16th November 2010

Rotherham has been named the most enterprising place in the UK, following its drive to create a new generation of entrepreneurs. The South Yorkshire town won the title by coming first in this year’s Enterprising Britain competition. The competition, which is now in its sixth year, is a nationwide search for the most enterprising place in the UK - a location where enterprise is creating jobs and transforming communities. It is run by Enterprise UK on behalf of the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.

Rotherham is an area that suffered badly following the collapse of the coal and steel industries in the 1980s. Ranked amongst the most deprived communities in the country, with educational achievement below the national average and a working population with limited qualifications, something needed to be done to raise the aspirations of young people and build the town’s confidence. It’s against this backdrop that 'Rotherham Ready' was formed.

'Rotherham Ready' is a project that aims to transform the aspirations of young people in Rotherham by creating a culture of entrepreneurialism. Initiatives have included introducing children as young as four to the concept of starting a business and training teachers in how to incorporate enterprise into the school curriculum. The project has been a resounding success with 232 new businesses started by young people in the last five years.

Jackie Frost from Rotherham Ready said: “This award means so much to the people of Rotherham and we are absolutely delighted to win. Enterprising Britain has not only been a fantastic opportunity to celebrate what has been achieved through Rotherham Ready; it has enabled us to share what we have learnt to inspire other communities that want to embrace enterprise.”

Tom Bewick, CEO of Enterprise UK, said: “Rotherham Ready and all of the projects that entered this year’s Enterprising Britain competition are great examples of organisations working collaboratively to foster an entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to take up the challenge to make a job, rather than take a job. Today we are celebrating their accomplishments and throughout this week during Global Entrepreneurship Week, we will challenge more communities, policymakers, education, business and the investment community to back Britain’s entrepreneurs and to make this the entrepreneurial decade.”

Business and Enterprise Minister, Mark Prisk, said:"It is vital that we create an enterprise culture in the UK and encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs to drive our economy forward. I warmly congratulate all the finalists for their passion and commitment in encouraging enterprise. I started my own business at the bottom of the last recession so I know how important it is to have advice and support from local mentors who are able to inspire the next generation to start and grow businesses."

The Enterprising Britain ceremony took place on Monday 15th November and was part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2010.

Visit www.gew.org.uk/enterprising_britain for more information.