A MEN’S make-up company which has grown beyond its rural County Durham base into a global business has urged other aspiring entrepreneurs to enter this year’s If We Can, You Can challenge.

Claire Mitchell, whose business astonmitchell was The Northern Echo’s runner-up in the challenge last year, attributes much of the strong performance of her company to entering the competition, Mrs Mitchell, from Bowes, near Barnard Castle, has attended workshops with business coach Andy Hanselman through the If We Can, You Can challenge – organised by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum and supported by The Northern Echo.

She said the advice has made a significant difference to the business’ approach to customer service.

The thriving internet-based venture has built up a global customer base in the two years it has been in business, and is one of the most successful firms of its type.

It is one of a handful of outlets worldwide stocking the Menaji range by Michelle Probst, make-up artist to President Obama and Kid Rock, and also sells the Italian Fontana Contarini brand.

The business also works with celebrity confidence coach Steve Miller, star of GMTV and Sky 1’s Fat Families, who has included aston mitchell in his new book.

Mrs Mitchell, who runs the firm with friend Kate Jones – and who is now establishing a marketing agency, Tangerine, in Darlington – said: “We only supply the best in male cosmetic brands and, as a result, we have grown quite quickly and now 30 per cent of all the products are selling abroad.

“Since implementing Andy’s workshop tips we have definitely seen an increase in sales. We also had the opportunity to work with Steve Miller, who has mentioned us in his new book.

“My advice is to enter the challenge because it is guaranteed to affect your business in a positive way.”

The challenge launches for a third year on Monday, and the winner will receive a £5,000 of business support and the chance to become a North- East Face of Entrepreneurship for 2011. Go to ifwe canyoucan.co.uk/challenge