A new advertising campaign for Coventry’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (or LEGI) breaks today and will run throughout the City for the next thirteen weeks.

One of the stars of the new campaign is 55 year old Abigail Brown, owner of Maple Tree Florist in Bell Green. Having been a legal secretary for 35 years, Abi always harboured a dream of setting up her own business as a florist, undertaking a three year course at college and working nights to pay the bills. However, it was a visit by one of LEGI’s Business Mentors which finally tipped the balance:

“When Rachel came to see me I realised I was eligible for Working Tax Credit – what a relief that was as I certainly can’t afford to pay myself a wage yet. She had some really good ideas which are paying off and we’ve been able to discuss other vital aspects of the business such as bank accounts, advertising and tax returns. Setting up your own business can be a minefield so I’d recommend to anyone thinking of taking the plunge to find a good advisor like I did and really listen to what they have to say.”

Cllr Kevin Foster, Cabinet Member (City Development) and Chair of the LEGI Board added:

"A key part of building a cohesive and prosperous society is to narrow the gap of opportunity between traditionally disadvantaged communities and our most wealthy citizens. LEGI is about ensuring we provide opportunities to those who may in the past have been unable to access employment or feel unable to start a business. Coventry is full of talented people like Abi who just need the right advice and encouragement to make their dreams a reality."