Going into business in 2015? Help is on hand from WSX Enterprise
A dramatic rise in the number of people setting up their own businesses has prompted one of our clients, a leading not-for-profit support company, to strengthen its range of help.
WSX Enterprise, which has offices in Poole and Fareham, has responded to the growing trend with a senior marketing hire and more online support tools aimed directly at entrepreneurs.
The expansion reflects the latest official labour market statistics showing that 4.5 million people – nearly one in seven of the working population – are now self-employed. The figure is up by nearly a quarter of a million in just over a year. Forty three per cent of those going it alone are aged 50 or older and 32% are women.
The entrepreneurial trend has been confirmed in our home patch by StartUp Britain using data from Companies House. During 2014, the numbers of new companies formed were as follows: Bournemouth – 5,169; Portsmouth – 5,988; Southampton – 5,020; Weymouth – 321; and Salisbury – 1,421.
Richard Burn, pictured, newly appointed Marketing Coordinator at WSX Enterprise, said: “The rise in entrepreneurs demands an increase in business support from organisations such as us. Being your own boss gives you much more freedom but we know from experience that start-ups need lots of ongoing help if they are to survive and thrive. With the changes to our website we are making it easier for budding business owners to find the information they need.”
As well as making its website www.wsxenterprise.co.uk easier to navigate and more mobile-friendly, WSX Enterprise has introduced a new online booking system for training and networking events.
Other new resources include video presentations, e-learning guides, webinars and pointers to help with issues such as managing HMRC tax requirements and boosting website optimisation.
Richard Burn added: “The new website complements our wider portfolio of services including start-up loans, business mentoring and sector-specific projects. We are building a trusted, practical and professional support system that will enable entrepreneurs to hone their ideas and go on to prosper, so creating an onward stimulus for employment and economic growth.”
For an example of a start-up helped by WSX Enterprise, check out this story from the Portsmouth daily, The News. It includes a video interview with Duncan Willis who is turning his puppet-making hobby into a viable business. We’ve also posted a news release about Duncan.
See also #business #entrepreneurs @wsxenterprise @StartupBritain @CFEntrepreneurs @portsmouthnews
WSX Enterprise, along with its associate companies, works across the south of England. It aims to be the natural place to go for businesses wishing to succeed in the future economy. It works independently and in partnership with other like-minded operators. Services range from start-up support through general business advice to specialist support in skills, innovation and sustainability. It has an exemplary track record in delivering publicly funded services to the highest standards of customer service and cost effectiveness. With the support of its parent company, Southern Enterprise Alliance, it is developing innovative services in its own right and with partners. For more information, contact 01329 223242 or visit www.wsxenterprise.co.uk.
For more information on the latest labour market figures released by the Office for National Statistics, visit www.ons.gov.uk.
