The centre for business

Starting a business can prove a tricky venture. For prospective businesses in the North East, Andrea McGuigan explains, there is a helping hand available in Durham

If you are looking to start-up your own business but don’t know where to begin then than Durham County Council’s Regeneration and Economic Development team can provide a range of support services to help you on the path to self-employment.

A team of coaches and advisors are on hand to offer advice, support and guidance to anyone wishing to fulfil their ambition of running their own business. Support can be given with developing business plans, marketing strategies as well as access to funding towards start up costs.

If you are at a stage where you are ready to take on premises then the state-of-the-art Tanfield Lea Business Centre provides modern business floor space targeted at both new and existing businesses. Young entrepreneurs can benefit from reduced rents for the first year of occupation as well as access to tailored support and grant assistance.

The £6.8m centre is a result of funding from Durham County Council, One North East, County Durham Economic Partnership and the European Regional Development Fund. Now open it offers a leading business opportunity for businesses in the North East.

Awarded a ‘Very Good’ status under the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) scheme, the centre uses advances in eco-technology to provide a greener work environment for tenants, through the inclusion of solar panelling and natural air ventilation.

Facilities at the centre include three floors of modern office space, including a communal atrium with kitchen facilities. There are a total of 41 office units ranging in size from over 100 to over 1000 sq ft, each with 24 hour access to individual office units.

As part of the centre there are also fully equipped conference and meeting rooms for hire. A manned reception is on hand to provide a wide range of office services. And as would be expected from such facilities, the centre has both telephone and broadband connectivity for communication.

Free car parking facilities are available for ease of visit. The centre has an excellent location in close proximity to the A6706, a direct link road to Gateshead and Newcastle interest in this iconic building has been very encouraging. As such enquiries for this modern office accommodation have been received from businesses across the many sectors throughout the North East.

Ross Bullerwell, of Durham County Council, said “This new centre represents the commitment of Durham County Council to the continued range of support services available to businesses and particularly to the development and growth of young entrepreneurs”.

For those who are already in business and are looking to expand, there are financial incentives available to help kick start a move into larger premises. Grants can be used to contribute towards relevant capital costs which may include overheads, marketing campaigns and improvements to ICT. So whether starting out or looking to expand, the business opportunities right for you are available in Durham.

Contact Andrea McGuigan on Tel: 01207 218219 or visit: www.tanfieldleabusinesscentre.com