KEY issues that affect people from ethnic minorities when they look to set up businesses in Basingstoke have been put under the spotlight in a new report.

Pride and Achievement: Entrepre- neurialism in Basingstoke’s Communities with Overseas Heritage, was sponsored by Enterprise Solutions, based at Grove House, Luytens Close, Basingstoke.

Its findings revealed that members of Basingstoke’s ethnic minority communities are interested in self- employment, but often do not know where to obtain, or how to access, the right information.

The report also said that many members of ethnic groups believe differences between the culture of ethnic community members and those in the host community are a barrier to progression in the workplace.

The publication of the report coincided with the launch of an action programme called Participation Through Enterprise in Basingstoke.

The launch event at Grove House was attended by local ethnic minority business owners, borough and county council officers and representatives from support agencies.

The aim of the community-based programme, which is lottery funded, is to inspire, advise, train and support aspiring entrepreneurs to set up and run businesses.

Annie Noble, director of Enterprise Solutions, which is a division of Education Solutions Direct, said: “Whilst Basingstoke has low unemployment, there are still those in employment who consider setting up in business.

“Evidence gathered for the research indicates there is dissatisfaction with employment arising from the effects of an ‘ethnic penalty’. “Such effects are restrictions in social and economic progression linked to ethnicity, skin colour, difference in speech and ideas of acceptable behaviour.

“Members of Basingstoke’s ethnic minority communities generally do not use, and prefer not to access, mainstream enterprise support services.

The new enterprise programme is designed to help bridge that gap.”

Local businessman Trevor Cruickshank, from Cruickshank Catering, based in Brighton Hill, said: “I used to live in Slough where I ran a business.

“When I moved to Basingstoke, I was surprised how difficult it was to find support. I have tended to use other business people as ways of getting help rather than use the formal advice services. The Participation Through Enterprise programme is a great way of bringing members of minority communities into mainstream business activity.”

A copy of Pride and Achievement: Entrepreneurialism in Basingstoke’s Communities with Overseas Heritage can be found at Basingstoke Library.