AN ex-forces gala night was held last week near Darlington to celebrate the success of a new mentoring network in helping former servicemen to start up their own businesses in civvy street.

It is a year since the X-Forces network appointed its first North-East ambassador, Darlington businessman Richard Tucker, and in that time five former servicemen have been helped to start businesses as a locksmith, a painter and decorator, a master tailor, a first aid trainer and a workplace drugs tester.

Mr Tucker’s company, Caring Caretaker which itself employs former servicemen to look after primarily student residential properties around Durham, organised the gala at Redworth Hall on Tuesday.

“It was to celebrate our first year and to thank all of the businesses who have helped either mentor or support these new businesses,” said Mr Tucker, who served 20 years in the RAF.

“It is very daunting when you come out of the services to set up your own business because you have no idea how to network letalone draw up a business plan or gain access to funding.”

Teesside university, Hitachi and Landmarc Support Services were among the companies represented at the gala, which was attended by Durham’s Vice Lord Lieutenant Alasdair MacConachie and the Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson.

The organisation helps ex-servicemen and women to access funding to start their own businesses or training courses to help them into employment.

Anyone wanting further information about the support available should visit www.x-forces.com; email info@x-forces.com or call 0800-3689533 for details.