A DARLINGTON man has realised his long-held ambition to start a new career as an electrician.

Chris Woods, 32, left a job in retail to set up his own business – CW Electrics – and now offers the full range of electrical works for domestic, commercial and industrial customers.

He said: "Being able to work for myself was something that I always wanted to do but I ended up getting a job in retail and it seemed that the timing was never quite right to make the move."

He began to look into whether this was something he could pursue as a full-time career and, after completing an intensive training course and gaining his City & Guilds qualifications, he asked TEDCO Business Support for advice on how to get his new venture off the ground.

Business adviser Judith Wheatley talked him through what options were available to individuals looking to set up their own business including the New Enterprise Allowance scheme.

"Judith explained everything – from writing a business plan to guiding me through financial forecasting – no stone was left unturned," he said.

"When you are looking to start a business on your own, just having someone of her knowledge and experience on hand to talk things over with was very reassuring."

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

Judith Wheatley said: "The New Enterprise Allowance scheme was an ideal option for Chris and offered him the start-up support that he needed to get his own business off the ground. He has already made great strides and has a clear focus on how he wants to take CW Electrics forward and I wish him every success."

For information on the NEA scheme or any of the programmes offered by TEDCO Business Support, visit tedco.org.