Business Case Studies

Virtual Office Support Services Businesses can now head into cyberspace and use a “virtual assistant” to take care of all their administration needs. Rachel Mackay from Gainford will provide a wide range of professional administrative assistance to businesses from her home office

Hot Dog Hols - Pet Sitting, Dog Sitting and Dog Walking Service Hot Dog Hols was started with SDEA support and offer Pet Sitting and Dog Walking services

Eldon Financial Planning Ltd Eldon Financial Planning Limited was set up in 2002 to amalgamate two successful existing businesses, aiming to become the North’s premier fee-based financial planning practice.

Alan Fentiman Alan Fentiman runs a video production company based in Teesdale which provides bespoke video for the web, events and presentations.

TCaddy A Wear Valley man has invented a new accessory to help a round of golf go with a swing. Ian Nelson from Willington has designed a portable caddy to carry the vital components for a round of golf

Popplerdopplers If you want your children to have a great time while learn then you should 'pop and dopple' along to see a dale women and her furry frienda

Eden Worms & Compost A farming family has taken on 80,000 new members of staff to produce natural and environmentally friendly fertiliser. The Taylor family at Eden Lodge, Hamsterley, have diversified into worm farming and composting to provide a range of products for homes and businesses.

LaneSystems Ltd IT consultancy firm LaneSystems Ltd based in Fishburn recruited apprentice James Thomas with the help of funding from the apprenticeship scheme.

AK Lighting & Signs Ltd Lighting and street signs installation firm AK Lighting and Signs Ltd based in West Auckland recruited apprentice Charlotte Abbott with the help of funding from the apprenticeship scheme.

Ayre Heating & Plumbing Ltd Ayre Heating & Plumbing Ltd based in Bishop Auckland recruited apprentice Craig George with the help of funding from the apprenticeship scheme.

Dr Baliga's Surgery Dr Baliga's Surgery based in Shildon recruited apprentice Sarah Patrick with the help of funding from the apprenticeship scheme.

Weldrack Weldrack are a complete one stop shop for engineering companies. Set up by Graham Emerson and Jeff Metcalfe, who both have a history of working for engineering firms and knew the issues faced when sourcing supplies.

First Aid Today First Aid Today was set up in 2007 by Uel Readioff after he was suddenly made redundant from a large Gateshead retailer after recently relocating to the North East for the position. The experience proved a real turning point because it prompted Uel to set up his own business with First Aid Today.

Astonmitchell Since its establishment in October last year, astonmitchell.com, an online male make up company run from home, has been shortlisted for a prestigious award and is now looking to turn over nearly £200,000 within its first 18 months.

Trimmers Trimmers is a hair salon that was set up in Bishop Auckland in 1978 by Jean Wombwell. The company was thriving until in May 2007 with a staff of seven when three stylists left the salon to set up on their own, taking a quarter of the salon’s business with them.

Medical Services (North East) Limited Medical Services (North East) Limited provide a Private Ambulance Service and deliver all types of health and safety training courses throughout the North East.

Devil Wear Devilwear has been trading online since 2002. The company specialises in offering branded clothes and accessories at competitive prices, backed by fast delivery and excellent customer service and low delivery charges.

AG&P Following a successful 19 year career at Nissan, Steve Scott embarked upon a new challenge when he left Nissan and bought AG&P. AG&P is a bespoke print business which works with a cross section of businesses including new business start ups, SME's and nationwide companies.

Eldrett Finch The business was set up in October 2006 by Andrew Finch and Paul Eldrett. They specialised on light fabrication work which included staircases, balustrades, general heavy steel engineering and site maintenance.

S+A Fabrications S+A Fabrications was established by Geoff Simpson and John Allison and is a steel fabrications business manufacturing steel framed buildings since 1978.

Evenwood News Eric has owned Evenwood News for five years and also owns a convenience store opposite. At the time of taking over Evenwood News, the newsagent was finding it difficult to survive in a small village with two other similar shops.

Nitty Gritty Learning Nitty Gritty Learning was established last September by ex English teacher Lynda Kempsey who has twenty years experience as a successful English teacher, fourteen of these as Head of English and Literacy Coordinator in secondary schools.

Britnett Web Services Barnard Castle based Britnett Web Services was founded in 1999, specialising in internet-based solutions for SMEs and website design for business. It now has eight full time staff.

Teesdale Glass Engravers Joan Staley first came to the Teesdale Enterprise Agency in January 2000 with the idea of setting up a business to promote her husband’s work.

4 x 4 Offroad A former dairy farmer who turned from four legs to four wheels is expecting a busy end to the year as he expands his successful off road driving business.

Laverock Holiday Cottage Laverock Holiday Cottages comprises two holiday cottages which have been renovated by the Bainbridge family on their 50 acre farm in the Pennine area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Unique Solutions The entrepreneur behind Unique Solutions is Maureen Colohan who has had many years experience successfully running training courses such as stress proofing, leadership and time management for some of the country’s biggest and most successful businesses.

Unique Home Care Limited As the economic downturn worsens and heavy snow causes problems throughout the country, it's rare to find a ray of sunshine or glimmer of hope.

Asbestos Analytical - Barningham A new website is helping a Barnard Castle company clean up in the world of asbestos identification.

Personal Development Could formal management training help you at work?

High Flyers £40m Heathrow Contract for Bishop Auckland roofing company

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Case Studies