Forty-two budding entrepreneurs graduated from the New Entrepreneur Scholarships (NES) programme at the special event at the city's Marriott Hotel, organised by Sheffield Enterprise Agency (SENTA). More than 150 completed the programme across the region.

NES scholars come from backgrounds that have traditionally found it difficult to access and secure business support including women, the over 50s, lone parents, registered disabled, BME background and ex-offenders. The programme aims to equip its scholars with the skills necessary to set up their own businesses.

SENTA operates the NES programme on a regional level on behalf of NFEA, meaning it extends its help and advice beyond the Sheffield city boundaries by developing and supporting new businesses across the Yorkshire and Humber region.

SENTA's head of enterprise Mandip Dosanjh said: "I am proud to see so many potential entrepreneurs graduating from this major national programme here in Sheffield today. Business in Yorkshire is thriving and entrepreneurship, even amongst under-represented business groups, is clearly on the rise."

Special guest on the day was Music Factory founder Andy Pickles, who shared his entrepreneurial experiences with an inspirational business talk. He was joined by VIPs Lady Mayoress Cllr Kathleen Chadwick and NFEA Head of Development and Projects Helen Lazarus.

Founded in 1983, Rotherham-based Music Factory Entertainment Group has evolved from a successful music production company into a unique provider of creative solutions to the entertainment industry. The company is one of the largest media employers in the Yorkshire region.

Andy said: "In life there are campers and there are climbers. My instincts tell me that everyone who has taken part in this programme is a climber with the drive and ambition to make their business a success. That's why they are all here graduating today and I look forward to hearing about their success stories for many years to come."

The NES programme, which is funded by the LSC, aims to break down potential barriers with a comprehensive package of support, mentoring and funding in order to nurture the start-up and growth of new businesses. It is delivered by NFEA through it's members in partnership with the Association of Business Schools and The Prince's Trust.

Since 2001, 3,500 scholars have graduated though the NES programme nationally, including 300 in Yorkshire and Humber. Of these more than two thirds have gone on to set up their own business.

SENTA is part of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and provides fully integrated support to new business start-ups and businesses up to two years old.