Enterpreneurs are being given the opportunity to test run their business with less of the associated risks. Retail space at the In-Shops mall, in Bishop Auckland, has been allocated for people wanting to start a business, with fewer risks than going it alone.

And less than a month after the initiative was announced, the InShops Centre on Bishop Auckland's Newgate Street is now home to 10 new businesses. They include a drum kit maker, a car polish specialist, a fashion outlet, mobile phone and computer sales and repairs units.

Tim Pain, Head of Business, Enterprise and Skills at One North East, said: "This is an encouraging start to this innovative project which seeks to help emerging entrepreneurs succeed in the real world. "There is a risk to the local economy of people becoming long term unemployed or talented people leaving the region in search of better opportunities, so it is imperative that we deliver projects like this to help the North East be in the best possible place for economic recovery."

Project manager, Sue Parkinson, who is overseeing the campaign, said: “It is absolutely fantastic that we have filled all of our units. The team has worked really hard to get the message out about this initiative. “Some people we have worked with have been thinking about starting their own businesses but didn't know how to go about it. This way they get to test trade their ideas with an easy-in easy-out approach which does not tie them to long leases and means they do not have to buy masses of stock.”

The InShops Centre had six existing businesses, all of which are hoping that the new traders will help attract plenty of new shoppers. The Inshops Bishop Auckland has seen a decrease in footfall of late and existing traders are behind the campaign to breathe life into the labyrinth of shops.

Chris Walkinshaw, from Lucky 13, said: “There used to be quite camaraderie between the Unit holders – hopefully we can get something like that again. People know when they come here they will get value for money but there will be more choice and variety now.”

Penny Watson, Facilities Manager for the project, said: “We worked in partnership with a number of different agencies to make sure that people knew about this project. “For some people running their own business will not be for them, by trying it out first they can find that out without making expensive mistakes. “We hope the entrepreneurs who have embarked on this venture make a great success of this opportunity and that the InShops in Bishop Auckland can flourish.”

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