New vision for business start ups

A programme to help new businesses is about to be launched in Shipston-on-Stour to help strengthen the town's economy. New and growing businesses will be helped with advice on areas such as marketing and planning, as well as a direct link to Coventry University Enterprises. 

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is working in partnership to deliver the pilot programme, which is part of the Stour Power regeneration scheme. An open day for the scheme takes place next week at the district council offices in Shipston.

"The local economy is diverse, with a large number of home workers and commuters," said Cllr Chris Williams, portfolio holder for local economy.

"There are concerns locally about the high price of land, reliance on a few large employers and the general lack of opportunities for employment in the area, so our objective is to support projects that will attract quality new businesses to the area and  benefit the local economy, such as this business start-up programme.

"We are holding an open day in December and I would like to invite anyone who has just started up a business, or is about to do so, to come and see how we can help them in this programme

"It is the result of a feasibility study focusing on the need for workspace in Stour Valley but then extended to wider south Warwickshire at the suggestion of Advantage West Midlands. 

"A pilot business start up programme was recommended as it will provide an opportunity to test demand for such a facility resulting in vital information for the potential of a longer term project for the area."

The programme includes a 'pre-incubation service' giving start up advice e.g. VAT, registration and business planning), mentors who will advise and comment on business planning and strategy, and IT equipment - desk top PC with Broadband connection to Coventry University Enterprises business support services.

Together with Stratford District Council, the other partners involved in this programme are: Coventry University Enterprises, Stour Power, BICS (Business Innovation Centres), British Telecom, Shipston Town Council.

For more information please visit the Business Start-up Project   page of this website.