With the current economic climate, youth unemployment is a real concern. The worst affected areas in the UK include Kingston upon Hull and Middlesborough, where around 11% of 16-24 year olds are without work, but even in Exeter around 600 young people (2.7%) were claiming unemployment benefits in February 2013. Last year the government launched their 'StartUp Loans' initiative, in an attempt to help the rising numbers of young people wanting to get into employment. The scheme provides up to £2,500 to any young person wanting to start a business, and in January this year Westminster announced a £30 million boost to the scheme, which has been successful in helping a new generation of entrepreneurs finance their new businesses.
Of course, being an entrepreneur offers the opportunity to be your own boss and have a lot more control over what you do, but it is by no means an easy way out of youth unemployment. James Caan, Chairman of StartUp Loans Company, said; "To be an entrepreneur is more than having a job. It gives you the freedom to make your own mark, in the way in which you choose, and create your own path to success. It can be challenging, and exceptionally hard work, but the rewards are immeasurable."
Direct selling has become an increasingly popular business venture for young people due to its flexible hours and minimal start up fees. In fact, there are now almost 400,000 direct sellers in the UK, and as one of the largest direct retailers Avon is particularly popular amongst young people who are looking for a satisfying job to boost their income and provide valuable sales and business skills for their CVs. Avon Representative, Lauren Mousley says: "...Avon is the perfect career option for me because it has given me some really important business skills, it fits in around my studying commitments and it has also given me the much needed extra income to spend on family and friends".
Direct selling is a particularly attractive option for students in a job market where part-time jobs are difficult to find and living costs are rising faster than maintenance loans. The current total living costs for a student doing three year course at university is estimated at around £26,000, where the maximum total a student can receive for in loans and grants for three years is currently around £26,250. As many do not receive as much as this, becoming an entrepreneur for a company like Avon is an incredibly valid way for them to support themselves through university.
Rosemarie is a 21 year old Avon representative from Exeter, who began her Avon business after starting at Plymouth University in September 2012 and says the best thing about Avon is being your own boss. Having grown up in foster care, she supports herself financially and so Avon has allowed her to attend university as the flexible hours mean she can fit work around studying, despite dedicating around 20 hours each week to Avon. Cases like Rosemarie's are inspiring because she is an example of just how much there is to gain from being your own boss. For business-minded young people, being an entrepreneur offers a fantastic opportunity to start something new while maintaining their independence.
For more information on the StartUp initiative, visit: http://www.startupbritain.co/
Of course, being an entrepreneur offers the opportunity to be your own boss and have a lot more control over what you do, but it is by no means an easy way out of youth unemployment. James Caan, Chairman of StartUp Loans Company, said; "To be an entrepreneur is more than having a job. It gives you the freedom to make your own mark, in the way in which you choose, and create your own path to success. It can be challenging, and exceptionally hard work, but the rewards are immeasurable."
Direct selling has become an increasingly popular business venture for young people due to its flexible hours and minimal start up fees. In fact, there are now almost 400,000 direct sellers in the UK, and as one of the largest direct retailers Avon is particularly popular amongst young people who are looking for a satisfying job to boost their income and provide valuable sales and business skills for their CVs. Avon Representative, Lauren Mousley says: "...Avon is the perfect career option for me because it has given me some really important business skills, it fits in around my studying commitments and it has also given me the much needed extra income to spend on family and friends".
Direct selling is a particularly attractive option for students in a job market where part-time jobs are difficult to find and living costs are rising faster than maintenance loans. The current total living costs for a student doing three year course at university is estimated at around £26,000, where the maximum total a student can receive for in loans and grants for three years is currently around £26,250. As many do not receive as much as this, becoming an entrepreneur for a company like Avon is an incredibly valid way for them to support themselves through university.
Rosemarie is a 21 year old Avon representative from Exeter, who began her Avon business after starting at Plymouth University in September 2012 and says the best thing about Avon is being your own boss. Having grown up in foster care, she supports herself financially and so Avon has allowed her to attend university as the flexible hours mean she can fit work around studying, despite dedicating around 20 hours each week to Avon. Cases like Rosemarie's are inspiring because she is an example of just how much there is to gain from being your own boss. For business-minded young people, being an entrepreneur offers a fantastic opportunity to start something new while maintaining their independence.
For more information on the StartUp initiative, visit: http://www.startupbritain.co/
