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It isn't all bad news in business
LAST year, 133 new businesses were created in the borough and 395 new jobs are forecast to be created over two years, according to new figures.
It's thanks to South Tyneside Means Business (STMB), a scheme created in 2006 and funded by the Government.
In the past 12 months, its Business Matters outlets have had more than 1,000 appointments with people hoping to get their business idea off the ground.
In that time, 111 new businesses have received financial assistance to help them make their dreams become a reality. Another 97 existing companies received financial assistance.
And while national chains like Woolworths, Adams and Priceless Shoes have all collapsed as the economic downturn continues, smaller firms in the borough are thriving.
Mark Berriman has seen his turnover double in the past 12 months.
His business – pet-supermarket.co.uk – is based at Bede Industrial Estate, Jarrow, and has seen its profits go from 2.4m to 5.2m.
Mr Berriman, who employs 29 staff, said: "The economic downturn hasn't affected us at all.
"We are moving into new countries all the time and recently took our first orders in the Czech Republic and Romania.
"Our company is now supplying premium pet foods to 63 countries across the world."
Another local firm, Cottam Brush, based at Monkton Business Park North, in Hebburn, are also looking forward to a credit-crunch beating year.
Sales have recently been boosted to 3m, and the company is planning to forge new trading links with the Chinese city of Langfang, outside Beijing, next month.
Peter Brumby, from the North East Chamber of Commerce and chairman of South Tyneside Business Network, said: "While South Tyneside is probably the smallest business community in the area, it's the most supportive and friendly.
"There's a real culture of larger, more established businesses giving a helping hand to smaller start-ups with tips and advice.
"South Tyneside is a good place for businesses to start up, and there's a positive attitude among the business community at the moment. The borough is in a great location with good transport links."
Coun Alan Kerr, lead member for jobs, enterprise and regeneration, said: "Even in these challenging times, we are seeing some really positive outcomes and tangible results in helping businesses to move forward and achieve their goals.
"Working together, the public and private sector are capitalising on South Tyneside's fantastic location and building on its strong foundations, making it a more enterprising borough."
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
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