Last updated 14:39, Monday, 21 July 2008

A FORMER bank manager is offering free coaching to help “kick start” up to 70 new Furness companies into life.

FREE COACHING: Deborah Burch will provide business help and advice

Deborah Burch was business manager for Barclays Bank Plc in Barrow.

Now she has been hired by Furness Enterprise as an Enterprise Development Coach to run its Kick Starting New Opportunities Programme.

Funding from The Northern Rock Foundation is paying for the three-year programme, whose goal is to help people who want to start up firms and those who have already got going but have encountered problems, with the free business coaching and advice.

The unemployed and those on Incapacity Benefit and who would not have the confidence to take their idea forward and start a new business without help, are among those being offered assistance. Both new and growing businesses in the heart of Barrow and deprived wards are eligible.

The programme is being launched at 2.30pm tomorrow at Furness Enterprise Ltd, in Waterside House, Bridge Approach, tomorrow at 2.30pm.

A support panel of business veterans will help solve and unblock problems hampering new firms.

People who like to receive advice can ask for appointments with Deborah Burch.

Miss Burch says she will give people the information from which to make informed choices, but will not be telling them how to run their businesses day to day.

She spent 17 years advising companies for the bank.

People looking to start-up a new business or grow an existing business should call her on 01229 820611.