Member Article

Business bouncing for teenage hot shot

A Middlesbrough teenager has launched an unusual business with the help of HOT SHOTS Business Taskforce, a unique project set up to help young people in the Tees Valley further their careers.Paul Cook has launched 1st4Parties, which supplies bouncy castles and entertainment to people of all ages. Speaking about the launch of 1st4Parties, Paul commented: “I’ve always wanted to be my own boss but wasn’t really sure about how to get started. I’d done a lot of research into setting up an entertainment company but really needed professional advice. HOT SHOTS helped me get on the road and gave me all the support and extra motivation I needed to get the business off the ground. I’ve even managed to inspire my Mum who has taken a course in face-painting and will now be working alongside me!“The HOT SHOTS Business Taskforce, which has the backing of some of the region’s top business leaders and was the brainchild of Connexions Tees Valley, provided the funding for Paul to attend a crucial course in Telford - the only one of its kind in the UK- to undergo the necessary training in health and safety and how to get the best out of his specialist equipment. The HOT SHOTS Business Taskforce worked with over 100 young people in the Tees Valley to help launch their careers.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .