THE Cells Programme, run by DHP Enterprise and funded by Business Link County Durham, takes a somewhat unusual approach to setting up new businesses.

By using psychometric testing it 'matches' high calibre individuals into business teams to research and set up a manufacturing business.

Support and business counselling is provided throughout the programme and continues for up to 12 months once the business is up and running.

For John Smith and Keith Wallis the Cells Programme has proved a great success.

Their company, The Shildon Community Press, has expanded steadily since it was set up two years ago and now prints three community newspapers in addition to publishing its own title, The Record.

"We started off with four people and now employ 30," says John. "The newspaper is obviously giving local people what they want because we have 18,000 readers and are publishing weekly instead of fortnightly.

"DHP's Cells Programme identified us as people who would work well together and it has proved a success. We were helped to look at several business ideas and given access to experienced specialists in our field as well as support to arrange our financial package and business start-up training," he ended.

John Weir, Chairman of DHP Enterprise, added: "The aim of the programme is to create successful new businesses. Participants can live outside the area as long as the new business is based in County Durham. The business belongs to the teams but we are there to get them together, assist with getting the business going and offer free counselling and support for the first year."

For more information telephone Joanne on (01642) 491542 or (01642) 475256