The number of new business start-ups launching in North Somerset with the support of North Somerset Enterprise Agency continues to go from strength to strength, with 39 new businesses launched and 46 new jobs created so far this quarter (October-November 2013).
North Somerset Enterprise Agency’s latest figures show an increase on the same period in 2012 which saw 28 new businesses launched and 38 new jobs created. Recent business start-ups in the last two months have ranged from a digital animation company to online pet supplies, a tea room to an equine physiotherapy service and a school of performing arts to a home maintenance company.
The latest statistics follow on from a successful summer, in which 51 new businesses launched and 71 new jobs were created with the help of the Enterprise Agency across the period July to September. This again marks an increase on the same period last year, when 32 businesses were launched and 55 jobs created.
North Somerset Enterprise Agency is a not-for-profit organisation with social objectives whose aim is to stimulate, encourage and support local enterprise, helping to create a healthy local economy. It acts as a “one-stop-shop” and a steady supportive pair of hands to help entrepreneurs and small business owners with every aspect of running their organisations and has an experienced, knowledgeable and locally-based team of advisors in place to provide impartial and confidential support and low-cost training.
North Somerset Enterprise Agency’s Chief Executive Angela Hicks says that the rise in business confidence and entrepreneurialism locally is highly encouraging. “We are thrilled that once again, we can report an increase year on year in business start-up activity. This is good news for the area, as successful new companies will create jobs, both now and in the future, as well as bringing money into the economy.
“We are seeing some exciting and innovative new enterprises launching across a wide variety of sectors and are working with many new entrepreneurs to provide the training and advice they need to stand their businesses in good stead for the future.
“Having the right information, advice and support is crucial in the early stages of running a business so we are delighted that the numbers of people taking advantage of our free or low-cost services continue to grow. We have an experienced team of advisors waiting to help and our door is open to all new businesses who need advice on any aspect of running a business.”
North Somerset Enterprise Agency is also enjoying seeing the progress of its new business enterprise centre, presently under construction, which will provide flexible office space with on-site business support services including advice, training and networking. ‘The Hive’ is being built and will be managed by North Somerset Enterprise Agency on Weston Park, the site of the former Weston Airfield within the Junction 21 Enterprise Area of Weston-super-Mare and is set to open in Spring 2014.
