HEREFORDSHIRE and Worcestershire could see up to 300 new businesses created in just three years.

That's the aim of a major new initiative New Horizons, launched by the Learning and Skills Council in Herefordshire and Worcestershire (local LSC).

The scheme will be offering free training, advice and support for 700 talented entrepreneurs, creating 150 jobs.

Focusing on the environmental, medical and media sectors, the new programme will broadly target those aged 16-64 years, as well as encouraging take-up within specific groups such as women and those who live in deprived areas.

Made possible by funding from the European Social Fund and operated and delivered by Business Link West Mercia, New Horizons will offer participants access to 60 awareness raising and networking events, as well as 600 one-to-one pre start-up advice sessions and post start-up mentoring meetings.

Whilst Herefordshire and Worcestershire is an entrepreneurial area with 94 per cent of businesses established in 2001 survived their first year of trading - the highest percentage of all neighbouring counties, and in excess of West Midland and national levels - Business Link and local LSC research has identified an urgent need to increase the volume of businesses in growth sectors and higher value activity. These findings are backed up by the county's average gross weekly earnings which are just £373.60, falling well below the West Midlands average of £393.60.

The New Horizons initiative has been specifically designed to address these issues, encouraging the development of businesses and job opportunities that offer sustainability, prosperity and technological advancement.

Karen Hilling, skills and sector broker at the local LSC said: "Whilst the new business survival rates in Worcestershire are above the national average, they are typically operating in low paid sectors. New Horizons provides local entrepreneurs and employees the chance to aim higher and achieve in areas previously considered out of reach for many in the county."

Mark Davies, Programme Manager for Business West Mercia said: "The fundamental aim of the project is to 'grow our own' entrepreneurs and take them on a journey of development. By providing tailored business development to all participants, we will equip our entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to set up viable and sustainable businesses. We look forward to enjoying the benefits of a booming local economy."

For further information about the programme please contact Mark Davies on 0845 450 8689.