The sky’s the limit for a student who has started his own business aimed at promoting what’s on in the region.
It was not Scott Anderson’s intention to start his own business; a student at Northumbria University studying full time for a degree in mental health nursing as well as working at the North East Autism Society he hadn’t the time. Due to these work commitments Scott would regularly plan days out for the children as well as his own family that they could enjoy and would then post his feedback through his social media. This resulted in him getting a lot of messages from others in the region wanting more information on the days out he’d experienced and so I’m Bored North East became established.
Now his efforts have won him and his page, I’m Bored North East, a nomination not only in the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Business Awards in the social enterprise category but also the Natwest SE100 Business Awards. Scott said:
“It never occurred to me that my passion for making memories with the children could be turned into a business, but after answering lots of questions on individual events I decided to create my own Facebook page detailing what’s on, saving myself time and effort in replying on mass rather than individually.”
He then visited the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) and was appointed business adviser, Ron Anderson. Scott continued:
“I visited the BIC after a friend recommended them. Ron helped me to understand how I could start making a profit from the page and how I could make it a viable business.
“Ron has been great and within a week of taking his advice on board the page started making money.
“The fact that the website has spread through word of mouth alone makes me incredibly proud and my page on Facebook has now 22 thousand likes. The support and feedback has been amazing.
“It is now also about helping the businesses too; by raising awareness of what’s on in the region so people can use it or lose it. People mistake me for a large company but it’s just me with the strapline go make memories.”
The start-up programme which is run by the BIC is being part financed by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13, securing £1.47m ERDF investment. Working in a consortium led by North East Enterprise Agencies Ltd (NEEAL) local Enterprise and Development Agencies in the North East have matched this ERDF investment with £1.47m of their own funds.
Ron adds:
“As soon as Scott came to the BIC I was overwhelmed by his enthusiasm and determination for keeping families up to date. As well as studying full time and his work with the autism society Scott still finds the time to make his business venture a success and I look forward to seeing it grow and grow.
“If there is anyone out there wondering if self-employment is for them I urge them to get in touch with the BIC. We offer a wide range of products and services to anyone wishing to start their own business.”
To book an appointment with a business adviser call 0191 516 6149 or email businesssupport@ne-bic.co.uk
For your guide to everything in the region visit I’m Bored North East at http://www.imborednortheast.co.uk/