Next generation

Nov 28 2007 by Gloria McShane, Evening Gazette

SUCCESSFUL graduates of a fast-track business training scheme have set up more than 70 new ventures.

The New Entrepreneur Scholarship programme (NES) is a four-month part-time course for people wishing to start their own companies in the region.

NES aims to break down the barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs by offering training in business planning, market research, legal issues and key financial aspects, including tax and VAT.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Tony Sarginson, North-east NES chairman, referred to a recent report of the North-east’s Regional Skills Partnership.

He said: “Currently we have an exceptionally small number of businesses in the region and we need to invest in new business start-ups to expand our economy. The NES programme is addressing these issues by providing an important launch pad for the next generation of business leaders, who will contribute to the future economic growth of the region.”

Celebrating her graduation at the awards ceremony at Ramside Hall, Durham, Jacqui Bromage, a nail technician from Middlesbrough, said: “After years renting space in other salons I always dreamed of starting up on my own, but I didn’t have the confidence or know where to begin.

“The NES programme has given me all the skills I need to get started, and made the process a lot less daunting.”

Jacqui joined the NES at Teesside Business School in July. She intends to use the knowledge she gained to launch a mobile pampering business called Beau Ideal early next year.

Nick Gillingham, double Olympic swimming medallist and director of the Sports Communication Group, was a guest speaker. He talked about how the determination needed to succeed in sport is mirrored when starting up in business.

Nick said: “Going into business isn’t easy, and once you have taken the plunge there’s a whole range of issues you can face, from drafting a business plan to accessing funding, which can be off-putting.

“It’s essential that you keep sight of your goals, stay determined and you will be successful.”

To date, the NES scheme has helped more than 500 people in the North-east to start their own companies.

It offers individuals practical business training, advice and ongoing mentoring support in the early years, combined with up to £1,500 in funding.

To qualify for the programme, candidates have to have a strong business idea, but not be yet trading. They must be over 18 (other restrictions apply), ambitious and working or unemployed, but not in full-time education.

NES is a National Federation of Enterprise Agencies Programme, funded by the National Learning and Skills Council.

It is managed in the North-east by enterprise agency Entrust in association with its delivery partners Chester-le-Street and City of Durham Enterprise Agency, the North East Business and Innovation Centre, the universities of Teesside, Northumbria, Sunderland and Durham, and the Prince’s Trust. It is funded locally by regional development agency One NorthEast.

For details, contact Katy Rain at Teesside University on 01642 342821 or email k.rain@tees.ac.uk