Chance to help young people start their own business

A Shropshire charity set up to help young people start their own commercial enterprise has put a plea out to business people to join its team of mentors and sponsors.

Shropshire Youth Support Trust (SYST) is a new charity based in Telford Town Centre aimed at helping budding entrepreneurs by offering subsidised accommodation, advice and mentorship.

Some of Shropshire’s most prominent business people have committed to helping the Trust by offering their mentorship skills and sponsorship.

SYST’s Business Centre Manager is Richard Nuttall (pictured) who, as well as running his own professional acting agency, has many years of experience in helping others to set up and develop their business.

He said: “Although Shropshire Youth Support Trust opened its doors for the first time in October last year, we have just enjoyed a more formal launch to business leaders at which one of the county’s most successful entrepreneurs, Nick Wheeler who founded Charles Tyrwhitt shirts, gave an inspired address.

“We don’t give cash grants to applicants, but the accommodation we offer is heavily subsidised - we find that the enthusiasm between the young business people sharing the same space rubs off on each other and gives them even greater motivation.

 “Even in the short space of time that we’ve been up and running as a charity, some real success stories are starting to emerge which is incredibly rewarding for all involved.

“However, we are now appealing to business leaders in the county to offer their skills or sponsorship, however modest, to help young people who need a break to forge a successful career.”

Mr Nuttall said SYST follows the model of other youth trusts in the country - currently there are also similar set-ups in London, Merseyside and Hull.

There is desk space and several computers in the downstairs hub, while there are several furnished offices upstairs which are available at subsidised cost.

*SYST is located in Central Square in Telford Town Centre. Visit www.systbusiness.co.uk for more information.