BUSINESS Link Tees Valley has appointed two new members of staff who have experience of running their own businesses.

GILL CAIRNS and GILLIAN BAKER are the latest recruits to the team of account managers at Business Link's Tees Valley operation, responsible for helping local businesses to start up and develop.

Both new recruits have valuable experience of self-employment and of the business support sector and are well equipped to understand the needs of small businesses and the issues affecting them.

Ms Cairns gained more than 20 years experience through business support roles including operations director for a local business club, offering help and advice to businesses, and first-hand experience through running her own business.

Fitness instructor Ms Cairns ran her own business First 4 Fitness, to develop the exercise and training provision throughout the region.

The business grew to a £250,000 turnover, employing ten staff.

Ms Baker's role as account manager involves working with businesses throughout the Tees Valley.

A former accountancy and finance graduate from the University of Teesside, she began self-employment with her own bookkeeping business, G Baker Bookkeeping Services, in 1998.

Although successful, her interest in music and technology prompted her decision to change direction and work alongside her life partner, Tony Stewart, to set up the partnership TSM Audio Media, in 2001.

Specialising in digital media, TSM offers services including studio recording, audio and video production, web design and media duplication services for local businesses.

Ms Baker was named Business Networker of the Year at the Women in Business Awards 2004 for her commitment and drive towards networking and the support offered to others in the business community.