Working it out

In a community with chronic unemployment problems, creating opportunities for sustainable businesses and long-term employment was seen as vital, particularly as economic regeneration contributes to many other areas of the programme.

Employment initiatives focused on two main areas. Firstly, finding more opportunities for employment with existing organisations, and secondly, offering assistance, advice and relevant training for business start-ups.

Over the last seven years, the Newlands Partnership has started to turn around the area's economic decline.

Some of the projects responsible for this upturn in economic fortune are detailed below>

Local Enterprise: A continuing initiative, Local Enterprise aims to develop and support community enterprises. It helps small and new local businesses by providing low-level grants for feasibility studies and development, help with publicity materials and use of equipment. In addition, Local Enterprise includes a 'Jobshop' to help individuals find employment.

Furniture Service: This sustainable community business supplies low-cost furniture to local people of all ages on low incomes. The project also links with organisations such as women's refuges to assist individuals fleeing from violence to set up home in a new, safe area.

Business Support: Providing employment support for self employed people and those looking to create new business start ups, this project continues to offer grants and training. Advice is also available to new and existing organisations on general business operations, marketing and IT. The project has also facilitated the re-development of the Parklands Business Centre, Greengates.