200 New Businesses in the North West in the last six months, with help from InBiz

InBiz has helped deliver 200 entrepreneurs from benefits and into self employment in the North West

InBiz, has helped 200 new businesses to start trading in the North West, in the last six months, with 22 new businesses in Bolton.

One such person is Karen Brookfield, 49, from Bolton. A lone parent, Karen is a talented artist. Wanting to make the most of her talent, Karen studied art at university, gaining a Masters degree in Public Art.

Despite this, Karen found it impossible to find work that suited her childcare needs. Karen realised that if she had her own business, she would not only be able to work around her children’s needs, but she would also have creative freedom.

Karen wanted to set up a garden sculpture business, but wasn’t sure how to launch the business. She contacted InBiz, a national organisation dedicated to the promotion and development of entrepreneurship and self employment, where she was assigned her own personal business adviser, Sam Price.

Having never run a business before, Karen had a lot to learn. With Sam’s help, she learned about bookkeeping, tax and marketing and was soon running her own business, Garden Ghosts. Through her business, Karen sells her bespoke life-size steel mesh sculptures.

Karen said, “InBiz’s help in setting up my own business has been invaluable. I have always loved art, but I have also discovered that I really enjoy being a businesswoman. I love my job, and I am able to work around my children, which is fantastic.”

Sam Price, InBiz Business Adviser said, “Karen’s business allows her to utilise her existing skills to earn a living, which is one of the many benefits to self-employment. In addition to being a talented artist, Karen is also becoming a serious businesswoman, enjoying the challenges of running her own business.”

InBiz Preess Release