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City's 1,000 extra jobs thanks to the Echo

The Liverpool Echo has helped to create more than 1,000 new jobs as a result of its Kickstart campaign.

The newspaper launched an initiative to generate 2,008 jobs in time for Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2008, and two years into its five-year bid its tally stands at 1,100.

Each year, in partnership with the Merseyside Special Investment Fund, the Echo launches a competition to encourage readers to set up their own business or expand their existing one.

One business is then awarded £10,000 and up to the same value again in consultancy, with many entrants also gaining publicity with editorial in the Echo.

The Merseyside Special Investment Fund also provides entrants with help in the form of advice and loans.

Editor Alastair Machray said: “Enterprise and a vibrant jobs scene is the lifeblood of an aspiring and modern city and we are thrilled to be able to help our readers realise their dreams.

“When we kicked off the competition we knew we could rely on Merseysiders to make it work – and create badly needed jobs.

“This is fantastic news.”