CLOUDS gathering over the public sector could have a silver lining for ambitious Huddersfield graduate Jessica Jubb.

Jessica, 31, has launched a business providing back-up to clients who include former public service executives now re-launching their careers as consultants.

She embarks on the venture armed with management qualifications and practical experience working for local authorities and the NHS.

Many senior executives from local authorities and other public sector organisations are among workers being made redundant as part of government cuts.

Said Jessica: “These executives often occupied high-up positions, such as chief executive,.

“They have set up as consultants, but they are used to having support, such as personal assistants and secretaries.

“Now that they are working from home they no longer have it.”

This is where Jessica’s new business comes in.

Her company, called Jecca Ltd, provides the full range of support, from the services offered by a personal assistant – including dealing with correspondence – to help with marketing and graphic design, in which Jessica has special skills.

It means that consultants and other small companies can concentrate on developing their businesses while handing over the back-up to Jecca Ltd.

Jessica has a degree in public relations, which she followed up with a diploma in management studies at Huddersfield University’s Barnsley campus.

She worked in the public sector herself but – always determined to set up on her own business – took advantage of the help and advice available from the Business Mine service at the campus.

She also applied for and received a £2,400 Barnsley Start-Up Grant to help her acquire equipment and carry out promotional work.

In addition, Jessica is also able to use the facilities of the Digital Media Centre in Barnsley while Jecca Ltd gets underway.