ASKAR Sheibani, boss of telecoms repair and support company Comtek, has announced the launch of a new business entrpreneurship network for Wrexham.

Building on the success from the Flintshire BEN - business entrepreneurship network - this latest project will encourage people from the Wrexham area to set up their own businesses and thereby improve the area’s economic prosperity.

The BEN spots entrepreneurs through Dragons’ Den style events and supports them in an enterprise club where they can receive support and business skills training.

The first of the Dragons’ Den style events will be held on March 28th at Wrexham,s Racecourse Stadium.

The Wrexham BEN is an extension of the initial pilot project in Flintshire and will last for a 12 month trial period.

Its success will be monitored by an independent organisation appointed by the Welsh Government.

Towards the end of 2014, Askar will present his findings and recommendations to the Welsh Government Minister for Economy, Science and Transport.

The project will also be filmed by students at Glyndwr University and their video will be showcased to both national and European parliaments.

The BEN is a group of community based volunteers including Business Supporting Communities, Career Wales, Coleg Cambria, Flintshire Local Voluntary Council, Jobcentre Plus, Glyndwr University, John Summers and Connah’s Quay Schools, The Princes Trust, Theatr Clwyd, the Welsh Government, as well as banks, local entrepreneurs and other community groups.

Askar Sheibani, entrepreneurship champion for Wales and CEO of Deeside-based Comtek, said he is delighted to launch a business entrepreneurship network in Wrexham.

“Like Flintshire, Wrexham has a wealth of raw talent that simply needs to be nurtured by experienced entrepreneurs and supported by the local community,” he said.

“Business entrepreneurship networks draw on resources already held within local communities and are a cost effective way to not only benefit businesses at a grass roots level, but also to impact the level of entrepreneurship in Wales as a whole.”

Neil Rogers, leader of Wrexham County Borough Council, said the council is supportive of this initiative which will bring together hopeful entrepreneurs and the successful businesses that are already operating in Wrexham. 

“The BEN will also give the young talent that we have in Wrexham the opportunity to bring their ideas forward,” he said.

Ian Lucas MP said Wrexham BEN is a great idea.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the results from Flintshire being replicated in other areas,” he said.

“Economic growth is more than just numbers and what’s special about the Business Entrepreneurship Network is that it’s about a community coming together to fulfil its potential.”