Stewart Horne, managing director, The Business Information Point, Okehampton, writes:

I would like to appeal to the business people amongst your readers to consider volunteering as mentors to help new businesses get started.

The Business Information Point set up the New Enterprise Allowance programme under contract to the Department of Work and Pensions two years ago to help unemployed people throughout Devon and Cornwall start their own businesses.

Volunteer mentors are a vital part of this; they support prospective entrepreneurs as they develop their business plans and during the first six months of trading.

Almost 500 businesses have started up as a result of the NEA programme and we have 180 experienced business owners acting as mentors, but with another 400 new start ups expected in the next year, more volunteers are required.

This is not a time consuming role – most of our mentors give an hour a week. They receive a travel allowance, support from BIP and the chance to hear some inspirational speakers, as well as having the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping to grow the local economy.

I would be delighted to have a chat with anyone who thinks they can help with this; they can call me on the freephone number 0330 1000338 or email me on [email protected]">[email protected].