"We will work with local business to help identify barriers and remove them, creating a clear route forward to business success. We will help remove the blockages to successful business development."

"Entrepreneurs value advice from successful peers and that’s exactly what we aim to deliver. We can help whether they need us to give them a boost, clarify their strategy or support their ideas and aspirations."

"A recovery without jobs in our region will not work. We must encourage entrepreneurs to succeed and thus create employment. We need to move from the heavy dependency on the public sector and create a stronger larger private sector. Contrary to the gloom these are exciting times, recessions can be a good time to start a business, and we want to help those who want to do so."

"Many people think of starting a business – the problem is that most stay in ‘thinking mode’. Our aim is to help unlock dreams and get more people to take the plunge."