Birstall entrepreneur joins business mentoring programme to help unemployed

One of Birstall’s leading entrepreneurs has joined a new business mentoring programme.
Special mentors Carl Hopkins and Claire Young.Special mentors Carl Hopkins and Claire Young.
Special mentors Carl Hopkins and Claire Young.

Carl Hopkins, commercial director of Faith PR, will help job seekers set up their own businesses as part of the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency’s MY Mentor programme.

The national scheme sees entrepreneurs work with the unemployed who are on new enterprise allowance, who have a business idea but need help getting it off the ground.

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Mr Hopkins’ role will include passing on his expertise and skills as well as helping to recruit more mentors.

He said: “Starting and running a business can be a particularly lonely time, which is why I am always so keen to help those who have a great idea for a company turn their vision into reality.

“I look forward to working with the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency to help inspire budding entrepreneurs.”

Mr Hopkins, who featured on Channel 4’s The Secret Millionaire, has been joined by former BBC One’s The Apprentice star Claire Young.

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She works on several projects designed to help young people in enterprise.

West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency executive director Andrew Choi said: “We are delighted to welcome Carl and Claire to our MY Mentor network and look forward to having them share their considerable business experience with our entrepreneurs in the coming months.

“Our message to potential mentors is that, whether you’re a sole trader, business owner or experienced professional, your support could make a huge difference to someone who is starting out on their own.”

Volunteer mentors are asked to spare at least one hour every two weeks to guide someone as they write their business plan and support them during their first 26 weeks of trading.

Anyone interested should call 01924 786500 or email [email protected].

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