A FORMER children's centre worker who was made redundant has been getting creative with her own business.
Suzanne Thomson had the idea to set up messy and arty play centre Squiggles n Giggles after being told she faced losing her job last autumn. The Killingworth-based enterprise has been set up as a Community Interest Company (CIC), which aims to benefit local people as well as providing an income for Ms Thomson.
The business is run from indoor and outdoor spaces at the White Swan Centre but will support community groups through outreach activities.
Ms Thomson worked with the Business Factory in North Tyneside to get the structure of her venture right.
“I could picture what I wanted to create and what the children would experience from their visits, but knowing how to take it from the vision inside my head into reality was different all together,” she said.
“The Business Factory was able to help me to shape a comprehensive business plan and advise me on issues such as the Community Interest Company status.
“While I need to make a living from the business, I was also keen to provide a service to the community, particularly families who do not normally have access to such activities.”
She received advice on setting up Squiggles n Giggles as well as support to apply for Big Lottery funding.
Suzanne said: “This funding has allowed me to access a van so that I can take my messy play activities out into the community and provide free outreach sessions.”
David Ireland, business adviser at the Business Factory, said: “Suzanne came to us with an idea she was passionate about. We helped her to turn this passion in to a workable business model and are quite amazed by the results.
“Squiggles n Giggles is a business that she ought to be very proud of and which will be a valuable asset to families in North Tyneside.
“Setting up a Community Interest Company is no easy task, but for people like Suzanne who want to give back to the local community they are a great option.
“And with funding available to support CICs we expect to see more new businesses considering this option.”
