Small businesses to get extra help

In the New Year, the Enterprise Gateway scheme will promote small businesses to help counter the continuing economic crisis.

The partnership between Harrogate College and Harrogate Borough Council is aimed at supporting new business in the Harrogate district, or enterprises that are less than three years old.

Enterprise Gateway business start-up advisers Nigel Dakin and Lisa Whalley will hold a free session at Harrogate Library on January 17 between noon and 6pm to give advice on developing a business plan, financial planning, marketing and sales and the legalities of starting new ventures.

Official figures have revealed that 9,000 businesses across the Harrogate district are responsible for about 87,000 jobs – although the vast majority employ fewer than 10 people.

But there are fears the core of the district’s economy could be particularly badly hit if small businesses are forced to close.