Chamber vows support for new businesses
The Chamber of Commerce that represents companies across Shepway, Dover and Thanet is embarking on a major new flagship business support programme.
Don’t Start Without Us is designed to give start-ups across east Kent the support they need to succeed in this tough economic climate.
The newly-branded Kent Channel Chamber of Commerce (formerly Channel Chamber) is also joining the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) network. Members say this will enable the group to add its voice to other chambers across the UK when talking to the Government as well as tap into expertise across the UK.
Kent Channel Chamber’s first major initiative will focus on helping start-up businesses with a programme of added-value services and benefits. This coincides with the Government’s New Enterprise Allowance, also being launched nationally this month with an offer of up to £2,200 for unemployed people to start their own business or become self-employed. It is particularly relevant to the area following the closure of Pfizer.
The Don’t Start Without Us programme links new entrepreneurs with the east Kent business community through a range of business-to-business offers, worth more than £10,000.
The chamber is partnering several local companies, including printers, accountants, banks and independent advisers to provide a one-stop service offering everything a new business needs to get off the ground and survive.
Peter Hobbs, chief executive of Kent Channel Chamber, said: “It’s vital for any new entrepreneur to get sound advice. As a chamber, we have been helping new businesses across east Kent to do this for many years.
“This programme combines this support with an exciting range of great-value services from local businesses that ensure new start-ups have the greatest chance for success. So I’m particularly pleased that we have been able to negotiate a package that can give new businesses up to £10,000 worth of savings”.
Bev Duncan, HSBC east Kent business manager, is supporting the move.
He said: “The closure of Pfizer at Sandwich is motivating a number of their employees to think about going into businesses for themselves.
“With funding now available through the New Enterprise Allowance for many other would-be entrepreneurs, Channel Chamber is uniquely placed to help support this market. Linking them to the business services they need from local providers is a win-win situation for everyone.”
McCabe Ford Williams is one of the companies involved in this initiative.
A chartered accountancy firm celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, experts will be offering up to two hours’ free advice on key issues such as taxation and employment.
John Shipley, partner at the company, said: “Starting out in business can be daunting, but there are many companies like us that can help.
“The Don’t Start Without Us programme is an excellent way of bringing together the business community to support new entrepreneurs, and we are delighted to be part of it. We recommend other companies join us in participating.”
For further details, phone Sezen Zeki, chamber manager, on 01303 270022, or email sezen.zeki@channelchamber.co.uk.
Source: Businessforkent.co.uk
