New osteopath sets up thanks to business grant

A previously unemployed osteopath has started up in business in Oswestry thanks to a grant from Shropshire Council’s Business Enterprise Fund.

Tim Bailey opened Oswestry Osteopath in a 16th century coach house in Castle Court, Bailey Street, last December. However, before he could open he successfully applied to the Fund for the £653 that he needed to purchase a new professional treatment couch.

Tim said:

“The funding received from the Business Enterprise Fund was really important as it enabled me to purchase what is a vital piece of equipment for an osteopath. Without it I would have been unable to open up and start treating patients. I’m therefore really pleased that my application was successful.”

Councillor Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for economy said:

“I’m delighted that a grant from the Business Enterprise Fund has enabled Tim to set up in business and I wish him all the best for the future. In these difficult economic times it’s great to see a new business starting up, and I’m pleased that the funding received has helped to make this possible.”

Keith Barrow, Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry South, and Leader of
the council, said:

“Shropshire Council is committed to supporting our new and existing small businesses, so it’s great that Tim has benefited from this funding and I wish him every success.”

Shropshire Business Enterprise Fund provides grants of up to £1,500 for start up, new and retail businesses, and up to £5,000 for businesses between nine and 36 months old. All businesses invest at least 30% themselves towards the cost of
the project.

To date over 130 Shropshire businesses have received a grant through the fund, with 90 of these starting up for the first time and 40 expanding in size.

The fund is a competitive process, with all applicants scored against assessment criteria and a limited amount of funding available each round.

The next application deadline is 31 January 2011 but a further round is planned for March 2011.

For more information about the Business Enterprise Fund, call 01743 252259 or visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/sbef.