Hooked on helping young people go fishing
Jul 6 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal
A SOCIAL enterprise has reeled in £150,000 to help get more young people hooked on fishing.
Set up 10 years ago by former policeman Mick Watson, County Durham firm Get Hooked has spawned similar groups across the UK after its success in the North East.
It will use the money to boost the number of people it works with from 400 to 550 and to open a fourth lake at Witton Park. The organisation, which muses fishing to combat social exclusion among young people, is also aiming to take on a couple of apprentices.
Mr Watson said: “The finance allocated has supported our growth, and as a direct result we can now employ two modern apprentices, who will be able to gain invaluable experience in catering, business, management and conservation.
“The funds have also helped us create a new lake at our existing site, expanding the facilities we have on offer and allowing us to continue our successful programme of support to young people.”
Despite the tough economic conditions and the difficulty some businesses are facing raising finance, Get Hooked was able to secure the funding from NatWest with the help of law firm Muckle.
Philip Young, a solicitor in the property services group, said: “We have worked closely with Get Hooked throughout its evolution, providing support in the early days regarding liability and planning regulations and the acquisition of its existing site.
“More recently, we have advised on the complex and multi faceted finance options available for the growth of Get Hooked, helping it to put a new and cost effective funding structure in place for its continued development.”
