A TEENAGER who has just graduated from the same course as X-Factor winner Joe McElderry has started his own performing arts business – so he doesn’t have to leave his native North East.

Aaron Phillips started Xpress Urself to offer dance, drama and singing classes for children aged five to 16. The 19-year-old from Cullercoats, who has just completed his performing arts course at Newcastle College, has based the business in the town’s Methodist church.

He said: “I have always loved performing and taking part in musical theatre; from a young age I was involved in stage schools and theatre productions and then later complete courses at Dance City and the prestigious Performing Arts BTec at Newcastle College.

“I knew the industry was hugely competitive and as I wanted to stay here in the North East, my options would be relatively limited. So instead of heading to London like so many of my fellow students, I decided to combine my performing skills with the urge I had to run my own business.”

Xpress Urself will initially offer singing, dancing and acting classes every Saturday morning but Aaron is keen to put on more classes depending on demand. He has already taken on his first employee, a fellow Newcastle College graduate who is now studying dance at university.

Phillips heard about Wallsend-based start-up agency The Business Factory and rang up to find out what support was available.

He said: “I was really lucky to meet Mark Oakley, a business adviser who is passionate about theatre himself and who has written a number of short screen plays, so he really understood my skills and background and how they could be best used to create a successful business.

“He helped me to turn what was very much a loose business idea into a solid plan and has provided the right level of help and support to turn it from a plan to a reality.”

Oakley said he was impressed by Aaron’s real vision and true entrepreneurial spirit.

He said: “He is a natural on the stage, but definitely has the traits of a successful businessman too. He has ambitious plans for the business.”

The Business Factory forms part of the Raising Enterprise North Tyneside project, funded by North Tyneside Council and ERDF. The service is delivered by Tedco.