18.06.07
New business start-up tour hits the road

A brand new initiative by Business Link Devon and Cornwall hits the road this month (June), with a first ever bus tour of the two counties offering specialist help and advice to start-up businesses and anyone with a new business idea.

The large 'Starting in Business' tour bus will make its first stop in Redruth on Tuesday, June 26, at the town's Morrisons supermarket. The bus, carrying a team of business start-up advisers, will also visit Truro, Newquay and Bodmin, before moving into Devon.

Business Link is running the 'Starting in Business' roadshow in partnership with Lloyds TSB, Truro College Business Centre, Cornwall College and GCAP media. The bus will contain two Business Link start-up team advisers, a Lloyds TSB adviser and a representative from both colleges.

As one of the country's leading enterprising areas, the South West has now overtaken London as the UK's most entrepreneurial region. The South West has 7.6% of its adult population engaged in entrepreneurial activity, compared with 6% in London, and the region also boasts the highest level of female entrepreneurship at 5.5%.

Ian Gent, Head of Marketing at Business Link Devon and Cornwall, said: "Anyone who started trading in the last 12 months or is considering developing a business idea can simply drop in and get impartial expert advice on a multitude of business issues.

"The tour bus is a great way of offering information and assistance to people at easily accessible locations throughout both counties."

Visitors will have free live access to Business Link's online business review, a range of free information and details of forthcoming business workshops, as well as access to advisers who can signpost to appropriate support.

Peter Blakesley, Senior Business Manager, Lloyds TSB said: "As the number one bank for start-ups in the country, we are delighted to be working alongside Business Link in helping to provide local businesses with help and advice that can prove to be vital in the early stages of trading."

He continued: "The partnership of Lloyds TSB and Business Link Devon and Cornwall at events like these will only help to strengthen the regional economy and will give a wide range of people across both counties the chance to seek free expert advice that will hopefully help local businesses to continue to thrive."

For further information please contact Carolyn Daw on 01566 771863/07866 697057 or email cdaw@marketing-pr.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Business Link Devon and Cornwall through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).

Editor's notes:

Business Link provides a free information and enquiry service via an information gateway on the web www.businesslinksw.co.uk and via the telephone on 0845 600 9006 to all businesses and those considering starting a business. Additionally it provides impartial business advice and support through a network of partner organisations, which it co-ordinates, and a register of independent business practitioners. Business Link for Devon and Cornwall delivers the national Business Link service to the region under contract from the South West RDA.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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