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

Learning and development specialist Sonja Rooke, who has worked with the North East Chamber of Commerce, Northumbrian Water and law firm Eversheds, launched her business U to help people and organisations work their way through problems.

Ms Rooke, who is based in Low Fell, said: “Life is often too focused on attaining higher income and status, and that’s not all it’s about. I’ve seen many people who have done very well in life but can’t find contentment.

“Often, the cause is a clash of personal and corporate values or an escape from problems elsewhere. By working independently, I can be more accessible to assist others, whilst being true to my own values, thus encouraging balance, change and personal growth.”

She began to concentrate on personal development while working on employment training programmes with a number of large companies.

Ms Rooke is now concentrating on neuro-linguistic psychotherapy, which tallies with her belief that the mind and body are interconnected.

She said: “There should be no fear factor in therapy; if my body is not functioning as well as it could, I would see my GP.

“If my thought patterns are not positive, why should I hesitate to seek assistance?”