Two friends from County Durham have tasted success after taking a risk and setting up their own computing business and using the recession as a time to prosper.

Kevin Shaw, 44, and Darren Davies, 36, from Spennymoor have set up their own company, Hybrid Multimedia, 10 years after meeting at a local computer fair.

A former operations manager for a multinational filtration firm has turned entrepreneur and set up his own business. David Franks from County Durham has founded Aycliffe Filtration Limited (AFL) alongside business partner Paul Gullett after receiving support from Be Enterprising.

A budding County Durham entrepreneur has set up a new company to run corporate team building events and charity fundraisers with a difference. Lost Events is the brainchild of Sean Murphy, from Chester-le-Street, who has launched the venture with the support of Be Enterprising, County Durham’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative.

A former engineer is hitting the right key with his new business after turning his hand to a career as a locksmith.

A former child minder is putting her skills to good use and has opened Bishop Auckland’s only children’s soft play area. Donna Etherington, 28 opened children’s activity centre Bamboozles Adventure World, based at South Church Enterprise Park, Bishop Auckland. Since opening Donna has created seven jobs, three of whom were previously unemployed.

Jade Upton, 25, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, made the unusual career jump and opened Lily Lloyd flower shop with help and support from Be Enterprising, County Durham’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI), after always wanting to run her own business.

A County Durham mum hopes to improve the wellbeing of others with the launch of her counselling practice. Mum-of-two Katherine Johnson set up Counselling 4 U with funding and support from Be Enterprising, Durham County Council’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) programme.

A County Durham woman hopes to tap into the growing popularity of the holiday-at-home market after opening her own specialist caravanning store and online shop. Paula Gilbey, 31, has opened Multi-Touring on the Great North Road in Newton Aycliffe fulfilling a lifelong ambition of owning her own business. Be Enterprising, County Durham’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI), pitched in with support to help Paula get up and running.

A creative County Durham woman has turned her favourite hobby into a unique business, with help from Be Enterprising. Leanne Bain, 28, who lives in Tow Law has set up online boutique Hippy Lizard – a website that specialises in selling unique gifts such as handmade fabric bags, purses and accessories.

A County Durham mum is launching baby and children signing classes to help parents communicate with their tots before they can talk. 

Mum-of-one, Carrie Million has set up Signing Tots in Peterlee, County Durham. Carrie 31, was able to under-go the correct training and purchase the Peterlee license for Signing Tots after receiving help and support from Be Enterprising, County Durham’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI).

A County Durham woman is hoofing it to success after turning her passion for animals into a promising business. Dianne Todd from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, set up Mares and Mutts with help and support from Be Enterprising, County Durham’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) after being made redundant from her job of five years.

An award winning North East ice cream parlour is gearing up for a bumper Christmas just months after opening. Lickety Split Creamery is the creation of Cindy Bettcher, 57, a former contact centre worker. Cindy received funding and support with her venture from Be Enterprising, County Durham’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI).

A young County Durham woman is helping preserve the region’s history thanks to the launch of her conservation service. Emma Cooper, from Bishop Auckland has been helped on her way by Be Enterprising, County Durham’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI), and is one of a growing group of young entrepreneurs Be Enterprising is start up their own business.

A former factory worker is hoping for success after firing up his new gas fitting and heating service – Aqua Gas and Heating Services. County Durham born Craig Fulcher set up his business two months ago and with the help of a grant from County Durham’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI), Be Enterprising, he was able to buy equipment to help get his business off the ground.

A Shotton Colliery entrepreneur is hoping to give people of County Durham the ‘Ultra’ beauty experience with the launch of her new salon Ultra Tan and Beauty. Louise Brass, 33, was supported in her business venture by County Durham's Local Enterprise Growth Initiative, Be Enterprising.

Two young ladies from County Durham have realised their dreams and opened their own hair and beauty salon thanks to the help of Be Enterprising, County Durham’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative.

Hundreds of children in Peterlee will benefit from the launch of a fruit and vegetable delivery service aimed at raising levels of nutrition in the area and promoting healthy eating habits.  Barbara Chrisp, 41, launched her business, The Cabbage recently, with help from local business advisors Be Enterprising, after being made redundant last year.  She is now working with ten Peterlee SureStarts to ensure that healthy eating habits are embedded in the community from a young age.

An enterprise initiative to revitalise business and employment prospects in deprived former coalfield and rural communities of County Durham is to double its impact thanks to a multi million pound investment from the European Union. Be Enterprising, the County Durham Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) is benefiting from a £4.1m part finance package from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2007-13.