Member Article

Enterprise agency building on success

A local enterprise agency is celebrating a successful 2006 having helped over two hundred businesses get off the ground last year. The specialist business advisors at Social Enterprise Sunderland (SES) helped to launch 203 varied businesses in the last twelve months.

Mark Heskett Saddington, SES Director, said: “We are delighted to have helped so many people set up their own businesses. For many, self-employment is a life long dream realised and for others it is a means to developing a career when regular employment isn’t an option for a number of reasons. “The availability of business advice in Sunderland is vital to boost the chances of businesses developing and growing. We have a successful model of enterprise development that targets both the imagination and needs of those most disadvantaged.”

Lynne Summerside, who started her seated exercise business in June 2005, said: “Without the help of SES I wouldn’t have been able to start my business and achieve as much as I have. My Business Advisor helped me throughout the process and was there every step of the way which was vital to the success of my business plan, securing funding and ultimately launching the social enterprise Sit N B Fit Limited.”

SES is part funded by the European Social Fund. To find out more about the agency, call (0191) 565 0476 or visit www.socialenterprise-sunderland.org.uk

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