Member Article

Tyne and Wear Metro diversification to benefit North East entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs ready to take their fledgling business ideas to the next level are being encouraged to consider the benefits of setting up shop on the Tyne and Wear Metro system.

Whilst many might still associate Metro with the traditional newsagent, over the last five years the increased demand for operating out of an empty station unit has seen everything from a tattoo parlour at Monkseaton Metro station, to a yoga studio at Whitley Bay and even a pet store at Cullercoats, open up their doors for trading, creating hundreds of jobs in the process.

With a number of empty units currently available for rent at stations such as Byker, Four Lane Ends and Gateshead, DB Regio Tyne and Wear, which operates the Metro on behalf of Nexus, is inviting small business owners to take up the opportunity of joining the vibrant business community of 60 SMEs currently operating out of stations across the network.

Andy Lynch, Commercial Manager of DB Regio Tyne and Wear, said: “In the past Metro offered very traditional businesses on its stations, such as local newsagent stores. In recent years however, we have seen a major shift in how people are using empty shop units with our tenants beginning to explore more diverse business opportunities.

“For a start-up to be successful it’s really important that they can attract custom to grow.

“Opening up shop at a Metro station offers real connectivity for businesses with a steady passenger trade which helps to attract new and loyal customer trade.

“We currently have a number of units available and we’re always open to new ideas. Anyone with a good business plan should get in touch to discuss opportunities as DBTW can offer flexible lease terms to assist a tenant getting started.”

One tenant who has just set up shop on Whitley Bay Metro station is 26-year-old, mum-of-one, Natalie Jayne Robinson.

Natalie said: “When I was a teenager it was my dream to run my own business in the local area. I wanted to be just like my mum, she has really inspired me and it’s thanks to such a supportive family that I have been able to set up in business.

“We got the keys for the premises in November and since then the business has really taken off. I just love being around customers, I’m a people person and interacting with my customers is very important to me. It’s brilliant to be on the Metro station as you can tap into a steady stream of passing trade throughout the day.

Through his role at DB Regio Tyne and Wear, Mr Lynch supports businesses bringing new products and services to the network by enabling them to achieve sustainable, long-term business growth.

He added: “Some of our tenants, such as the family-run newsagents at Heworth, have been with Metro since the 1980s and it’s vital that we continue to support enterprise in the region. I hope good news stories like Natalie’s and the many other new tenants that we’ve attracted encourages other people to consider the opportunities our premises offer. We have a very flexible approach and are happy to help.

“We want the Metro system to be an environment that our customers can browse at their leisure, rather than just use it for just getting from A to B. It’s very important to make our tenants feel part of the DB family too, so we offer package incentives to help them grow, depending on the unit and any work that needs to be done.”