A business programme run by a leading training provider which has helped fledgling Warwickshire entrepreneurs turn their business ideas into reality celebrated its first successful year at a special event showcasing the impact the funding is having in the region.
The Business Futures Celebration Event, held at the Metropolis Bar and Restaurant in the heart of the city of Coventry, championed the budding businesses that have benefitted from the Business Futures programme set up by the award-winning PET-Xi.
And PET-Xi is now looking to help more people who have a great idea for a business, but need a helping hand in getting it started.
At the event, several former PET-Xi trainees showcased their businesses, spoke about how they have benefitted from PET-Xi’s Business Futures Programme, and how they applied the skills they picked up on the course to their business.
PET-Xi Founder Fleur Sexton led a talk on the firm itself, discussing how the next generation of local businessowners can use Business Futures to pick up a range of business and advice, enabling them to turn their business idea from concept to reality.
Fleur said: “I know what it’s like to be at the beginning of a business journey – and how essential it is to get out there and make connections and stay resilient when things go wrong. It’s so important that businesspeople surround themselves with a great support network, and connect with as many like-minded entrepreneurs as possible.
“PET-Xi, as a Warwickshire based business, knows how to help facilitate these discussions - enabling innovators to share ideas and work together to deal with the unique trials and tribulations that come with owning and running a business.
“The Business Futures event was the perfect way us to reflect on the progress we’ve made and shine a light on the amazing people and businesses in the region that we’ve worked with.
“We’re now looking forward to continuing our journey with them, as well as helping other prospective entrepreneurs looking to take that next step. If this is you, please get in touch.”
Leader of Coventry City Council, Councillor George Duggins, was among those in attendance.
He said: “Hearing the success stories of talented businesspeople in the region demonstrates what people can achieve with the right support, and how important it is to have expertise to draw on from an organisation like PET-Xi when a business goes through inevitable peaks and troughs.
“In the city of Coventry and its surrounding areas, our businesses and the people behind them have shown the capacity to take blows but keep moving forward – demonstrating courage and passion aplenty. We’re very proud of them.
“The Business Futures event was great, and I commend PET-Xi’s efforts to open up a variety of opportunities to the good people of Coventry and Warwickshire, as well as discovering the businesses of tomorrow that give our region’s business scene the best possible chance to thrive.”
Business Futures is a government funded programme through the UK Community Renewal Fund, which is allocated locally through Warwickshire County Council. Participants must be aged between 16 and 65, unemployed and living in Warwickshire.
Richard ‘Ricky’ Jones, 59, owner of RP Fencing, said: “Without PET-Xi’s Business Futures Programme, I don’t know where I’d be. They’ve been fantastic from the outset - helping me rebuild my shattered confidence and start up my own business again. I’m feeling really positive about the future.”
To find about more about PET-Xi’s Business Futures scheme and for details on how to apply, contact Gary Drake on 07852 030334 or email him at gdrake@pet-xi.co.uk.