A SCHEME giving fledgling firms a helping hand to get off the ground celebrated its birthday in style.

Over the past five years more than 2,000 entrepreneurs - from plumbers to printers, bakers to beauticians - have been helped under the FirmBase programme.

And hundreds of entrepreneurs gathered to mark the anniversary of FirmBase at a birthday bash held at Ewood Park.

"We are delighted to have helped so many fledgling businesses during the past five years," said Harry Buls, business development director of ELTEC.

The first start-up on the scheme was Admagnetics in June 1991. Entrepreneur Alan Moorhouse has since seen his venture grow to employ 25 staff in Accrington manufacturing transformers and stand-by power supplies.

Alan received support from Lancashire Enterprises, British Coal, the DTI and both Burnley and Blackburn & District Enterprise Trusts as part of help to get it off the ground.

"Having been in business before I was aware that if my venture was to be a success I would need as much help as possible to get established which is why I turned to the TEC and its FirmBase programme."

The 2,000th FirmBase business was the Golden Crust Bakery in Blackburn set up by 23-year-old Chris Fawcett. After working for local bakeries he turned to FirmBase and Blackburn & District Enterprise Trust to help realise his dream of opening a shop.

Alan and Chris were both presented with free ELTEC membership by guest speaker Chris Daffy at the anniversary event which was organised with Barclays Bank.

The range and background of businesses helped under the programme since it began is huge. Kitchen fitters Michael McManus and Ivan Cleff launched Artisan Installation and Design six months ago and orders have already included fitting a kitchen for a relative of the Queen in a Scottish castle!

The duo soon hope to start manufacturing their own kitchens as well and fitting and designing them.

Former health service worker Brian Craven launched his Principal Business Services after being made redundant in October last year. The Blackburn company offers support services such as accounting training and administration for busy GPs.

"When you set up in business you are full of enthusiasm and the tendency to launch into it without proper planning is enormous," said Brian.

"FirmBase forced us to really consider our plans and act accordingly which I think is very important."

Khalid Parvez turned his hobby into a 'wheely' good opportunity after being made redundant.

He launched Nelson-based Auto Car Design Centre to supply accessories for high performance cars.

Gary Hamer's 16 years experience as a car mechanic stood him in good stead when he launched Read-based GMH Auto Services after being made redundant.

"I had the practical skills I needed but didn't really know how to go about setting up my own business and that is where FirmBase came in," said Gary.

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