Young entrepreneurs are making it their business to help companies across East Durham boost their profits.
Members of District of Easington Youth Forum have launched their own social enterprise manufacturing personalised promotional items, which they hope to sell on to local firms.
The business is being backed by District of Easington Council and East Durham Business Service as a way of fostering a greater spirit of entrepreneurship in the area.
Steve Clark, the council’s Youth Strategy Officer, said: “Figures show that our area is one of the worst in the country for business start-up rates. However, by creating a can-do attitude among young people we hope to promote a greater spirit of entrepreneurship in the district.
“The young people will be responsible for running all aspects of the business and making all the decisions so they will also get the chance to develop a whole range of skills, from the vocational to the personal.”
The young people, who are aged between 14 and 16-years-old, first came up with the idea of launching their own business after they bought a mug-printing machine and began selling personalised mugs to visitors at the council’s Pride in Easington Day last year.
The group also achieved second place in a young enterprise competition at a family fun day, beating about 30 other teams.
A second printing machine means they can now also produce mouse mats, clocks, key rings, t-shirts and fridge magnets bearing corporate logos.
The group already have 1,400 orders on their books but will be making a range of sample items that they hope to use to secure further work.
Regen Schools will be providing business advice and training for the young people whose goal is to make enough profit to build up the business and also earn members a wage.
“The business will be run as a trading arm of the youth forum and all members of the forum will have the chance to participate in some way,” Steve added.
“However, their first aim will be to start fundraising so they can produce a brochure and launch a marketing campaign.”
News article created on the 15 February 2008