A Northallerton psychologist who is helping companies grow is investing in her own future with help from a £4million programme.
Business Durham’s Digital Drive is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and has supported Max Purpose Psychology to buy new technology and develop new skills.
Founded by Maxine Caine, Max Purpose Psychology aims to support education leaders, psychologists and small business owners through one-to-one and group supervision and coaching.
Maxine approached Digital Drive looking for funding support to buy the equipment she needed to run her fledgeling business. The powerful new kit gives Maxine more flexibility and greater reach, as she can now conduct online group supervision sessions with clients from around the world. It also means she can create her own videos for her website and online modules to support her face-to-face training in schools.
Maxine had been planning to outsource her website development but with support from Digital Adviser James Miller, she has been able to create and launch the website herself.
She explains: "James has gone through the process with me in baby steps, to get a domain registered, email address set up, and with his help I’ve learned how to use WordPress to set up and manage my own website.
“He's patiently taught me about search engine optimisation, how to set up Google Search Console and Google Analytics, and most recently setting up my customer relationship management system. All these are words I had never even heard of last year.”
She plans to transition to working full-time in the business, develop further collaborations and bring on board some associates. She will also be developing training for Emotional Literacy Support Assistants and Mediating Learning Support Assistants , so they can work more effectively with children with complex needs.
James Miller, UMi’s Digital Adviser for the Digital Drive programme, said: “It’s been a real privilege to support Maxine in applying for equipment funding and developing her digital skills. She’s got a great springboard to grab all those exciting opportunities and grow her business as much as she wants.”
Sarah Slaven, Managing Director at Business Durham, said: “Digital Drive County Durham has played a vital role in empowering Maxine’s business to flourish online, not only gaining valuable knowledge but also the independence to maintain her own website and leverage digital tools effectively.
"The success of Max Purpose Psychology exemplifies the impact of the Digital Drive programme which has supported over 1,800 businesses since it started in 2017.
Read next:
Praise from Mayors as Boho X construction finishes at St Hilda’s
My story - by Cummins Engine Business President
Ex-NHS worker who starts at 5.30 with four kids opens a sandwich shop
"Maxine’s entrepreneurial journey has also benefited from Business Durham's other programmes, including the Durham Ambitious Business Start-Ups programme. As we near the completion of Digital Drive County Durham, we remain committed to supporting small businesses in County Durham."
Digital Drive County Durham is a programme being delivered on behalf of Business Durham, the business support service of Durham County Council, to help small businesses make the most of digital technology. This project will conclude this summer.
Durham businesses can look forward to new support programmes by Business Durham, which offers a wide range of support to guide businesses through its programmes, funding, property and partnerships.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here