Bordello Bordello trio promises five-star fun

May 8 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

STRIDING into the business world these three woman say they have created a service which will keep them one step ahead of the competition.

Entrepreneurs Catherine Burns, Rose Higgins and Michelle Newell came to know each other through mutual involvement in the North East’s performing arts scene.

Now they have created Bordello Bordello, a three-tier business consisting of an event production company, an alternative modelling agency and a costume and clothing design arm.

Catherine Burns, 34, from Washington, said: “Between the three of us we had built a great deal of experience in the elements required to infuse an event with glamour, fun and just the right dose of the unexpected.

“Despite the North East being just as diverse as any other part of the country, the growing niche in the market for these services simply wasn’t being catered for here.”

With this in mind, Catherine conceived Bordello Bordello along with Rose, 25, and Michelle, 24, both originally from Glasgow.

The three approached the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) for help building their business plan, for marketing support and financial advice.

Following almost two years of careful planning, and the recent news that the business is to receive funding from the Arts Council, the girls begin trading from their new company HQ, at Design Works in Gateshead.

BIC business adviser Alan Gillis said: “This business is truly unique to the region, and the girls have all the experience and determination required to bring the glamour and fun that people are experiencing elsewhere to the North East.”