MP for Watford Richard Harrington is calling on ministers to create a new college in Watford, devoted to teaching young people how to set up and run a business.

He has called for a debate to focus on ways the Government can encourage people to become self-employed and increase the number of young people starting their own businesses.

Mr Harrington will recommend that a new centre providing university level education is created in Watford, providing practical business studies. The students would be tutored in creating their own businesses with support and advice from experienced mentors.

Mr Harrington said: “We need to do more about engaging young people with business. Self- employed people and business will be the driving force in creating growth and jobs in the economy.

“This weekend I visited the Young Enterprise groups advertising their businesses in the Harlequin centre. Lots of very bright students had worked in groups to create businesses and promote them.

“This model works well and I think it would translate well into University type courses, where students would be taught the practice of running a business, helped and taught by experienced business people.

“I think Watford would be the right place for such an establishment given its location, links and the good work already offered by local education organisations.”