Welcome to free support to launch your business

How long have you worked in ‘start-up’?
Over 20 years working on initiatives to support new start-ups.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
Being reactive to the needs of our clients and seeing the difference our team can make in Sunderland.

What’s been your proudest moment?
Talking to someone I haven’t met before, mentioning where I work and they say ‘the BIC started me up years ago and I’m still going’. This gets me every time!

What’s the one piece of advice you always stick to?
Try to put yourself into the other person’s shoes, see things from their perspective, whether that be a customer, contractor or member of staff.

What would you say to someone thinking about contacting the BIC?
Every business starts from a germ of an idea and we’ve heard a lot over the years. Just email us if you’re nervous about calling. Everything is treated in the strictest of confidence.

How long have you worked in ‘start-up’?
32 years

What do you enjoy most about your job?
Meeting people from all walks of life.

What’s been your proudest moment?
Can’t just pick one. I feel proud when I get good feedback and have helped someone turn their dream into a reality.

What’s the one piece of advice you always stick to?
I always advise people to develop a business plan as a guide because if they don’t know where they are going how do they know when they get there?

What would you say to someone thinking about contacting the BIC?
We would love to have a chat about your business idea and help you move forward to achieve your goals.

How long have you worked in ‘start-up’?
4 years at the BIC. 16yrs as an adviser. I have always enjoyed business so this is my ideal role!

What do you enjoy most about your job?
Meeting clients and talking through their ideas! I have made some great connections & some fantastic friends during my job.

What’s been your proudest moment?
Being told I was a client’s rock during a presentation he was giving (at the BIC!).

What’s the one piece of advice you always stick to?
Stick with it – that fire in your belly, that nervousness feeling you have, is a good thing!

What would you say to someone thinking about contacting the BIC?
We are open, we are friendly and we are here to help. There are no daft questions, we won’t judge and we are here every step of the way!

How long have you worked in ‘start-up’?
16 years as a Business Start-up Adviser.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
Seeing people succeed and earning their own income.

What’s been your proudest moment?
Helping to set up a business called Triotech, where 3 men being made redundant by a firm going bust, set up their own manufacturing business and are now very successful employing staff of their own.

What’s the one piece of advice you always stick to?
Always consider who your customers are. Who will pay for your service or product?

What would you say to someone thinking about contacting the BIC but possibly too nervous?
Contact us for a chat, we will never make a judgement on your business idea.

How long have you worked in ‘start-up’?
I have worked for the BIC for 20years.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
Meeting people and knowing that you can help them on their journey of self- employment.

What’s been your proudest moment / or a client that sticks in your memory the most?
Hearing that clients are still trading years later after contacting us.

What’s the one piece of advice you always stick to – do you have a golden rule?
Starting a business is like being responsible for a baby.  It’s not easy, needs a lot of attention and nurturing for it to grow.

What would you say to someone thinking about contacting the BIC?
We are here to help you no matter what your business idea is.