Two local entrepreneurs are driving an initiative to deliver personalised assistance to individuals in need of social support, and have turned their business idea into a reality after contacting Business Link.

Tracey Macpherson and Lisa McCallay from Middlesbrough had worked in the care industry for 32 combined years when they decided to develop their own quality-led support service, The Personal Support Network, to meet the needs of individuals and to give them the independence to remain in their own homes.

Keen to get off to the best possible start they contacted Business Link for advice and guidance in getting their new venture off the ground and are now looking to market their new enterprise with Business Link’s support.

Lisa commented: “It was clear there was a need for a social support service in Middlesbrough to provide tailor made support packages. Our aim is to provide a service which will enable people to continue living within their own home environment, with the security of knowing they have a consistent and dedicated support network in place.

“While we were clear in what we wanted to achieve, we didn’t know how to go about setting up a business and doing it in the right way, so we got in touch with Business Link who have been a fantastic source of support.” Business Link adviser David Dixon and skills adviser Karen Jones were able to provide Tracey and Lisa with coaching and mentoring, to help give them the confidence to take the idea forward and advice and guidance on the fundamental aspects of starting up a business. David was also able to help the business access financial support from the Tees Valley Investment Package (TVIP), an additional package of support for Tees Valley firms available through the North East Investment Centre (NEEIC),towards business planning and marketing consultancy projects.

Project part-financed by the European Union European Regional Development Fund 2007-13 In addition, Karen was able to arrange for Tracey to gain a formal NVQ Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care, and both Tracey and Lisa are now completing the Level 4 qualification. Karen is now working with the business to identify further skills requirements to support the future development of the business.

Since contacting Business Link in February, The Personal Support Network has secured a wide-ranging client base that includes people of all ages with both mental health issues and learning and physical disabilities. Tracey, Lisa and their team of self-employed support workers provide flexible assistance tailored to the needs of each individual. The government has recently introduced a personalisation scheme, which will provide a financial allowance to pay for support within the community and both Tracey and Lisa have gained knowledge and experience to assist with the assessment process.

Tracey said: “The service aims to provide regular, focused, high quality support. Our support plans are developed for the service user by the service user and each plan is tailor made to suit the needs of the individual and to meet and exceed the standards prescribed by the relevant social services department. We are unique in that we are able to meet a wide range of requests for both domestic and in-home support, social support, doctor and hospital appointment to name a few. It’s a job that can bring lots of rewards.”

With the marketing project underway, Personal Support Network is looking to further raise awareness of its services with other agencies and to get more service users on board. The organisation is currently looking to recruit six additional support workers in line with its expansion plans.

Lisa added: “Business Link has helped us to gain confidence in our idea and their support has helped us to get up and running as a professional business. “We’re excited about what the future holds and will continue to work with Business Link as the marketing kicks in and we’re able to take the business to the next level.”

Project part-financed by the European Union European Regional Development Fund 2007-13 Business Link adviser David Dixon said: “Tracey and Lisa have admirable strength and the desire to achieve. Most importantly they are both driven to help those in need by providing them with a care service that is dignified, friendly, has the compassion and ultimately puts the needs of the client first. This is a true patient led service run by two people who are an inspiration to all.”

Business Link has a team of expert advisers who offer advice, help and information to individuals and companies across the region, giving them access to the ‘business brains’ who will help to get their business idea off the ground, or grow their existing company. For further information about Business Link visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast or call 0845 600 9006.