A TRANSPORT business that once relied on the efforts of Dina, a coal-carrying cart horse are celebrated in a business feature.

AV Dawson, on the banks of the River Tees, is now in its third generation of family ownership.

The firm, launched 75 years ago with a £50 investment in a horse and cart, now employs 160 staff and has become one of the UK’s leading distribution companies with further growth expected thanks to a new rail terminal and port expansion.

“Family businesses have a lot to offer.

We can make promises we can keep and that gives people comfort,” says Gary Dawson, managing director who oversees shipments for such as Nissan and Tata. Pages 36-37 for his story.

THE launch of Nissan’s Leaf electric car drew David Cameron to the region last week. The PM reckoned the 560 jobs being created at the Sunderland factory and battery plant would help people in the area who want to work hard and get on. So, that’s pretty much everybody, Prime Minister.

Despite Government’s claims that the UK is populated by benefit scroungers and layabouts, the fact is that the vast majority of people want jobs to support themselves and their families.

We recently ran a story that 500 people had applied for two jobs at Newton Aycliffe stairlift firm Meditek. Interest in the vacancies was so high the advert had to be removed from the Job Centre.

That is the reality in the North-East. The Government should concentrate efforts on tackling unemployment rather than using the right wing press to paint a warped picture of Cameron’s Britain.

GOVERNMENT claims to support cash-starved small firms have been undermined by two survey.

According to figures published by the Bank of England, between August and February, net loans to small and medium- sized firms were negative every month, falling by a total of £2.8bn.

It comes seven months after the launch of the £80bn Funding for Lending scheme was launched to support companies that were supposed to lead the country into growth. Instead, the scheme has boosted the mortgage market.

A separate survey reported that more than half of small businesses in the past six months have been refused funding by their bank, with a third given no justification or explanation for how the decision was made.

Commercial finance broker Touch Financial said almost two-thirds of firms questioned in its report had applied for additional funding, such as a bank loan or an overdraft, at some time in the past six months. Almost the same number had seen their application declined.

In answer to the question: ‘Do you believe that banks are supporting small businesses?’ Four in five said ‘No’.

Simon Carter, director of Touch Financial, fears small firms are in danger of being left up the proverbial creek and being told there are no more paddles.

Let’s hope the long-awaited Business Bank has the clout to bring some real change.

THE new Business section of the Echo’s website seem to have gone down well with readers. Thanks to Michael Atkinson, our deputy new media editor, for giving it a fresher look. Go to thenorthernecho.co.uk/business Follow me on Twitter @bizecho