Young entrepreneur Craig has top award in the bag

Mar 17 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

AN entrepreneur who sells a green alternative to free supermarket carriers has bagged an award – less than a year after starting his business.

Craig Smith, 28, scooped the Young Entrepreneur title at the North Tyneside Small Business Awards for The Printed Bag Shop, which produces printed paper, jute, cotton and biodegradable polythene bags.

He said: “We have already printed bags for Coca Cola, The Royal Bank of Scotland and many other firms. The business is going better than I ever expected and I am truly delighted to have won this recognition.

“After only 10 months’ trading, we have a turnover of over £100,000 and know that will double within the next 18-24 months.”

Craig initially started the business with his partner Lisa Kennedy, but the couple have since had a daughter, Ellie. Lisa is concentrating on the baby while Craig concentrates on the bags.

Craig, who started the business with a £2,000 Prince’s Trust loan, quickly found that the power of the internet is key to marketing The Printed Bag Shop on a wider scale.

“At first, I was all suited up going around the North East, but we got a website made and we promoted it so much, it became number one on Google through our keywords ‘printed bags’.”

Craig and Lisa spent most evenings posting their details to online business directories and are now receiving more orders via the internet than any other source. To allow Craig to further develop the enterprise, he has taken on someone to help with online marketing.

“This is my first go at running a business and I’ve made sure I’ve taken advice and guidance from more experienced people along the way,” said Craig. “It’s important not to be too proud to ask for advice or ask someone to help if you get stuck.”

His was one of a number of awards handed out to North Tyneside’s business success stories.

Cottage Contract Furnishers, which is approaching its 25th anniversary making and installing furnishings, was named as the borough’s overall small business of the year. Bill Lynch, who runs the business with his wife Isabel, said: “I’m absolutely stunned, but overjoyed with the result.

“We are now the largest family-run contract furnisher in the UK.”

The Tynemouth Surf Company was recognised in a public vote with the inaugural People’s Choice Award, presented to celebrate a decade of the North Tyneside Small Business Awards. Stephen Hudson, who set up the shop in 1995, said: “I’m really proud and delighted to hear that the public have voted for us to win this award.”

Coun Jim Allan, North Tyneside’s cabinet member for economy and employment, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of this borough’s economy and these businesses deserve recognition for their hard work, determination and success.”

The Winners

Service: Newlandmedia.

Retail: Slimming Solutions.

Business start-up: The Blue Door Project.

Manufacturing: Cottage Contract Furnishers.

Young Entrepreneur: The Printed Bag Shop.

News Guardian People's Choice Award: Tynemouth Surf Company.

Overall North Tyneside Small Business of the Year: Cottage Contract Furnishers.