Rob Dodd, of Quantum Cabling, one of many businesses that the Guernsey Enterprise Agency has given advice to. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0872034)

THE spirit of the entrepreneur is alive and well in Guernsey, according to those in the know.

Tina James, of the Guernsey Enterprise Agency, which offers impartial advice to people with an idea or plans for a new businesses, said the organisation had never been as busy as it had been since June of this year. And on the back of the success of the finals night for the 2009 Schroders Bright Ideas Competition, Julian Winser, Schroders chief executive, has revealed that they had nearly 30 ideas for new businesses as entries into the competition. The finals night itself showcased seven of those entries, before surgeon Ranjan Vhadra was named winner with his Tenease device, which treats tennis elbow.

Mr Winser said he was always hearing about and seeing new ideas from the local community.

‘Individuals in Guernsey are encouraged to try and I believe that it is in the blood.’

He picked out two examples he had come across.

‘Fenella Maddison’s blue cheese at the Farmers’ Markets. A worldwide prize winner as a cheesemaker when she is a trained nurse, or Ben Le Prevost, who I also met at the markets, and whom, despite not being in our top three on the night, will have a successful business.’

Mrs James said the GEA believed there were a number of reasons behind the increase in new start-up businesses.

One of those businesses the GEA gave advice to was Quantum Cabling Installations, a cabling company for data and electrical services.

Rob Dodd, who runs the business with Mark Addlesee and Nigel Moulin, said there should be nothing to fear for people looking to go out on their own as long as they have sufficient experience.