A NEW business start-up for young people has been established by Warrington Youth Club to help entrepreneurial teenagers make a success of their ventures.

Warrington Youth Village provides business advice, training and even town centre premises for youngsters who are making their first steps in the business world.

With the backing of Birchwood-based company CEL Procurement, the youth village aims to tackle teenage unemployment, grow the business skills of young people and provide inspirational activities for teenagers.

Located on Bank Street, anyone interested can take a unit in the former Lloyds TSB building to sell their goods. Opportunities are also available to social entrepreneurs, such as music teachers and fitness instructors, offering services to the borough’s youth.

David McNicholl, senior manager at Warrington Youth Club said: “Warrington has high numbers of NEET youngsters – Not in Education, Employment or Training. We’re working with local schools and colleges to tackle this by developing seven key focus points. Young people and social entrepreneurs who are interested in citizenship, dance and drama, fashion and design, hair and beauty, sport and fitness, music and live performance and outreach work should get in touch.”

Staff working for CEL Procurement helped to renovate the old bank and the company will also be providing business advice and training to teenagers. CEL Procurement’s managing director, Steve Malone said: “We wanted to help local teenagers stand out from other applicants and give them real-life experience of running their own business. Hopefully our work at Warrington Youth Village will give young people the skills and confidence to test the market, develop a business plan and make their ideas a reality.”

Warrington Youth Village will open its doors on Monday. Anyone who is interested in taking a unit should contact Warrington Youth Club on 581217 or e-mail davem@warringtonyouthclub.co.uk.