Member Article

10% increase in Tyne and Wear start-ups

10% more businesses were started in Tyne and Wear in 2006 compared to 2005. Business Link reports that 368 new businesses were created in Tyne and Wear between April and August 2006.

In 2005/06 Business Link helped to create over 600 new businesses. The organisation has received over 2,900 enquiries for information, guidance and support on the practicalities of starting a business. By the end of 2006 it aims to generate another 6,000 enquiries from people interested in setting up their own company.

The increase in start-ups is has been partly attributed to ‘Enterprising Tyne and Wear’, an initiative which began 18 months ago. The aim of the campaign was to achieve a step change in the birth and survival rates of new businesses in the sub-region - and in doing so, help to create and attract a greater number of entrepreneurs.

The ‘Start Your Business’ integrated marketing campaign, which ran in October and November 2005, and then in February and March 2006, included a high profile advertising campaign supported by media relations and a dedicated campaign website. A starter pack and a short film were designed to inspire people thinking about setting up their own business.

Enterprising Tyne and Wear is supported by TyneWear Partnership (TWP) and ONE NorthEast, together with partners TEDCO, Project North East, ENTRUST, NE-BIC and TWSEP. TWP contributed £2m to the project through the Single Programme Fund.

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