Liz Sanderson has received a special loan which has enabled her to realise her dream of opening a laundry service business in Shirebrook, Derbyshire.

The finance that Liz received from EnterpriseLoans East Midlands has enabled her to buy stock and equipment, undertake local marketing activity and staff training for Absolute Laundry, which recently opened for business.

EnterpriseLoans East Midlands is a fund that has been established by emda and is managed by the First Enterprise Business Agency (FEBA).  It provides business loans of between £3,000 and £20,000 to entrepreneurs who would otherwise find it difficult to obtain loans from high street lenders.

Liz, 40, is delighted to be able to start her business. She said:  “I have worked in the care sector for more than 22 years, and wanted to start a business that would involve my health and social care skills and experience.  Fortunately Business Link gave me the support and advice I needed to apply for a business loan.”

Liz’s intention to run her own business was carefully planned. Being realistic about what could be achieved she decided to continue her part-time paid employment while establishing Absolute Laundry.

“I have lived in Shirebrook for several years and think I understand what the community needs,” she explained.   “I saw a potential gap in the market to offer a range of services including a Community Laundry Scheme, and ‘Helping Hands’ for people who are unable to do their own washing and ironing.

“I really enjoyed the process of setting up Absolute Laundry and look forward to assisting people in my local community and hopefully create more employment and contribute to the local economy.”

Speaking about the opening of Absolute Laundry, John O’Reilly, Business Support Director at East Midlands Development Agency (emda) said: “Liz is a great example of the kind of person we had in mind when we developed the loan fund.  We wanted people with commitment, vision and solid propositions, like Liz, to be given an opportunity to establish their own business. I am sure that there are many other budding entrepreneurs out there, who would also benefit from this fund.”

“EnterpriseLoans East Midlands will help people who are unable to access finance from banks, building societies or other institutions to start or develop a business,” says Quamar Zaman, FEBA’s Chief Executive.  “Liz is an example of someone who has taken up all business support opportunities made available to her, and we wish her every success with her new venture.  EnterpriseLoans East Midlands is receiving a steady flow of enquiries and I would encourage more people who need help to start or grow their business, to contact the Business Link Start up Service.”

EnterpriseLoans East Midlands is specifically designed to address the difficulties of accessing finance; one of the problems faced particularly by small businesses and deprived communities.

Existing entrepreneurs or individuals who are thinking of starting up in business should contact Business Link on 0845 058 6644 or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk

For more details about EnterpriseLoans East Midlands, telephone 0845 602 7355.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of emda by Lava. For further information please contact Matt, Stuart or Louise at Lava on 01522 842 800 / 07870 567 968 or matt@lavapr.co.uk / stuart@lavapr.co.uk / louise@lavapr.co.uk

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