SIR Richard Branson’s pleas to let student loan coffers be used to fund young people’s business ambitions have won the backing of a Runcorn MP.
The business mogul and his Virgin Media chief executive Neil Berkett personally wrote to Mr Evans on behalf of Virgin Media Pioneers, an online community of young entrepreneurs founded by Virgin Media.
They, along with three pioneer representatives who have also signed the letter, are recommending the Student Loans Fund is changed to a Youth Investment Fund, where loans at favourable rates are available as start-up capital for young entrepreneurs, not just as loans to prospective students.
In response Mr Evans pledged support for the initiative.
He said: “Getting young people into work is extremely challenging at the moment so I want to explore every positive avenue that could help tackle youth unemployment.
“Setting up your own business is a daunting prospect for anyone but I firmly believe the creativity and the ideas are out there.
“Virgin Media Pioneers’ campaign for a Youth Investment Fund is the result of young entrepreneurs themselves keen not to be forgotten and asking for support.
“I am delighted to back the campaign and will take it to Government to see if the proposal can be turned into action.”
Sir Richard said: “While global economic gloom has closed the door to many young people who might have entered into traditional professions, thousands of them are looking upon this as an opportunity. “They’re seizing the chance to make a job rather than take a job.
“Positive, enthusiastic and excited by their prospects, these are young people that have the potential to change our country for the better.”
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