21 DAYS: ‘Go and create some jobs’ – rallying call issued at launch of campaign
The campaign, which will see countless opportunities for existing and aspiring entrepreneurs and students to get free support and advice is underway, with creating jobs and inspiring businesses top of the agenda.
At the launch, attended by a host of business and community figures, guests munched on 21 specially-made cakes, in-line with the ‘21 days’ theme.
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Hide AdCEO of Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce Tina Tilley, one of the main organisers of the campaign, said: “It is great to finally launch, with a lot of enthusiasm.
“I am really excited about the prospects that are in store in the three weeks. It is another great success story to support business, the community and education providers in working together.”
The 21 Days campaign kicks-off with Apprenticeship and Careers week, in which Northbrook College have already launched its student FM radio service.
The college won £5,000 of funding in order to set-up the station, which will run throughout the 21 days.
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Hide AdThere will also be several support events for apprenticeships and careers.
Northbrook principal Sue Dare said: “I hope it is going to be a really successful 21 days of enterprise and employability.
“It is a really important time for Northbrook today, as it is the launch of the student FM radio. I am really pleased that it is going on at the same time.
“The campaign is sending a really good message around supporting students and businesses, and those who would like to set up their own business.”
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Hide AdThe week will culminate in a jobs fair at Northbrook’s Broadwater campus, hosted by East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton.
Mr Loughton praised the campaign, and encouraged everyone to get involved.
He said: “This event goes from strength to strength and it is really good to see the chamber, local colleges, council and businesses coming together, and that is the way we are going to grow business locally, increase jobs and attract more investment to Worthing and Adur.”
Preparations for the campaign started soon after last year’s business showcase event, which will return on March 20, with an exhibition of local successes and talks from keynote speakers.
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Hide AdChairman of Adur and Worthing Business Partnership Andrew Swayne urged those at the launch to ‘go and create some jobs’.
He said: “The thinking around this started very much after the close of last year’s campaign.
“Everybody in the economy needs to be active. Let’s go and create some jobs.”
The second week of the campaign is centred around community, with firms invited to offer work placements for 21 students on Thursday, March 13.
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Hide AdThere will also be workshops on bid writing and corporate social responsibility.
The final week will concentrate on enterprise, with the chamber leading the way
Worthing mayor Bob Smytherman, who attended the launch alongside Adur chairman Mike Mendoza, said: “The campaign is really exciting and I think it is putting Worthing right on the map and supporting the area to be vibrant, enterprising and creative.
“The jobs fair will be excellent, as giving people a job is the most important thing you can give somebody.”
To find out more information, visit www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk and keep and eye on the paper for weekly updates throughout the campaign.