Former Lord Mayor and Cabinet Member, Councillor Gary Millar – who was a track record in running successful businesses – will become the first ‘Entrepreneur-in-Residence’ at Liverpool’s Central Library. He will be offering budding and existing business people help and support in turning their ideas into success, as well as signposting to them others who can help.

The Women’s Organisation hopes to be one of those organisations who can help, with our drop-in sessions happening simultaneously to Gary Millar’s, and last week we were able to work with Gary as he signposted two businesses to The Women’s Organisation where our advisors were able to help and advise them.

These Drop-Ins are part of Central Library’s new Business and IP Centre – one of just seven in the UK – which gives access to a wealth of free support, and the opportunity to take advantage of free intellectual property and business information and expertise.

Cllr Millar said; ‘Although my role as Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Investment is to politically lead on the business agenda, I am also a business owner and business adviser. I’ve felt the pain, excitement and satisfaction of setting up a business, but I always did it better when I sought out help when faced with hiccups, problems and opportunities.’

Former Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Gary Millar was appointed as Cabinet Member for Business & Investment in 2014. As well as this, he is the co-owner of Parr Street Studios & Hotel which is among the Independent Magazine’s UK Top 50 Best Bars.

‘I have a passion for business and a unique understanding of what entrepreneurs and businesses can go through. My role will be to listen, inspire, motivate and steer people to hopefully the right kind of support.’

The sessions will be taking place every Thursday from 1-4pm and the first Saturday of every month. There is also a programme of free workshops, speed mentoring sessions and networking events delivered by business experts focussing on a wide-range of topics including starting up, marketing, finance, as well as how intellectual property can protect products, brands and designs.

For further information please contact Paul Johnston, Liverpool City Council communications officer, on 0151 233 0069 or 07740 918615

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The Women’s Organisation also offers loads of free advice and support for women interested in starting a business, or more advanced support for those who have already started their venture. Take a look at all of our sessions here: http://www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk/events