County Durham has been named one of the top five areas in the country for business start-ups to excel.
Figures from the Department of Work and Pensions has named the area third in the UK after 1,180 businesses were set up under the Government’s New Enterprise Allowance programme in the county.
In County Durham, four enterprise agencies worked together to deliver the New Enterprise Allowance Programme, as members of the North East Enterprise Agency, in partnership with JobCentrePlus, which provided financial support to the businesses.
Joe Murray, of CDC Enterprise Agency, said: “It’s fantastic to see that County Durham’s enterprising spirit is alive and well within our communities.
“We’ve supported a wide range of individuals from all walks of life who have found themselves out of work in recent times.
“The support of the agencies along with the generous assistance of our dedicated volunteer mentors gives new businesses in the county the best possible start.”
Sarah Slaven, business development director with Business Durham, the economic development company for County Durham, said: “As these enterprising individuals show, there are so many people with an entrepreneur inside them and great ideas, and with the right support that we have here in County Durham, their hobbies and interests can become thriving businesses.”
South Durham Enterprise Agency helped former college lecturer Julie Maddison start up her prom dress and wedding accessories shop, Special Occasions, in Bishop Auckland. She expanded it to include bridal gowns last year and has even been featured in OK magazine.
Fellow entrepreneur Kevin Charlesworth was also given support to move from Job Seekers Allowance to a new career making jewellery where he took a unit at the creative collective No 15 Festival Walk, in Spennymoor.
Paul McEldon, chairman of the North East Enterprise Agency, added: “We’re delighted to have played a part in this significant achievement for County Durham.
“Our Durham enterprise agency members have provided invaluable business advice to help each of these businesses start up. We wish them all every success in the future.”