Networking key to success for budding Selby entrepreneur
A Selby business woman has been given the support and the opportunity to launch her own new venture thanks to the Government's enterprise initiative and local networking events.
Business & the local economy
Claire Horsfield's new venture, CH Consultancy, is a specialist Human Resources firm which has been set up to help employers dispel the myths surrounding employment law, helping businesses to manage and get the best out of their people.
Having been employed in a variety of HR management roles for a number of years, Claire had dreamed of running her own business, using her keen problem-solving skills to support and empower other businesses, for some time.
Claire who proudly jumped at the opportunity when she spotted a gap in the market for reliable, impartial advice for small businesses said, "Employment law is constantly changing – for example the recent ruling that overtime should be included in holiday pay – and many businesses find it impossible to keep up. Most of the firms I have spoken to are confused and it is essential to seek advice in order to remain compliant with this ever-changing legislation”
But it was when she attended a Selby Enterprise Day in June this year, run by Business Support York & North Yorkshire (BSYNY), that starting her own business really started to seem possible. Here she met Heidi Green, Business Support Specialist at BSYNY and Caroline Andrew-Johnstone, Managing Director of Fasprint Ltd and Area Leader of 4Networking (4N).
Through BSYNY, Heidi provided Claire with free business support and advice on starting up a business, which eased her through the transition to full-time self-employment.
CH Consultancy was officially launched in October and Claire credits both organisations for their help, saying “4N presented me with an invaluable network of new contacts, including potential business partners and customers as well as friends – starting a business on your own can feel rather lonely and 4N offered unlimited moral support and gave me bags more confidence.
“With the help of 4N and BSYNY I have significantly grown my client base on a scale I never expected.”
Claire now joins the growing number of people opting for running a business from home, recently acknowledged by the Government’s launch of its Home Business Initiative, which aims to make it much easier for entrepreneurs to run a business from home by removing red tape, all part of its on-going drive to stimulate UK enterprise.
Anyone wanting to expand their business is welcome to attend a 4N meeting and the team welcomes new visitors. It costs just £12 – possibly be the best investment you could make. To book your place at their next meeting and see for yourself how this can help your business, or to find out how to become more involved with the team, please get in touch with Caroline Andrew-Johnstone on 07970 462981 or at caroline@fasprint.biz, or visit www.4networking.biz.