A family-owned business is developing its reputation and expanding its client base, after receiving support from Business Link.

Darlington based Red Pressures offers a range of services including social work, training, business support such as leadership management, youth services and sports and life coaching. The business was launched by Yvonne Cherrington in early 2007 who wanted to utilise her wealth of social work, organisational and business expertise to set up her own venture, initially working with organisations who needed management support during a gap in recruitment.

Keen to get the business off to the best possible start, Yvonne and husband Mike approached Business Link for advice and guidance on their business idea from the outset, which marked the start of an ongoing relationship with the business support organisation.

The projects that Yvonne was involved with at this time, including her first role as Head of Safeguarding for the States of Guernsey, often meant spending time away from her family – Mike, a specialist in youth, sports and life coaching, and four children aged between 10 and 24 years old. The role eventually led to the family uprooting from their Darlington home town to Devon after Yvonne was head hunted by Devon County Council to provide a change management programme. Business Link adviser Suzanne Henty ensured that there was a smooth transition to Business Link in Devon.

During this time, Mike, spent his time further developing his coaching and mentoring client base, and attracted clients from as far afield as Hong Kong.

Keen to return to Darlington and establish Red Pressures’ roots in the region, with Mike a permanent member of the team, the family returned in August last year and continued their relationship with Business Link and also joined a number of networking organisations to raise their profile in the area.

Business Link adviser Suzanne Henty has been able to provide a wide range of support to help the company through its first stage of growth. As well as ongoing mentoring and advice, she has been instrumental in helping the business to access funds via the North East England Investment Centre (NEEIC) towards the development of an e-commerce website.

In addition, Business Link skills adviser Colin Hobson has been able to support a range of training and development initiatives, including identifying funds towards Executive Coaching and Leadership Mentoring and referring the business to Northumberland Business Services to complete the Leadership and Management Programme. He was also able to provide advice on locating suitable premises which has helped heighten the company’s profile.

Red Pressures is now in the throes of expansion and is providing a range of services to sole traders, SMEs, local authorities and voluntary and community sector organisations, and has seen a significant increase in its regional client base since returning to the area. The company, which employs six members of staff, including eldest sons Luke and Jonathan, is now looking to recruit two additional employees.

Mike Cherrington from Red Pressures said: “Suzanne and Colin have been instrumental in supporting the development of Red Pressures through ongoing advice and guidance.”

Business Link’s Suzanne Henty said: “Yvonne and Mike are determined to succeed in what is currently a difficult marketplace. Both are extremely focused and have overcome a number of obstacles to succeed. I look forward to helping them achieve their future goals and to sustain their growth.”

Skills adviser Colin Hobson added: “Red Pressures continues to look for ways to progress and develop the business. They’ve established a great working relationship with Business Link and I hope this continues as the business grows.”