Support team helps local business find route to work

Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 17/07/2006

The Routeways to work programme which started in December last year and is designed to help people from ethnic minorities into employment has recently helped local beautician start her own business.

Asma Akhtar is now the proud owner of Ashi’s Beauty Lounge based in Vernon St, Bury. Asma started as a mobile Hair amp; Beauty Therapist specialising in henna decorating and bridal hair and make-up. Having completed a beauty course at Bury College she was unsure how to go about setting up her own business.

She says: "I visited Business Solution in January 2006 where I met with the Multicultural Business Support team. The team has helped be immensely in my vision for getting started.  I received important advice and guidance from the Routeways team which helped me on my way. They have helped to develop my business cards, flyers and signposted me to further training – in my case an Acrylic Nail course. My business has taken off since my time at Business Solutions. The team there is very friendly, approachable and have played a vital role in my success.

I am now having a website developed through business solutions."

The "Routeways to Work in Bury" programme is co-ordinated by a local partnership led by Bury Council and funded through Government cash under its Invest-to-Save scheme.

The programme delivers a range of activity aimed at joining up the various services involved with helping people to find employment.

Central to the programme is a dedicated Routeways to Work Centre based at the Asian Development Association of Bury’s premises at 14 Heywood Street, Bury. 

Further details about the Routeways to Work programme can be found at www.bury.gov.uk/routewaystowork

Councillor Sharon Briggs Executive Member for Learning, Skills and Employment says: "Business support for people who want to strike out on their own is very important. This young woman has done exceptionally well and it was a very brave step which I am sure will pay her dividends well into the future."