Outset Torbay creates sustainable jobs in Roundham and Hyde

Local intensive business start-up service Outset Torbay has successfully helped residents of Roundham and Hyde in Paignton gain sustainable employment through their on-going support programme.

Outset has engaged 22 people from the area who expressed interest in self-employment; 14 residents have completed more than 12 hours of business and personal development training and 2 individuals have become self-employed.

Helen Lloyd-Hoare, a resident of Roundham and Hyde, wanted to find a flexible means of income after dedicating the previous ten years to raising her children. Following a one-to-one session with Outset, she went on to start an introductory enterprise and business start-up workshop in Paignton. She was able to explore her ideas for building a business around her creative skills as a stained glass artist.

Helen has since launched Moonstone Glass, a business which designs, manufactures and retails quality stained glass giftware based at Cockington Court innovation centres.

Helen said: "I found the programme to be highly accessible, engaging and informative.

"Outset helped to keep me focused and the structure of the workshops worked really well. It really improved my skills, particularly in business finance, research and planning, so that I could go on to start my business with confidence."

The 1.8m Torbay Development Agency and European Regional Development Fund project which offers free training, mentoring and networking to under-represented groups wanting to start their own business, has so far had more than 500 local people accessing their support.

Outset Torbay is working with people across the Bay to explore their potential for starting their own business. The three-year project, which has recently reached the end of its first year, has already supported the creation of 55 new businesses, working with underrepresented groups through its Intensive Start-up Support programme of workshops and one-to-one coaching.

Helen Harman, Programme Director for Outset Torbay says, “Starting a new business is a huge undertaking. Through our Intensive Start-up Support and Enterprise Coaching programme we are supporting individuals to develop their skills and confidence to overcome the barriers into self-employment.”

To find out when workshops are running in your area, call 0800 032 2905 or visit www.outsettorbay.co.uk