The new Dengie Enterprise Support service was officially launched on Friday 27 March, with John Whittingdale among those showing their support for the initiative.
Made possible with funding from the Magnox Socio-economic Scheme through the Bradwell Legacy Partnership, Dengie Enterprise Support will bring fully funded business support and training to new and existing businesses on the Dengie Peninsula. The initiative is administered by Maldon District Council and will be delivered by business advisors and trainers from The Colchester Business Enterprise Agency (Colbea).
Speaking at the launch at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, John Whittingdale outlined the economic role the Dengie Peninsula could play after the decommissioning of Bradwell power station, saying “We have known for a long time that when the decommissioning process was finished it would leave a hole. I would like to thank Magnox for supporting the community to encourage local entrepreneurship. The remarkable thing about this part of the world is that hidden away in little corners the most extraordinary things are happening, there is a lot of entrepreneurship that will create many jobs. I have no doubt the scheme will be greatly supported.”
Colbea Chairman Seamus Clifford was among those speaking and placed on record his “thanks to Magnox for its support with the initiative.” He added, “We are delighted to be working with Maldon District Council to set up this initiative. We feel it is a fantastic opportunity for us to reach lost links in developing opportunities in the area. As many as one in seven people look at becoming self-employed; we want to give them a foot up and the support they need to help them succeed.”
Stephen Warne of Karelia Network Solutions, a current client of Colbea, spoke to underline the potential worth of the potential of the new initiative, “I started my own business and thought ‘where do I begin?’, I contacted Colbea, had a meeting and set they set me on my way. In September 2013 I took an office at the North Colchester Business Centre. In June 2014 I took on three people and employed them. It’s (Colbea) more than just an office – it’s been a business enabler.”
Free training courses for businesses will be operating alongside free one-to-one business advice every Tuesday at One Place, 1 High Street, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8AG. For more information call 01621 834525 or visit www.dengieenterprisesupport.co.uk
