Member Article

North East women urged to explore entrepreneurial dreams

Women thinking of starting their own businesses are being urged to explore their ambitions further. The call has been made by Business Link, which is staging start-up workshops across the region for people interested in going it alone. Among the advice on offer is a range of sessions designed especially for women.

Chris Simpson, account manager at Business Link, said: “We believe there are hundreds, if not thousands, of women out there in the North East with great ideas for starting their own businesses, but don’t know where to turn for advice. “Our workshops will help with all aspects of setting up a business, in particular guidance on how to further exploit ideas, conduct market research, prepare a business plan, identify how to finance the business and then form it. We’re holding them right across the region, from Berwick to Redcar, so now’s the time for all budding entrepreneurs, especially women, to show the world they mean business.”

Middlesbrough-based Yvette Sheekey received assistance from Business Link to help realise her ambition to work for herself, starting up Penelope’s Pitstops, a car servicing garage exclusively for women motorists.

Yvette said: “Business Link has played a big part in helping me put together my business plan. Every step of the way my Business Link account manager has offered an independent viewpoint that has kept my plans grounded and on track.”

The free-to-attend start-up workshops, being held over the coming year, will focus on all areas of business, providing access to practical advice, support and information. For further information about Business Link’s workshops visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast/workshops or call 0845 600 9 006.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .