A Stanley travel firm has expanded its offices and is planning to take on an extra member of staff, thanks to council support.
Holiday Stylist, in the town’s Beamish Street, was awarded funding by Durham County Council through its Targeted Business Improvement scheme.
The initiative aims to support businesses, bring derelict or underused retail space back into use and encourage business growth.
Holiday Stylist owners Lindsay Kellegher and Kathryn Waites have used the money to expand their offices into a former hairdressing salon at the front of their existing premises and install a new shop front.
The extra space will also enable the firm, which has been based in the town for the past four years, to take on an apprentice. Durham County Council has provided advice on the recruitment.
Lindsay said: “The support we have received from Durham County Council has been invaluable in helping us achieve our plans to expand our business. By supporting us with the exterior of the premises we have been able to bring our brand and our offer onto the high street.”
The Targeted Business Improvement scheme aims to improve economic activity across the county’s retail centres; generate investment, employment and training opportunities; and improve the design and appearance of business premises.
Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Independent retailers play a vital part in the county’s economy and it is, therefore, vital that we support them as much as we can.
“We offer a range of packages to assist independent businesses across the county so I would encourage people to get in touch with us to find out how we might be able to help them.
“Holiday Stylist is just one of dozens of businesses to have already accessed this support and I am pleased to see how our support has enabled them to develop and expand.”
The Targeted Business Improvement scheme is open to businesses operating in a number of locations across County Durham. For more information, contact the economic development team on 03000 267 967, email CED@durham.gov.uk or visit www.durham.gov.uk/helpwithbusinessfunding