NEW businesses are the lifeblood of a healthy economy but the failure rate of start-ups is enough to give any prospective entrepreneur palpitations.

The importance of entrepreneurs to the economic recovery has been emphasised by the support David Cameron’s government has repeatedly voiced for start-up initiatives.

However, Government figures show that 25 per cent of business will have ceased trading before they celebrate their first anniversary.

Nurturing fledgling firms is key, with 70 per cent of small businesses that receive mentoring surviving for five years or more. That is double the rate of those that don't.

Which is where the likes of Denise Fielding and her team at East Durham Business Service (EDBS) come in.

Last year about 300 people pitched their business ideas to Peterlee-based EDBS, with more than a third going on to launch their venture in the real world.

Mrs Fielding, 45, heads a team of business advisors who help guide start-ups with help on everything from web design and branding to making the most of social media.

“We get people coming in with fully formed business plans while others will just have an idea in their head and bags of enthusiasm,” she says. “We try to help them all.

“Sometimes we have to be honest with people and recommend another route – such as going back into education or training. Being your own boss isn’t for everyone. Operating without that guaranteed salary at the same time every month can be a real stumbling block.

“We also save people from over-stretching themselves. They can be in a rush to get premises, when we advise them to run the business from home for a few years until they have found their feet.”

Alongside the start-up advice EDBS provides a match-making service for apprentices and employers. Among its key clients is digger manufacturer Caterpillar.

“Every year, they get hundreds of applications for their apprenticeship scheme which we sift and send through a top 20 for interview.

“But our role doesn’t end there., We work with as many of the unsuccessful candidates as possible, helping brush up their interview technique and CV writing and where possible find other local employers who have apprenticeship vacancies.”

In addition to its business advice and apprenticeship services EDBS provides office space for rent at Novus Business Centre in Peterlee and at the Spectrum Business Park Seaham,

As a not for profit organisation EDBS, which has been funded largely by EU money, is always on the look-out for additional sources of support to fund its work.

Mrs Fielding’s background in accounting has been vital.

After working in the accounts department at Lidl distribution centre in Darlington she took time out to bring up her children. Since joining EDBS her head for figures has seen her rise to the top job. “The last 12 months have been a major challenge for us. We had to restructure to ensure the business was viable. I am now in the position where we are looking forward and I hope we will be recruiting another two advisors in the coming months.

“If you are thinking of starting your own business, looking to develop your existing business, or employ an apprentice then we are here for you.”