MORE than 300 businesses have been set up in the borough thanks to a Government scheme which lets people on benefits become their own boss.

The New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) has helped jobseekers turn their entrepreneurial dreams into a reality and set up sustainable businesses.

Among those to benefit is Stephen Murphy, who was a youth community officer, and made aware of the NEA scheme through the job centre and saw an opportunity to get back to work while helping the community.

He launched Murph’s Pantry, a Warrington-based catering business as well as opening a community cafe with support from volunteers through Hobby Cooks.

And Stephen hopes to help the volunteers themselves go on to set up their own businesses or social enterprises.

He said: “Without the help and support I’m not sure I would be where I am now I’ve found the input invaluable from my first meeting to signing off my business plan.”

NEA is available to people aged over 18 who are claiming jobseeker's allowance, lone parents on income support or people on employment and support allowance in the work-related activity group.

People on the scheme get expert help and advice from a business mentor who will help them to develop their business idea and write a business plan.

If their plan is approved they are eligible for financial support payable through a weekly allowance over 26 weeks up to a total of £1,274.