Last updated 15:42, Wednesday, 22 October 2008

WEST Cumbrian entrepreneurs were given the chance to turn their dreams into reality at a business ideas workshop last week.

Jerry Bennett: Business advisor for Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency

Organised by Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency (CREA) and Barclays Bank, the Ideas Workshop offered advice and inspiration to all those looking to start their own business.

Jerry Bennett, a CREA business advisor who has worked in Cumbria for more than 20 years, led the workshop.

He felt it was an ideal opportunity for anyone who has considered going it alone but is starting from the beginning.

“We started by looking at their skills and interests and then thinking through who might be their customers and next steps,” he said. “People need to consider a range of options and it often makes sense to look for ways of making a start without completely giving up their current employment.

“There are usually ways of starting towards the dream without committing 100 per cent and this workshop was ideal for people who are looking for those first steps.”

The workshop was free to all participants following funding from Barclays Bank.

CREA will also be running a number of business skills workshops in Penrith later on in the year supported by Eden District Council.

Lynne Fox, CREA business development manager, said: “We’ve offered a range of business support for over 20 years and these workshops have always been great ways of encouraging people to explore their options.

“Even if self-employment doesn’t turn out to be the best choice for them, people often come up with alternative approaches that can be just as successful and satisfying.”

For more information about Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency call 01768 891555.