1 x Business Adviser (Full Time)

1x Business Adviser (Full Time Maternity Cover)

If you would like to apply for either of these positions please download the application form which can be found on our vacancies page or by clicking here. Once completed please email ...]]> EDBS are currently recruiting for the following vacancies

1 x Business Adviser (Full Time)

1x Business Adviser (Full Time Maternity Cover)

If you would like to apply for either of these positions please download the application form which can be found on our vacancies page or by clicking here. Once completed please email it to reception@edbs.co.uk or send to Peter Rippingale, East Durham Business Service, Novus Business Centre, Judson Road, North West Industrial estate, Peterlee, SR8 2QJ.

Closing dates for all applications is noon on Friday 25th May. All successful candidates will be contacted after this date.

Interviews will be conducted on Thursday 31st May.

Please call 0191 5863366 if you require anymore information

A former youth worker has taken a new career path after becoming a new mum.

Samantha Smith, 24, has become a childminder after the birth of her nine month old son, William; gave her a new perspective on her future career.

The former Hartlepool Community Centre Youth Worker, whose partner Chris is ...]]>

A former youth worker has taken a new career path after becoming a new mum.

Samantha Smith, 24, has become a childminder after the birth of her nine month old son, William; gave her a new perspective on her future career.

The former Hartlepool Community Centre Youth Worker, whose partner Chris is a policeman, wanted to use her experience of working with children to set up her very own business.

Samantha said: “After having William I had a re-think about what I wanted to do. I’ve always loved working with children and becoming a childminder means that I can do just that.”

Samantha, who lives in Wheatley Hill, County Durham, found a niche in the market as the nearest child-minder to the area is in Shotton Colliery.

Samantha continued: “I want to provide parents with an affordable solution to nurseries which can be really expensive. The great thing about it is that the children can socialise with other children outside of the school environment.”

Miss Smith will not only provide her childminding services to parents of young children, but to parents of teenagers too: “I can look after children aged from birth to 16 throughout the day as well as providing pick-ups and drop-offs at school. I now also look after a family of 4 siblings which has proven to be a huge help to the parents”

Samantha came to East Durham Business Service (EDBS), and with the help of funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), they were able to provide advice on how to start her own business.

Katie Harbron, Business Adviser, said: “Whether facing redundancy or just need a change in career like Samantha, we can help a diverse range of people who are considering starting up their own business.

 “Samantha has a passion for looking after children and knew exactly what she wanted to do – I know she’ll do exceptionally well as her previous experience will serve her well in her new venture.”

The business support project is being part financed by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13, securing £1.07m 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 £1.07m of theirown funds.

The ERDF 2007-13 programme is bringing over £300m into North East England to support innovation, enterprise and business support.  It will help create and safeguard 28,000 new jobs, start 3,000 new businesses and increase the region’s productivity by £1.1bn per annum.

For the past ten years Samantha has gained experience looking after children through babysitting, looking after friends’ children and her work at the Hartlepool Community Centre.

Samantha has also built up a vast number of vocational skill and qualifications including an NVQ Level 2 in Youth Work, First Aider and Multi Agency Safeguarding and Child Protection.

Samantha said: “I’ve set up all the necessary measures to becoming a childminder, including joining the Childminding Network and I’m Ofsted approved. My services will cater for all parent s of children under 16 and I am available all week, including weekends.

“I am affordable and can provide children with a home from home environment. My services are there to ease the busy lives parents have and I want to help other mums and dads. I’m very personable and love children and I’m just really excited to start my own business.”

If you would like anymore information, or to book a place for your child (sibling discounts available), contact Samantha on 07863530084.

If you are interested in ERDF and would like m ore information, please contact Katie Harbron or Steve Souter on 0191 586 3366 to find out more.

If you would like to know more about setting up your own business or advice on where to go next, contact EDBS on 0191 586 3366 or email enquiries@edbs.co.uk.

EDBS are recruiting Apprentices for Caterpillar Peterlee and if you’ve got what it takes then we want to hear about it.

The Apprenticeships are in Auto Electrical, Maintenance, Tool Room, Fabrication, Paint and Initial Operations.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a brilliant ...]]> We have some really exciting news to share with you!

EDBS are recruiting Apprentices for Caterpillar Peterlee and if you’ve got what it takes then we want to hear about it.

The Apprenticeships are in Auto Electrical, Maintenance, Tool Room, Fabrication, Paint and Initial Operations.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a brilliant company so if you know anyone who you think would be interested then LET THEM KNOW. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates and information on what to do next.

Minimum age to apply is 16. Information on how to apply is on the job descriptions.

Auto Electrical Apprenticeship: http://www.scribd.com/doc/91805226

Maintenance Apprenticeship: http://www.scribd.com/doc/91805301

Tool Room Apprenticeship: http://www.scribd.com/doc/91805369

Fabrication Apprenticeship: http://www.scribd.com/doc/91805249

Paint Apprenticeship: http://www.scribd.com/doc/91805328

SWC/Initial Ops Apprenticeship:  http://www.scribd.com/doc/91805349

The morning meeting is being held between 8.30am and 10.30am and there will be bacon sandwiches, pastries, tea and coffee.

This free event is open to all. Click ...]]> You’re invited to an event demonstrating the modernisation of Neighbourhood Watch, Farm Watch and Business Watch at Ramside Hall Hotel on the 20th June!

The morning meeting is being held between 8.30am and 10.30am and there will be bacon sandwiches, pastries, tea and coffee.

This free event is open to all. Click on the link below to find out more. 

Breakfast Seminar Invitation (2)

A dog groomer who was made redundant from a local pet parlour is hitting back at the recession by starting up her very own business.

Rebecca Wilson decided that she had enough experience in dog grooming and business administration to set up her own dog grooming business, aged only ...]]>

A dog groomer who was made redundant from a local pet parlour is hitting back at the recession by starting up her very own business.

Rebecca Wilson decided that she had enough experience in dog grooming and business administration to set up her own dog grooming business, aged only 17.

Miss Wilson decided to start up her own business after being made redundant by the dog grooming parlour where she had worked for two years.

Rebecca, of Horden, Peterlee, said: “After being made redundant I didn’t want to start claiming benefits, so in two weeks, with the help of East Durham Business Service (EDBS), I had set up my own business in something I really enjoy doing.”

Dog Grooming by Rebecca will be offering many services to pamper pooches, including bathing and blow drying, hand stripping, clipping or trimming, nail cutting and ear plucking.

Rebecca, who has a BTEC National Diploma in Animal Management, has gained valuable experience in her previous employment and wants to make sure that she meets the demand of her clients, in quality and in price.

She said: “I want the public to feel comfortable and confident whilst their pet is in my care.

Rebecca will also be providing a mobile service for drop-offs and collections; therefore enabling her to reach customers at their own convenience and allowing those who would find it difficult to use her services to do so.

Rebecca continued: “I’ve conducted intensive research into what my clients want and I know that by offering a mobile service I will be able to meet the demands of the customer on their own terms.”

Miss Wilson was helped by EDBS and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to set up her own business, with support in business planning, financial planning and marketing.

The project is being part financed by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13, securing £1.07m 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 £1.07m of theirown funds.

The ERDF 2007-13 programme is bringing over £300m into North East England to support innovation, enterprise and business support.  It will help create and safeguard 28,000 new jobs, start 3,000 new businesses and increase the region’s productivity by £1.1bn per annum.

The future is looking bright for Dog Grooming by Rebecca, as the business has already secured 42 clients throughout the area.

Katie Harbron, Rebecca’s Business Advisor at EDBS, said: “I’ve been really impressed with Rebecca’s determination and her go-getting attitude. She has excellent experience and is very customer focused and I’m confident that clients will be impressed with her professional conduct. She is a prime example of how you can turn redundancy into self-employment in your own way and on your own terms.”

Rebecca said: “I’m really glad that I turned to EDBS for help as they’ve supported me in all aspects of the business start-up. It can be a daunting process setting up your own business but with their help and guidance it’s made everything so much easier.”

If you would like anymore information, or to book your dog in for a pamper session, contact Rebecca on 07412075599.

If you are interested in ERDF and would like m ore information, please contact Katie Harbron or Steve Souter on 0191 586 3366 to find out more.

If you would like to know more about setting up your own business or advice on where to go next, contact EDBS on 0191 586 3366 or email enquiries@edbs.co.uk.

A local girl with a flair for all things party has set up a business dedicated to supplying the North East with accessories vital for any event.

 Kayleigh Prest, 21, has set up her very first business in party and gift supplies ranging from bridal shoes and jewellery to ...]]>

A local girl with a flair for all things party has set up a business dedicated to supplying the North East with accessories vital for any event.

 Kayleigh Prest, 21, has set up her very first business in party and gift supplies ranging from bridal shoes and jewellery to children’s party bags, fancy dress and toys.

 Kayleigh said: “Setting up this business feels like a dream come true. I’ve wanted to do this for the past two years and I’m really thrilled that it has all come together.”

 Miss Prest operates her business through a website, Ebay and social networking, as well as attending local events within the area.

 Kayleigh continued: “The customer is king and they are vital to any business, especially in the beginning. I aim to supply the consumer with the best product at the lowest price.”

 East Durham Business Service (EDBS) and the ERDF scheme were able to offer Kayleigh some much needed support in establishing The Funky Gift and Party Fairy.

 The project is being part financed by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13, securing £1.07m 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 £1.07m of their own funds.

 The ERDF 2007-13 programme is bringing over £300m into North East England to support innovation, enterprise and business support.  It will help create and safeguard 28,000 new jobs, start 3,000 new businesses and increase the region’s productivity by £1.1bn per annum.

 Kayleigh, of Seaham, said: “I want to thank everyone who has given me help and support throughout this process. It’s not easy setting up your own business, but EDBS have supported me the whole way through.”

 The Funky Gift and Party Fairy, which supplies wedding accessories such as favours, table decorations and hen-night essentials as well as personalised gifts and balloons, has been an idea of Kayleigh’s since her teen years.

 Katie Harbron, Miss Prest’s EDBS Business Advisor said: “I have been impressed with Kayleigh’s enthusiasm and determination to make her business succeed. In this current climate, starting up a business seems even more difficult, but Kayleigh’s proved that with the right support and the right attitude you can succeed.”

 Kayleigh had been considering self employment for some years before setting up her business and has spent time researching the current market and determining demand for both her products and services.

 Not only does The Funky Gift and Party Fairy supply wedding and  party products, accessories and memorabilia, but Kayleigh now offers ‘Party Plan Parties’  – a home-based service whereby hosts and friends can arrange for Kayleigh to bring merchandise to their homes and supply them with all their party needs.

 Kayleigh said: “I’m really pleased at how popular my home parties are becoming. I’m able to go out and meet my customers directly to find out what they really want. The business is going from strength to strength and I can’t thank EDBS, the ERDF fund or my friends and family enough.”

 If you would like anymore information on Kayleigh’s products and services, please log on to www.thefunkygiftandpartyfairy.co.uk.

 If you are interested in ERDF and would like m ore information, please contact Katie Harbron or Steve Souter on 0191 586 3366 to find out more.

 If you would like to know more about setting up your own business or advice on where to go next, contact EDBS on 0191 586 3366 or email enquiries@edbs.co.uk.

 The workshops are part of the Get Mentoring Programme which is looking to recruit and train thousands of business mentors in the UK from the small, medium and micro business ...]]> Last week EDBS announced we’d be running FREE training workshops for anyone who was interested in becoming a business mentor.  

 The workshops are part of the Get Mentoring Programme which is looking to recruit and train thousands of business mentors in the UK from the small, medium and micro business community.

 If you have run/are running a business with 250 employees or fewer this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

The first training session has now been moved to Tuesday 13^th March from 9:30 – 12:30 at the Novus Business Centre, To book your place please call EDBS on 0191 586 3366.

Two former job seekers are celebrating their success after setting up their dream business for the very first time. Ian Archer, 25, and Amie Stevenson, 23, had been working in the Hartlepool branch of TK Maxx when it closed ...]]>  HEALTH BUSINESS IS FIGHTING FIT IN BID TO WAGE WAR ON UNEMPLOYMENT 

Two former job seekers are celebrating their success after setting up their dream business for the very first time. Ian Archer, 25, and Amie Stevenson, 23, had been working in the Hartlepool branch of TK Maxx when it closed in 2009, giving the pair just 20 days notice of their redundancy.

After losing their jobs, Ian and Amie were recently referred to East Durham Business Service  (EDBS), the Enterprise Agency for East Durham, by Job Centre Plus.

 The pair, who have set up Bushido Fitness through a partnership, aim to utilise the experience they have had in fitness, training and nutrition in a bid to tackle the increasing obesity rates in the North East.

 Ian, who has a degree in Sport and Exercise Science from Sunderland University, said: “Our business will offer high quality, affordable personal training, exercise classes and dietary advice.”

 The fitness duo, who have a five-year-old son, Jack, set up their health and fitness business after both taking an active interest in training. Ian has been a well-respected local boxer and coach for many years and Amie is a personal trainer.

Ian said: “We’ve both had an active interest in fitness for a very long time and I’m over the moon about setting up my own business in something I really enjoy doing.

 “Without ERDF and the help we’ve received from EDBS we would not be where we are now.”

The project is being part financed by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13, securing £1.07m 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 £1.07m of their own funds.

 The ERDF 2007-13 programme is bringing over £300m into North East England to support innovation, enterprise and business support.  It will help create and safeguard 28,000 new jobs, start 3,000 new businesses and increase the region’s productivity by £1.1bn per annum.

 Ian and Amie are just two entrepreneurs who are reaping the benefits from the scheme. The pair are going from strength to strength with new classes for mothers and toddlers in the pipeline.

 The personal trainers already have a strong following in the local area with demand for their nutrition and fitness expertise increasing every day.  Places on their specially designed ‘Fat Loss Camp’ filling up fast. They also plan to conduct fitness classes and boxing training in gyms across Durham.

 Katie Harbron, Ian and Amie’s Business Advisor at EDBS, said: “Ian and Amie were referred to us from Job Centre Plus and we have been able to give them the business support and advice they need in setting up their first business.

 “It’s fantastic to see them grow in confidence and I’m really pleased that they came to us for support.”

 Amie, who has a Level 3 Personal Training qualification, said “Without the help and support from EDBS alongside this scheme, we wouldn’t have been able to launch our own business. It’s fantastic to now be in control of your own prospects and I can’t thank EDBS and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) enough.”

If you are interested in ERDF and would like more information, please contact Katie Harbron or Steve Souter on 0191 586 3366 to find out more. If you would like to know more about setting up your own business or advice on where to go next, contact EDBS on 0191 586 3366 or email enquiries@edbs.co.uk.

Bushido Fitness are offering a free fat loss diet plan if you book a consultation with them. Call Ian on 07854858188 or Amie on 07557360008 for more information.