New Enterprise Allowance creates 2,000 new businesses in West Yorkshire

New Enterprise Allowance scheme has helped launch 2,000 startups in West Yorlshire since its launch three years ago.

The Government scheme partners jobseekers with a mentor to draw up a business plan then gives them financial support to help them through the early months of their company.

The 2,000th startup is a gardening and maintenance firm in Wakefield set up by Martin Wade, a mechanic made redundant after 17 years in the same company.

Martin Hathaway, chief executive of the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency said: “West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency advisers and mentors have worked with hundreds of people since 2011 who have had the ambition, imagination and drive to want to start their own businesses.

“We provide support and encouragement to all those placed on the New Enterprise Allowance with a business mentor from our MYMentor network, start-up advisers who guide them in the right direction and free membership of the Chamber of Commerce when they start their company providing vital networking opportunities.

“We are proud to have reached the milestone of having 2000 of these individuals turn their dream into reality and look forward to helping support more individuals begin their enterprise journey in the future.”