National award for businesswoman

10:30pm Wednesday 31st October 2007

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A SINGLE mother who was inspired by her son to set up her own business has scooped a national award.

Diana Jackson, who went from working voluntarily at a local sports coaching company to running her own successful business, has been presented with the Avanta Business Start-Up of the Year Award.

Ms Jackson, from Ravensdale Road, in Darlington, launched Planet Sport Kids Club, a coaching business which has become so successful it now employs 15 people.

She accepted her award at the Avanta ceremony at the House of Commons, where MP Alan Milburn offered his congratulations.

The awards recognise those who have overcome personal or work difficulties to succeed in their move from unemployment into self-employment.

Ms Jackson first got the idea for the business from her nine-year-old son, Harry.

She said: "He came in and said he fancied getting into sport but didn't want to do football. We had a look to see if there was anything in the area, but apart from sports clubs, there wasn't.

"So I thought, there's nothing here for children who want to go out and have a bit of fun and do sport."

She approached In Biz, an organisation linked to Avanta which helps people establish new businesses, for advice.

She found a venue, attracted customers and the business grew from strength to strength.

The company now operates from ten venues in Darlington and North Yorkshire, teaching sports including gymnastics, football, hockey and tennis.

Sessions are geared towards fun and there are no tournaments or matches involved but Ms Jackson also works with local sports clubs to ensure talented children get the next level of coaching.

"As a parent myself, I understand not all children are the same," she said.

"Some children like to try all sorts of sports and they should get the chance."

Her next goal is to expand.

"It has been a bit of a struggle to get to this stage, but now we have waiting lists literally two arms long," Ms Jackson said.

"We would like to get more venues in this area and branch out into other parts of the region. "My eventual aim is to become a national company and for Planet Sport to become a household name."