Scheme to help North Tyneside people realise business ideas

Fledgling North Tyneside residents with business ideas are being encouraged to take advantage of a new scheme to turn their vision into reality.

The ‘Ideas to Market’ project will launch on Wednesday September 11 with a free event at the North Tyneside Business Factory in North Shields.

Science City’s Mike Addison, who formerly worked for Proctor and Gamble’s Innovation Department, will provide guidance on how to commercialise an idea and avoid losing money.

Mike will provide attendees with tips on how to approach a large company with an idea, and what these firms look for.

The two-hour event will also provide details on how to access support from the ‘Ideas to Market’ project.

Cllr Frank Lott, North Tyneside Council cabinet member for Economic Development said: “This exciting new project is exactly what’s needed to help individuals and businesses with fantastic new ideas or inventions get their product to market or production.

“Everyone needs a helping hand at some stage and here in North Tyneside we’re determined to give good advice and support to local entrepreneurs and businesses to allow them to reach their full potential.

“We firmly believe that given the right level of quality support, ideas can flourish and eventually become sound businesses bringing jobs and prosperity to the borough and the region as a whole.”

Leon Howe and Robert McKeith, directors of Streamline Tools Ltd who have recently launched their own product will also be on hand to provide an insight into the journey they have had from the development of the idea all the way to getting their product, the Accubox, on the shelves.

The event will provide the key steps, pitfalls and current support available to develop an idea. The support which is free to those that are eligible will offer access to skilled professionals who can offer advice on key areas such as research, patenting and protecting intellectual property, through to design, prototyping, marketing, and commercialisation.

In addition to the event and project launch it will be highlighted how further additional support may be available through the Business Factory including specialist sales, marketing, social media, IT and product development training as well help in setting up a social enterprise.

The Business Factory, part of The Raising Enterprise North Tyneside project, funded by North Tyneside Council and ERDF, has been helping North Tyneside residents to turn their dreams into a reality.

For more information on how to start your own business, contact The Business Factory on (0191) 605 3110 or info@businessfactorynt.co.uk or join us on Facebook at The-Business-Factory-North-Tyneside and follow us on Twitter BizFactoryNT.

If you are keen to find out more about “Ideas to Market” visit www.ideastomarketnt.co.uk