News: Rotherham enterprise in good health

A fledgling business has strong vital signs thanks to the business support offered by Rotherham Enterprise.

Empire Medical Training Services, set up by Chris Unwin to deliver first aid training courses and services to private and public sector organisations is going from strength to strength.

Chris, aged 26 from Kiverton Park, said: "After leaving the army where I served for ten years I tried a number of jobs but didn't feel that I was making the most of my experience and qualifications.

"I started to think about ways to utilise my skills and decided that starting my own business was the way forward for me."

Chris started Empire Medical Training in May 2009 and he started trading from a Rotherham Youth Enterprise office at Moorgate Crofts Business Centre.

Darren McDool, a business coach for Rotherham Enterprise said: "Chris is a great example of the kind of person we can work with to offer business support.

"He had a good idea and could see a gap in the market for his skills. He is a determined individual who really wants to succeed.

"Rotherham Enterprise has a team of business coaches who work with local residents who either have an idea and want to start a business or have an existing business and need support to move forward."

Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the coaches are able to offer free advice and can help people to develop their ideas and mentor them through the first steps of setting up a company or give them the direction they need to grow their business.

Jackie Frost, from Rotherham Enterprise said: "This is a great example of how someone can with help and support turn an idea into a great business opportunity.

"Rotherham Enterprise is here to develop and foster an enterprising culture across our local communities by promoting self-employment and enterprising opportunities for individuals and businesses."

Rotherham

Images: RiDO