New Enterprise Allowance

From left to right: Terry Gallacher Lee Collins Andrew Stephenson MP

Since it was announced in October 2010 the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) has helped numerous long term unemployed people set up their own business. Launched in Merseyside in January 2011 the scheme had a national roll out throughout the year and we had our first successful applicant in East Lancashire in June.Since then the scheme has helped more than 50 people in our area to create a realistic business plan, establish their own company and move off Job Seekers Allowance whilst a further 36 are currently going through the process.The New Enterprise Allowance is supported in East Lancashire by the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and in particular by Debbi Dawson of the East Lancs Chamber. “Job Centres in the area refer potential applicants to me for an initial interview. Once we agree that they are ready to commit to the time and effort required to make the project work we introduce the applicant to a business mentor in their area. These mentors are successful business people working in a wide variety of industries and we’re extremely grateful that we currently have around 80 mentors offering their time and expertise to this project free of charge” reported Debbi. “Working with their mentor the applicant will put together a business plan and cash flow forecast which will then be submitted to the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce for approval. Once the plan has been approved the applicant moves off Job Seekers Allowance, starts trading and receives a level of financial support for the first 6 months.” Although the Chamber already has around 80 volunteer mentors they are actively seeking to recruit more particularly from the Pendle, Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Rossendale areas. Local businessman, Lee Collins, Group Managing Director of The Hillendale Group based in Nelson, has been a mentor since July 2011 and has recently completed work with his 2nd mentee; Terry Gallacher. With Lee’s assistance Terry has set up Dipper Designs, a website design company based in Colne targeting small local businesses like himself! When asked about his experience on the scheme Terry said “I was introduced to Lee as a mentor by the Chamber of Commerce. I had never been mentored before and was unsure of what to expect. I had nothing to worry about as I immediately felt comfortable with him and his professionalism was very apparent. I have found him truly inspirational such that it increased my confidence, motivation and self belief. During this time it was readily apparent that he was continually looking for new ideas, kept himself up to date with new technology and paid rigorous attention to detail. Through the process of developing the plan he continued to maintain my confidence and offered very useful guidance on marketing, product range, pricing and financial accounts. The business plan was accepted at first presentation proving the success of our collaboration. He has also volunteered additional support from his own web design agency in the form of initial graphic design for company stationery. I would thoroughly recommend the mentoring process in general and the experience and abilities of Lee Collins in particular” From the mentor’s point of view Lee Collins told us “Our businesses are always looking for ways to help others. Whilst we are of course a commercial business, it is important to me for us to be ethical in our approach to Charity, local people and to local issues. Initially I went to a meeting held by the Chamber of Commerce at which they outlined the aims of the scheme and I immediately knew I wanted to be involved. As someone who started with nothing, I know only too well how difficult it can be to start a new business from scratch and just how daunting Business Plans, Budgets, Balance Sheets & Cash Flow Forecast can seem when you are considering them for the first time. It is great to be able to help committed people develop their plans for a real business and to see their confidence grow through the regular meetings & coaching sessions we have” As a firm supporter of this scheme Andrew Stephenson, MP for Pendle told us “I was delighted to meet Lee Collins and Terry Gallacher and see how successful this scheme has been. It is essential that we support more people to create their own businesses and I commend an award winning local businessman like Lee Collins for giving up his time to help. The success or failure of most small businesses is decided in the first few weeks and therefore mentoring plays a key role in supporting entrepreneurs. I hope other local businessmen and women will sign up to take part in this scheme.” If you feel you could offer your business expertise plus 1 hour per week for up to 8 weeks to launch more NEA schemes please contact Debbi Dawson for more information on 01254 356400 or at d.dawson@chamberelancs.co.uk.

Trailblazer 2012 Q1

Pride of Nelson Awards

Great news – The Hillendale Group have been shortlisted for the Pride of Nelson Business of the Year 2011 and our MD Lee Collins has been shortlisted for the Pride of Nelson Businessman of the Year 2011.
We won’t know the results until Friday 20th Jan but we’re delighted to have been shortlisted.

WATCH OUT…

…ORANG-UTAN ABOUT!

Our adventurous mascot Orang’ey has just returned from a 2,000+ mile trek around mainland Britain helping to promote this year’s CONVOY FOR HEROES.

Orang’ey travelled in an eye catching 30 foot rig consisting of a pale gold Land Rover Discovery towing the CONVOY FOR HEROES promotional trailer. Departing from Littlehampton in West Sussex he travelled to the four cardinal points on mainland Britain: Lizard Point, Land’s End, John O’Groats and Great Yarmouth, West Sussex and then home to Hillendale in Nelson.

CONVOY FOR HEROES adopted our mascot Orang’ey last year as he led 350 Land Rovers round the Jaguar Land Rover test track on Easter Sunday 2011, helping to raise in excess of £15,000 for Help for Heroes. CONVOY FOR HEROES is organised annually on a voluntary basis by a team of dedicated Land Rover enthusiasts to support Help for Heroes. It takes the form of a two day event, with attractions for all the family, culminating in an attempt on the Guinness World Record ™ for the longest Land Rover convoy.

CONVOY FOR HEROES 2012 will be held over the Easter weekend (7 and 8 April 2012) at Prestwold Hall in Leicestershire, for more information visit www.convoy4heroes.org.uk.

Orang’ey’s website in now live, log onto www.orangeytravelclub.co.uk, check out where he has been on his travels, download some of the activities and become a member of his travel club! Don’t forget if you are planning a trip and would like to take Orang’ey with you call Lore on 01282 723723 or email loredanat@hillendalegroup.com.

Young Carers

We are delighted to continue to support The Young Carer’s as they provide their members with a welcome break from their caring role’s.

With our help; 9 events were held over the summer months including trips to Blackpool Tower, The Trafford Centre, Camelot and Welly Bob’s Farm. The summer started with a very healthy activity as 20 Young Carers took part in 2 hours of sports activities with an instructor at Burnley Boys club. They all worked really well in their teams playing Kwik cricket, football, basketball, rounders and taking part in relay races.

From the 1st October, there have been some changes to the Young Carers Project due to changes in national funding.Barnardos will now be supporting Young Carers across Lancashire where they are caring for someone with a physical or learning disability. The Young Carers Project will continue to support Young Carers in Burnley, Pendle & Rossendale who are caring for someone with a mental health or substance misuse problem.

They are now busy making plans for their annual Christmas Party. They are also busy assessing new Young Carers who are in need of their support and continue to raise awareness of the Young Carers Project in our local area. We shall of course continue to offer our support to The Young Carer’s wherever possible.

Trailblazer 2011 Q4

Krispy Kreme anyone?

Fancy some delicious Krispy Kreme doughnuts?
Want to offset your guilty feelings by supporting Macmillan?
We have the perfect answer!

A dozen original Krispy Kreme doughnuts can be yours for £7.95 or 1 doughnut for £1 and help us to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Once we’ve received all your orders and monies we’ll place 1 large order for collection on Friday 2nd December from Hillendale Land Rover – they will be freshly prepared that morning. We need your order by Thursday 17th November and cash or a cheque made out to Image Red Ltd by Friday 25th November.

Please email Lore at loredanat@hillendalegroup.com or call her on 01282 723760 with your order including the number of doughnuts you would like, your name, contact number and payment method.

Thank you for your support on behalf of this great cause and enjoy the doughnuts!

Arctic Health Check from £39.95

DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT THIS WINTER WITH OUR 42 POINT ARCTIC HEALTH CHECK

Your Land Rover is one of the most capable vehicles on the road and with the winter weather fast approaching, that’s a reassuring thought.

But even Land Rover technology needs a check over once in a while, including a between-services check of vital components like windscreen wiper blades, tyres and bulbs. Plus, of course, vital levels like engine oil, steering and transmission fluids and replacing your screen wash with arctic screen additive.

While you wait, we’ll check your vehicles…

• Lights	• Brakes	• Tyres	• Oil
• Battery	• Steering	• Clutch	• Wiper Blades
• Fluid Levels	• Drive Belts	• Exhaust	• Horn
• Cables	• Suspension	• Drive Shaft	• Engine Noise
• Pipes	• Gaiters	• Catalyst	• Antifreeze

HILLENDALE’S ARCTIC HEALTH CHECK ALSO INCLUDES:
ARCTIC SCREEN WASH (Effective down to -20ºC) and
COMPLIMENTARY MINI VALET (Wash & Vac)

HILLENDALE PRICE ONLY £39.95

(Allegiance members & privilege card holders special price £29.95)

For more information call or service team on 01282 723723

New 12 Model Year Vehicles

The new 12 model year Discovery 4, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover are now on site. With improved CO2 emissions, improved performance, an 8 speed Automatic gearbox and paddleshift your can really feel the difference. The 12 model year Range Rover Sport also has a power tailgate. Call our sales team today on 01282 723723 to arrange your test drive.

More than just an oil change

Fixed price Oil Service for X-Type at £129 and S-Type at £149

Hillendale Jaguar technicians use oil specifically formulated to maximise the performance of your vehicle over the lifetime of its engine.

The Oil Service
An approved Jaguar Oil Service includes an electronic vehicle check, a full drain and refill with the correct grade of oil for your Jaguar, a new genuine Jaguar oil filter and a complimentary top-up kit of gloves and oil to help you maintain the correct level between services.

A Vital Component In Your Engine
A regular oil service is important to the maintenance of your car because oil keeps moving parts cool and friction-free under extremely demanding conditions. It also transports microscopic debris away from the engine, which is captured by the oil filter. Both activities prevent wear and mechanical failure, extending engine life.

To find out more about the Jaguar Oil Service or to book your oil service today, please contact Hillendale Jaguar on 01282 723 791.