Support - Paul is proud of the free help the BIC gives individuals to grow their businesses .
" You have to put the effort in , but you need to have fun along the way .”
and my mother .” And what of the future ? Paul replies : “ There ’ s a lot still to do , particularly down in Darlington where we ’ re working closely with the council on community wealth building . This involves promoting local people to buy local and use local services , keeping the wealth in the town .
“ Here in Sunderland , there ’ s more focus on social enterprise – we ’ re a social enterprise city and we ’ ve just been granted £ 500,000 through the Community Renewal Fund .
“ The BIC has a big role in helping create more jobs and services through this initiative over the next six months .”
With an even busier time ahead , relaxation and downtime is important to Paul , who lives in Sunderland .
“ Going to the Stadium of Light to watch SAFC is a big thing for me – it ’ s about the experience , not always about the result ,” insists Paul .
“ I ’ ve sat with the same group of friends since the stadium opened . I touch my dad ’ s brick before the start of every game – doesn ’ t always bring us luck , though !
“ I enjoy playing the guitar and my three grown-up lads live in the region , so I see a lot of them .” And his last piece of advice ? “ Enjoy it ,” he smiles . “ You mustn ’ t forget to enjoy yourself – you have to put the effort in , but you need to have fun along the way .”
What is a BIC ?
BICs are certified organisations that support the development and growth of SMEs , innovative entrepreneurs and start-ups . Their aim is to create and develop innovative businesses , by offering a wide range of business support services within a professional costeffective structure . BICs ensure that local economic potential is used effectively , that private and public financial resources are brought to the right people , projects and the right business opportunities .
The North East Business and Innovation Centre ( BIC ) is an active member of the European BIC Network and is the only accredited BIC in the region .
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