BUSINESS support specialist Blue Orchid has won a £5m national contract to help former members of the UK Armed Services set up in business.

The company, with offices in Liverpool’s Cotton Exchange and in Manchester, has been appointed to manage the start-up and business growth programme. Be the Boss, on behalf of The Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland.

Funding is from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.

Start-ups are eligible for funding of up to £7,500, while established businesses that have been trading for less than 24 months can apply for growth funding of up to £30,000.

Successful applicants will receive training in how to run a small business, how to compile a business plan and financial forecast, get assistance with funding applications, receive regular business health checks and get ongoing support and mentoring.

Blue Orchid managing director Jim Crook said: “Demand is certainly high. Since we began our involvement in October, there have been nearly 300 enquiries.”

Shegufta Rahman, of The Royal British Legion, added: “The skills developed by personnel during their careers in the Armed Forces, such as leadership, teamwork, communication and attention to detail, are compatible with running a successful business.

“Ex-service men and women also tend to be motivated, hard-working people who relish the prospect of successfully tackling a challenge – perfect credentials for running an entrepreneurial business and making a success in enterprise.”

One of the first to participate was Merseyside’s Action Locksmiths, headed by former submariner Mark Robinson, who was discharged with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Be the Boss is open to all leavers, including Reserve Forces, regardless of their discharge date. Applications are encouraged from those who have an injury, long-term condition or disability.

Blue Orchid will work with Business Finance North West to manage the loan fund and A4e and Franchising Works to offer start-up and franchising support.