New statistics from Barclays show that more and more people are defying the credit crunch and starting-up their own businesses:

Start-up Data for 2007-8

Q1 2007 - 114,500 Start-ups

Q2 2007 - 126,700 Start-ups

Q3 2007 - 97,700 Start-ups

Q4 2007 - 86,400 Start-ups

Q1 2008 - 98,200 Start-ups

Entrepreneurs in Hertfordshire are being helped on their way by Business Link East.

Budding Hertfordshire entrepreneurs, with a passion for progress, should apply now to take part in Business Link’s next ‘Start Your Own Business Boot Camp’. Following the resounding success of the second ‘Boot Camp’ at the beginning of April, the programme will be repeated on 4th and 5th June and 30th and 31st July 09.

The two-day, intensive, residential Business Boot Camp has been designed to provide a fast-track foundation for anyone wishing to accelerate the start up of their own business. Both days are packed with a range of information, advice and support – basically everything that new entrepreneurs need to get up and running straight away. The cost is just £50, which covers overnight accommodation at a local hotel and all meals throughout the two days.

Lucy Hodgson, who attended the April Boot Camp, said: “The best thing about the Boot Camp has been the presenters. Their energy, enthusiasm and ‘normality’ have made the course. They have given out huge volumes of extremely useful information in an entertaining and easy-to-understand way. This has definitely kick-started my business, which was the whole point. Obviously a lot of planning has been put into this Boot Camp - and it shows. As a group, we all got on from the start – there was great camaraderie.” Viv Starkiss, Enterprise Awareness Manager at Business Link, is delighted that the Boot Camp has been such a success.

“The idea was developed due to the popularity of the ‘starting your own business’ workshops that we run throughout the year,” said Viv. “It is aimed at people who want to get their business up and running as quickly as possible. The Boot Camp provides a streamlined approach to the subjects covered in the Business Link start up workshops and gives people the chance to focus totally on their business plans, away from outside distractions.

“The intensive format covers all the business essentials, such as business planning, marketing, sales, finance and research. Because we run the event at Business Link’s largest office in Hatfield, delegates are able to work with the information team learning how to research their business ideas. This gives them the chance not only to find out about the huge range of resources on offer, but also to leave with some really targeted research material. Each delegate meets with their own dedicated adviser who will continue to support them after the event.”

“Over dinner, attendees can network and ask questions of workshop leaders and Business Link experts in a more informal environment. After a busy day, it is fantastic to see the energy and passion continue into the evening,” Viv said.

“All delegates leave with a wealth of reference material, an understanding of how to research their market and get their business started, plus details of who to contact for any business queries in the future. In addition they receive a one-to-one business advice voucher worth £130,” concluded Viv.

Richard Anthony, another delegate at the April Boot Camp, said: “The structure of the 2 days and the Business Link staff were all excellent. It is an absolute bargain at £50 – the best £50 my company has invested!”

Spaces are limited to 12 for each Boot Camp, and there is a high level of demand, so if you are interested, complete the online questionnaire now at www.startupbootcamp.org.uk. Business Link will assess all the applications, and the applicants with the top 12 scores when matched against the assessment criteria will be invited to attend.

To find out more about all Business Link Workshops call 08457 17 16 15 for a free brochure or log on to www.bookevents.org.

About Business Link in the East of England:

· Business Link provides information, practical advice and support to help people to start, run or grow their business

· Our clients fall in to two main categories:

- Those running or working in established small and medium sized businesses

- Those who want to start their own business

· Both clients groups can access independent, impartial and, in most instances, free help and support from Business Link in the form of:

- Free one-to-one help from an experienced business adviser (established businesses) or enterprise champion (start-up)

- Workshops and briefings on a range of business subjects such as business planning, sales and marketing, legislation, developing people

- Telephone and online support through our Information and intelligence centre

· Business Link in the East of England works with businesses and entrepreneurs in the 6 counties in the East of England: Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire

· Business Link is a government initiative to promote enterprise, funded in the East of England by the East of England Development Agency