New entrepreneurs find their feet in Sunderland with thanks to an ambitious new programme of support
A support programme designed to attract more people into self-employment has helped 297 people consider working for themselves, with 68 going on to trade successfully.
Intended to raise ambitions and inspire people who wouldn’t traditionally see themselves as entrepreneurs, Enterprising Sunderland launched in November 2024 and provides a wide range of support for anyone considering self-employment.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme is delivered on behalf of Sunderland City Council by a consortium of partners experienced in championing communities across Sunderland. This includes the North East BIC, Back on the Map, Sunderland BME Network, The King’s Trust, University of Sunderland, Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre and Smarta.
Thirty-two year old Chris Larkin from Washington is one of the businesses benefiting from the programme. The heating and plumbing engineer was made redundant in December 2023 and took the opportunity to reignite a childhood dream of following in his grandfather’s footsteps in business. After receiving support from Enterprising Sunderland to shape his business plan, he started trading as C Larkin Plumbing & Heating in June 2024.
Speaking about the experience, Chris said: “The help I’ve had has been spot on. I’ve attended self-employment workshops, had help with my marketing and funding applications and received really valuable business mentorship. The BIC has been by my side whenever I’ve needed extra help or advice, there’s never any pressure and they really can help you see more clearly how self-employment could work for you.
“As the business grows, I really want to give back to the community by offering apprenticeships and helping others take their first steps as a heating and plumbing engineer. I used to watch my grandad work as a youngster. Receiving help through this programme and having someone to look up to has really guided me on this path, and I’d like to do that for someone else if I can.”
The Enterprising Sunderland partnership is providing tailored support to people from all backgrounds. This includes workshops in community spaces, one-to-one advice and support, and an online training programme. Delivered by Smarta, the online programme includes a range of video classes covering foundation business skills that can be accessed by people in their own time.
Paul McEldon, Chief Executive at the North East BIC said: “For anyone looking to explore new opportunities by working for themselves, there has never been a better time to turn a skill, hobby or interest into a business opportunity. Encouraging more businesses to start-up in Sunderland is one of the ways that we can support local economic development at a time when the city has so much to offer residents, businesses and students.
“Enterprising Sunderland is making this journey easy and accessible for people, no matter their background or current circumstances. We’re thrilled to have helped so many people, but we have really high hopes that we can help even more before the programme closes in March 2025.”
Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, business and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “Sunderland is a city full of enterprising people. Support like this is vital in helping them take the step into self-employment and start-up. It’s brilliant to see the positive impact this package of support has had to date and I would encourage anyone out there who is thinking of starting up their own business to take advantage of the support on offer before the programme ends.”
If you’re considering working for yourself and want to understand how Enterprising Sunderland can help you, take your first step and speak to an adviser today on 0191 516 6111 or click here.
The start-up support from the BIC forms part of the Enterprising Sunderland project which has received £1,271,885 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund Programme, managed in Sunderland by Sunderland City Council on behalf of the Sunderland Partnership.
