Chief executive Mark Dixon said: “We all have a part to play in getting
Britain working again, which is why we have launched the Get Started
campaign. It’s vital the private sector takes decisive action now to
support people who want to set up their own business. We believe the
key to kick-starting the economy is to help our entrepreneurs create
new businesses.”
As part of the campaign, a number of mentoring sessions for
entrepreneurs will be held throughout the year in Regus centres across
the country. This will be an opportunity for business experts to
provide support and guidance to all those embarking on a new venture.
BCC managing director John Dunsmure said: “Entrepreneurs and small
companies are currently being squeezed on all sides – from declining
consumer confidence to increasing energy and office costs as well as
lack of access to credit. Small business closures have risen
significantly over the last few months, creating a huge amount of
redundant people.
“We welcome the commitment by Regus to help entrepreneurs get going.
They need the support, and our Chamber Business Start-up pack and the
access to Regus’ extensive network and facilities will for many make
the difference between disaster and a successful future.”
Latest figures from the British Bankers Association show the number of
new businesses opening in the third quarter of 2008 fell by just 4% to
129,282, far better than the expected 10% decline. The research
suggests there is still a desire to embark on new business ventures
despite increasingly volatile economic conditions.
Under the Get Started scheme, Regus is offering unlimited use of its
business lounges and cafés – worth approx £10m – in over 1,000
locations worldwide.
Potential Entrepreneurs can access three options within the scheme:
- Gold membership to Regus businessworld for three months:
Unlimited access to 135 Regus business lounges and cafes (1,000
worldwide) with administrative support, free internet access,
complimentary refreshments and preferred rates on additional products. - Free use of day offices or meeting rooms: If a business plan
is not finalised Regus will provide day offices for intense planning
and meeting rooms so entrepreneurs can meet with potential partners,
suppliers and customers in a professional setting. - Free office space for three months: If you have a clear plan
and are ready to get started then Regus will provide free office space
for up to three months. Office space is a significant cost for start
ups and therefore this offer will aid start up businesses.
“You have to start somewhere. I began at the bottom so I know what it
takes to get things moving” said Dixon, Ernst & Young’s
Entrepreneur of the Year. “Despite the gloomy economic outlook there is
still opportunity for businesses to flourish. Through our Get Started
campaign we want to encourage people to fulfil their entrepreneurial
dream by making it easy for them to set up a new venture giving them
and the economy a much needed boost.”
