Here is a list of just some of the many clients we have worked with and a selection of case studies to show how CDC Enterprise Agency has helped their businesses succeed.
David Rutherford - Mooch Magazine
David came to CDC with the idea of setting up a free cultural magazine targeting the student population of Durham City. Due to the creative nature of his business idea he was eligible to apply for a grant from the Arts Council. David attended our Start Your Own Business workshop and then, with the help of his Business Adviser, he was able to prepare a business plan and 3 year financial forecast in order to meet the strict application guidelines. He was awarded the grant a few weeks later.
He has now set up as a limited company and offers his magazine free, funding it through advertising revenue which is mutually beneficial to his company and those who advertise in it. Targeting the student population, Mooch offers more than just events listings, celebrity interviews, reviews and articles on world affairs; this is a magazine that understands its readers! “Mooch Presents” will become a well known phrase to the students and clubbers in Durham as Mooch is to host several club nights in the future; with cheap drinks and popular music these events will no doubt appeal to the target market and develop Mooch as a brand.
Mooch currently boasts 600 friends on the social networking site Facebook, so the magazine is already becoming well known. David is set to hold the launch party in September, to coincide with the new academic year. However, you can visit www.moochmag.co.uk to download the first edition of this much anticipated mag!
“I had an idea for a concept after doing some market research and realised there was a gap for a trendy lifestyle magazine in the Durham area. I then sourced help from a wide range of areas and found that CDC Enterprise Agency was the one for me and my business idea. I was advised by Sian Williams, she was extremely helpful and pointed me in the right direction as to funding for the magazine that I needed to pay for promotion, equipment and general setting up costs. She then provided a format and aided me in the production of a business plan and three year financial forecast. This was then presented to the Arts Council whom then provided Mooch Mag with a healthy grant. This means that coupled with the hard work, time and effort that have gone into getting the business up and running, the initial dream of Mooch Mag over a year ago, will now come to fruition”.
Sarah Weightman - Glow Creative
Sarah has set up her own marketing company. She came to CDC in December 2007, attended a “Start Your Own Business Workshop” and was trading by the end of January 2008! With the help of her Business Adviser she was able to sort out: tax, business identity, marketing strategy, data protection, legislation, as well as her business plan and financial forecasts, all in a matter of weeks! She exceeded her sales forecasts by 40% in the first month and her success continues!
Sarah’s company, Glow Creative, now delivers creative marketing, branding & PR services with the efficiency & professionalism of a large agency, together with the attention to detail and personal touch of a small one.
“When I approached CDC Enterprise Agency I was worried about the details of running a business, self employment, the set up process, the book keeping. It was all a mystery to me. Joe Murray was my mentor and he has guided me through everything, providing a lot of information I wouldn’t have been able to find myself. I gained a lot of confidence through the reassurance that CDC was able to offer, they could answer all of my questions and cast an eye over the all important Business Plans & Cash Flow Forecasts. I have been pointed in the right direction for networking events, business clubs, training courses and websites, all of which have been invaluable. I can definitely recommend Joe and CDC Enterprise Agency to anyone thinking about starting a business, it has been a great resource for Glow Creative.”
Stuart Yates - Swines of Durham
Stuart set up his business as an independent organic wine merchant whilst still studying at Durham University. He needed a bank loan and came to CDC for assistance. His Business Adviser helped him to prepare a business plan and financial forecast to support the application and he was granted the funding.
Taking the plunge, Stuart organised a wine tasting event at the Gala Theatre which proved to be a success and he has been asked back to host more tastings. With business picking up, he has collaborated with a local boutique hotel Grafton House to organise another event where good food and Stuart’s organic wine are on the menu.
Stuart’s clients are often local suppliers, or simply wine lovers looking for something new, and with organic produce becoming more en vogue, Stuart’s business is going from strength to strength.
"The Agency has been tremendously helpful on my journey of starting my own business. It hasn't always been easy but there has been help available all along the way. I would wholeheartedly recommend that anyone who has even a glimpse of a business idea or of an enterprising endeavour in and around Durham seeks advice from them as soon as possible."
Visit www.swinesofdurham.co.uk to get a taste of Stuart’s success.
Andy Taylor - Graphic Design and Illustration
Andy comes from an advertising and promotion background, and has also spent time teaching various art classes in several colleges in the region. He set up his own graphic design and illustration business 2 years ago and came to CDC for marketing advice. With the help of his business adviser, Andy was able to re-assess his marketing strategy and prepare a financial forecast. He attended our networking event as well as a book keeping course and business is now doing well.
He often works with the council and local museums, as well as doing general graphic design work. He created the information panels for Durham’s DLI Museum and has worked with diverse groups of people to create booklets and leaflets, as well as logos in order to develop brands for international companies and local businesses.
Coming to us as an existing business, Andy found that:
“CDC is a very useful service for businesses that are just starting up or trying to define exactly what they are about. It helps you to get to the position that you want to be in and shows you how to plan for the future. I enjoyed my experience with CDC and it gave me interesting and useful avenues to follow.”
Andy’s contact details are: taylor.andy77@yahoo.co.uk 0191 373 2485
Andrea Marshall Dixon - Audacia Interiors
Andrea has a shop in Durham City centre where she sells superior quality interior accessories and furniture sourced from the UK, France, Belgium and Denmark.
She came to CDC and was helped with a business plan and financial forecasts. She also attended book keeping and marketing training courses to boost her business skills.
Audacia Interiors not only sells quality furniture and accessories but Andrea has managed to couple this with exceptional customer service and also offers her clients a gift finding service. As a result she has a wide customer base and managed to exceed her forecast sales by almost 50% in the first month.