The Business Awards 2007 finalists - Cultural & Creative

Apr 22 2008 By The Journal

Regional sponsor Arts Council England NE

REGIONAL FINALIST

Finalist: Pebbles Gallery & Art Cafe

Based in Allendale in Northumberland, Pebbles Gallery & Art Cafe was set up by Amanda Galbraith in 2006.

The gallery sells arts ranging from prints and painting to jewellery and ceramics as well as serving refreshments.

Artist ‘members’ pay a weekly fee to work at the centre for two days a month and display their work on a commission-free basis. Independent artists exhibit in the upstairs gallery and pay daily fees to run workshops.

It supports around 15 creative businesses and runs a free youth project, showcasing work by individuals, local schools and youth clubs. It gives young artists the opportunity to sell their work.

Operating as a social enterprise, the business has received support from a range of partners, including Business Link and Northumberland County Council’s Aurora Project, set up to help creative businesses.

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REGIONAL FINALIST

Finalist: Stagecoach Theatre Arts Yarm & Darlington

Stagecoach Yarm & Darlington was set up in 1997 as part of an international network of weekend theatre schools.

Former students include Jamie Bell of Billy Elliott fame and Zoe Birkett, who appeared in Pop Idol. The school also has students appearing in West End stage productions, TV shows, cartoon voice overs and adverts.

Stagecoach Yarm opened in September 1997, originally in Layfield Primary School, although it is now based at Teesside High School in Eaglescliffe. Stagecoach Darlington opened in April 1998 and is now based at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in the centre of town.

The school caters for students aged from four to over 18s.

The school is run on a franchise basis and its principal is former schoolteacher Trudy Hindmarsh.

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REGIONAL FINALIST

Finalist: Crafty Computer Paper

The business was set up six years ago by managing director Charlotte Gaisford and it now employs five people.

Based in Hexham, the company sells a range of craft papers and materials which customers buy to print images on from their computers.

The company has provided paper for props departments for film and television, including Wallace and Gromit and the team making the Harry Potter films. Products are also sold via shopping channels, online or through the shop in Hexham, Northumberland.

The business also counts schools and colleges, model makers and individuals interested in arts and crafts among its customers.