Partner Article

Harlands partners with TEDCO to boost North East startups

Harlands Accountants is joining forces with North East business support company TEDCO to boost startups across the region.

The scheme will combine the Harlands ‘Get Started’ service with TEDCO’s ‘Start & Grow’ programme and provide new businesses access to support worth £7,000.

Harlands Accountants will provide free subscriptions; training and support for 12 months to cloud based accountancy software Xero and also further expert financial advice on starting up a business.

This will be supplemented by the ‘Start & Grow’ programme from TEDCO which includes an intensive personalised support programme, including guidance, advice and peer learning, leading to the development of a robust business plan, dedicated support in an application for external funding and ongoing support after business start-up.

Commenting on the new scheme, Phil Murray, Commercial Director, at Harlands, said: “We are very happy to announce our partnership with TEDCO and look forward to helping those looking to start a new business. At Harlands, we always strive for ways to add value for our clients, and work with a number of successful businesses from pre-startups to established companies.

“As part of this customer journey, we are committed to helping those wanting to set up a new business, and know that with our team of experts on hand, as well as the support from TEDCO, new and emerging businesses will be able to tap into a full range of expert business and financial advice to help get them off the ground.”

Through the scheme, the County Durham based accountancy firm aims to help 100 startup and emerging businesses across the North East.

According to its research, Harlands believes that in one year, the average start-up business makes three to five appointments, which will potentially result in 300-500 new jobs created within the region, as a result of the partnership with TEDCO, adding £5M to the local economy.

Mr Murray continued: “Many people across the North East have found themselves without a job due to recent closures at regional steel works and other large employers, leaving them assessing their options for the future, of which entrepreneurship is one.

“The new partnership between Harlands and TEDCO will help anyone who wants to explore entrepreneurial opportunities further and provide the support they need to start their own business, regardless of their previous employment.”

Carole White, CEO, at TEDCO added: “We are delighted to be working with such a forward thinking company which shares our vision and values and is committed to supporting businesses across the North East. We feel that, through our joint offering with Harlands, business start-ups will be able to achieve their aspirations with all the support they need.”

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