A Darlington entrepreneur who supplies authentic designer watches online is taking his business to the next level by introducing a new jewellery website, after securing funding through Business Link towards its development.

Daniel Richmond of Tic Trading Ltd has made improvement to his website www.ticwatches.co.uk and is diversifying his business operation with the launch of Tic Jewellery, selling goods from well-known brands like Spinning Jewellery and Storywheels, after he successfully accessed funds towards re-developing the original site following a referral from Business Link to the Tees Valley Investment Package. The fund, which is administered by the North East England Investment Centre (NEEIC) - is designed to support businesses affected by the economic downturn and those who are making positive contributions to the economic prosperity of the area.

Daniel initially launched Tic Trading in June 2007 to take control of his own career following a period of unemployment.

He said: “My background is in graphic design, however I’d struggled to secure permanent employment in this area as it’s such a competitive field, and so decided to investigate self-employment. I wanted to develop long-term plans that I was in control of. “I was keen to create something that continued to make money while I wasn’t physically at work and I realised through my experience of eBay, that the internet was the perfect tool to do this and would provide the opportunity to use my design experience. Project part-financed by the European Union European Regional Development Fund 2007-13 “After looking into developing an online sports shop, I decided that a high end online retail outlet selling authentic watches would satisfy my interest in designer goods and would be practical in terms of addressing storage issues.”

Daniel was initially put in touch with Inbiz by his Job Centre and was helped to get Tic Trading off the ground via their Test Trading scheme, which helps ease budding entrepreneurs into self-employment by allowing them to see if it’s profitable over a six month ‘test’ period. Through InBiz, Daniel was able to access a Prince’s Trust loan and was able to secure funds via the Catalyst 2 programme to get the initial website off the ground. He was also put in touch with Business Link which marked the start of an ongoing relationship.

Since being put in touch with Business Link, business adviser Jonathan Barnes has been a sounding board for Daniel on a range of business issues to help take the business to the next level.

After starting out with just five top name brands on board, the Tic Trading website now includes leading brands such as Alessi, Andy Warhol, D&G, Gucci, Kenneth Cole, Original Penguin and Ted Baker, and has recently had popular brand Ice-Watch come on board. The company has also acted as sole UK distributer on behalf of a number of brands for the likes of online retailers such as ASOS and Amazon.

The NEEIC funding has enabled Daniel to upgrade the website so that it seamlessly integrates with other websites such as eBay, increasing its reach. It is now also set up to help manage invoices and finances more efficiently. And, the next phase of re-development will see the launch of Tic Jewellery, which shows the broad scope for the business to expand further and introduce new product ranges.

Project part-financed by the European Union European Regional Development Fund 2007-13 Daniel commented: “With Business Link’s support I’ve been able to grow Tic Trading quicker than I would have otherwise been able to. Jonathan has been a real help in keeping me up-to-date with the latest information on business issues and he’s been great in providing an objective opinion when I’ve run ideas past him. “The funding support has been crucial in taking the website to the next level. As my ‘shop front’ it’s vital that not only does it look professional, it has the capability required to engage with leading brand names.”

Business Link adviser Jonathan Barnes, said: "Daniel's hard work over the last three years is really paying off and it's been great to be able to witness his progress along the way. I'm sure his business will continue to thrive."

Business Link has a team of expert advisers who offer advice, help and information to individuals and companies across the region, giving them access to the ‘business brains’ who will help to get their business idea off the ground, or grow their existing company. For further information about Business Link visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast or call 0845 600 9 006.