People’s stories: Alison
“I employ local people from Camden. I find it easier to employ people locally because they don’t have so far to come, it is more practical as we work long hours here.”
To be honest, I don’t think Camden make it easy for people to start up new businesses. I get a lot of leaflets and there are a lot of courses. There’s lots of advice going. There are lots of seminars you can go to on running or starting a business but you need practical help.
The one thing I would say is good is the small business rates relief I got and that has made a difference because when you’re a small business the thing you need is money relief on something such as on your rent or discounts, so you can get started.
I employ local people from Camden. I find it easier to employ people locally because they don’t have so far to come, it is more practical as we work long hours here.
I think you can encourage businesses to take on local people on work placements but you’ve got to make it a well worked out initiative - perhaps describe the business as a skills provider. Obviously as a small business you are taking the time out to give that person skills, but at the same time you are getting help for free.
