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News

17 February 2010

Entrust helps to paint a brighter future

Robert Walker was made redundant in January 2009 and over the last 12 months has turned the situation into an opportunity to set up his own painting and decorating business with help from FIN, part of the Entrust group of companies.

FIN is aimed at individuals living in Newcastle who are thinking about starting up a business. The service, part of Newcastle City Council’s Enterprise Package, is funded by the European Union’s ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13 and by Newcastle City Council. It offers free, impartial advice from specialist advisors who will work with individuals to explore self employment and help put in place the foundations for a successful business.

Robert, from Throckley, was working for CLC Group (Property and Asset Maintenance) before his redundancy. He has gone on to establish and build his new business and is currently working on communal staircases for Kingston Properties in Whitley Bay and decorating offices and factory floors on behalf of John McGowan Outlets. As well as the support from FIN, Robert also has help from his wife Ann who looks after his paperwork and administration to ensure the smooth running of his business.

Chris Dawson, Start Up Support Advisor, FIN said:

“FIN provides intensive support for people just like Robert, who had never worked for himself before. It covers all elements involved in starting up a business from planning to marketing and premises to costs. We work with individuals to assess their needs and connect them to relevant services including lawyers, accountants and tax specialists. We can also look at potential sources of finance and advice on the best solutions for our business.”

Robert worked with FIN advisors to develop and implement a business plan, organise marketing materials, consider a pricing structure and to put his business ideas into practice.

Speaking about his experience he said:

“My adviser was an excellent support. It was great having someone I could trust on hand every step of the way. It was pretty daunting at times but I knew I could ask any questions I wanted and be sure that I would get sensible and helpful answers. I was unsure about when to invest in a van for my business and FIN talked me through the options, I also received advice on tax which helped make a complicated process more straightforward.

I’ve never been self employed before so everything was new to me. It was really worrying at first because there is so much to think about. FIN 100% reassured me and offered so much help to get me to take the first steps. Even now, I still get emails and alerts to new opportunities and have FIN on speed dial in case there’s anything I’m unsure about! Since I’ve set up on my own, I’ve never looked back.”

FIN advisors operate from offices in both the West and East end of Newcastle, and from outreach points across the City of Newcastle.

For free and impartial advice about how to get a business idea off the ground call 0191 278 1855.



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