Jo Balmer, a former production worker from Washington, received support from the Sunderland City Council initiative to get Jay-Bee Painter and Decorator off the ground. She said: “I’ve enjoyed painting and decorating as a hobby from a very early age when I used to help out at home. After being made redundant from my role with a company that produced windows and doors, I decided to take control of
my career and set up on my own, doing something that I really enjoy.
“Although it’s early days, the feedback I’ve had so far has been encouraging. People are surprised to come across a woman working in this industry and have been very supportive, especially some of the female customers who have mentioned they find dealing with my male counterparts quite intimidating.”
She started working with Ernest Dodds, a business adviser at SES (Sustainable Enterprise Strategies) at the end of last year after being put in touch with the organisation by Job Linkage. She was able to develop her business idea, gain the practical business skills she needed to set up her firm and accessed a back-to-work grant which helped to pay for essential equipment. Jo said: “Ernest’s support was invaluable in helping me to produce a business plan. I’ve also had help with accounting, marketing and identifying training courses.
“Despite having a few early setbacks, I’ve been encouraged by the early interest in Jay-Bee, which I hope will continue to grow.”
Dodds said: “Jo has taken the blow of redundancy and turned it into a positive opportunity to start up her own business venture.
“She has the skills to make a real success of Jay-Bee and has managed to capture a niche in the market as a female painter and decorator.
“It was a pleasure to support her with her business plan and signpost her to funding that has been a great help in getting the company up and running. I wish Jo every success as she continues to develop her business.”
