Member Article

Peterlee business support startup helps entrepreneurial fishmonger cast new venture

Full Circle North East, a Peterlee-based startup, has helped fishmonger Joel Dodds launch his own fishmonger shop on Horden Front Street, in County Durham.

Launched earlier this year by cousins Leanne Knight and Kirsty Campbell, Full Circle North East offers community support and advice on everything from benefits, employment, training and business start-ups.

Currently serving the Peterlee area and with ambitious plans to expand across the North East, the pair are already growing their business with support services for business start-ups and qualified domiciliary care training services.

J Dodds Fresh Fish & Seafood, which will supply a range of seafood for customers as well as selling prepared fish-based dishes such as sushi, is the first of 100 businesses the organisation aims to help during 2016.

Leanne Knight, Full Circle North East Director, said: “We first met Joel earlier in the year when he approached us for advice on setting up a business. We have supported Joel in helping to turn an idea into a business.

“We helped with business plans, funding applications and policy areas such as due diligence, health and safety, waste management along with research, design and marketing services.

“It is a very exciting time for Joel as he opens up his shop and for us as he is our first client we have supported with business start-up advice,” says Full Circle North East Director Leanne Knight.

Joel, who is 26 years and from Horden has been working in the industry for nearly 10 years. Starting as an apprentice deckhand on trawlers and potting boats, he started his filleting career with M&J Seafood and then with Hodgson Fish Hartlepool. He was awarded first place last year at the Tesco Fish Craft Challenge.

He said: “It has always been a passion of mine to have my own business and to put all my knowledge and experience in sourcing the freshest top quality fish and seafood.

“Kirsty and Leanne from Full Circle have been fantastic and supported me all the way. They were able to assist with areas of business that I haven’t experience in so I could focus on sourcing products and arranging work that needed to be in the shop.”

“During the first week of opening, I am running special offers for customers including lobsters, salmon, king prawns, dressed crab and tuna. I’ve already had customers including restaurants asking to source seafood for them.”

Full Circle’s says its aim with its business support services is to boost entrepreneurship in the region, to encourage more people to launch their own business and increase the startup rate in the North East.

Leanne added: “We’d encourage anyone with an idea for a new business or an organisation with training requirements to get in touch. We offer wider services for the community also and can provide advice for people who need to know about childcare, housing, grants and employment, health and well-being too.”