Business Link support for Penelope’s Pitstops

Apr 1 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

WOMEN entrepreneurs often complain of being overlooked when it comes to accessing hard business advice, but Yvette Sheekey wasn’t short of help when it came to cranking up her idea for Penelope’s Pitstops.

Her brainchild for a garage exclusively aimed at women drivers really moved into top gear when Business Link stepped in to help secure support from Middlesbrough Council and Solutions Funding.

Having previously co-owned a garage specialising in van servicing and managed female gyms - where single sex facilities have proved a winner - Yvette made the monkey-wrenching decision to go it alone with Penelope’s Pitstops.

The service is already proving a winner in Middlesbrough.

Ms Sheekey added: "Business Link has played a big part in helping me put together my business plan. Every step of the way my account manager Chris Simpson has offered an independent viewpoint that has kept my plans grounded and on track."