Partner Article

Workshops held to encourage unemployed

Business Link is encouraging people who are unemployed or considering a career change to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.

The workshops have been designed to provide support and guidance for those who are currently unemployed, at risk of unemployment, wanting a career change, or looking to get back into business after a career break.

Paul Allinson from Hartlepool is one of the entrepreneurs who have taken advantage of the regional start-up workshops. Paul attended two of Business Link’s workshops earlier this year, which left him feeling motivated to build up his own jewellery business.

Nosallis Designs & Jewellery Gallery specialises in the design and hand sculpting of unusual jewellery commissions, such as pendants, bracelets and rings, set with precious stones. Nosallis also exhibits the designs of artist Lee Pickering, also from Hartlepool, whose work incorporates Swarovski crystal, custom-made jewellery, masquerade masks and beadwork.

Paul said: “It is so refreshing to be doing something I love to earn a living. I was tired of my old job and dreamed of opening my own business, but I didn’t know where to start. So I decided to attend some Business Link workshops on the advice of Lee who, herself, had attended earlier workshops. Lee enjoyed them and so did I, and the rest is history.

“We’re really looking forward to the rest of our first successful year in business.”

Chris Simpson, account manager at Business Link, said: “Business Link is regularly approached by people like Paul who have great business ideas, but just don’t know how to get started. Often this is because they think they don’t have enough capital or know-how to make their dream a reality.

“We want to encourage more people who might be out of work to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. It’s all about taking that first step and having the confidence to believe in your idea and yourself.”

For further information about Business Link’s workshops visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast/workshops.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .