A local waste management and recycling company have taken up an Open Space membership at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC).
Tim Jones, entrepreneur and director of Green Tiki Recycling, started trading last year after taking redundancy, his business trades in recyclable materials, developing suppliers and sources for the processing of waste material.
Tim visited the BIC and was appointed Ron Anderson, business adviser who helped him with the next steps in growing his business. Tim then decided to work from the BIC’s luxurious coworking Open Space. Tim said:
“Working from home has many distractions so it was vital for my business that I found an office.
“My goal is to now grow my customer base,” Tim adds: “We’ve got a handful of really good customers so far and my focus is building upon those relationships so we can continue making steady progress. I am confident that this is more than achievable by having a fixed office space to work in.
“With over 10 years industry experience I wanted to strike out on my own,” Tim said: “I offer professional advice and guidance to businesses to help them fine tune recycling. It’s so important to me that we work hands on with companies to develop their understanding and assist them with finding better outlets for materials, as well as enabling them to get the best value for money.”
The project 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 Anderson, business adviser
Ron Anderson, business adviser adds: “It’s fantastic to see Green Tiki Recycling in our Open Space facility. It’s particularly useful for clients like Tim who have previously worked from home, where he will benefit from excellent networking opportunities as well as a chance to work quietly, depending on his business needs.”
For more information on Open Space membership contact senior space adviser Donna Surtees on 0191 516 6066 or email donna.surtees@ne-bic.co.uk.
