Member Article

Fairytale beginning for Jayne’s new business

A new children’s storytelling and entertainment business is taking off thanks to support from Durham County Council’s Employability Project and Spennymoor Area Action Partnership.

Jayne Campbell, from Spennymoor, had previously used her degree in performing arts to do some free sessions as a children’s entertainer whilst in work.

After being made redundant, however, Jayne decided the time was right to strike out on her own.

She contacted 2D, a charity organisation supporting people of the Durham Dales, who put her in touch with the Employability Project who have helped her on her way from amateur performer to fully fledged business owner.

Working closely with her mentor from the project, Allison Rice, Jayne was helped to find funding support for things such as training and purchase of equipment.

Jayne was especially grateful that the project secured her a grant to fund her Public Liability Insurance, a vital but expensive requirement to get her business started.

From practice sessions with friend’s families, Jayne is now the owner of a growing children’s storytelling and entertainment business.

Her wide range of characters ensure children enjoy a unique experience and creates memories that last a lifetime.

Jayne said: “I thought, if ever the time was right to give it a go, it was now. I am starting to get more and more people making enquiries and word of mouth is spreading.

“If you are considering setting up a business, the Employability Project is the right place. I’m just so grateful to the Employability Project and their partner organisations as if it wasn’t for them then my dream of making my ideas a reality would not be achievable.”

Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “It’s great that the Employability Project has been able to start Jayne on her way to what I’m sure will be a very successful business.

“We provided the funding to bring this already successful project to Spennymoor to help local residents back in to work and we’re delighted that Jayne is one of a number of people taking advantage of this.”

Funded by local Area Action Partnerships (AAP) across County Durham, the Employability Project has recently expanded to include the Spennymoor area.

The project offers dedicated support to those people who are looking for suitable full time, part time employment, training or voluntary work as well as setting up their own business in Teesdale, Weardale, Bishop Auckland, Shildon, Crook, Tow Law, Willington and Spennymoor. Those who would like to find out more can contact 03000 262383.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .