WHEN jeweller Neil Garratt was made redundant earlier this year he decided to follow a lifelong dream of setting up in business himself.

After losing his job with Mayfair Jewellery in Newcastle, Neil, 28, started Neyves Jewellers in the Viking Centre, Jarrow, Tyneside.

Since opening last month, Neil has taken on two staff and is building the jewellers into a lucrative business.

Neil, from Hebburn, said: "When I was made redundant it came completely out of the blue, but I was determined not to let my training and hard work go to waste.

With no business management training, Neil contacted the Tyneside Economic Development Company (Tedco) for advice on how to start up a business.

The main focus of the new business is a one-hour jewellery repair service. It also sells new and second hand jewellery at trade prices.

Tedco business advisor Sue Taylor said: "We were pleased that Neil turned to us in his hour of need and we were able to offer him sound business advice and support to enable him to turn his dream into reality.

"Neil has shown true dedication from the outset and has put in a lot of hard work to ensure the business is a success which continues to go from strength to strength."