Kevin Foster, Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman for Torbay, has welcomed new figures showing that 80 people in Torquay and Paignton have been helped off benefits and are now running their own business, under the Government’s New Enterprise Allowance scheme.
The allowance, which supports people on out of work benefits to start their own business, has helped more than 46,000 people across the country to set up successful businesses since it was introduced in April 2011.
The support available to people involved starts with help from a business mentor to develop their business idea. Then, once they have got the business up and running, and have moved off benefits, they are eligible for 26 weeks of financial support as they get their business going.
Kevin said: “It is excellent news that 80 people in Torquay and Paignton have been helped to get off benefits and realise their dream of starting their own businesses and being their own boss. There’s more to do, but these figures show that our support is helping people to get off benefits and start running their own business, giving them the promise of a better and brighter future.”
“Starting a business can seem a daunting prospect, yet there is lots of support on offer for those looking to take the first step towards turning a dream into reality. Small businesses have always played a vital role in the bay’s economy and giving more people the ability to create one is a key part of our long term economic plan for the future."
For anyone thinking of starting their own business in Torbay there is a range of advice available from Outset Torbay. Just give the team a call on 0800 0322 905 or visit www.outsettorbay.co.uk