Partner Article

Start-ups buck downward trend

Efforts to create new businesses in East Durham have been successful over the past year, despite the economic downturn, new figures reveal.

The number of new start-ups increased by 82% between April 2008 and March 2009, according to two business development agencies.

More than 250 new firms were set up with help from East Durham Business Service and Be Enterprising.

East Durham has one of England’s highest rates of unemployment.

New business ventures included a limousine hire company, a firm offering weight loss management, a number of freelance writers and plumbers.

Peter Rippingale of East Durham Business Service, said: “I have been very impressed by the results which have come from our new, community centred, approach to business start up. The encouraging survival figures show that with the right support, new businesses can thrive in East Durham.”

The agencies offer individual advice and coaching to prospective businesses.

During the previous 12-month period between April 2007 and March 2008, 139 start-ups were registered in East Durham, which includes Peterlee, Easington and Seaham.

Elliott Patterson, Be Enterprising programme manager, said: “Together with our partners we provide hands on support and advice along the enterprise journey, from pre-start business idea to launch and beyond, so that anyone can do it. We’re working hard to bring the level of business start ups in Derwentside, Easington, Sedgefield and Wear Valley to above the national average.”

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