Budding entrepreneurs from across East Lancashire were welcomed to Nelson and Colne College on Friday 11th November 2011, as they took part in a ‘Starting your own business’ workshop with the College’s Business Centre and Pendle Enterprise, of the Consortium of Enterprise Agencies.

With the Government spending cuts and the jobs market looking more and more competitive, the College decided to respond to this current climate by offering a ‘Start your Own Business’ workshop. Utilising the space in the College’s own stylish restaurant, Farringtons, the event was designed for those with an entrepreneurial flair and those who have a business idea or are in the initial stages of launching their own business.

The event was well attended by a range of budding entrepreneurs with ideas encompassing online sales, manufacturing, outdoor activities and the leisure industry, amongst others. A number of College students who were keen to see if their ideas would stand up in the market place also attended the event. The programme covered all areas of preparing to start your business including market research, finance and marketing. Attendees received vital start up tools to enable them to take their initial ideas forward. As a follow up from the event, each visitor was also assigned their own individual Business Advisor from the College who would continue to offer advice and guidance to support them in their start up.

Phil Ashton from the Nelson and Colne College Business Centre said – “The event was fantastic and feedback from the group was excellent. In the current climate, with the focus on entrepreneurship, more and more people are looking to put their business ideas into practice. We are working closely with the Consortium of Enterprise Agencies to give new businesses the support and guidance they need to achieve their business goals.”

For information on future events please call the Business Centre on 01282 440319.