A NEW service delivered by Bury College Business Solutions aimed at helping local firms has received a glowing reference.

The Business Solutions Start-Up Programme, funded by Bury College and the European Regional Development Fund, is a project which helps create and sustain new business growth while promoting and enhancing economic and social development.

The service is available to those looking to set up a new business or companies that have been trading for three years or less.

Local entrepreneurs are given free and helpful advice from the college’s experienced team of lecturers. Support includes advice and guidance, business planning and financial tips, marketing, sales support, web design, employment law, networking opportunities and a range of specialised workshops. Attendees also have the opportunity to liaise with lecturers on a one-to-one to basis.

The start-up service has proved popular with local businesses.

Julia Page, owner of Bury-based Admin Anywhere and who writes a regular blog for the Bury section on thebestof.co.uk, has benefited from the free sessions. She said: “The seminars help anyone who has their own business or is thinking about setting one up.

“I set up my own business just over 12 months ago and found little to support new business at that time, other than online guidance. Even though I have been trading for a year and I’ve learnt a lot already, I am still finding it very useful.”

Sandra Morton, deputy principal at Bury College, commented: “We have had a number of positive responses to the Business Solutions Start-Up service and are delighted with its success. We hope it can continue to go from strength to strength. I would like to thank all involved including our team of expert practitioners and the entrepreneurs we have in our community.”

The Business Start-Up Support (BSUS) project from Bury College Business Solutions is part of a Greater Manchester wide, three-year project.

BSUS is led by Manchester-based management consultants Blue Orchid. It is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund via the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

BSUS brings together a consortium of funding and delivery agencies to create a single partnership to promote, encourage and support business start-up and growth.