Disabled people get help to start firms

Feb 5 2008 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

A CHARITY has revealed plans to build a £15m centre for North-East entrepreneurs with disabilities, which could create 300 jobs.

Not-for-profit group North-East Centre for Independent Living (Necil) will join forces with Middlesbrough Council and Tees Valley Renewal to build the complex on 10 acres at Riverside Park in Middlesbrough.

The £15m project, slated to open in 2010, will house training workshops and business incubators for disabled people and will be developed as an eco-building.

The development, which will be a model for a national chain of similar centres, will incorporate various environmentally-friendly features such as solar panels and will run on renewable energy.

The construction and running of the centre is expected to create up to 300 jobs by 2010 and Necil will help disabled people launch customer-facing businesses such as bistros and pubs within the site.

Last week, Middlesbrough Council, Renew Tees Valley and Necil – which will part-finance the scheme – teamed up at the Environment and Energy Fair at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium and urged architects and developers to submit designs for the “iconic” building.

With plans for the site yet to be finalised, RTV commercial manager Paul Jackson said he hoped to enlist the help of local construction and architecture firms to develop the complex.

Mr Jackson said: “It takes business incubation and development for the disabled to a new level, regionally and nationally. It can provide a significant boost for the region’s construction and renewables sectors.”

RTV chief executive Peter Ellis said the scheme would help to raise awareness of the Tees Valley on a European scale and encourage more entrepreneurs to start businesses in the area.

Diane Roberts, of Necil, said: “Previously, disabled people have been the victims of so-called ‘purpose-built’ facilities. We’re looking for designers that will use technology in a creative and sustainable way to achieve an accessible building for all.”

Necil specialises in providing administration, technical assistance, business expertise and access to training to disabled people from vocational through to academic level.

It also offers legal guidance, business planning, help to find funding and financial planning.