A Sunderland entrepreneur has started his own business after visiting the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC).
Brian Bell, from Houghton le Spring, was recommended visiting the BIC after he visited the Job Centre and five months later NE Cleaning Services was up and running. Brian was appointed business adviser, Chris Craig and has just won a contract with an estate agency.
The programme 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. Brian explains:
“My carpet and upholstery business has really taken off since visiting the BIC. I knew what I wanted to do but was unsure how to make the step to getting my business off the ground. Chris helped me with my business plan and getting into the habit of keeping a record of everything.
“I am now working all over the North East and the reaction to my business has been fantastic I am inundated with work. It feels amazing being your own boss and my only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.
“I am now branching out and have added full house cleans to my services as well as car valets too. My dream is to take on an employee to help grow the business further.”
Chris Craig added: “There are many people wanting to start their own business but like Brian have never done anything like this before and it can be a little daunting.
“That is why we are here to help people on the right track to business success. If you are thinking about self employment give the business start up team a call and book your free appointment on 0191 516 6149.”
