We can help you grow
Name: Tim Shercliff. Which organisation are you involved with?: Enterprising Macclesfield, a Make it Macclesfield Initiative – visit www. enterprisingmacclesfield. co.uk for details. What do you do?: We provide business coaching, local advice and access to regional support and funding for anyone looking to start or expand their commercial or social enterprise in SK10 and SK11. This service is completely free. In the first six months, we have helped more than 40 business owners and entrepreneurs. What prompted you to set up the group?: We wanted to tap into Macclesfield’s great entrepreneurial spirit and put in place local expertise that can really help make a difference to the local economy. Lots of government schemes that used to exist have fallen by the wayside so we have used our sown experiences in setting up and running businesses to help others do the same. Macclesfieldbased people helping Macclesfield entrepre- neurs! What do you most enjoy about doing this?: Meeting and working with people in all kinds of ventures – there is huge variety in what people are working on and lots of talented folks. What are your funny or memorable experiences while you have been doing this?: The most memorable experience was when we launched Enterprising Macclesfield in the Silk Heritage Centre – we had over 60 people packed in, with standing room only at the back and a real buzz about the event and what we were trying to do. It was a great feeling to think that we had the support of so many people in the local area. What is your favourite place in Macclesfield?: The town centre on a sunny Treacle Market Day! It has a real carnival atmosphere with the place alive and bustling. I love getting a glimpse of the hills from Mill Street. Ideally how would you spend every day?: Walking in Macclesfield Forest early in the morning and then working with a local entrepreneur in the afternoon, preferably in one of the many independent coffee shops in Macclesfield, which I’ve certainly go to know pretty well since we started Enterprising Macclesfield! What’s been your greatest achievement so far?: Getting Enterprising Macclesfield set up and launched, with so many people and local businesses supporting us – as well as helping more than 40 organisations, we have put together a network of 25 people who are willingly giving up some of their time to help. What events have you got planned?: We’re planning an event for local social enterprises and charities on Tuesday, July 12, in conjunction with Tytherington School, CVS Cheshire East and Canalside Community Radio. We will also have an event in the early summer aimed at more established commercial businesses, in conjunction with the Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce and MMU Centre for Enterprise. What one piece of advice would you give?: If you’ve always wanted to run your own business, don’t look back in 20 years and wonder why you never did. Instead, think about what you’re good at, what you’re passionate about and come and talk to us about how to make it into a business, either a social enterprise or charity that helps others or a commercial enterprise. Either way, it could be the best decision you ever make! www.enterprisingmacclesfield.co.uk.