Member Article

Booming enterprise in Wansbeck

A Business Growth Mentor in Wansbeck is celebrating exceeding his business support targets by 88%. Steve Peart, whose post is funded by the Wansbeck Initiative through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF), was set an initial target to support eight new businesses in the Wansbeck area in August 2006. However Steve has now provided advice and guidance to fifteen new businesses in under a year, and has committed £43,060 worth of funding to local businesses.

The Business Growth Mentor Project is a two year initiative that helps provide vital support to business owners in the Wansbeck region. It offers funding as well as a range of business services including mentoring, legal, bookkeeping, VAT and Payroll support.

Julie Chatt, owner of Julie’s Tiles, one of the businesses supported by Steve, said: “From the outset Steve has been a great asset during the planning and development stages of Julie’s Tiles. He is very approachable, knowledgeable and has a great deal of experience, especially with marketing ideas. The financial support received was also a great help.”

Steve said: “I’m delighted with the success Julie’s Tiles has had over the past month. It’s well deserved for all the hard work Julie has put in and wonderful to see the project having positive effects for entrepreneurs in the Wansbeck area.”

Dee Stephenson, Northumberland Enterprise manager, said: “The Business Growth Mentor Project has created fantastic results. By exceeding his targets Steve has provided crucial business support to many new enterprises in the district and Julie’s Tiles is a good example of how his work benefits not only entrepreneurs but local residents and communities in the Wansbeck area.”

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