A GROUP of entrepreneurs are teaming up to help small businesses after the demise of the publicly-funded Go Wansbeck agency.
The Wansbeck Business Forum is being run by volunteers on a not-for-profit basis to support firms in Ashington, Bedlington, Newbiggin and surroundin g areas in the county of Northumberland.
Members of the forum include training consultant Mica MacInnes, graphic designer Amy Purdie, wildlife tour guide Martin Kitching and web designer Jason Thompson. Mr Thompson, who is based in Newbiggin, said: “We need to be totally self-sufficient as we are not funded in any way and need to operate the forum in a business-like manner by providing relevant activities that small businesses will find useful.
“We have a real understanding of the challenges small businesses face and by keeping people linked together through our networking events and meetings we can start to make a real difference to the local economy.”
The group has grown from the ashes of a previous forum operating locally. In addition to building on its work, it aims to look at different ways to encourage business, enterprise and networking.
Mr Thompson said: “At grassroots level there are lots of good things happening all over the region, but not one single organisation driving it.
“There are also many businesses that have never been involved in a forum before and we want to reach out to them and share our experiences to their advantage.”
The new group is launching with a networking event on January 27, which will feature former Scottish lawyer Kenny Harris as the guest speaker.
He is known as a stand-up comedian as well as for his 15-plus years working with some of the top advertising and marketing agencies.
The event, at Hirst Castle in Ashington, is open to businesses from across the region. Tickets are £10.
The Go Wansbeck initiative started life in 2007 aiming to create a more enterprising culture in South East Northumberland and received almost £12m of Government money in its first three years to attract business and investment into the area.
However, it was one of the victims of Government cuts and has now ceased to operate.
