City Centre Market Success for New Businesses

Sheffield’s new entrepreneurs who recently set up in business with the support of enterprise programme BiG: Make it Your Business celebrated ‘being their own boss’ with a market in Sheffield city centre on Saturday 18th July 2009.

 

The ‘Be Your Own Boss’ Showcase and Market to encourage other Sheffield residents to consider setting up in business, saw 35 newly set up businesses trading on Fargate in Sheffield.

As well as the wide range of businesses from caterers to jewellers, staff from BiG: Make it Your Business and Sheffield City Council’s First Point for Business service were on hand to provide information to anyone interested in setting up in business.

 

The event was opened by Sheffield City Council Leader, Councillor Paul Scriven. Speaking on the ‘Be Your Own Boss’ Showcase and Market, Councillor Paul Scriven said:

 

"I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the experiences of new business owners and despite the difficult economic times we are currently in, to see that they have achieved their dream of being their own boss. What this Showcase showed is no matter who you are or where you live in the city you really can set up a business. I was keen to meet the business owners and understand what we can do to help as I believe that the option of being your own boss should be accessible to everyone in our city."

 

Entertainment throughout the day was provided by the self taught break dancing crew BreakOut Kids, who also showcased a unique spray painted clothing and accessories range. BreakOut Kids member, Casper Carr, who is receiving support from BiG: Make it Your Business said:

 

"I have been working with BiG over the last year and they have helped give me control over areas of my business like book keeping and tax. It has meant that I can do these things for myself and save costs. We have really enjoyed taking part in the ‘Be Your Own Boss’ event, attending events like this really helps us raise our profile and showcase our work."

Yee Chan, of Yee Kwan Honest Handcrafted Ice Cream & Sorbet said:

 

"I have very recently set up in business, after meeting BiG through the First Point for Business service at Sheffield City Council. The Showcase event was very rewarding, especially as not that long ago running my own business was a dream for me, and it is great that it is now becoming a reality."

 

BiG: Make it Your Business has recently celebrated its 300th business to start up and has over 1000 people on the programme receiving support to help them set up in business.

 

This programme is supported financially by the European Union. BiG: Make it Your Business has attracted £4.6 million investment from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe’s support for the region’s economic development through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.

 

If you are interested in being your own boss, please contact the free phone number 0800 043 55 22 or visit www.thebigwebsite.org.uk alternatively please visit BiG at the First Point for Business service at the Town Hall.