A SCHEME suggested by designer Wayne Hemingway to help small creative small businesses get off the ground is looking for applicants to take part in the pilot project.
Starter for Ten aims to transform a disused building in the centre of Gateshead into a hub for creative enterprises, while offering support to help them to survive the recession.
The successful applicants will receive free space in the building to trade from in addition to help from Gateshead Council, including free business advice, specialist guidance and a sector-specific support programme to raise the profile of the town as a home for creative business.
The space is being made available on High Street South in buildings that will be demolished in the long term but can be used as a temporary business space in the short term.
Mr Hemingway said: “This is about giving the creative community a helping hand and putting empty units to good use. It has the potential to attract leaders and entrepreneurs to Gateshead and give the local economy a boost. The creative sector is now one of the biggest drivers of the UK economy and yet there are very few facilities to promote entrepreneurship in this area.
“Nationally we are losing our low cost start-up opportunities, from Kensington Market in London, where my first company Red or Dead established itself, to The Corn Exchange in Leeds. Places that used to provide low cost opportunities for independent start-ups in prime positions are disappearing as our towns and cities contribute to the worrying ‘Clone Town Britain’ label. At a time when overseas competition is addressing this issue, Britain should start to also address it to retain its creative edge.”
Gateshead Council leader Mick Henry said: “This innovate new scheme is part of the overall plan to re-invigorate the centre of Gateshead. I’m delighted that Wayne Hemingway, who is a long-time friend of Gateshead, has come up with such an interesting and challenging scheme for the area.”
People interested in applying to be a part of Starter for Ten should visit www.gateshead.gov.uk to download an application pack.
