The South Durham Enterprise Agency (SDEA) launched a new business advisor programme last year, a project supported by the Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action partnership and local councillors, with a view to supporting and helping people start new companies.
The enterprise team has recently celebrated the creation of the 100th new business within the last twelve months. Katy Waterworth, a former supermarket-worker, is the 100th entrepreneur to receive support from the agency for help in launching ‘Nails By Katy’, a nail salon, in the former post office in Coundon. Katy opened her salon in October after working closely with SDEA and their business advisor Lynne Groves for three weeks. Katie said, “I did not have a clue how to write a business plan, come up with a budget, arrange National Insurance and tax and all that sort of thing, but Lynne helped me through it. I would recommend anyone who is looking to start their own business to speak to the agency.”
SDEA has now assisted in the formation of companies from a variety of sectors, including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, hairdressers and gift shops. Rob Yorke, SDEA chairman, said, “I am delighted we have helped 100 people turn their ambition of running their own company into a reality. “It is said that 60 per cent of businesses fail within the first 18 months to two years, we want to make sure our new companies can last. We don’t just wash our hands of a company once they are launched, we want to help them establish themselves and continue to grow”.
Several of the companies have now grown to the stage where they are taking on up to five workers.
For more information, visit www.theenterpriseagency.co.uk.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
