150 people delivered from benefits into entrepreneurship in the past six months in the North East

InBiz, has helped 150 people in the North East to realise their dream of entrepreneurship since July 2008, with 10 of those from Darlington. One such person that InBiz has helped is Sophie Beaumont, 28, from Darlington.

Sophie had struggled with a lack of direction in her career and studied various subjects at college, including hairdressing, beauty, art and retail. Sophie didn’t feel that any of these trades were something that she could build a career in.

Sophie wanted to be able to wake up in the morning and look forward to going to work. She turned her attention to self employment in order to make a career out of her interest in Anime, a form of Japanese animation and Manga, a style of Japanese comics.

Sophie knew the industry, due to a lifelong passion for Anime and Manga, but needed practical advice in tackling business issues such as bookkeeping, marketing and tax. Sophie contacted InBiz, where she was assigned a personal business adviser, Annette Semple, at the office in Eastmount Road, Darlington (this office has since relocated at Northgate House, Darlington).

Annette took Sophie, step by step, through everything that she needed to know to set up her business. Sophie struggled with confidence when talking to suppliers on the telephone, and was intimidated when corresponding with large companies. Annette worked with Sophie to overcome her fears, and to think like a successful businesswoman.

Sophie bought her first consignment of stock with a grant from Jobcentre Plus, and began trading on eBay. She is still learning about her business and improving her offering, including rare titles.

Sophie said, “InBiz’s help has been invaluable in starting up my business. Being able to build a business, and a career, out of my love of Anime and Manga is hugely rewarding. I have direction in my life, and feel that I am in control of my life and where it is going.”

Karen Kenmare, InBiz Area Manager in the North East, said, “Sophie is a perfect example of the work that InBiz does in Darlington. She needed some direction in her career, and wanted it to be something that she could be passionate about. InBiz helped her to take her love of Japanese animation and comics and turn it into something that she could earn a living from.”

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