Gary proves to be a working model

Jan 22 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

A YOUNG entrepreneur is proving to be a role model for others. With 14 years’ experience in the model- making profession, Gary Thwaites has worked in a variety of industries, assembling everything from television and film props to prototypes for mobile phones.

But in November last year Gary decided it was time to go it alone and with the help Emerge – a business start-up support service – he set up his company NE3D Limited.

Mr Thwaites said: “After gaining a wide base of experience working in the South, I returned to the North to settle down and starting my own business seemed like the next logical step.

“I applied for the New Entrepreneur scholarship to get the ball rolling and it was at my interview that I was told about Emerge and the help it offers to new start-up businesses like my own.”

After graduating from the scholarship, Gary received a marketing and premises grant from the East Durham Business Service, along with vital funding from Emerge that enabled him to purchase equipment, primarily a lathe and spray booth that allowed him to keep all of his work in-house.

He added: “The money and support I received from Emerge has been a huge help. They were responsive and accessible, identifying my ongoing needs and providing support where necessary.

“I am keen to develop my business across the North-East and through recent business won from Preston Hall and the Captain Cook museum, I have been provided with some great opportunities.

“I’m looking forward to working on other projects like this in the region.”

Paul Appleton, start-up adviser at Emerge, added: “Gary has made a significant personal and financial investment into his company and has made good use of the business support network around him.

“It’s encouraging that he has already won some prestigious jobs in the North-East and I am pleased that Emerge has played a part in his first year of trading.”

The Emerge business start-up programme was originally developed by Derwentside District Council in 2002.

Its success in launching and supporting new businesses in the area prompted Be Enterprising to fund the expansion of its service into areas of Easington, Sedgefield and Wear Valley in addition to Derwentside.

Be Enterprising is part of the national Local Enterprise Government Initiative (LEGI) announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer in his 2005 budget. It aims to release economic and productivity potential through enterprise and investment, thereby boosting local incomes and employment opportunities, and building sustainable communities.

The Be Enterprising programme complements and works with existing business start-up services and offers practical help for anyone who wants to be their own boss.