Three more years for Outset

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The Convergence-funded business start-up support programme Outset Cornwall has had its contract renewed for another three years.

Kate McEwen

A further £2.5M of European funding will see the organisation will deliver start-up business support to individuals until May 2015.

The scheme, which has been running since October 2009, has to date supported 228 people to start their own businesses, leading to the creation of 277 new jobs within the county.

The programme is designed to reach out to people within the local area from a wide variety of backgrounds, helping them to give themselves a job. Businesses that have launched through the programme include everything from bakers and web designers to accountants and community radio stations.

Chris Pomfret, deputy chairman of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Convergence Joint Local Management Committee, said: “Outset Cornwall is a vital programme that supports aspiring entrepreneurs to start up in businesses, providing them with the support they need to make a success.

“The first phase of the contract witnessed many successes throughout Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly and this new contract will allow the project to continue with this vital project.”

Kate McEwen, Outset’s head of operations for the south west, commented: “Getting to that initial stage of launching a business can be daunting without anybody to show you which way to turn. We are absolutely delighted that the new contract has been awarded, allowing the team to continue the fantastic work here in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

“As businesses develop through the programme, we continue to support them during the fundamental first year of trading, to help them to become sustainable and to aid further business growth.”

The intensive business start-up programme is delivered by YTKO, a fast-growing economic development and business support company in the UK. Chief executive Bev Hurley added: “We are delighted that our record in delivering strong return on investment to our funders and making a real difference to our clients has resulted in the renewal of the current Outset Cornwall contract.

“We are able to continue working with a huge variety of new entrepreneurs, tailoring our programmes to suit their different needs.”