YTKO Group wins BIS Enterprising Britain award for promoting enterprise through Outset

Economic development and business support organisation YTKO Group has beat strong competition to win the government’s Enterprising Britain Award 2012, for ‘Promoting Enterprise’ through its Outset business start up programme.

Winners were announced at Sheffield City Hall on 20 September, during MADE: The Entrepreneur Festival, when newly appointed Minister for Business and Enterprise, the Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, presented the Award for YTKO Group’s Outset business start up programme.

Outset is a tailored programme that delivers pre-start and business start-up support, access to finance and specialist growth provision. Outset specialises in the creation of sustainable businesses by disadvantaged groups and those furthest from the labour market.

Presenting the award to YTKO Group CEO Bev Hurley, Business and Enterprise Minister Michael Fallon said:

“YTKO Group’s Outset programme demonstrates how outreach work across the country can inspire people from all kinds of backgrounds to get into enterprise. Their workshops have given many entrepreneurs the confidence to realise their business ambitions and they are to be congratulated on their achievements in promoting enterprise to the wider community.”

Many Outset clients live in the UK’s most deprived wards, from inner cities to isolated rural and coastal areas.  Since 2009, Outset has supported more than 7,000 clients, with more than 1,000 starting businesses to create over 1,200 jobs.  Half of these new entrepreneurs are women, a third are aged under 25 or over 50, and the majority were previously unemployed.

The Enterprising Britain Awards form part of the government drive to boost entrepreneurial activity and help new business owners to unlock the full potential of their businesses.

Bev Hurley commented: “I’m so proud that Outset has been recognised for its achievements.

“Our innovative approaches raise enterprise awareness, and motivate people to explore self-employment and enterprise.

“Our start-up programmes then empower them to transform their lives and enrich their communities through creating sustainable new businesses.  Outset clients are truly inspirational role models, locally and nationally.”

YTKO and Northamptonshire County Council, winners of the BIS Most Enterprising Place in Britain Award, now go forward to represent the UK at the European Enterprise Promotion Awards, during Global Entrepreneurship Week in November.