Partner Article

Sara is strictly businesslike about dancing

A North East woman with a background in performing arts has set out on a business of her own with backup from a local support agency.

When a long-established dance supplies shop closed in Middlesbrough, Sara Durkin decided that she could fill the gap in the market.

A graduate of London Studio Centre where she successfully completed a three-year musical theatre diploma, Sara has worked in performing arts since she was 18. She also teaches and is curriculum leader for visual and performing arts at Stockton Riverside College.

Almost two years ago she opened her own shop, TuTu Dancewear, selling dance equipment such as leotards, dance shoes, ballet shoes and accessories. She has now moved into new premises in Middlesbrough’s Linthorpe Road where she employs three staff, and from where she now serves customers from all over the region and North Yorkshire.

To help with her start-up needs, Sara received advice from the Business Link service. Advisor Chris Simpson was able to secure funds and source a suitable supplier for her new website.

Sara said: “Having someone there for you is one of the most important things, when you’re feeling really stressed you need to talk to someone like Chris who has experience and can let me know that I’m on the right track. That’s especially the case at the moment because this has been a worrying time for all businesses.

“Chris has been brilliant and he has made me consider things I would not be aware of without his experience, such as reduced tax rates for small businesses, I wouldn’t have known anything about that.”

Chris Simpson said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Sara from her first idea to the shop now running very successfully. As soon as I met Sara, I could see how focused and passionate she was about her business. With all her contacts and experience in the dance industry, Sara can add real value to her clients. I look forward to continuing to support and guide Sara as her business continues to grow and develop.”

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