North Tyneside Council is boosting its support for businesses across the borough with a commitment to provide a new and extended version of its hugely successful Business Factory programme for the next three years.
Since its formation, the Business Factory has supported in excess of 1,400 businesses and just last year claimed the top prize for promoting entrepreneurial spirit at the Enterprising Britain Awards.
And now, North Tyneside Council has appointed North East-based enterprise agency TEDCO Business Support to deliver its new programme.
They will be looking to its experienced team to provide expert start up advice and build on the success The Business Factory has seen, as well as extending its support to existing enterprises together with start-ups.
Businesses with ambitious growth plans will also have access to a range of bespoke specialist support services, such as marketing, branding, PR, procurement, social media and commercial property advice.
The council will continue to provide unrivalled support to individuals looking to set up social enterprises, providing wider benefits to the whole community.
Bruce Pickard, North Tyneside’s Deputy Mayor, said: “We are delighted to be able to continue and build on the phenomenal success of The Business Factory and this partnership with the TEDCO team will only enhance what we can do.
“This new chapter for The Business Factory which sees our support now extended to existing businesses as well new start-ups could potentially transform the business landscape of the borough, helping many more small businesses to thrive and grow here in North Tyneside”
Carole White, CEO at TEDCO Business Support added: “We are delighted to be working with North Tyneside Council’s Business Factory. North Tyneside is highly regarded across the UK for the level of business support provided to its residents and we are looking forward to bolstering this further through our team of dedicated experts.
“As the North East delivery partner of the government’s Start and Grow programme and Virgin Start-up, offering government-backed business loans, we are well placed to help individuals get investment ready and access routes to funding which will be instrumental for start-ups and ambitious businesses looking to grow.”
The Business Factory will continue to operate out of the North Tyneside Business Centre in North Shields. Anyone thinking of starting their own business or looking to grow their existing company should contact (0191) 349 9799 to arrange an initial appointment with one of the friendly team of business advisers.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The project is receiving up to £1,800,000 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF.
Established by the European Union, ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.
For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.