A major conference in Wigan recently highlighted two key tasks for the borough – removing the barriers to work or training and encouraging more people to set up their own businesses.
The conference took place against the backdrop of a warts and all survey of the borough’s economy by economic forecasters Experian.
They predicted that Wigan, because of its manufacturing and construction traditions, would fare worse than places like Salford and Manchester which have a more varied economy.
In the medium term there will be modest growth – but not before a dip this year and next which will continue to have a big impact on jobs till 2014.
The survey also showed that Wigan has lower levels of self-employment than the UK average and apprenticeship take up is less positive in Wigan – it dropped from 1200 to 1000 in the past year.
Borough means business
"We need to reach those who are hard to reach, people who have been unemployed for a long time" Miranda Allan
Miranda Allan runs an environmental consultancy in Astley. She’s also chair of Wigan Economic Partnership, which brings together the council, businesses and voluntary and community organisations.
Not surprisingly, she’s passionate about encouraging more people to set up in business. Miranda revealed that a new £1.25m package of support to help create 500 new businesses over the next two to three years was now available. Grants up to £1,000 will be on offer to local residents who go through a new programme of intensive start up support.
Miranda said: “We need to reach those who are hard to reach, people who have been unemployed for a long time.”
If you’re interested contact Blue Orchid on 0161 485 4949 or email The Blue Orchid
Low cost loans of up to £3,000, financial health checks and help for firms looking to win public sector contracts are also in the pipeline.
Shopping for skills and jobs
Anthony Mohammed has set up the council’s skills shops and now a new one has just opened in Wigan’s Grand Arcade.
These unique places are ‘one stop shops’ for jobs, education and training. They offer personal support and individuals even have their own adviser.
The new shop, which will be open weekdays as well as Thursday evenings and Saturdays, builds on the success of Leigh and Marsh Green skills shops which have given new hope to hundreds of people.
Anthony stressed: “There’s no quick fix, no ‘one size fits all’ solution to tackling worklessness. The economic downturn has had a big impact on people locally and our aim is to support them in gaining new skills and jobs.”
Another part of the service offered by Anthony’s learning and guidance team is to work with local employers facing redundancies, supporting employees with advice about training and new skills.
He added: “We want the skills shop to be a friendly and attractive place to visit and get the help they need. It’s exciting to be in the heart of a popular shopping centre and already we’ve had over 500 visitors in a short space of time.”
You can contact the new skills shop on 01942 827826 or simply drop in – no appointment is needed.
