Entrepreneurs thrive through West End Support

A Newcastle business support partnership has helped West End entrepreneurs build confidence, develop ideas and grow creative ventures through tailored mentoring and specialist guidance.

BIPC North East has been praised for its work with Reviving the Heart of the West End and The Millin Charity through the Localised Provision Project, which has supported small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs across the city.

The programme has focused on reaching people who may not traditionally access mainstream business support, using trusted local relationships to remove barriers and help individuals take practical steps towards self-employment.

Eligible businesses have also been able to access up to 12 hours of fully funded specialist support through the Citylife Business Support Grant, covering areas such as strategy, marketing, compliance and financial management.

Among those supported is Lulu Chen, founder of 35C Supper Club, who hosts guests in her Newcastle home for traditional Chinese dining experiences.

After moving to the city four years ago, Lulu launched the business to share the authentic flavours and stories of the food she missed from home. 

Support from BIPC North East and Reviving the Heart of the West End helped her navigate business registration, food compliance, marketing and finance.

Lulu said: “The one-to-one advice was really important. 

“But the biggest thing it gave me was confidence – to start the business and do something I really love.”

Creative entrepreneur Thushara Chandrasiri, founder of Darkus Magazine, has also benefited from the programme.

What began as a university blog has grown into a magazine celebrating music, fashion, culture and creativity across the UK, while also producing bespoke publications for brands.

Through BIPC mentoring, Thushara received guidance on monetisation, attracting advertisers and developing a more sustainable business model.

He added: “As a creative, the business side can feel overwhelming. 

“The mentoring helped me understand how to turn creativity into a viable business and build my brand with confidence.”

Alexandra Johnson, chief executive of Reviving the Heart of the West End, said the partnership has shown the value of delivering business support within communities and ensuring people feel encouraged and supported from the very beginning.

She added: “We work with people at all stages, from those just starting out to those looking to grow. 

“It can feel daunting and sometimes lonely, but through this partnership we’re able to support people at their own pace, building confidence as well as capability.

“Seeing businesses like Lulu’s and Thushara’s develop is exactly why this work matters.

“The strength of this project has been the ability to meet people within their own communities and provide support that feels approachable, practical and personal. 

“For many people, that first conversation is the difference between an idea staying an idea and becoming a real business.”

Sarah Turnbull, economic development officer at Newcastle City Council, added: “Throughout the region, the BIPC service ensures business support is accessible, inclusive and firmly rooted within local communities of which Reviving the Heart of the West End is a great example.

“From developing early-stage ideas to helping established enterprises scale and grow, the partnership is helping to build a stronger and more resilient regional economy. 

“Lulu’s and Thushara’s business are just two of the many that we have helped in the past three years, and we wish them every success in their business.”  

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