A MOTHER of two has realised her dream of running her own business.

Rebecca Pringle, 30, always wanted to open her own beauty salon and, while working in an office, studied part time at college to gain level two and three beauty qualifications.

"It was always my aim to pursue a career in beauty and set up as a mobile beauty therapist," she said. "But as time went by, I became more settled in my job and the security of a regular wage became more difficult to give up."

But with a young family, she found work needed to be more flexible and felt the time was right to pursue her business dream and open "Lavished Beauty".

She said: "I went to the local Job Centre and they put me in touch with an advisor at TEDCO Business Support who was able to talk me through the various options."

Business adviser Judith Wheatley took her through various options available to those looking to set up their own business including the New Enterprise Allowance scheme.

TEDCO delivers the New Enterprise Allowance scheme throughout Darlington and provides help to eligible candidates aged 18 and over considering self-employment.

With Judith’s guidance, Rebecca was able to develop a robust business plan, carefully consider her potential target market, and work through the financial forecast for her new venture.

She secured a £1,500 Government backed start-up loan with Five Lamps and, during a conversation with her own hairdresser, discovered that she had a unit available above the salon, Precision Hair and Beauty on North Eastern Terrace.

Rebecca added: "Everything just fell into place from there and we could see how our businesses could compliment the other."

Lavished Beauty offers the full range of beauty treatments including facials, manicures, pedicures and massages for both female and male customers.

For information on the National Enterprise Allowance scheme or any business start-up programmes offered by TEDCO Business Support, visit tedco.org.