FOR aspiring business people and entrepreneurs, all roads led to Pembroke Dock Jobcentre last month for a ‘Be Your Own Boss’ event.

Be Your Own Boss co-ordinator Fred Hatton, an employer advisor with Jobcentreplus; worked with Hilary Vaughan, a development officer with charity PRIME Cymru.

Fred said: “The concept of Be Your Own Boss is a multi-agency approach highlighting all the free help and support that is available for people who are looking to start their own business and take the first steps into self-employment and for existing businesses looking to expand.”

The event featured over 20 organisations and local businesses who were kept busy all day talking to the potential entrepreneurs.

Deputy Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr George Manning attended.

“We do not want people to start their own business without talking to the experts,” he said. “That is when businesses fail. It is really good to come here and talk to the representatives of the organisations here present and I have learned a great deal. They all seem to have been extremely busy especially Business Wales who had a bit of a queue. Excellent work from you all. I am proud to be part of this community that cares for the future of our residents.”

Fred said: “It was fantastic to meet so many partners and providers who can offer such excellent support to those seeking self-employment. It was a great opportunity for our staff to meet them to enable them to advise our customers on what support is available locally. We were pleased by the public attendance on the day and it was lovely to meet so many people who would not normally come in to our office. Our office truly felt like a community hub on the day, working in partnership with others for the benefit of our community at its best.”

There is an electronic version of the event directory available. Email hilary@primecymru.co.uk