THE Prime Minister has urged would-be entrepreneurs to “make it happen” and help drive the economic recovery.
At the launch of a business-backed campaign to encourage more company start-ups, the Prime Minister said: “The recovery we need has got to be a private sector-led recovery, a recovery with Made in Britain stamped all over it.
“Those who argue we just need to pump more money in just don’t get it - we don’t have any, and even if we did it would mean business hit by higher interest rates, higher taxes down the line, and that is the opposite of what we need.”
Mr Cameron said the new Start Up Britain initiative needed thousands of would-be entrepreneurs to take the plunge.
Start Up Britain - privately-led but backed by the Government - is meant to be a champion for new entrepreneurs and is supported by 60 leading companies. Firms including Barclays, Microsoft, McKinsey and Co and Virgin Media have pledged benefits and services worth more than £1,500 to each start-up.
Sarah Green, regional director of the CBI in the North-east, said: “This is part of a package of measures to stimulate the economy and will build on last week’s pro-growth Budget. Encouraging young people to become more business savvy and providing more support for entrepreneurs could inspire more people to take the plunge and start a business.
“We particularly welcome the cut in corporation tax and changes to entrepreneurs’ relief, which have helped create the right framework for the private sector to drive growth.”
James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is a great initiative that highlights the opportunities in creating a new enterprise. Here in the North-east we have some great businesses well placed to offer excellent help and support to start-ups, with the added advantage of being very close by.”
However the website that is a core element of the operation has been criticised by a Teesside firm.
“Whilst it can’t replace Business Link as an on the ground resource, the StartUp Britain website is certainly going to be cheaper,” said Patrick Masheder, managing director of Real Results Marketing in Darlington.
He also cautioned against following some of the offers available from the big companies featured on the site, many of which are from overseas.
“It always pays to shop around. Many of the offers available on the site can be beaten by regional companies. As well as offering better deals, regional organisations can offer a unique insight into local markets as well as all important one to one advice.
“It’s about working closely with your clients and gaining a valuable understanding of their businesses.”
