Hundreds of people visit The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) with dreams of starting their own business.
All from different walks of life; some may face redundancy, others want to turn their hobby into a passion, whatever the reason we are keen to point out that age is no barrier to start up success as our latest client, Catherine Hanlon has demonstrated.
At just 23 years old Catherine, from Peterlee, launched In Harmony Music Tuition and Performance, offering private tuition as well as playing at weddings and corporate events.
After approaching the BIC in February, Catherine started working with business adviser Ron Anderson who supported her throughout the planning stage and helped her apply for the New Enterprise Allowance. Catherine explains:
“Once I had finished my degree at University, I decided to start my own business and continue to do what I love. I am a very independent person so I thrive on the freedom and control I have and knowing I am making a difference to people is such an achievement.
“Starting a business can be overwhelming when you have not done it before, but organisations such as the BIC are out there offering advice and guidance. Ron was an excellent support. I didn’t have the confidence in writing my own business plan and to do my own accounts but made it a logical process and he is still there for me now.”
Having also written three novels, Catherine is no stranger to hard work. She already has plans to grow the business and to have her own premises. Catherine continues:
“I do love to keep busy and I want to continue to grow the business and have my own premises one day to offer lessons and become a music exam centre.”
Catherine is clearly very passionate and determined to succeed in all that she does. She is a very talented musician and her business makes sweet success as well as music!
For more information about In Harmony Music Tuition visit www.inharmonytuition.co.uk
Take the steps to self employment today call 0191 516 6149.