Yorkshire's largest business start-up agency reports enterprise across the region is as resilient as ever, even as the country's economic position worsens.

According to Sheffield Enterprise Agency (SENTA), start-up numbers in Sheffield remained strong in the final period of 2008, with 63 new businesses reported between October and December. Appointment books with SENTA business advisors are also filling up quickly this month.

In particular, SENTA is focussed on generating new business activity in traditionally deprived areas of Sheffield through the BiG -Make It Your Business programme. The agency has helped almost 300 new businesses start since the initiative was launched last year.

SENTA director Mandip Dosanjh said: “The impact of a recession on entrepreneurs and start-ups is two-fold. On the one hand, accessing finance can be more difficult, making necessary investments in young businesses harder.

“But on the other hand, the negative economic situation can actually create new opportunities. We have many budding entrepreneurs coming to us who are managing to turn voluntary redundancies into successful businesses in just a few months.

“The majority of new business start-ups reported in Sheffield are actually in deprived areas of the city, which is important if the city is to be well placed to compete on a national level when the upturn arrives.”

SENTA also offers free practical advice to new business start ups and more established businesses, including help with business plans, cash flow management, marketing and legal advice.

“With the right help and advice, the impact of business start-ups on local economies can be profound and should not be underestimated, not just because they serve local needs and the requirements of larger businesses, but because these are the city's potential success stories for the future,” said Mandip.

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Notes for Editors:

Sheffield Enterprise Agency (SENTA) is part of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and provides fully integrated support to new business start-ups and businesses up to two years old. Trained and experienced SENTA business advisors and supporting staff guide individuals through the process of starting and growing their own business, with help on developing business plans and advice on areas including finance, marketing, e-commerce, etc., Anyone interested in finding out more about SENTA's services should call 0114 281 4621.

Released on behalf of SENTA by HR Media Ltd, The Workstation, 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield. For further information contact Alexander Mills 0114 296 5567 alexm@hrmedia.org.uk