Young, budding tycoons wanted

Nov 14 2007 By The Journal

YOUNG entrepreneurs could be given a boost thanks to a new mentor.

Tim Hills has been appointed to the role of Young Entrepreneurs Skills Mentor (YES) at Northumberland Business Service.

He will offer a comprehensive and tailored business planning to young people throughout Wansbeck as part of an innovative new LEGI funded initiative.

Tim has previously managed a business start-up programme in Pennywell, Sunderland and more recently, has managed delivery of start-up services across the whole of Tyne and Wear.

Now, based in Wansbeck Enterprise Centre in Ashington Tim is currently recruiting would-be young entrepreneurs to the programme or even those with an interest in enterprise who haven’t yet firmly decided on a business idea.

Tim said, “I’m seeking enthusiastic young people aged 16-24 living in the Wansbeck District who really want to learn and find out more about enterprise.

“It’s not their abilities which are crucial; it’s their mindset and hunger for self-employment in the future.”

Trainees study full time for a varying number of months dependent upon their needs and are paid a weekly allowance of £80 whilst on the programme.

One-to-one mentoring sessions in business planning, basic skills, master classes in specialist business topics, online modular learning and group training all feature as part of the Young Entrepreneurs’ Skills Programme.

An exciting part of the programme is that trainees have the opportunity of spending some time with a local business to see what it’s like in the ‘real world’.

“There’s only so much knowledge you can impart in a one-to-one or classroom environment,” said Tim.

“Placing young people with local businesses, even for a relatively short time, will show them at first hand what issues they may encounter themselves in the future.”

Tim is currently compiling a database of sole traders, partnerships and companies keen to take a young person for a short or longer-term placement, to show them the mechanics of their own operation.

Whilst not an apprenticeship in the traditional sense, local businesses may well benefit from their association with one of the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Trainees are paid weekly via the programme, rather than by the placement provider.

Young people interested in joining the Young Entrepreneurs’ Skills Programme or local businesses keen to offer placements can contact Tim on (01670) 528468 or 07891 916 876.