A business support programme which has helped more than 200 Warwickshire entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground marked this milestone with a special networking event.
The second Business Futures Celebration event, organised by Coventry-based national training provider PET-Xi and held at Metropolis Bar and Restaurant in the heart of the city, was a chance for individuals supported by the programme to get together and showcase their businesses to each other.
PET-Xi’s Business Futures programme helps fledgling entrepreneurs learn the basics of starting a business, provides access to initial grant funding, and provides one-to-one mentoring even after a business has finished the programme.
Around 15 businesses from a range of sectors, including property, automotive, fitness, and catering, all met with each other at the event to share ideas, and also highlighted just how useful the Business Futures course was for them.
Mark Tierney, owner of Bidford-based electric vehicle repair specialists Electric Vehicle Solutions and Garage Services, was one of the entrepreneurs in attendance.
He said: “I’ve been a manual worker all of my working life, which meant I was very good with hands-on work but knew little about running a business.
“When I was made redundant during the pandemic, I wanted to start my own garage that specialises in electric vehicle repair. I knew I had the practical skills, but not the business know-how.
“Business Futures was brilliant for me. PET-Xi completely understood my situation, and helped me every step of the way, including sorting my business plan and recommending other courses such as Customer Services.
“It was great to meet other businesspeople who have been through similar situations to me, hearing their stories and getting some valuable contacts into the future.”
Attendees also heard a speech by Warwickshire county councillor Piers Daniell, who started his own business when he was just 15.
He said: “The first few years of running a business is very hard, so any start-up looking to make that first step will always benefit from extra support.
“PET-Xi’s Business Futures programme is fantastic in that it gives these entrepreneurs a one-to-one mentor to help guide them through some of the stumbling blocks of starting a business from scratch, such as producing a solid business plan or ensuring accounts are being looked after.
“It also provides a source of grant funding to help pay for some initial overheads, allowing businesses to move forward and break into their respective markets.
“It’s important for any starting business to understand that it’s often a bumpy road, so it’s wonderful that PET-Xi’s Business Futures programme is here to give so many young Warwickshire businesses the help they need along the way.”
Gary Drake, Assistant General Manager at PET-Xi, said: “Since the Business Futures programme started, we have worked with more than 200 individuals across Warwickshire to help them turn their business ideas into reality.
“It was fantastic to see such a range of businesses from all sorts of sectors networking together and sharing stories of how helpful the programme has been for them.
“We are looking forward to helping even more businesses in Warwickshire make the best possible start through Business Futures.”
Business Futures is a government funded programme through the UK Community Renewal Fund, which is allocated locally through Warwickshire County Council. Participants must be aged between 16 and 65, unemployed and living in Warwickshire.