Aycliffe Today Business Issue 7 | Page 13

Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 13 them together well and you can create a really powerful marketing strategy that can build your brand and your business. “But of course you need to close your sales and help with that, and collect your cash, so all these things interlink and for a firm to get some top, professional support in all those areas will give them a fantastic chance of really growing. ” As part of the package, the winning firm will receive expert service in all areas of the business to ensure every element is developed appropriately. This will include mentoring, office space, a marketing strategy, social media strategy, training and support, a refreshment station, corporate branding and identity, a suite of promotional material including design and printing, a website with hosting, PR and accountancy services. Co-organiser of the contest, Rachel, added: “We believe in trying to help stimulate the local economy and are trying to encourage companies to be entrepreneurial and develop their potential. “So the partnership has come together with a prize worth over £100,000 involving a range of expert services which are available here at The HUB to help start up or develop an existing business. ” Carlton & Co Group is a firm that’s well versed in nurturing ideas and developing businesses. The company began life in 2000 and now has business interests in property, financial services and strategic consultancy. “We created The HUB to provide a base for great businesses to grow and thrive. We are delighted that many of the companies based at The HUB have grown” Craig explains: “Carlton & Co acts as a strategic advisor to a range of businesses from tech start ups to multi million pound regeneration contractors and we are delighted to be launching GrowthFunders an online investment platform that matches entrepreneurs with a range of equity investors. Our aim is to develop a breadth and depth of services that provide our clients with the support, capital and space to grow. ” Craig, who’s originally from Sunderland, is now settled in Aycliffe Village. “Our kids go to sc