Business scheme creates over 400 new jobs

The “Enterprising Barnsley” scheme was expected to generate 550 jobs by June 2015, but has already led to 402 new posts – well ahead of its target.

Funded by European money, the programme works by offering free coaching to eligible businesses.

Since the launch of phase two of the programme in April 2012, a total of 279 companies have been supported and almost half of them have created new jobs.

Coun Roy Miller, Barnsley Council’s cabinet spokesperson for development, environment and culture, said: “This shows that with the right support businesses can survive and even thrive in tough economic times.

“The fact that businesses in Barnsley have created more than 400 since April last year is testament to not just Enterprising Barnsley, but also the initiative and hard-working attitude of people in the borough.”

Among the firms to have created new jobs is VC Electronics, which manufactures circuit boards.

The company has taken over part of a former rival firm, and has taken on 15 new members of staff at its factory in Goldthorpe.

Managing director Pat Cummins said: “Enterprising Barnsley’s support has been invaluable.

“I have been in business for 15 years and during that time I have been approached by a lot of organisations that say they can help, but so often you get nothing out of it.

“There has been very little that has really worked until I came across Enterprising Barnsley. Their help is really practical and not just ticking boxes.”

Phase one of Enterprising Barnsley ran between 2009 and 2012, creating 630 new jobs in that time.

The second phase was launched in April last year and has so far offered support to businesses including HMA Digital Marketing, which has gone from 12 employees to 19 in one year.

It has also assisted Constructional Timber, which has added three new staff at its premises at Carlton Industrial Estate, while GB Cullet glass recycling, of Wombwell, has recruited seven new members of staff.

Enterprising Barnsley is a partnership between Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre and Barnsley Development Agency.