A Newton Aycliffe sparky has started his own business thanks to support from a business scheme.
Electrical Engineer Mark Edney is embarking on his new business venture thanks to the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership’s (GAMP) flagship ‘Step into Business’ scheme.
Mark has an electrical engineering background which has helped him on his journey to retrain as a plumber.
Another step that helped Mark get set up was when he completed his City and Guilds qualification early July last year; this was then followed by an NVQ qualification.
After working with staff at South Durham Enterprise Agency, Mark was able to pull together a solid business plan and cash flow forecast, with the help of his business adviser, Jonathan Armitage.
South Durham Enterprise Agency pointed Mark in the right direction and helped him access vital funding.
The GAMP scheme allowed Mark to purchase equipment which in turn created a whole new service for Marks future clients.
“The GAMP funding has helped my business offer a new service to future and existing customers,” said Mark.
“I can offer a much more competitively priced way of dealing with certain aspects of plumbing with the electric pipe freezing tool I purchased through the GAMP fund!
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the AAP and all concerned with GAMP funding and also the help of Jonathan Armitage my business advisor at South Durham Enterprise Agency.”
Mark is now running his fully fledged business in and around the Newton Aycliffe area delivering a range of competitively priced services thanks to the GAMP Scheme.
Adam White, GAMP community project officer, added: “One of GAMPs’ key priorities is Employment, Enterprise. Education and Training.
“This initiative brings together the Area Action Partnership and colleagues within South Durham Enterprise Agency with an aim of increasing self employment opportunities.
“We hope that businesses such a Mark’s grow from strength to strength and make Aycliffe a vibrant place to start a business.”
