Jobseeker start-up businesses growing

NEARLY 300 people in Halton have started their own firms through a fund available to jobseekers with a business idea.

Figures from the Department For Work And Pensions (DWP) said 290 people across the borough have been supported by the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA).

Successful applicants get access to a business mentor, financial support for up to six months and may be able to apply for a loan of up to £25,000 to help with start-up costs.

The latest NEA figures show that Liverpool had the highest number of start-ups in the North West with 1,760, followed by Wirral with 1,170 and Manchester with 1,090.

The North West also has the highest number of businesses supported by the NEA when compared to every other region in England.

Employment minister Damian Hinds said: “As these latest figures show, thousands of people across the North West have great business ideas, and are taking the steps to turn them into a reality.

“The NEA provides the right mix of expert, tailored advice and support to people of all backgrounds which can be invaluable in the early days of starting a business.”

The figures show that of the individuals launching a business nationally more than two thirds were aged between 25 and 49.

A total of 24% were over the age of 50 and 7% were aged between 18 and 24.

Other figures include 22% of applicants with a self-declared disability, 13% being from a black and ethnic minority background, while 40% of individuals were women.