Good news for rural small business owners!

Good news, our Enterprise and business support for pre starts, start ups and early stage businesses has expanded.  We have been partners on the Enterprising North programme since 2024 and are delighted to be continuing our work across all of rural Northumberland under this project until the end of the year.  Our rural start up adviser team has expanded and we welcome Liz and Matty to the Enterprising North delivery team.  We will continue to be present across rural communities providing the same client centred, rurally focused support.

In addition to this programme, we have recently been awarded the contract to deliver pre start and enterprise support across North Northumberland on the North East Rural Growth Programme.  Funded through the North East Combined Authority this project will allow us to double up our support across this location including events, workshops and the one-to-one continued client support.  Charlotte will be moving across to this programme and is looking forward to working collaboratively with business advisers across both Gateshead and County Durham to create a strong rural team offering enterprise support to pre-starts and start ups.

Here are just some of the lovely things our clients have had to say about us:

“Working with Charlotte has been instrumental in turning the Northumberland Haunted Museum from an idea into a real, market-ready business. Her support, guidance, and ability to challenge and refine my thinking have given me clarity, confidence, and direction at every stage. She has a real talent for bringing ideas to life in a practical, achievable way, and I genuinely couldn’t have come this far without her.” – Michele Liddle, Northumberland Haunted Museum  

“Working with Charlotte, Simon and the RDC has been fantastic for SCRUB Cycles.  Having an expert on hand to help our business in it's early stages by highlighting opportunities and connecting us with other services has been invaluable.  I would definitely recommend the RDC to anyone who is thinking of starting a business or in the early stages of trading.” – Andy Carman, SCRUB Cycles

“Simon brought his own experience as a small business owner, which was invaluable, he put me in touch with useful contacts, helped me cost out my production, and boosted my confidence.” - Steph Celino, Durham Mustard.

If you are already working with us – great! We will be in touch with you to discuss options moving forward.  If you are reading this and have been thinking about something new – get in touch.  We would love to support you. Charlotte.hope@ruraldesigncentre.com‍ ‍