News on small businesses & start up business in Newcastle, Teesside and the North East

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Simon turns passion for having fun into a living

A FORMER recruitment agency worker has followed his dream of making people happy by starting his own pub entertainment business. Read

Helping to solve your problems at work

A CORPORATE manager turned entrepreneur is aiming to help companies change the way they operate and to coach individuals through issues such as redundancy. Read

Good service starts with a happy smile

ONE of the finest ways for anyone in business to beat competition is to give outstanding service. Read

Studio with unique service for film and photography

A YOUNG entrepreneur is juggling two new businesses of his own after failing to find a job as a web designer in his native North East. Read

Budget must help small businesses resolve big problems

MEASURES to ensure banks behave properly and solving the problem of rising unemployment should top the Chancellor’s agenda in next month’s Budget, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Read

Change in holiday entitlement hit SMEs

ON April 1 a new law comes into force which increases workers statutory holiday rights by four days. Read

Pub finds free Wi-Fi is a hit with customers

A COUNTRY pub based a stone’s throw from the A1 is aiming to grow its business customer market by installing free Wi-Fi. Read

Chat over coffee turned into a lucrative business

NEIGHBOURS who came up with their business idea while chatting over coffee have taken the plunge into the property lettings market. Read

Keeping up to date with changes

FOR convenience, any changes in Government regulation affecting businesses across a number of key departments, are communicated twice a year, on April 6 and October 1. Read

'Acute financial acumen' needed in slump

THE cost of running a small business in the North East is expected to rise this year, while the prices customers are charged will remain flat or fall as firms try to stay competitive in a tough marketplace. Read

Crunch diverts hedgehog as small firms buy more

THE Next Step is run in conjunction with The Entrepreneurs’ Forum – a membership organisation that brings together business owners at all stages of their journey to share experiences, knowledge and support. Read

Careless talk costs business

NO one is predicting when the green shoots of economic recovery will emerge. Read

His children's fads give dad enterprising idea

A FATHER of three has been inspired by his children’s changing hobbies to start an online business that could become the eBay of the sports world. Read

Club grows stronger with two new appointments

TWO new faces have joined Durham Business Club’s board of directors. Read

One chance for first impression

IN our last column we explored finding opportunities and getting that all-important appointment: now you’ve been successful and you suddenly find yourself in the starring role. Read

Web designers hoping for a date with success

TWO web designers who met while working on separate projects for the same customer have teamed up to build a business that has received a boost from people looking for love online. Read

Councils should listen to small businesses

LOCAL authorities are being encouraged to listen to the needs of small businesses in an initiative aiming to help both groups ride out the economic storm. Read

Banks must start lending to firms

IN the current climate, many companies, even those with a sound proposition are struggling to survive. The recession has been blamed on a collapse in the retail banking sector but it is small and medium-sized businesses which could suffer over the next few months as liquidity dries up. Read

Now fitness fan Jackie builds up her business

A FEMALE former bodybuilder is helping others achieve their weight loss goals and finely honed physiques by setting up her own personal fitness business. Read

Bosses fear being penalised if they seek aid

THE Government and banks could do more to support small businesses struggling to cope with the recession and credit crunch, says a survey by the Forum of Private Business (FPB). Read