Government backed startup support provider to launch “once in a generation” campaign

Enterprise Nation, the UK’s leading small business network and business support provider is set to launch a “once in a generation” campaign which will see a million new businesses started and supported, over the next three years.

The pioneering scheme will bring together the public and private sectors in the UK and Ireland to deliver free targeted support to encourage the next generation of budding start-up entrepreneurs on an epic scale.

StartUp UK will capitalise on expertise from Government departments BEIS, DWP, DCMS, Cabinet Office, HMRC and Enterprise Ireland, and will be backed by firms including HSBC UK, Intuit QuickBooks, and Currys via initiatives such as e-learning, online training, national StartUp Saturday events and flagship annual conferences, held on the nation’s high streets.

Research amongst 1,000 small businesses found more than 80 per cent are happier being their own boss than they were before they started a business, with half enjoying a better work/life balance and one in three saying they are able to spend more time with their family.

Emma Jones, CBE, founder of Enterprise Nation, said: “As our economy recovers from the impact of the pandemic, the appetite and opportunity to be your own boss has never been higher. Add to that less red tape as a result of Brexit and you have a once in a generation opportunity to develop new technology to start a business.

“We’ve seen a 250 per cent increase in the number of individuals looking for business support with thousands more searching for the tools to get it right. This campaign will educate, celebrate, and represent start-ups ensuring the boom continues.”

Small Business minister Paul Scully added: “Entrepreneurial ambition is on the rise in the UK, with one-in-seven adults planning to start their own business.

“Alongside Government support schemes like Start Up Loans and Help to Grow, StartUp UK will support entrepreneurs by providing the tools and resources needed to turn ideas into successful businesses.”

Carlos Pestana, business director at Currys, the UK’s largest technology retailer, commented: “Our vision is to help everyone enjoy amazing technology, and helping SMEs and startups harness the power of technology is a big part of that.”