Member Article

New business advice for South Tyneside

South Tyneside Council has appointed two new key members of staff to work with people who want to start up in business or expand an existing enterprise. Yasmin Sulaman and Penny Jones are joining the Business Development Team following the area’s recent success in being awarded £16.2million pounds from the Government’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI).

Yasmin, who previously worked for the Prince’s Trust, will take on the role of Business Development Officer. She will lead on a new finance package, set up with LEGI funding. The Financing Business Growth Package will provide grants and loans to help people who wish to become self-employed or start up in business.

Yasmin said: “The Financing Business Growth Package has already been successful in helping a number of people become self-employed or to start up in business in a variety of trades, including dog grooming, building maintenance, tiling and security services. I would encourage anybody who has a business idea, or is looking to grow an existing business, to get in touch.”

Penny Jones has first-hand experience of running a business, having set up and run The White T-Shirt Company in North Shields. Prior to that, she worked as a buyer for Harrods in London, and as a design director for Dewhirst Clothing in the North East. She will provide advice and support to existing firms on the full range of financial and business support available in the region.

Penny said: “Having run my own business, I know the difference that clear, impartial advice and support can make. At Business Link we can work with companies to help them identify their requirements and find the most appropriate solutions as quickly and easily as possible.”

Business Advisor Penny Jones and Business Development Officer Yasmin Sulaman can by contacted on 0191 424 7582.

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