BUSINESS GRANT IS TREEMENDOUS!

David Garthwaite from the Coppice

A Hartlepool businessman has praised a business grant which has helped him to climb high since he set up three years ago.

Arborist David Garthwaite, 44, was the first person to receive the New Deal for Communities (NDC) Business Enterprise Grant to launch his specialist tree management service ‘The Coppice’.

Previously unemployed, David turned to NDC after finding it difficult to get basic work because employers felt he was too educated for the jobs that he was applying for.

Since receiving the £2,000 grant and business support from NDC, ‘The Coppice’ has gone from strength to strength working on projects throughout Hartlepool and the North East region.

David, from Thornville Gardens, said: “I probably wouldn’t have started the business if it wasn’t for the help I received from Alison at NDC. The grant was fantastic but it was the marketing, advertising, and strategy advice that was the most valuable, I still refer to it today.

“They filled me with the confidence that I lacked. I have come far in a short space of time, it’s a joy to be working at the heart of the local community and knowing that I am making life better for myself and my family.

“If someone wants to start a business and they are willing to put in the necessary hard work then they should do it.”

57 businesses have been created thanks to the enterprise grant, which is available to anyone living in the NDC area of Hartlepool from Belle Vue to Hart Lane.

Alison Soulsby said: “It has always been our aim to create a thriving and sustainable business community. We want local people to be able to use local businesses and help bring investment into the town.

“It is great that ‘The Coppice’ has come this far and it shows how worthwhile projects like this are to the local community.”

 

News item issued by Kimberley Hammond, PR & Communications, Avanticom, 01429 869265

29th January 2008

 

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2008 IS THE YEAR FOR CAFÉ 177 SAY YOUNGSTERS

 

Youngsters at the helm of a Hartlepool youth café are hailing 2008 as their year following a series of positive changes.

The Youth Forum wants to make café 177 the place for democracy for young people and as a vehicle to find solutions for issues that they may have.

They are also working with staff to increase services in the Café for the 16-23 year olds during the day and also increase activities for the 13 and above on an evening.

Mark Guy from the Youth Forum said: “It’s great that we are involved in Café 177 as we know what young people want. 2008 will see new activities and more on offer for young people not only in the New Deal for Communities area but across the town.”

Lisa Powton from Café 177 said: “The young people are bringing some very exciting ideas to the table and we look forward to exploring them together.

“We are in the process of developing new activities for the evening and new ways for older age groups to use the Café during the day.

“Café 177 is a flagship project that has been very successful and we are constantly looking at new ways to deliver services in line with fast changing youth culture.”

The Café also plans to make a mark on the music scene by holding more band nights and open mic nights over the coming year.

For more information on Café 177 please contact staff on 862177.

News item issued by Kimberley Hammond, PR & Communications, Avanticom, 01429 869265

29th January 2008

 

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NATIONAL TOURNAMENT THANKS TO SPORTING HERO

Young footballers from Hartlepool will be showcasing their skills at a national tournament thanks to a visit from a sporting hero.

The money raised from a Sportman’s Dinner with ex-England and Liverpool player Alan Kennedy is being used to pay for the Belle Vue Juniors Under 7’s to take part in the Butlins football competition.

The Belle Vue Centre teamed up with Hartlepool Athletic Rugby Club to host the Sportsman’s Dinner which helped to raise £2,000.

Trevor Robinson from the Belle Vue Centre said: “We had such a great reception from the event which shows in the amount of money that was raised.

“The team is now looking forward to competing in the tournament next summer against teams from all across the Country.”

Andy Wilson from Hartlepool Athletic Rugby Club said: “I think it shows true sportsmanship that a young person’s football team benefits from a partnership with an adult football team.

“We wouldn’t have been able to raise the amount of money without the help and support of the many local businesses that provided contributions to the sports memorabilia auction.”

The Under 7’s will compete in the tournament at Cayton Bay Butlins in May 2008.

News item issued by Kimberley Hammond, PR & Communications, Avanticom, 01429 869265

     

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