Member Article

North East firms announce strategic alliance to boost region’s startup scene

Seaham-based Great Annual Savings (GAS) has partnered with Full Circle North East, a fellow North East firm based in Peterlee, in a bid to develop the next generation of entrepreneurial talent.

Full Circle, recently launched by cousins Kirsty Campbell and Leanne Knight, will provide advice on grants, training and employment as well as general business support. Meanwhile, GAS will look to find ways of reducing companies’ variable costs, which include utility bills, insurance, fire safety and telecommunications.

As well as providing business support, Full Circle also offers advice and guidance on a range of non-corporate issues including childcare, housing and health and well-being. GAS helps businesses reduce their variable costs and save money in a range of areas including energy procurement, energy and water cost management, fire safety, telecoms and insurance.

The move is designed to boost entrepreneurship in the region, encourage more people to launch their own business and increase the business startup rate in the North East.

According to the latest official Business Population Estimates, the region had 629 private businesses per 10,000 resident adults last year – the lowest in the country, 399 short of the national average and a 10% fall on the previous year.

Bradley Groves, chief executive and chairman of Great Annual Savings Group, said: “Business start-up rates across the North East are far too low – and even lower in areas such as East Durham, which has suffered from high unemployment. Starting a business is a step into the unknown and the fear factor may prevent several capable entrepreneurs from taking the plunge.

“Our alliance with Full Circle aims to address this issue by providing the necessary support so that these entrepreneurs don’t feel so alone when they take their first steps.”

Kirsty Campbell, co-founder of Full Circle, said: “We launched the company because we felt that there isn’t enough accessible advice out there for people in our area, including those who want to set up a business. GAS can offer services that we can’t, so it made sense to team up with them to offer a more comprehensive support package to entrepreneurs who need it.

“The aim is to focus on East Durham initially and then expand the service to all areas of the North East.”

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