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Redcar Enterprise Team is helping businesses reach new heights

A local photography firm that’s flying high with mini-helicopters is just one of a group of businesses praising a Europe-funded project in Redcar and Cleveland.

iSky Unmanned Systems, set up by friends Tony Chapman and Mark Armistead from Redcar, specialises in taking high-definition aerial photographs of the area.

The company is one of more than 200 receiving free business support from the Redcar and Cleveland Enterprise Team – a project part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

The scheme includes 12 hours of free tailored support – dubbed the Dynamic Dozen.

More than 75 companies in Redcar and Cleveland have benefited from at least 12 hours of free support, with many more part-way through the programme.

iSky Unmanned Systems was set up in September last year and Tony and Mark are about to buy a further two of the tiny high-spec mini-aircraft, which need a special licence to operate.

“There’s no-one providing our kind of service in this area,” said Tony.

“There are many applications – for instance, we can take high-quality photographs or videos of properties from the sky to help estate agents sell them, and we can also help skilled roofers show off their work.“Tony and Mark turned to the Enterprise Team for expert advice on setting up their company.

“They’ve been fantastic,” said Tony.

“Although I was previously a bank manager, I felt there was a lot I needed to learn about running my own business.

“So I did as many of their workshops as I could including marketing, media, sales, finance and social networking.

“They also helped us put our business plan together and even pointed us towards some funding, so they were valuable in absolutely every way.”

Another of the companies that’s benefited from the Dynamic Dozen and has recruited an apprentice as a direct result of the support provided, is Sign Art.

Elsa Weatherhead, Market and Finance Manager, said: “The Redcar Enterprise Team has given us new ways to market our business, we’ve learned invaluable skills through the workshops they offer.

“We’ve even set up a new website and took on an apprentice - we’d definitely recommend the team to fellow businesses in need of guidance and support.”

Helping businesses grow in order to boost the local economy is the prime focus of the Enterprise Team.

Local companies can benefit from a wide range of support including identifying export opportunities, improving online trade, accessing external funding and even finding new premises.

Steve Turner, Director of Serendipity Cleaning, said the Enterprise Team not only helped him set up his business venture, but he continues to benefit from the team’s help via the Dynamic Dozen.

Steve said: “The Redcar Enterprise Team actually gave me the idea for a start-up and I’ve never looked back.

“The team’s help has allowed us to build our website, get SEO support and much more.

“After working with them for so long I can see the benefits they offer to new and established businesses.”

The Enterprise Team’s business coaches provide advice on everything from marketing to web development, social media to recruitment.

Businesses in Redcar and Cleveland are urged to take advantage of the free support available – which is tailored to their individual needs.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lottie King .