Enquiries jump 60 per cent for Durham start-up support programme 

A newly launched enterprise support programme in County Durham has seen a rapid increase in enquiries from would-be entrepreneurs looking to take the leap and start a new career working for themselves.

The business support team at TEDCO has seen a 60 per cent increase in enquiries for their start-up services to access to the newly launched Durham Ambitious Business Start-ups (DABS) programme.

DABS aims to help individuals at the pre-start stage and businesses trading up to 12 months with a unique package of supportive measures designed to drive success and create new jobs for the county.

Carole White, chief executive of TEDCO commented: “The last few weeks have seen an unprecedented number of new enquiries from people looking to take charge of their own future and develop a career that works for them.  The most hard-hit sectors have seen redundancy numbers jump as the true scale of the economic hardship arising from the Covid-19 lockdown has become clearer.

“From our point of view, we want to provide realistic, practical and helpful advice to anyone considering using this time to work on the business idea that has been bubbling away in the back of their mind – our team of advisors [Mark Johnston and Judith Wheatley, pictured] can work with you to make your new venture a reality.”

Working in conjunction with Business Durham, TEDCO’s unique pre and post-start business programme uses a combination of peer-learning, one-to-one coaching and intensive interactive workshops to drive entrepreneurial activity and future success.

Carole continued: “As the last few weeks have shown, individuals are looking for help and advice and right now we have a team of experienced advisors able to help them. We want to encourage anyone seeking answers to get in touch and discuss your business idea with our team.”