-employed.

Mr Hurst said: “I graduated with a degree in Automotive Technology and was doing some voluntary work with a race team which gave me some valuable work experience, but I was struggling to find any suitable paid work that matched my skills and experience.

“So far I have mostly been carrying out services, wheel alignment and general car repairs but as the business becomes more established I hope to be able to specialise the workshop in providing services for track and rally vehicles, which is where my expertise lies.”

To be eligible for the scheme, participants must have been claiming job seekers’ allowance for more than six months.

Ken Davies, Chief Executive of Wirral Chamber of Commerce said: “Reaching this milestone is a very significant achievement and a great testament to the success of the NEA Trailblazer.

“We are delighted that the 500th customer is located here on Wirral and are very grateful to all the volunteer mentors who have given their time to support these fledgling businesses to start up.

“This is a remarkable demonstration of the real difference that our Mentors have made to so many up and coming entrepreneurs.”