Since our last edition of the newsletter, we have become a country run by a coalition, with swingeing cuts to the public sector and the promise of growth in the private sector. June and July have been busy with announcements in the sector, so many in fact it's been difficult keeping up! Whilst emda is likely to be abolished, we don't yet completely know the fate of business support. On the ground not much has changed - people still want to start businesses and are keen to get all the support they can. But it feels very different for those of us running projects and schemes to support people. The government has published consultancy documents for the Regional Growth Fund and Skills Strategy, and it's more important than ever that we participate in the debates.
Ever keen to effect change, Spring are self-funding an event to help people in Saffron, Leicester to get a job. The Small Steps to Employment event is designed to help increase people's confidence in their own skills and abilities, whilst also giving specific advice and information which could make a difference in the interview. Please help us spread the word, invite friends and family to attend or consider booking a stand to show how your organisation can help people in this field. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us more information.
Why am I Interested in Enterprise? by Kash Khunkhuna
I've always been fascinated by enterprise - from aged ten I was helping my parents in their local grocery shop. The thrill of choosing products, pricing them up and selling them to make a profit was matched by the enjoyment of the hustle and bustle of being part of a community, especially getting to know the customers. I knew their routines, their likes and dislikes and I loved being able to provide a service for them. There were always ups and downs including the long hours, some interesting customers and the competitors.
Nowadays I've still got the urge to help the community and I love seeing the impact of what we do. I have been so priviledged to decide where I work and what I do. Being an owner manager is hard work with little opportunity to switch off. I have to juggle my family life and be very organised to get everything done.
As a small business owner you have to be ahead of the game. In our little grocery shop we faced lots of issues especially in the early 90's when the recession hit. Big supermarkets began to take over whatever land they could find, petrol stations became a one-stop-shop increasing the competition at all hours of the day or night. Customers became more willing to travel to out of town to get their whole weekly shop and the high streets began to suffer.
There are plenty of threats still here today. Kate and I find that even though we pride ourselves on high quality work and responding to customer need, we still have to be one step ahead of the competitors - but isn't that part of the fun of running your own business?
We find that running find that having our own business gives us the flexibility and freedom to decide what we want to do and who we work with. It takes longer to establish links as a small company and ensure that customers realise that your service is equal, if not better. And yes, I still love enterprise!
Comment and discussion: enterprise and regeneration topics
On our blog, we like to debate the issues of the day, all relating to enterprise, of course! Here's a flavour of some of the recent entries, where you can join in the conversation by adding your own comments, questions or concerns.
Small Steps to Employment Thursday 23rd September 2010 at the Linwood Centre, Leicester
Want to improve your confidence to get a job? The Small Steps to Employment event will give local people from Saffron and Aylestone (Leicester) the opportunity to take part in 4 workshops designed to boost your confidence and give you the knowledge you need to take a step or two nearer to working. Organised by Spring to Action Ltd, the event is free of charge and commences at 10am. There will also be a range of organisations there to help with your queries and help you create a winning CV.
40 minute, interactive workshops include:
Writing a Winning CV
Dress to Impress
Sell Yourself
Build Your Confidence
It's one small step towards getting a job.
More information is available from our website. Get in touch if you'd like to participate or bring this event to your local community. We'd love to hear from you.
About Spring
We specialise in supporting people to develop enterprising skills from regenerating communities, in Leicester, Derby and across the UK. We operate as a not for profit company, investing profits back into the community.
In our previous working lives we were instrumental in developing our employer's status as an Enterprise Agency, where Kash managed the Enterprise Team. We have project managed innovative pre pre business start projects, mentoring, incubation, business expos, Dragon’s Den events and Enterprise Week workshops. We have enabled micro and small businesses (including charities and social enterprises) to grow their businesses through providing business advice and consultancy. We work best when we work in partnership with other agencies, bringing a range of expertise to the table. Find out more or call us to discuss your ideas in person on 07921 992 194.
How to get in touch with us
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