They’ve done it...
Get Set... Go! No Limits as business celebrates 250 new start-ups
Wednesday 7th May
New businesses from across Pennine Lancashire attended a celebration of their achievements under the No Limits business regeneration programme - and managed to get some work done too!
The firms were representatives of the 250 started in Pennine Lancashire since the launch of No Limits, the government-backed initiative to start, grow and sustain businesses over the next decade.
The event at Ewood Park was an opportunity to celebrate the milestone and share in successes. There was also a chance to network, take part in a business exhibition and gain valuable free advice.
Guest speaker Martin Henfield was on hand to discuss his own business venture - the former face of BBC North West news now works for himself as a media trainer and event facilitator.
He said: "I know how lonely it can be starting and running a business, but I also know that there are people out there like No Limits who are as determined as you are to make you succeed."
A diverse range of businesses has been supported through the No Limits Get Set programme, each receiving a tailored programme of practical support and advice.
Accountants, builders, photographers, furniture makers, joiners, retailers, coffee roasters and IT specialists are among those to have started businesses under No Limits.
The support they receive is equally wide-ranging, thanks to the broad partnership within the No Limits programme.
Support includes one-to-one advice on sales, marketing, finance and operations. No Limits also draws together the key business-funders for Pennine Lancashire the provision of grants and low-cost loans to firms.
Other projects include an outreach programme to school children and young people, designed to promote a ‘Can Do' attitude among youngsters to enable them to consider self-employment.
There are also projects within No Limits to support Pennine Lancashire's housing construction programmes; to encourage women to start their own businesses; to support inventors and help protect their work; and to provide experienced business mentors.
And No Limits also has its flagship developments - the Enterprise Havens, which provide first-class office space and on-site business support.
Already the doors have opened at Blackburn Enterprise Centre, Furthergate, at Blackburn Rovers and at Burnley FC. Further No Limits Havens are being created in Nelson and Accrington.
