A NORTH Tyneside "Jack of all trades" has found a way of buying the clothes he loves and a job that has given him the direction he was looking for.

Jamie Wood, 33, from Whitley Bay, has held jobs as a taxi driver, plasterer and labourer, but it has been his passion for quality menswear that has finally given him the career he has always wanted – running his own business.

After struggling to source his favourite jeans and accessories locally, Jamie has opened Urban J, a dedicated menswear store based on Whitley Bay high street, which stocks brands including Firetrap, Jack Jones, Henleys, Cipo Baxx, Kosmo and Cru 10.

To help launch the shop, Jamie sought assistance the Business Factory in Wallsend – a project funded by North Tyneside Council and delivered by TEDCO.

He said: “Since leaving school I’ve had a number of jobs, but have always wanted to be my own boss.

“We’ve only been open a few months, but we’re doing well and getting a lot of interest from our target audience and from teenagers who would usually have to travel to Leeds, Manchester or go online to buy some of the brands and products I am stocking. The help I received from the Business Factory was really beneficial as I had never done book keeping, set up a business bank account or looked into fitting out a shop before. They were able to help me with contacts for suppliers and give me the confidence to be my own boss.

“It is a daunting prospect setting up your own business, but knowing that business advisers from the Business Factory are on hand to guide you through the process and ensure there is a smooth route to success is such a great help.

“You can go to them with any questions or problems and they will work with you for a solution. Since opening Urban J I’ve never looked back and I’m sure I will be working with the Business Factory team again in the future as the business continues to grow.”

The Business Factory is North Tyneside Council’s one-stop-shop for potential entrepreneurs in the North Tyneside area and offers free advice and support.

Elected Mayor Linda Arkley welcomed the benefit the Business Factory is able to deliver for both individuals and the borough as a whole.

“To stimulate our retail centres and retain them as vibrant places where people want to come and shop, then we need to encourage people like Jamie, who is a fantastic example of a budding entrepreneur who has followed his dream to be his own boss.”