Partner Article

Saturday club launched to help people become their own boss

A store in Gateshead is one of the first in the country to back a national campaign that aims to get the country’s economy moving again by creating a 500,000-strong army of entrepreneurs.

Staples in Metro Retail Park is hosting weekly classes on the shop floor for those who want to become their own boss – giving over prime retail space on a Saturday morning.

Start Up Saturday began on May 21 and runs for 12 weeks, covering everything from discovering that big idea right through to finance and marketing on a shoestring.

Each session is from 9.30am to 10.30am and students receive a comprehensive workbook, including advice, case studies, useful links and tips.

Staples operations director Ian Tattersall said: “The StartUp Britain Campaign has really struck a chord with us as it’s dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurial flair and starting small businesses at a time when our economy needs it the most.

“Hopefully by holding the sessions in our store we will break down the barriers to classroom learning and people of all ages will feel comfortable in signing up. In many ways this will build on the activity that took place in our stores last year, when we ran a 5 to 9ers event for people holding down a day job and running their own business in their spare time.”

Start up Saturday is being run by the small business support company Enterprise Nation and training providers CragRats.

Emma Jones, of Enterprise Nation and one of the founders of StartUp Britain, said: “There’s no time like the present to start a business. We know there’s a wealth of talent out there and that all people need is a kick start, which is what this initiative is all about. The course will be fun and hopefully lead to financial reward and a flexible working life.”

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