Boss Fred's business challenge

Staffordshire entrepreneur Fred Pritchard has been named as president of Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce.

The chairman and chief executive of Pritchard Group Plc says he is keen to use his appointment to boost confidence in business and encourage the formation of new companies.

He said: "What can be done about the 59 per cent increase in unemployment on the figures from last year? As unemployment rises, it is essential that more business start-ups are encouraged.

"It does take courage, as I well know, having set my business up at the height of the mining depression when Cannock Chase had an unemployment level of 22 per cent.

"What is needed to set up a business is ideas from the person concerned.

"They should then link immediately with Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce for support, advice, construction of business plans and help from Business Link to provide all the necessary facilities."

Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce, which is affiliated to Business Enterprise Support, also provides start-up business packs linked into banks for finance.

Mr Pritchard added: "Do not accept unemployment; do something about it.

"Combine with colleagues in the same boat, and form your own business as an alternative to unemployment, if jobs cannot be found elsewhere.

"At one time, there used to be movement of labour throughout the country and beyond but now with the country as a whole suffering the effects of the recession and job cutting, this cuts down the mobility of people for travelling around to get a job, unless they go out of the country completely.

"You have help out there to assist you and develop the entrepreneurial spirit.

"Pritchard Group will provide managed workspace premises or conventional offices and factories to suit your particular trade or business."

For more information on acquiring workspace, call 01543 426 246.