An enterprising week for business

Stepclever, which helps start up businesses and existing organisations grow and develop, is urging people not to be put off by the current financial climate and to continue to improve their skills in order to increase entrepreneurial activity in the more deprived areas of Merseyside. 

Since being established in April 2007, Stepclever have:

• Given advice and funding to around 520 businesses
• Created more than 350 new jobs
• Involved more than 15,000 school children in enterprise activities
• Helped 50 businesses secure public sector contracts in excess of £10 million.
• Improved the skill’s of staff and managers, resulting in 36 per cent of the businesses supported increasing their turnover.  A quarter of these businesses have seen a 27 per cent rise in profits and have taken on extra staff.

John Anderson, project manager for Stepclever said:

“Stepclever’s achievements in North Liverpool over the last three years have been phenomenal and as a result we’re seeing an increase in successful, locally owned businesses in deprived areas. This is an example of how local based support, innovative projects and community based passion has helped make a real and long term difference.”