Member Article

North East BIC helps to launch new sporting startup

North East sports enthusiast Angela Karamath has successfully established a new business, AK Sport, following support from the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC).

Angela, a former primary school teacher, quit her job after having an epiphany moment to follow her dream of increasing children’s participation and enjoyment in the world of sport.

Now, five months after bringing her business idea to the BIC, Angela delivers a variety of sports and sessions in three schools around Seaham.

Angela explains: “I always wanted to be a PE teacher but my life took me in another direction. I feel like I am doing the job I wanted to do originally now whilst still working with primary school children.

“I had a lightbulb moment where I thought I can do this…a week later I handed in my notice. I visited the BIC and the advisers have been so helpful in giving me the confidence to realise that this is a viable business and it meant a lot to have someone else believe in the idea.

“The business is really going from strength to strength and I am expanding by offering holiday sport camps and have secured taster sessions at a sports festival organised by Active Sunderland.

“In addition, I have also now expanded the business further by running a Dodgeball Academy for children and have even started one for adults.

“I think it can be very difficult working for yourself, you don’t have that moral support that you get from colleagues but if something isn’t going to plan you simply learn and ring your business adviser.”

Angela sought advice from business adviser, Andy Brown at the BIC, who added: “Angela set up her business in September 2014 and has already exceeded all the targets she set herself for the first 12 months of trading.

“This is due to Angela’s enthusiasm for what she does and the fact that she believes what she does will help the clients she works with become healthier and happier because the session.”

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