Wenta, the Enterprise Agency for Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire have recently been involved in a community enterprise event featuring Katie Hopkins, of TV’s The Apprentice fame.� The two-day event imitates the popular television series, The Apprentice, and requires teams to make best use of and develop a major building in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.�

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Up until last year, Wenta principally operated in the South West Hertfordshire area. However in the last year having expanded their services into Bedfordshire, they have since built a strong reputation as a key business support provider within the Eastern region.� Consequently the agency was approached to take part in this event to support social enterprises.

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Teams of participants had to undertake 6 tasks, including putting together cash flow forecasts and organising promotion via leaflets, press and radio.�� Expert advisors were on hand to assist with these tasks and Wenta’s Business Advisory Services Manager for Bedfordshire, Mick Dobson and Head of Property Services, Spencer Tagg were counsellors at the event to offer business advice to the various teams.�

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The event was structured so that the teams’ resources and timeslots meant they could not access all the advisors available, thus having to make difficult choices about the advice sought.� The teams then faced the gruelling task of presenting to a panel of experts, chaired by the ‘Sir Alan Sugar type’ figure, Katie Hopkins.� The winners received the prize of a laptop computer.

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Commenting on the event, Wenta’s Mick Dobson, says “It’s great to see that social enterprises, historically more community rather than business minded are now becoming commercially aware in their efforts to achieve funding to maintain their services.� We were pleased to be invited to take part in this event which was undoubtedly a worthwhile exercise for all involved”.

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The event was sponsored by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and supported by other local community organisations, including Wenta, Investing in Communities (IiC) and The Prince’s Trust.

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Wenta encourage enterprise within the local community and offer business advice and training for start-up, new and existing businesses.� To book an appointment with a business advisor, contact Wenta on 0845 371 0891 or email admin@wenta.co.uk.��

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As featured in the Hertfordshire Business�Monthly - April Issue

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