TWENTY-FOUR new businesses that have benefited from Bromsgrove District Council's Business Start-Up Programme displayed their talents when they got together for a special 'Showcase' evening last week.

Enterprises ranging from cleaning contractors to corporate filmmakers and from accountants to fashion retailers clearly identified the vast range of skills on offer throughout the district.

Council chairman, Councillor Jill Dyer, in her first official function since taking up her new role, paid tribute to the energy and enterprise of the new ventures. Speaking to a packed council chamber she said Bromsgrove council had sponsored nearly 100 start-ups since 2000 and expected to support another 25 this year.

"We want to encourage the independent entrepreneur spirit.

"The courage and determination that you have shown in starting up on your own is not just good for business, but it's good for society as a whole," she continued.

With the decline of traditional industries such as UEF and Rover, Bromsgrove's Economic Development Unit has pursued a two-prong strategy to attract hi-tech companies to the new business parks while helping individuals to set up on their own.

Peter Michael, the council's economic development officer, said: "In recent weeks this has intensified with the closure of Rover at Longbridge where around 650 Bromsgrove residents worked.

"The strategy seems to be paying off, Advantage West Midlands is about to start work on Bromsgrove Technology Park and there has been a flood of enquiries for the council's free business training and Start-up grants."

Bromsgrove District Council works in partnership with Businesslink and North East Worcestershire (NEW) College to deliver the programme, which also receives EU funding.

Anyone wanting more information about starting up their own business should contact Peter at the Council House on 01527 881327.