PEOPLE wanting to start their own business in Swindon have been given a boost with the arrival of InBiz - a company dedicated to helping people set up a business.

InBiz Business Support has won a contract with the Job-Centre to help and advise unemployed people with a business idea.

Office manager Joy Carson said: "We only set up the office last week, but already we have been overwhelmed with applicants.

"There are a lot of people in Swindon and the surrounding area with a lot of innovative and interesting ideas for businesses.

"These vary from wedding planning and dog sitting through to software design ideas and making videos and CDs for the tourist trade."

InBiz don't provide funding, but it does provide advice, support and training for those wanting to set up their own business.

Ms Carson said: "We run a three step programme.

"First of all they have a consultation with our business advisors, and they will give them pointers on how he thinks their business could be best run.

"We then have a training day on things such as business planning, employment, health and safety and various other essential skills.

"The third stage is when they actually start trading and we will support them while they get set up."

InBiz also provides advice on the type of funding available for small or new businesses and how best to apply for it.

The company started 13 years ago in Stockton and now has 30 branches nationwide, but this is its first foray into Wiltshire.

Ms Carson said: "We have an 80 per cent success rate, and I am really looking forward to getting to grips with the business plans of people in Wiltshire.

"The response so far has been excellent, and there are some really exciting plans."

One example of someone using Inbiz is film-maker Merlina Waterworth, 45, from Park North, Swindon, who has been freelancing for many years, working on projects such as Celebrating Swindon.

Now she wants to set up her own business making travel films for tourists.

She said: "Because I have been freelance for a while there were some things about running a business I already knew, but InBiz have been really helpful in teaching skills like simple bookkeeping, and health and safety.

"The networking has also been really useful."

InBiz also helps disabled people get set up in the workplace, and looks at business opportunities for lone parents, ex-offenders and people who have been made redundant.

Anyone on the programme is still entitled to claim benefits while they get their business up and running.

For more information visit InBiz at Ambrose House, Milton Road, or JobCentre Plus.