Wirral Chamber of Commerce launches Wirral Enterprise Club to help budding entrepreneurs

Apr 20 2011 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

BUDDING entrepreneurs are being helped on the road to success with the launch of Wirral Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s new Wirral Enterprise Club.

Its first event last week brought together established companies from across the borough and people taking the first steps towards setting up their own businesses.

The Chamber’s chief executive, Ken Davies, said: “We set up Wirral Enterprise Club to give budding entrepreneurs an opportunity to get together on a regular basis with experienced business owners and mentors in a supportive environment.

“Not only will they be able to get advice from people who actually know how to run a business but also they can network and meet potential new contacts.

“It’s an exciting venture with one aim – to help and encourage new businesses to succeed.”

The free event was attended by more than 70 guests. Guest speaker was Wirral West MP Esther McVey.

Future Wirral Enterprise Club events will take place on the third Wednesday of each month and will cover specific business topics.

Alongside the Enterprise Club, Wirral Chamber is championing a mentoring scheme for start-up businesses in the borough.

Ken Davies explained: “We want the Chamber to be the first port of call for unemployed people planning to set up their own businesses.

“Under the mentoring scheme, people put forward by Jobcentre Plus under the government’s Enterprise Allowance Scheme will be given advice and encouragement by established business people who have a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the barriers start-ups may face.

“Mentors will help the new companies to produce a business plan and to assess the potential demand for their product or service.

“I am delighted with the positive response from members of our business community who have already come forward to offer their skills and expertise to help prospective entrepreneurs."

Anyone interested in volunteering to mentor a start-up business is asked to commit one hour a week for the first six to eight weeks.

Contact Wirral Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 647 8899 or go to www.wirralchamber.org.uk