Iconic entrepreneur launches new initiative to boost city’s business opportunities

‘BiG - Make it Your Business’ is a set of activities to encourage people living in some of Sheffield’s most disadvantaged communities to set-up successful businesses, which in turn will increase employment opportunities and boost economic growth across the whole city.

 

At an event for some 450 of the city’s business community on Wednesday, 26th September, Duncan officially launched the programme and shared some inspirational hints on the key to his own success.

 

BiG will be delivered by a number of specialist support agencies. It will provide short, medium and long-term rewards for the city, removing barriers to setting up and running a successful business, helping future generations see entrepreneurship as a career choice.

 

BiG (funded by Sheffield’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative) will also stimulate and promote enterprise; support sustainable growth; and increase the success rate of locally-owned businesses within Sheffield.

 

David Grey, Group Managing Director of OSL Group Holdings Ltd, and Chair of the city’s Local Economy Board said: “The city views this as the first three years in a 10-year programme. Personally I believe we need a 30-year programme to ensure that a new generation of entrepreneurs emerge and is successful.

 

“By developing a culture where enterprise and entrepreneurship become an obvious choice for younger generations, the city will be able to look towards a more sustainable and positive future.”

 

Sir Bob Kerslake, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council said: “Enterprise and entrepreneurship are relatively new concepts for a city built on traditional manufacturing industries.

 

“However, Sheffield is on the threshold of a new era, full of anticipation and enthusiasm and it has become a place where budding entrepreneurs can make their mark.

 

“Sheffield is a dynamic city: in making the transformation from older industries to new, I can see a confidence in the city that wasn’t there ten or 15 years ago. It’s time for a new entrepreneurial spirit in the city.

 

“BiG is precisely the scheme the city needs to ensure this spirit is able to flourish and develop.”