Small businesses and entrepreneurs in Chester got a boost last week, learning new skills and networking.
Last Wednesday the Riverside Innovation Centre played host to a Small Business Fair for more than 150 budding entrepreneurs and small businesses in their first three years.
The event was opened by Chester MP Stephen Mosley and Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, at a VIP breakfast for leading members of Chester’s business community.
Opening the event, Mr Mosley said: “Small businesses are vital to our economy, with 99% of all businesses being small businesses.
“The potential that these enterprises bring cannot be underestimated. If every small business took on just one more member of staff, unemployment would be wiped-out over night.
“Recent research shows that those who seek external advice early on grow considerably faster than those who don’t.
“And locally, our small businesses play a huge role. Last year we were lucky enough to see a record number of new companies set up here in Chester, and I want to see this trend continue.”
Professor Wheeler added: “It is great to see the business community come together to help our local economy expand.
“The university has just been shortlisted for the Times Higher Education ‘Entrepreneurial University of the Year’ Award and our new Riverside Innovation Centre has rapidly become a focus for the area’s entrepreneurial spirit.
“The work that our MP does to champion Chester cannot be underestimated and it is fantastic to see him working so hard to support our small businesses and Chester’s economy.”
The event, hosted by Mr Mosley, the Prime Minister’s Small Business Ambassador, featured a number of interactive workshops on finance, networking, and social media, as well as an exhibition hall where budding entrepreneurs were able to listen to real life examples of small business success, as well as seeking advice from a number of public and private organisations, such as banks and the Chamber of Commerce.
Colin Brew, Executive Director from West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce said: “It was great to see so many there and such an interest being generated around the importance of SMEs in the current climate.”
