A CLASSIC car enthusiast is preparing for growth this year as her business accelerates.

Jo Walker, 30, set up Sign O' the Times in the summer, selling vintage motor memorabilia, collectable steel signs and nostalgic giftware.

Starting out with a stall at Durham's Saturday market, she rented a small unit in the city's Indoor Market.

The business has grown so fast that she is moving to a larger site in the market.

Inspiration for the business came from a vintage tribute plaque she bought at a classic car show, which created a stir with visitors to the Durham home she shares with her partner, Chris.

She became self-employed after taking part in the New Entrepreneur Scholarship (NES), run by Durham Business School and the Durham and Chester-le-Street Enterprise Agency.

The four-month part-time programme taught her how to form a business plan, market the business and develop skills in business management.

She said: "The combination of support and business advice I received on the programme gave me the drive and confidence to realise that I had a viable project.

"It is a big step to go into business for yourself and much easier just to stay in a comfortable job.

"But I have learned a lot in a short time. It can be difficult working for yourself seven days a week and can be an emotional rollercoaster at times, but I find it very rewarding and I love the customer contact."

She has already diversified into supplying giftware to other outlets, such as museums, and recently won business from Preston Hall, in Yarm. She is also developing a website and gift service.

For details of New Entrepreneurship Scholarships in the Durham area, call 0191-389 2648.