Ashington mum realises business dream

Posted by The Journal on Mar 31, 09 08:59 AM in News

A mum has won backing to realise her lifelong ambition to run her own business by opening her own tile and cladding business.

Janine Bell has just opened The Tile & Cladding Centre on Milburn Road in Ashington, where she is building up business and already plans to expand it.

Janine Bell

She said: "I'd always wanted to start my own business since leaving school. I went to work for a furniture, bathroom, and kitchen manufacturer so started to build my knowledge around my everyday working experiences.

"Over the years I have developed strong working relationships with suppliers and skilled craftspeople, which I knew would certainly help me when I finally took the step into self mployment."

After giving birth to her two children, who are now two and three, Janine felt it was time to fulfil her dream of owning her own business.

She hopes to expand the business and recruit more staff to the team. She also hopes to expand her premises throughout Wansbeck in the future.

In order to start her venture, Janine approached local government support initiative, Go Wansbeck for advice and financial help.

Luke Dunnett, commercial property officer for Go Wansbeck, found the perfect spot for Janine to set up The Tile and Cladding Centre.

He said: "We were delighted to help Janine achieve her business aspiration. The Go Wansbeck business support office receives more queries from men than women, so to hear Janine's business plan was a breath of fresh air.

"It was evident she had a very knowledgeable understanding of the industry and she has the will, determination and ambition to develop a very successful business."

Janine added: "Now, after finding my new business home through Go Wansbeck, I'm raring to go and I have already had some keen interest.

"People often sound surprised when I tell them what I do but I like it! It makes for interesting conversation."

We'd like to hear from you.
Send your stories, pics and videos to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk