Time to take control
Sharing the Success helps to put you in the driving seat
TIMES are tough at the moment, and you might feel like your lives are controlled by everyone but you. Maybe now is a good time to consider something a bit different; something where you are in the driving seat? Sharing the Success is helping people like you think about their futures a bit differently;
especially those living in Harehills, Chapeltown, Gipton, Bramley, Armley, Middleton, Belle Isle, Halton Moor, Richmond Hill, Little London, Seacroft and Beeston. It’s a government funded programme, administered by Leeds City Council, which provides help and support for anyone thinking about different ways of earning a living, particularly through self-employment or starting a business. Many people have skills, experience, hobbies or interests that could be turned into money-making enterprises. The problem is where do you start?
Sharing the Success has a host of services including business advice, enterprise loans and seminars all aimed at getting you to where you want to be. There are also a number of enterprise centres where you can get help as well as hire desks if you are just starting out and need a professional base for your business. For example, Shine on Harehills Road, Hillside on Beeston Road, The Biz Centre on Chapeltown Road and the West Leeds Enterprise Centre on Stanningley Road.
Lorna Jasper has recently taken advantage of services offered through Sharing the Success. Lorna, 43, wanted to start her own business but needed help. She had a background in travel and retail and was keen to use her skills in a customer facing role. Her son, Joel, is a dancer and studying musical theatre at Leeds Park Lane College.
When watching him in productions Lorna fell in love with the stunning costumes, which inspired her to open a vintage, fashion shop. However, access to a business loan from high streets proved difficult for Lorna, even with her impeccable credit record.
Coaching
Determined to succeed Lorna went to the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF), part of the Sharing the Success programme. They lent her £5,000 and gave her free advice and coaching to get started.
In November 2008 Lorna opened ‘Upstaged’ selling genuine vintage, retro and theatrical clothing. She said: “BEF gave me the opportunity to be my own boss when other places were unwilling to help. I enjoy the creative freedom and flexibility which comes with running a shop and it gives my son valuable work experience.” ‘Upstaged’ can be found at No.5 Grand Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6PG or via http://www.upstagedleeds.co.uk
