Derwentside is a location to inspire any business looking to move premises or even those who are searching for the ideal place to start up a new venture. Derwentside District Council has a dedicated team of professionals who provide a comprehensive business support service to the people and businesses of the district. Derwentside District Council's Business Development Team has a drive that is second to none, combined with a flexible approach. As a team, it strives to support enterprise, encourage innovation and create an entrepreneurial culture. Working in partnership with various organisations, the development team has built a network of support for all kinds of businesses, the region and its people. The various projects initiated by Derwentside Council's development team set firm foundations for business to grow and develop in the region. The Emerge Hot Desk The "Emerge" project has been established for two years, funding and supporting 30 Derwentside residents set up in business and creating over 50 new jobs for the district. Recognised as an example of excellence, the Emerge Project is now entering an exciting new phase, which will see a fully-equipped Emerge hot-desking facility established within the award-winning Derwentside Business Centre. The facility offers those new businesses that cannot afford to rent a large unit during the early stages of trading the opportunity to access a low-cost, professional office environment which has state-of-the-art technology and broadband connectivity. Susan Surtees, the new Emerge co-ordinator, manages the hot desk operation. As well as the wide range of facilities on offer to small businesses in Derwentside, there will also be an opportunity for any business in the district to attend a series of training workshops covering the basics of book-keeping and setting up a financial system and the conversion of book-keeping into management accounts. For further details, please contact Susan Surtees, Emerge co-ordinator on (01207) 693919 or e-mail s.surtees@derwentside.gov.uk Funding factors... Funding can often deter new businesses starting and existing business to develop. A funding project had been designed to provide financial incentives that can be used to bridge funding gaps at the start and expansion stage. As this work continues so will the strength of the local business community, as a result it will increase economic growth prospects of the region. To find out what support is available, contact Joanne Urquhart-Arnold, business development officer, on (01207) 218053 Building awareness.... Small and medium-size businesses have been accessing marketing advice since 1999 through a specialist project designed to provide a programme of professional marketing support. This innovative project was initiated by the council to assist the development and marketing expertise of businesses in the region. For marketing support and advice, contact Andrea McGuigan, marketing advice officer, on (01207) 218219. Consett Business Park extension The development team has been successful in securing funding for a further phase of manufacturing and office space development on Consett Business Park at Villa Real. The construction will be the sixth phase of development of the Business Centre and is on schedule for opening in July 2005. Providing high quality workspace for one medium-sized manufacturing organisation and three office-based companies, the high specification units will offer a type of accommodation not currently available in Derwentside. The manufacturing unit will be 1,000sq metres, whilst the three office units will be approximately 300sq metres each. The units are designed to support both fledgling companies and those ready for the move to the next stage in their development. It's hoped that the construction of these units will reduce the need for companies to move to the major town centres of Newcastle and Sunderland. Ross Bullerwell. project manager, says: "I am pleased to able to announce another exciting phase of the already highly successful Consett Business Park. The Park continues to go from strength and this is by no means the end of our plans for industrial development in Derwentside." Derwentside District Council, generously supported with grant aid from One NorthEast's Single Programme, has developed the project. It forms part of a coherent strategy to improve Derwentside's economy through stimulating enterprise to increase the growth of organisations and create sustainable employment opportunities. * For further information, please contact Ross Bullerwell, senior development officer, on (01207) 218435, or e-mail r.bullerwell@derwentside.gov.uk | 
