AN initiative to help small businesses get off the ground in east Durham has been launched.

The Northern Echo has teamed up with Business Link County Durham and radio station Century FM to launch 30 businesses in the district of Easington before the end of March.

Up to £10,000-worth of incentives are up for grabs for the first caller to set up a business under the Plain Sailing Initiative.

The first to qualify for a full business start-up pack will be given a laptop computer, personal organiser, business stationery, a funded mobile phone, a website and accountancy software, as well as a grant of up to £6,500 for business equipment or premises.

The first 30 callers, who meet the Business Link criteria, will receive a special package of grants and equipment.

Mick Wood, operations manager for Business Link County Durham, explained the idea behind the promotion.

He said: "We want to try and regenerate an area, Easington district, and convince people that support is available on their doorstep to help them put a business plan together.

"Easington is an area of high unemployment which is why we want to encourage people to start up new businesses here.

"We want people to take an objective view that maybe they should work for themselves.

"This could include people who are thinking about it, or are sitting on the fence, or they could be facing redundancy and looking for a new direction."

Business Link County Durham was set up to start, consolidate and assist growth in business in the county.

To qualify for this promotion, entrants must be over 18, they must have a plan for a business and the resources to begin it within the geographical boundaries of the district of Easington.

They must also be ready for start the business before the March 31 deadline.

Companies that are registered or receiving benefits from another initiative are not eligible to participate in this offer.

Further details about the Plain Sailing Initiative are available by phoning Business Link free, on 0845 051 2250.