A SPECIALIST support programme which has already helped 20 ex-MG Rover workers start their own businesses has received a cash boost and is now on a major recruitment drive across Redditch and Bromsgrove.

Delivered by start-up initiative Mustard.uk.com, FastStart 2 is offering a mix of developmental workshops and one-to-one advice to other automotive-related redundancies in the region.

This means individuals released by MG Rover, Jaguar, Peugeot and companies in the supply chain can now access a whole host of specialist support, which will help them turn existing skills and unique business ideas into commercial reality.

"What we are looking to do with FastStart 2 is to find potential entrepreneurs who can transfer existing experience and talent into creating high growth firms, firms that will ultimately create jobs and add value to the local economy," said Kul Sanghera, project director for Mustard.uk.com

"The first programme proved an outstanding success, with 20 former Longbridge workers successfully using the support to launch their own companies, including hybrid engineering consultants "tech2reality" and Steve Hall, who swapped the production line for a rapidly expanding childcare business."

He added: "In fact, the latter has already started a number of new clubs and is expecting to employ 100 people over the next 12 months."

FastStart 2, which is funded by Advantage West Midlands and ERDF and delivered by the University of Warwick Science Park Ltd, Business Link and CQM Nascent Ventures, is now looking to recruit for the next programme starting in the new year. Potential candidates must register via the website, www.mustard.uk.com/faststart2, or call 0800 587 0721.

"There has never been a better opportunity to take that business idea you've always dreamed of and explore the possibility of transforming it into a fully fledged company," said Mr Sanghera.

Redditch-based Ian Kirwan used his redundancy notice from MG Rover to join forces with two former colleagues and launch Embed Ltd, a business that writes software for car electronics, such as speedometers and immobilisers.

He said: "The guidance was delivered by people who have run their own firms and, when combined with the interactive workshops, showed me that being your own boss is an energising and wholly satisfying exercise. In fact, the energy I feel at the moment is a far cry form the situation shortly after the collapse at Longbridge.

"Sessions were not like a classroom exercise, but more a vibrant means of sharing ideas and making new contacts."