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Gateshead entrepreneurs brave local den

Gateshead’s very own Dragons’ Den has thrown down the gauntlet to would-be businessmen in a new initiative launched by the council.

In the wake of the popular BBC TV series, Gateshead council has recorded a surge in interest from people looking to start their own business.

In response, they have assembled some of the region’s most prominent business people to provide residents with the help they need to kick start their careers.

Coun Malcolm Graham, Cabinet member responsible for Economic Development, says: “We’ve seen the success of the BBC 1 TV programme and it’s clear that practical help from experienced people can make a difference to people who are trying to make a success of their business.”

The Dragons form a cross section of the North East business spectrum and anyone agreeing to pitch their ideas against the panel will receive advice and practical support to help make their company a winner.

Dragon Dave Roberts, General Manager at Benfield Motors, said: “I’m looking forward to bringing my enthusiasm and experience to the project.

“I’ve been involved in business in excess of 25 years and it will be great to give people my knowledge of running a business, dealing with customers and carrying out marketing campaigns. I will get an enormous amount of pride out of this.”

The ‘Not All Dragons Bite’ project is benefiting from £500,000 of EU investment from the ERDF Competitiveness Programme and will launch in Bensham this summer.

Anyone who has an interest should contact Gateshead Council’s Economic Team on (0191) 477 3747 or email dragons@gateshead.gov.uk.

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