What do you do in a recession? Start your own business says Ahmed.
THE Huddersfield e-tycoon who founded internet giant Freeserve has issued a rallying call to the region’s budding entrepreneurs: recession is a great time to start your own business if you’ve got a genuinely good idea.Ajaz Ahmed says there is an increasing number of enterprising individuals with excellent business ideas in the area and they must not be put off by the economic downturn.
“Forget about the current economic climate – it’s a temporary setback,” says Mr Ahmed.
“It’s vital that businesses do not let a credit crunch mentality drag down their ideas. Of course it’s wise to double-check risks but it’s crucial to remain upbeat.
“If you are going to start your own business now, then when the economy recovers you will be very well placed to reap the benefits.
“Some ideas will obviously not work in a recession so it’s even more important to have a good idea and have a plan that you can articulate and sell that idea. If you get that right, the finance is still available.”
Mr Ahmed says location will be one of the keys to success for new and established businesses during the recession.
He is using his position as a board member of the successful Media Centre complex on Northumberland Street, to ensure that local creative individuals and companies have some of the best support in the country right on their doorstep.
The Media Centre is already home to 130 high-tech and creative companies and houses Britain’s most environmentally-friendly business centre building, which was opened by the Queen last year.
“I have seen at the Media Centre how establishing a cluster of like-minded businesses and providing high-quality business support is working very well even in these difficult times,” says Mr Ahmed.
“We have record numbers of businesses and occupancy rates with firms moving in from Leeds and Bradford to take advantage of lower cost and higher quality office space.”
Mr Ahmed will be putting his money where his mouth is with the launch of up to three new ventures.
The first– www.Jumbleaid.co.uk – is an ebay-style auction site launched from the Media Centre in November. It will generate money for charities and community groups and cut the amount sent to landfill.
Anyone interested in the business support offered by The Media Centre can get more information on: 01484 483000 or visit: www.the-media-centre.co.uk
ENDS
Notes for editors
Ajaz Ahmed’s Freeserve became the UK’s largest internet service provider within three months of its launch in 1998. Less than a year later, it had floated at a market cap of £1.5bn and was sold for £1.6bn to Wanadoo in 2001.
The Media Centre was set up and funded by Kirklees Council and is home to around 130 creative businesses across four buildings, ranging from design and marketing firms to green businesses and arts organisations.
The Media Centre has played a key role in making Huddersfield one of the most renowned creative clusters in the country