9:00am Thursday 18th March 2010
By Laura Kitching
A HOUSE HUSBAND has been devoting his spare time to giving free support to Wey-mouth and Portland businesses.
Paul Hopkins, 30, of Weston, Portland, set up his social enterprise Step Up Start Up in May last year in response to neighbours’ requests for business advice.
The father-of-three established the project to help people in the borough to get back into work, set up or improve their own businesses.
He works on an outreach basis and has won two national awards.
Now Mr Hopkins is seeking to turn his venture into an official organisation.
He said: “My project aims to assist people in Portland and Weymouth back into work and to help people set up their own business.
“In December, I won a £2,609 UnLtd award, which is part of the Millenniums Award, part of the National Lottery.
“I also won a flip-cam, notebook computer, free broad-band and phone connection and blog page in the Virgin Media Pioneers award. I spend all my spare time doing this project, I’m looking for more clients and trying to prove that what I’m doing is worthwhile.
“I want local government to understand that what I’m doing is needed and to fund the position.”
Local businesses wishing to contact Mr Hopkins can call 07769 924790 or 01305 824002.
The foundation for social entrepreneurs, UnLtd is a charity that provides the world’s largest programme of support to individuals in setting up business ventures with a positive social impact.
Each year, UnLtd provides support for more than 1,000 individuals based in the United Kingdom and the projects of these individuals have a positive impact on tens of thousands more. Virgin Media Pioneers award was set up by Virgin Media and Enterprise UK to support young entrepreneurs across the UK.
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