Testimonials

Don’t take our word for it – read what our partners, stakeholders and funders say about us.

Perfect example of how European funding can be targeted

Outset Bristol is a perfect example of how European funding can be targeted exactly where it is needed in difficult economic times: job creation. Meeting young entrepreneurs who felt the job centre had failed them turned to Outset who got them on the right path, creating new businesses from teaching English to hairdressing and football coaching. There is also the value added factor. Money invested in helping to create new businesses and ultimately jobs saves the taxpayer money in benefit payments. I will be working to ensure funding for this fantastic project can continue beyond its current period.
Sir Graham Watson
Member of the European Parliament for South West England and Gibraltar

Outset Cornwall has become a key resource

In a very short space of time, Outset Cornwall has become a key resource and valued partner for Business Link in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We feel that the client always gets the best possible support due to effective referral processes with us and many other organizations, and the sharing of information about under-represented groups. We are delighted to work so closely with the Outset Cornwall team to deliver the service and explore new opportunities to grow and develop support in this area.
Chris Redding
Head of Partnerships, Business Link South West

Outset offered have enhanced training and support

Outset have worked in partnership with NHC for the past year. The programmes Outset offered have enhanced training and support that we have been able to signpost our learners to. The partnership working has engaged and increased opportunities of progression for individuals from the T4E employability programmes looking at starting a business and becoming self-employed. The programmes that have run from InTown Training have been successful, filling the classrooms and providing a vibrant environment, increasing not only individual awareness of the programmes, but also increasing the footfall into the ITT centre.
Frankie Oliver
Community Partnership Manager, North Hertfordshire College

Exceeded targets in helping businesses to start up

We are delighted with the results of the Outset Norfolk programme. It has not only exceeded targets in helping businesses to start up, but also in helping a wide range of people to consider if self-employment is the right option for them. The many mentors who have volunteered time to help individuals have also been invaluable in making this programme a great success. The programme has been an important part of Norfolk County Council’s strategy to grow Norfolk’s economy, of which encouraging enterprise is a key part.
Ann Steward
Norfolk County Council Cabinet, Member for Economic Development and Strategy

SSE and Outset Cornwall complement each other

Cornwall School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) has worked closely with Outset Cornwall for the past two years. The innovation and specialisms of the two programmes complement each other perfectly, offering seamless support to entrepreneurs across the county, particularly those from under-represented groups, helping participants identify the appropriate business model for their enterprise.The Cornwall SSE team very much look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Outset Cornwall.
Sally Heard
Development Manager, School for Social Entrepreneurs

Outset has proved invaluable in helping offenders from HMP Wayland

My role within a category C male adult prison involves working with offenders, establishing areas of support and jointly agreeing how best to achieve their targets of employment and further training whether they are in custody or once released. It sounds simple enough, but I know Outset appreciates the challenge involved with this client group, some of whom have never worked and have no idea where to start!
One of the key areas of realistic employment is through gaining vocational skills, training and qualifications and then applying these abilities to a self-employed position on release; this is where Outset has proved invaluable! No matter how inspiring a tutor maybe, hearing straight forward, up to date advice and guidance from someone who has been there, done it and worn the T-shirt is something that the education students at HMP Wayland really value. Your motivation, enthusiasm and tenacity for business excellence were evident in your workshops and the authenticity gained the respect of guys that can be notoriously ‘hard to reach’.
Stuart Staples
A4e Employability, HMP Wayland

The Outset Finance team have helped our clients with loan applications

I have now been working in close collaboration with the Outset Finance team in Plymouth since its establishment in January 2011. During this period the effectiveness and efficiency that the team has demonstrated in the assistance and support that they provide to help their clients’ develop their loan applications has had a dramatic and positive impact on the operation of the South West Microcredit Fund.
Chris Burt
Fund Manager, South West Investment Group Services Ltd

Outset works SME’s to help them overcome barriers

Outset was unanimously regarded as the preferred bid in terms of demonstrating in-depth knowledge and experience of targeting people from deprived areas, people from ethnic minorities, disabled people, and particular expertise in targeting women from their Enterprising Women project. Outset Bristol execute a highly creative marketing ability due to the professionalism of their ‘in house’ Teams and a 30 year successful track record in the private sector, engaging and working with SME’s to help them overcome barriers and help to achieve growth. Positively all frontline mentoring, coaching and advisory staff have first hand business experience and have seen significant evidence of innovation in additional peer to peer learning environments.
Rebecca Colam
ERDF Delivery Team, Department for Communities and Local Government

Outset supports local talent at each stage of the business journey

Entrepreneurs are vital to the growth of the local and UK economy. But it takes more than a cracking idea to realise a profit-making business. Start-ups and growth businesses are vital to a flourishing economy, as is the right support at each stage of the business journey. Outset is about reaching out and upskilling latent local talent to step into the world of business in a supportive and professional way. Congratulations to all who have been on the Outset journey and to the Outset team who walked with them along the way.
Carleen Kelemen
Director of the Convergence Partnership for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Watson

Outset Torbay has provided a valuable service for the Torbay

Since commissioning Outset in 2010, they have gone on to develop a valuable service for the Torbay Development Agency (TDA) and Torbay. We are delighted with the real difference that is being made in our deprived neighbourhoods, helping people to set up and run their own businesses. Outset’s innovative outreach programme has already helped a number of individuals to start their own businesses; without this support, I believe these businesses would not exist today. It’s great to know we’re making a difference and providing help where it’s needed. Long may it continue!
Carl Wyard
Urban Enterprise Co-ordinator, Torbay Development Agency

Outset Plymouth have been very impressive in the city

I am very impressed at the intensive work being carried out across the city by Outset in helping local people set up their own businesses. The level of start-up advice and guidance on offer, and all for free, is needed if the city is serious in developing new business opportunities for the future.
Vivien Pengelly
Leader of the Plymouth City Council

We have been most impressed by the Outset Bristol service

Hartcliffe & Withywood Ventures (HWV) have a long track record of delivering Enterprise Support in the disadvantaged communities of South Bristol. HWV has worked either independently, or in partnership/consortium arrangements with other providers, for over 25 years to maintain a locally based and accessible service. We have been most impressed by the Outset Bristol service delivered here at the Gatehouse Centre and how we have been able to work together for the benefit of our clients. We are keen to see this service continue in the local area and wholeheartedly support Outset Bristol in seeking funding to do so.
Brian McInally
Economic Development Director, Hartcliffe & Withywood Ventures