Stockport’s Intensive Start-up Support Service (ISUS) programme, provided by Stockport Council, The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the Northwest European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), is celebrating a successful first year, with the creation of over 70 new businesses.

The initiative is part of the Northwest Intensive Start-up Support Service (ISUS) programme created by the NWDA and funded by both the NWDA and the Northwest ERDF Programme

The ISUS programme aims to ensure that individuals who are in need of support to start a business possess the relevant skills and confidence. It also works to ensure that they receive practical assistance to set up their business, as well as ongoing support to improve business survival and growth rates.

Stockport’s ISUS programme started in August 2009 and is delivered by Blue Orchid and Train 2000 at dedicated premises in Stockport Business Incubator at Broadstone Mill in Reddish.

The programme aims to support enterprising individuals into self employment with free one-to-one advice and group workshops. Since August 2009, 76 new businesses have been created following support received through the ISUS programme.

Councillor Kevin Hogg, Executive Member for Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “I am delighted that the ISUS programme has been so successful in Stockport. The Council is committed to supporting small and start-up businesses in the borough, as they play a vital role in providing jobs and giving our local economy a boost.”

Joe Corrigan, 57, from Edgeley in Stockport, set up luxury minibus business Reliable Travel after receiving ISUS business advice and support. He commented: “I wanted to start a business which I was in full control of. Last year I began planning for the business; I obtained my private hire licence and bought a new vehicle. Blue Orchid advised me to attend an ISUS business planning session in Stockport and this was a real help in structuring what I wanted to achieve.”

Stockport Council, through Blue Orchid, also offers pre-start up support specifically for over 50’s through the Silver Entrepreneurs initiative.
 
For more information contact Train 2000 on 0161 833 8800 / info@train2000.org.uk or Blue Orchid on 0161 485 4949 / startup@theblueorchid.co.uk

Stockport Council provides over 600 value for money services for residents including offering support to 22,000 businesses. For more information on the Stockport Boost campaign visit www.stockport.gov.uk/boost (free internet access is available at all Stockport libraries).