Graham Stuart MP has welcomed new figures showing that 160 people in Beverley and Holderness have been helped off benefits and are now running their own businesses, under the Government’s New Enterprise Allowance scheme.
The Allowance – which supports people on out of work benefits to start their own businesses – has helped more than 46,000 people across the country to set up their own businesses since it was introduced in April 2011.
The support available to people begins with help from a business mentor to develop their business ideas. Then, once the business is up and running, and participants have moved off benefits, they are eligible for 26 weeks of financial support as they get their business going.
Commenting on the scheme Graham said,
“With 160 New Enterprise Allowance starts in Beverley and Holderness we’ve have an above average take up for the scheme, demonstrating a strong entrepreneurial flair in the constituency.”
“Last year I met with two of these business owners in Beverley; Marc Mason who offers a high quality, low-emission limousine service, Chauffeur Luxury, and Mark Wainwright who runs Paintzfiction, offering custom paint work on motor cycles.”
“It was great to see people utilising their skills, expertise and passion to drive their new businesses forward.”
“This scheme was so successful in East Yorkshire that all places were taken really quickly. East Riding of Yorkshire Councillor with portfolio for the Economy, Jane Evison, immediately realised that the Allowance was doing a great job locally and more places were needed and she successfully pressed the Government for more funding, securing a further 750 places for the county.”
“Supporting small businesses is an important part of the Government’s long-term economic plan. There’s more to do, but these figures show that our support is helping people to get off benefits and run their own businesses, giving them the promise of a better and brighter future.”
Commenting about the scheme, Mark Wainwright from Paintzfiction said;
“The scheme has been very useful and the advice you get is second to none. It’s invaluable to have a mentor who has helped me set up my accounting systems and still visits to see how things are going.”
“Business is doing well and I’m currently speaking with Hull College with a view to taking on an apprentice and earlier this year one of the bikes I had painted won best custom art work at Whitby Scooter Rally which was a real boost.”
Owner of Chauffeur Luxury, Marc Mason added,
“The business is going well, we’re extremely busy and expanding year on year. We now run several vehicles, with plans to purchase another. The business is currently employing two full-time and four part-time members of staff and I’m hoping to be recruiting more shortly.”
Graham said;
“I’m delighted to hear about the success of these two businesses. This is evidence that, with a little help, advice and encouragement budding entrepreneurs can get the leg-up they need to develop and sustain a flourishing business; providing employment not only for themselves but jobs for others too.”
