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Barnsley business mentoring team off to flying start

A team of business specialists who offer free mentoring, guidance and support to new businesses has got off to a flying start.

The start-up team, based at Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC), was assembled late last year to strengthen the offer to both pre start-up and early stage businesses based in Barnsley.

The team is led by BBIC chief executive Tim Milburn, SmartStart programme manager James Herbert, and new recruit, Kevin Steel, a dedicated business development manager.

Said James: “The programme is going from strength to strength and it means we’re able to provide support and advice to even more start-up businesses in the borough.

“We hold an open day every other month for people interested in setting up a business and the last open day in April attracted 30 businesses.

“So far, the Smartstart Programme has provided business support to over 280 Barnsley start-ups, and this number keeps growing day by day.”

The BBIC provides specialist start-up coaches, and access to free workshops covering business skills such as sales, marketing and finance.

Those businesses that show real growth potential in the SmartStart programme graduate to the Genesis programme which provides up to 12 months intensive support including a dedicated business coach, networking events, management accounting, technical support and office accommodation.

Tim Milburn, chief executive, at BBIC said: “More people than ever are considering setting up their own business largely due to the economic uncertainty which has shrouded the UK for the past few years.

“Our Smartstart and Genesis programmes are designed to complement the existing support on offer through Enterprising Barnsley and bring additional prosperity and jobs to the borough.”

The next Open Day will be held at BBIC, Wilthorpe Road, Barnsley, on June 11th from 10am to 4pm for anyone considering starting their own business.

Business advisors will be available to listen to ideas, carry out a business diagnostic and explain more about the free Barnsley Start Up programmes SmartStart and Genesis.

For more information and to book a place, visit www.barnsleystartup.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Lane .