Here is a list of just some of the many clients we have worked with and a selection of case studies to show how CDC Enterprise Agency has helped their businesses succeed.
Neil Bankhurst - The Music Pod
The Music Pod was set up in August 2010 by local musician Neil, who had planned this self funded venture for over six months. The main aim was to provide affordable rehearsal rooms and recording for local bands with an emphasis on providing excellent customer service which he feels is severely lacking in this day and age.
Neil, 37, is originally from Stockton-on-Tees and was in a number of bands there in his younger days until he decided to have a 'proper' career and went into the Pub / Night club industry, travelling around the country and eventually managing pubs down south then Hotels in the Lake District. Whilst earning a living with his 'real' job Neil was in many bands and many styles including Metal, Rock, Acoustic Pop and even a Ska band for a short time (ask him about that one !!). He performed many gigs and seemed to always take on the 'Manager' role in the band, comparing himself to Jon Bon Jovi, Neil recorded the bands as well as arranged gigs, artwork, cassette/cd production (ask your dads about cassettes !), the lot.
So when he decided to start the business up Neil decided that he wanted to help the bands out as much as possible, doing as much as he can for them. He has teamed up with some local companies in order to provide such help and states that he will only work with companies with the same outlook as himself - to provide great facilities / services at prices everyone can afford with one goal only, to help local bands.
Neil also wanted to make sure that his Studio was not like a lot of those he has visited in his 24 years of making music, there’s no stuffy engineers laughing at new bands or equipment that you cant touch without getting 'the look'. He has created a relaxed atmosphere where people of all ages, abilities and sanity can come and enjoy themselves. After all is that not what it is all about ?
The Music Pod has a statement above the door to the premises at Langley Park (next door to Diggerland), Durham, which states 'Where making music is all that matters' and that just sums up this fantastic new business.
Future plans include having all the equipment so that even those who cannot afford a guitar etc can join their friends in making music by using one of the guitars. Also a Digital Record Label is currently being set up to enhance the current services on offer. These services include CD duplication, T-shirt production, gig arranging, courses on music theory - guitar - song writing - recording techniques - singing and more, promotion of bands, banners printed, in fact he is a ’one stop shop’ for musicians, providing everything they will need from starting out to making it big. There’s even a Festival or two planned for 2011.
For now though you can rent a space in the fully soundproofed purpose built ground floor room for just £8 per hour and includes a RCF P.A. system with Shure Mics, a Yamaha mixing desk and a complete Drum kit, all at no extra cost. Refreshments are available and it is open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, 364 days a year. Ample free parking is also available and with only one practice room you basically have the place to yourselves which means no noise from the band next door !
Neil also has Party Packages on offer too; be a rock star or x-factor star by recording your voice to some of the many backing tracks on offer and take away a CD of the event. He also manages a local band called ‘the endgame’ www.theendgamemusic.com who have just released a 5 track EP, available from The Music Pod or downloaded from many online retailers including iTunes and Tesco. This band adds to his Managers portfolio of ‘The Copycats’ a group re-creating 60’s and 70’s tunes plus ‘Jenn Medina’ a Katy Perry / Lady Gaga Pop Princess. Expect to see a lot of these over the coming year.
For more information contact Neil on 0191 3732923 or Email or just pop down for a cuppa. Also track down The Music Pod on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Myspace etc etc (He’s on them all) plus sign up for the newsletter from the website www.themusicpod.co.uk
Neil has received a range of support from CDC and said ”Without the help of the staff at CDC Enterprise agency I would not have had the skills and confidence to become self employed, the support given has been amazing, always there to help me with any issues or questions that arise within self employment.“
Check out the Music Pod on YouTube:
Elaine Weston - It's All About Me Skincare
It's All About Me Skincare is a brand new beauty brand, which really is 'gr8 4 teens'.
Every product in the range from the Yeah...Washeva mild face wash to the Clear Off effective spot treatment is full of attitude – along with all-natural ingredients – meaning every one is kind to young, sensitive skin, while effectively fighting spots.
Created by mum-of-two Elaine Weston, from Bishop Auckland in County Durham, with help from her 13 year-old niece Lauren, and daughter Sian, 10, It's All About Me Skincare has a unique insight into the minds of its target market.
Every product is an essential buy for their bulging make up bags at a time when appearance is crucial in giving them confidence. And the products are proof that what's inside counts too, containing revolutionary, natural ingredients. What's more, all are fragrance free, ideal for teens – and older skin too.
Working alongside CDC Enterprise Agency, from the initial concept stage through to the product range launch and beyond, Elaine has received support and advice throughout her enterprise journey. This has seen her complete market research, construct her business plan, oversee product formulation, consult on branding and see her product range featured in the most popular teenage magazines out there. Elaine will also be featured in a BBC documentary series expected to air in September 2010.
Go to www.itsallaboutmeskincare.co.uk for more information.
Julie Penfold - Freelance Writer
Julie is a professional Freelance Writer who specialises in producing features and articles for magazines, and in addition, offers her copywriting expertise to local businesses needing her journalistic help with press release writing and promotional literature. Julie is a fully qualified journalist and had long wanted to go it alone and set up as a sole trader working from home when she made the decision to contact CDC to see if they could help in realising her dream.
Julie says: “When I first met my Business Advisor, Joe Murray, I was amazed at the level of free help and advice Joe suggested was available to me including funding grants, free workshops to enhance my business skills and networking events to allow me to meet like-minded people. My main concern in starting out was how I would find the capital I needed to buy essential equipment to enable me to work from home. Joe was a fantastic help, assisting me with writing a Business Plan, producing Cashflow Forecasts and his help and reassurance when applying for and later securing funding was invaluable. I would recommend anyone with ambitions to start their own business to make CDC their first port of call and tap into the help and services they can offer.”
Visit Julie’s website for more information about the range of copywriting services she offers at www.juliepenfold.co.uk or call Julie directly on 07905 335550.
Sarah Weightman - Glow Creative
Sarah has set up her own marketing company. She came to CDC in December 2007, attended a “Start Your Own Business Workshop” and was trading by the end of January 2008! With the help of her Business Adviser she was able to sort out: tax, business identity, marketing strategy, data protection, legislation, as well as her business plan and financial forecasts, all in a matter of weeks! She exceeded her sales forecasts by 40% in the first month and her success continues!
Sarah’s company, Glow Creative, now delivers creative marketing, branding & PR services with the efficiency & professionalism of a large agency, together with the attention to detail and personal touch of a small one.
“When I approached CDC Enterprise Agency I was worried about the details of running a business, self employment, the set up process, the book keeping. It was all a mystery to me. Joe Murray was my mentor and he has guided me through everything, providing a lot of information I wouldn’t have been able to find myself. I gained a lot of confidence through the reassurance that CDC was able to offer, they could answer all of my questions and cast an eye over the all important Business Plans & Cash Flow Forecasts. I have been pointed in the right direction for networking events, business clubs, training courses and websites, all of which have been invaluable. I can definitely recommend Joe and CDC Enterprise Agency to anyone thinking about starting a business, it has been a great resource for Glow Creative.”
Visit www.glowcreative.co.uk
Stuart Yates - Swines of Durham
Stuart set up his business as an independent organic wine merchant whilst still studying at Durham University. He needed a bank loan and came to CDC for assistance. His Business Adviser helped him to prepare a business plan and financial forecast to support the application and he was granted the funding.
Taking the plunge, Stuart organised a wine tasting event at the Gala Theatre which proved to be a success and he has been asked back to host more tastings. With business picking up, he has collaborated with a local boutique hotel Grafton House to organise another event where good food and Stuart’s organic wine are on the menu.
Stuart’s clients are often local suppliers, or simply wine lovers looking for something new, and with organic produce becoming more en vogue, Stuart’s business is going from strength to strength.
"The Agency has been tremendously helpful on my journey of starting my own business. It hasn't always been easy but there has been help available all along the way. I would wholeheartedly recommend that anyone who has even a glimpse of a business idea or of an enterprising endeavour in and around Durham seeks advice from them as soon as possible."
Visit www.swinesofdurham.co.uk to get a taste of Stuart’s success.
Andy Taylor - Graphic Design and Illustration
Andy comes from an advertising and promotion background, and has also spent time teaching various art classes in several colleges in the region. He set up his own graphic design and illustration business 2 years ago and came to CDC for marketing advice. With the help of his business adviser, Andy was able to re-assess his marketing strategy and prepare a financial forecast. He attended our networking event as well as a book keeping course and business is now doing well.
He often works with the council and local museums, as well as doing general graphic design work. He created the information panels for Durham’s DLI Museum and has worked with diverse groups of people to create booklets and leaflets, as well as logos in order to develop brands for international companies and local businesses.
Coming to us as an existing business, Andy found that:
“CDC is a very useful service for businesses that are just starting up or trying to define exactly what they are about. It helps you to get to the position that you want to be in and shows you how to plan for the future. I enjoyed my experience with CDC and it gave me interesting and useful avenues to follow.”
Andy’s contact details are: taylor.andy77@yahoo.co.uk 0191 373 2485
Andrea Marshall Dixon - Audacia Interiors
Andrea has a shop in Durham City centre where she sells superior quality interior accessories and furniture sourced from the UK, France, Belgium and Denmark.
She came to CDC and was helped with a business plan and financial forecasts. She also attended book keeping and marketing training courses to boost her business skills.
Audacia Interiors not only sells quality furniture and accessories but Andrea has managed to couple this with exceptional customer service and also offers her clients a gift finding service. As a result she has a wide customer base and managed to exceed her forecast sales by almost 50% in the first month.