Dozens of new businesses started in Rotherham thanks to government scheme

A GOVERNMENT scheme to encourage business start-ups has helped create dozens of new enterprises in the Rotherham district, according to official figures.

Between April 2011 and March this year, 170 businesses were started in the borough by people utilising the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA).

Over that period, 370 people joined the scheme in Rotherham.

The government says that 9,900 businesses in Yorkshire and Humberside were launched through the Jobcentre initiative.

Via the NEA, jobseekers who want to start their own firm can access government funding and expertise about how to get started and manage a business.

Dept of Work and Pensions employment minister Priti Patel said: “When we launched the NEA we sent out a clear message to claimants with the creativity and drive to go it alone that we would back them, and it is testament to this One Nation’s entrepreneurial spirit that people have risen to the challenge in their droves.

“The NEA has given people the confidence to secure their own financial future and move off benefits, which has also helped us to notch up a record employment rate and cut unemployment to a ten year low.”