This research report is one of a series of reports that explore the role of active labour market intervention within the New Deal for Communities programme.

It complements other research reports completed as part of the NDC thematic evaluation associated with worklessness exploring job brokerage, intermediate labour markets, the recruitment and retention practices of employers and broader employment strategies.

This report focuses on the role of new business starts within two selected NDC areas.

The main aim of this research is to investigate, understand, and to learn from the experiences of those setting up local businesses in NDC areas.

The research draws upon both primary and secondary sources of information. A targeted literature search and review drew on academic, policy and grey literature to identify the evidence base associated with start-up and self-employment in disadvantaged areas. Local plans, strategies and bid documents along with monitoring and evaluation information were also requested and reviewed.

There is no 'one strategy fits all' approach to business start-up intervention largely because of the diversity of the potential entrepreneurs, their range of needs and the varying local socioeconomic, environmental and cultural contexts in different areas.

However, there is clearly a need for local intervention in order to deliver a range of services to support business start-up as part of a balanced approach to economic development. Effective partnership working is a key characteristic of successful delivery to entrepreneurs who require a variety of different services at different times.

Yorkshire Futures
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//2005

Sheffield Hallam University

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment

Urban economy