MSIF Helps Wirral Business Train Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs

20th September 2007

A new business is helping youngsters across Merseyside achieve their career goals with backing from Merseyside Special Investment Fund (MSIF).

WirralTech, based in Birkenhead, provides vocational training to youngsters aged 14 – 19 many of who come from some of Merseyside’s most deprived areas. The company offers off-site learning in courses that include hairdressing, beauty therapy, travel and tourism and business administration.

The company works in conjunction with local schools and other training providers and already eight schools are offering their students WirralTech’s courses.

Wirral Tech has raised a funding package which includes a £25k loan from MSIF’s Small Firms Fund.

The company was set up in 2006 by Barrie Vallance who previously spent 19 years working within children’s services at Local Authorities across Merseyside.

Mr Vallance said: “The aim of WirralTech is to work with schools and other training providers to enhance the training provision offered to young people across Wirral. This partnership approach helps and supports students to identify their strengths and develop their skills in a vocation they can excel and achieve in.”

“WirralTech is modern and our team is motivated, professional and industry experienced producing an environment that our learners can flourish, succeed but most of all shine in.”

“By offering courses they find interesting and enjoyable we are giving them something they can focus on and build upon. It also gives them valuable skills that will help them find employment or perhaps help them set up their own business when they leave school. We want our pupils to have the opportunity of becoming the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. ”

“Wirral Tech could not have happened without the funding and support from MSIF – without their backing this would still be on the drawing board. We now want to widen the choice of courses and reach out to more children.”

Carol Bolland, investment manager of MSIF’s Small Firms Fund said: “We are delighted to be supporting Wirral Tech. Barrie is a focused and driven individual who is determined to make a success of the business and we think the company deserves to do very well.”

Wirral Tech currently employs 7 staff and this figure is expected to increase to 14 in the next two years.

For further information about Wirral Tech visit www.wirraltech.com

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Photo shows Barrie Vallance (Wirral Tech) and Carol Bolland (MSIF)

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