North East firms tap into Real Help to weather recession
Jan 28 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal
Chris Roberts, regional director, LSC North East, said: “The Real Help campaign has been a huge success in the North East. It has helped both businesses and individuals alike to respond to the economic downturn. There is still much to do, but this successful campaign will continue to support individuals and businesses in the North East.”
Jonathan Lamb, director of marketing at Business & Enterprise North East which delivers the Business Link service in the region, said: “It is encouraging to see that a year on, so many North East firms have tapped into the support available through Real Help to allow them to weather the tough economic conditions.
“With signs of the upturn on the horizon we will ensure that, through Business Link and our other support services, companies in the region are in a prime position to maximise new opportunities as they arise.”
One firm to benefit from campaign is Newcastle-based Saddle Skedaddle, a cycling trip and holiday firm, which enjoyed a record year in 2009.
Andrew Straw, sales director at the company, contacted Business Link after hearing about the campaign.
He said: “It came as a big shock to many people that there was a downturn looming on the horizon.
“As a cycling company, exchange rates are of huge consequence to us, so the fact that they were crashing around our feet meant we really needed to take action.
“Business Link was fantastic in offering advice, and helped us to explore ways of saving money to protect our company from the effects of the recession.
“We took a figurative step back and looked at the whole business, working with our Business Link adviser to develop smarter ways of working that would help us streamline the business.”
Business Link helped the firm cut its outgoings, get funding through the North East England Investment Centre (NEEIC), draw up a business plan and monitor its performance.
Another success is Middlesbrough- based shopfitter Newman Scott which invested in new design equipment to up its offer and win more business despite the downturn.
Director David Graham said: “Business Link has given us help at a critical time that means we are now better placed for when the upturn in the economy arrives.”
