The first six months of 2014 saw 76 new businesses start-up in North Somerset with the assistance of North Somerset Enterprise Agency (NSEA), the not-for-profit organisation with social objectives has announced – with the new enterprises already creating 93 new jobs.
The figures are on a par with the first six months of 2013 which saw 77 businesses started and 97 jobs created.
Businesses who have enjoyed help to launch between January and June range from a DJ and magic enterprise to a boat and marina cleaning service, an online lettings and estate agency business to a childminder and a pub/restaurant to a children’s gift business.
In addition NSEA’s team of locally-based business advisors have been almost fully booked during the last three months, advising both those who are considering self-employment and those who are looking to grow their businesses.
North Somerset Enterprise Agency, which prides itself on helping businesses start-out with the best chance of success, has also identified that of the 44 new businesses who launched 3 years ago (January to June 2011), 40 (over 90 per cent) are still successfully trading. The first three years is significant because in that period 1 in 3 businesses are likely to fail.
North Somerset Enterprise Agency’s Chief Executive Angela Hicks has welcomed the latest figures.
“Small and medium sized businesses are the engine that drives the British economy so It is encouraging to see that new business start-up figures remain high in the year to date. We are also thrilled to see that over 90 per cent of the businesses we helped start out three years ago are still trading.
“Everyone who has tried to set up their own business will know just how difficult it can be – having a great idea, spotting a gap in the market for your product or your service is just the start. Creating a sustainable business is where our team comes in to help, with advice, support, contacts and training and we’ve certainly been busy with this in the last six months.
“We welcome anyone in North Somerset who is thinking about starting a business, as well as those small businesses who have ambitions to grow, to get in touch and find out how we can help.”
NSEA, which has recently built, relocated to and opened The Hive, North Somerset’s new business development centre in the Junction 21 Enterprise Area of Weston-super-Mare, has been supporting local businesses with free or low-cost advice, information and training for some 25 years, helping thousands to succeed. It can now deliver the workspace, facilities and support that start-up, small and growing businesses need, all under one roof .
NSEA is now booking places for starting in business courses in the autumn.
